How to choose a pet transportation company?

Hello, we're Jorge and Gabriela, and today we're discussing how to choose a pet transportation company. We've divided this section into two videos.

In the first video, we'll explain the main differences among various pet transportation companies.

In the second video, we'll delve into the legal requirements imposed on us as a company for pet transportation, including the significance of certificates and credentials.

Before selecting a pet transportation company, it's crucial to understand the animal transport sector and current regulations, which can be complex. Whether you're an individual client needing to transport your pet or a new company entering the sector, feel free to reach out to us. We're here to assist you.

Within the European Union, there are two types of pet movements based on the purpose of the journey:

Commercial Movements: Involving a change in ownership of the pet, such as adoption, purchase, or gift, or when the owner does not travel within a specific timeframe relative to the pet's journey.

Non-commercial Movements: Movements of companion animals, which include conditions like traveling with the owner or a representative, limited number of pets, and no change in ownership. There are exceptions when the pet travels unaccompanied, requiring proof of the owner's travel timeframe.

There are two main types of pet transporters:

Commercial Transporters: They typically use large vehicles like 3.5-ton vans or box vans, capable of transporting 20 to 60 crates per vehicle. They cater primarily to shelter pets, breeder puppies, and occasionally non-commercial pets.

In our next video, we'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of both types of pet transporters in more detail.

Among the main advantages of commercial transporters are typically lower prices and their acceptance of various types of commercial pets, including adopted pets, breeder's pets, or pets not accompanied by their owners. However, there are significant disadvantages as well.

For instance, the large number of pets transported on each trip results in much longer travel times and less time allocated for stops and updates compared to other types of transporters. Traveling with a high number of pets also increases overall stress levels for the animals, as these vehicles tend to have more dirt and noise.

Moreover, the high volume of pets increases the risk of spreading parasites or diseases such as fleas, ticks, or serious illnesses like parvovirus. Another critical issue is regarding restroom breaks. This is a topic that few companies discuss with their clients, but we are legally obligated to take the pets out every four hours maximum.

However, if there are 50 pets in the vehicle and it takes at least five minutes per pet, the time between taking out the first pet and the last exceeds four hours. Consequently, by the time you finish taking out the last pet, you should start taking out the first one again, disrupting the route. Ultimately, heavily loaded companies often reduce the frequency of restroom breaks or skip them altogether.

Non-commercial Transporters:

Non-commercial transporters typically travel with around ten crates, using small to medium-sized vans. Their primary clients are non-commercial pets.

The main advantage is traveling with a reduced number of pets, resulting in a lower risk of disease transmission and a generally calmer journey due to better-behaved pets.

However, non-commercial transporters usually do not handle commercial pets, and their prices tend to be higher because they travel with fewer pets but still need to cover the same travel expenses.

When it comes to the differences in requirements for pets, there are significant variations which we will explain below. For non-commercial pets or companion animals, they are permitted to travel using their European passport or Animal Health Certificate, along with a microchip, current rabies vaccinations, and internal parasite treatment if required. Additionally, proof of travel at the owner's name must be shown, indicating travel within five days before or after the pet's journey.

In the case of commercial pets or pets for export, the requirements vary greatly depending on the destination and origin countries. Although we do not offer commercial pet transportation services, I'll provide a brief explanation.

Don't worry if all of this sounds confusing; if needed, we can recommend professionals who can assist you in managing the entire export process for your commercial pets.

In summary, pets with commercial purposes undergo a much longer travel process and must go through an export process. Let's provide an example: if a commercial pet leaves Spain and its final destination is the United Kingdom, it must go through an export process including several steps. Firstly, the pet must stay a minimum of 48 hours at a TRACES center where its TRACES certificate is issued, allowing its movement across European borders.

Secondly, an IPAFFS application to the UK is necessary to allow the pet's entry into the country. Next, an Export Health Certificate must be obtained through CEXGAN, followed by approval or authorization through the BIP (Border Inspection Post).

Lastly, hiring a customs agent is required for customs declaration and VAT payment in the UK.

Now, consider the opposite scenario: a commercial pet originating from the UK and traveling to Spain. The main challenge here is the scarcity of ports that readily accept commercial pets, with airports being the primary exporters for such pets.

Consequently, finding road transport companies specializing in commercial pet transportation from the UK to other European countries can be quite challenging.

Finally, we want to clarify that this video is not intended to criticize any company.

Our goal was simply to explain the different types of pet transport available.

In my opinion, I don't see the necessity of placing a non-commercial pet, such as a dog or cat accustomed to living its entire life in a family, into potentially stressful situations such as being in a vehicle crowded with shelter pets that may not exhibit the best behavior.

These situations can be quite stressful for such pets. We hope this video has been helpful, and if you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us in the comments section.