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AfA Growth
Strategies
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Forward Magazine
Q
Summer 2016
Airforwarders Association
#5 Background
Request a summary of the principals’
credentials. Are they licensed veterinarians
or business professionals? Veterinarians will
be better able to advise you about medical
requirements and techniques preparing pets
for the move. They may also render medical
services if required. Ask if the pet shipper and
staff members own pets. Pet parents usually
prefer working with people who understand
how important their pets are to them.
#6 Professionalism
Reputable pet transporters affiliate with the
International Pet and Animal Transportation
Association (IPATA), Animal Transportation
Association (ATA) and International Air
Transportation Association (IATA) as a
baseline. Established and reputable pet
transporters are IATA-appointed and
endorsed. They are indirect air carriers
cleared for pickup and delivery of live
animals by the U.S. Transportation Security
Administration. Ask if the company is
registered with the U. S. Department
of Agriculture as an intermedia handler
complying with the USDA and its Animal
Welfare Act. These memberships help
top-flight pet movers stay up-to-date with
regulation changes, research, new trends and
products, and best practices.
#7 References and Referrals
Ask for references and check them. Ask
other pet owners for referrals to pet
transporters they have used. The Internet
can be a source for pet moving service
testimonials from satisfied customers.
#8 Price
Professional animal transport services are not
a less expensive alternative to self-service.
Professionals draw on their experience, their
relationships with airlines and overseas service
partners to make pet moves go smoothly.
Such expertise comes with a price. Ask for
all-inclusive written estimates in advance.
The estimate should be customized to the
pet itinerary and delineate specific services
the animal will receive. It should also spell
out items or information the pet owner is
required to provide and when.
About the Author
Dr. Walter Woolf is the founder and
chairman of Air Animal Inc., Tampa,
Florida. Air Animal has moved over
100,000 pets for relocating families moving
around the globe. Recent relocations
included a quarter horse, a turtle and
several guinea pigs in addition to dogs and
cats. Air Animal is an IATA-appointed and
endorsed air cargo sales agent working with
all airlines that move animals. Air Animal
is an indirect air carrier cleared for pickup
and delivery of live animals by the U.S.
Transportation Security Administration.