We hope you enjoy this step-by-step description of the pet shipping process.
We ship anywhere in the United States & also, Internationally.
(Our pricing details are listed at the bottom of this page.)
We normally use Continental Airlines or American Airlines to ship our babies. Although, sometimes situations may arise where we have to use another airline.
Scheduling the Flight When you have to have your new baby shipped, we first decide on the first available date for shipping. Kittens are ready to leave our home at 12 weeks of age. Puppies are ready between 8-12 weeks of age (at our discretion). We normally ship out on Monday's from the Louisville, Kentucky Airport, which is approximately 3 1/2 hours from our home. So, when we have decided on a date, we call the airline to see if there is an available flight on this date. Space on the airplane is normally limited to 1-2 animals per flight in cargo, so sometimes it can be difficult to get the exact flight you want, but usually it works out if you schedule in advance.
If the date works for both parties & we are able to schedule the flight, the airline will then give us a confirmation (reservation) number. This number is very important & will be needed by both the shipper & receiver. At this time the airline will also inform us of the departure and arrival times. Below is a sample of a flight schedule. This is a flight that we called about a few days back:
(Sample Flight) Flight #5531 Departing Louisville at 11:20 a.m. Arriving in Houston at 12:42 p.m. Departing Houston on Flight #1821 at 3:05 p.m. Arriving at John Wayne Airport, Orange County, California at 4:37 p.m.
This is a sample of how a normal flight from Continental would go (times of course would vary). After we receive the flight confirmation # & arrival & departure times, we would then e-mail the pet purchaser with all this information. After the flight is scheduled, there are preperations that need to be made.
Preparing for the Flight A puppy or kitten that will be shipped will have to have a Health Certificate from a licensed veterinarian. The certificate will have to have not only the name & signature of the vet, but also the name, address, & phone # of the vet clinic on the certificate. The certificate has to be dated WITHIN 10 DAYS OF THE FLIGHT. So, your new baby will have to make a trip to our vet at the Harrisburg Vet Clinic to get this. (Coming Soon: Photo of one of our vet visits with our vet!)
Along with the health certificate, we will purchase a new Pet Taxi pet crate to ship your baby in. The crate has to be big enough for the baby to move around in (stand up, turn around, etc.) We like to get them pretty big to help our babies to be comfortable on their flight.
The Day Before the Flight The day before the flight your new baby will be groomed & bathed. Of course, we will begin to give our goodbye hugs because we will miss them!
We will get some kitten or puppy food put into a ziplock bag to be attached to the crate with tape in case there needs to be a feeding on the flight. Normally there will not need to be a feeding unless there is an unexpected layover. We will also put a paper with feeding instructions in a ziplock bag and attach it to the crate with tape as well. The instructions normally say something like this, "If flight goes according to schedule, there will be no need for feeding. In case of layover, please allow this animal free access to food & water at all times."
(Pictured above: A normal size crate we use with food & feeding instructions attached.)
Inside the crate we will put a soft baby blanket, puppy pads for puppies & kittens (unless we are able to pass a litter box by security), and a few play toys (if we can get them past security). As you can see in the picture above, we must attach the feeding dish to the inside of the door. Then the crate is ready to go!
The Morning of the Flight The day arrives for you to get your new fur baby! What will he/she experiece that day? Well, lots more hugs goodbye for starters. Touch up grooming as needed of course. The van will be loaded with all the necessities: baby wipes, pet wipes, food & drinks for the trip, airline flight info, pet crate with baby in it, camera, etc. We leave plenty early because remember, it is a 3 1/2 hour trip to Louisville from our home. We're loaded & on the road! IMPORTANT! Always remember when you are scheduling a flight to check for time zone changes. Otherwise, you may miss your flight! (Coming Soon: Photo of loading up to go to the airport.)
The Airport When we arrive to the airport, we usually pay for valet parking to save some hassle. (Usually around $20.) Then we head into the airport & to the airline terminal where we will be shipping from. We fill out our part of the paperwork, which includes the receiver's name, address, phone #, & more. The attendant puts the information in the computer. He also weighs the kitten & the crate at this time.
(This is a pic of the Louisville Airport, Continental Airlines Terminal.)
When the paperwork is complete, the attendant attaches several labels to the crate.
Now it is time for baby to go through security. They will check the crate & the fur baby. This is our last opportunity for hugs before baby's departure!
Then another attendant comes with a cart to haul your fur baby down to where he will be loaded onto the flight. (Attendant is usually very helpful). This is usually a place with animal lovers. There he/she will wait till time to be loaded on the plane.
This is goodbye to baby for us. The rest is up to you.
Picking Up Your New Baby From the Airport. When you go to the airport to pick up your new baby, you will need to take a few things with you. You will have to have 2 forms of identification: one will need to be a driver's license or State ID, the other can be a social security card or something else. Call the airline for other options. While your baby is on the flight, you will need to call the airline at least once or more to check the status of the flight & to see how things are progressing. As it gets close to pick-up time, you can call for an exact landing time if you like. You can also check the status of the flight online. Remember, you will need all your flight information & confirmation #. It is important to have these things on you throughout the course of the flight & also the airline phone #. Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to get to the airport & that you have directions to the airport. You will also need to know what part of the airport you will be picking baby up at (Baggage, terminal, etc.) Take all your information to the attendant at the airline & wait for new baby to arrive. How exciting!!
(Pictures above: Julie from Anguilla flew into the Louisville Airport from the Carribean to meet with us to pick up her beautiful baby, Toni Nala, a gorgeous Chocolate Persian!)
Pricing Our price for shipping anywhere in the United States is $350. International shipping is on an individual basis & will require a quote from the airline. This price includes the following:
The Flight A new Pet Taxi crate that you will be able to keep. Insurance Travel Expense to Louisville A Puppy or Kitten Care Package that will arrive to you via US Mail prior to shipping of your baby. To view details on what is included in this Care Package, click the link below:
