FAQs

Air travel is as safe for pets as it is for people. Your pet will travel in a special cargo compartment within the aircraft. This compartment is both climate controlled and pressurized for your pet’s safety and comfort, and it is on the same air circulation system as the cabin. Customers are envious that their pets are laying down comfortably on soft bedding in their crates, while the owners are confined to squeezy airline seats!

Shiloh Animal Express can provide strong and sturdy travel crates that provide protection during loading and unloading, and prevent your pet escaping whereas lightweight crates that some owners source from pet stores may flex during handling, enabling the door to accidentally open.

If you can imagine keeping your pet in a crate in the room overnight, this is similar to what your pet will experience while in the pet-compartment within the aircraft.

 In this alternative called excess baggage, the airline will never take any responsibility for the pet, only the container, regardless of what is inside. The passenger only receives a baggage ticket or receipt, just as for any other suitcase. The owner is wholly responsible for the animal, and it cannot travel in the passenger cabin on international flights. This is why your best friend must be housed in a rigid container up to IATA standards. The size of the container will depend on the breed and the dimensions of your pet. Only the passenger can make this booking along with their airline ticket. Routes below are NOT permitted for Excess Baggage.

• Into/Out of Australia
• Into/Out of Brunei
• Into/Out of Denpasar, Bali
• Into/Out of New Zealand
• Into/Out of South Africa
• Into/Out of Turkey
• Into Dubai
• Into Hong Kong SAR
• Into Sri Lanka
• Into the United Kingdom

When it comes to international pet transport, safety is always the top concern for you and for us. So, we take it very seriously when we say that cargo travel is a safe option for your pet. And we ensure that every necessary precaution is taken to keep your pet safe and well during its travels.

To do this, we always choose the best airline with the best reputation that services your new location. We ensure the cargo area is pressure and temperature controlled. And we speak to your vet about any health concerns and to make sure your pet is in tip top condition for their flight.

Typically ranges from 16 to 20 degree Celsius

No, there will be no one at the cargo hold with your pet. This is strictly not allowed.

United States only: IRS Publication # 521 (“Moving Expenses”) states that pet moving is a tax-deductible relocation expense when your relocation and moving is for purposes of change of employment. Consult your tax advisor for further information.

Depending on the transiting country, a vet will check on your animals upon arrival if we transit through Amsterdam, London or Frankfurt.
Frankfurt Animal Lounge 

KLM Animal Hotel

London Animal Reception Center

The American Veterinary Medical Association and International Pet & Animal Transport Association (IPATA) strongly recommend against tranquilizing your pet. We refuse to transport an animal that appears to be sedated.
Many pets travel well without sedation if they have had time to be accustomed to their crates before travel. It is also possible that stressed owners transfer stress to their pets. As some pet owners may be anxious about being separated from their pet, we urge owners to remain calm when around your pets so as not to unnecessarily transfer stress to your pets.

We do not rent crates except between Singapore and certain parts of Malaysia, since the cost of return shipment generally exceeds the value of the crate. Most pets are usually more relaxed when traveling in their own familiar crate that does not have any residual scent from unknown animals that previously travelled in the crate, so we urge owners to provide new crates for each pet.

Except for Australia, Yes. You can attach small personal items : a serving-size bag of food, a leash and collar to the top of the crate, but please don’t send anything valuable since these items can become detached during shipping, or be confiscated by the airline, customs or quarantine. Comfort items or items with a familiar smell eg: a blanket or towel, can go inside the crate as an absorbent. Many pets like to have a favourite toy with them, but do not include large bones or other heavy objects that could be hazardous.

Before the trip, please prepare two portions of your pet’s food in two separate ziplock bags. We will attach these portions to the outside of the crate at pick-up time, and they will be available in the unlikely event that your pet’s trip is delayed.

“Potty accidents” are common, that is why we line the bottom of the crate with a thick layer of towel or personal bedding items to absorb any in-flight accidents. Like humans, your pet may experience a little dehydration during the flight, which will reduce the need for urination.

We’re not saying you should completely avoid air travel with your pet, even with a short-nosed pet. Knowing there are risks is half the battle won, and with proper precautions, you can minimize the risks. If you know that your pet is going to travel on an airplane, it really helps to prepare way ahead of time. We work with a few airlines to transport snub nose dogs and cats safely worldwide.

Your pet can also be transported as cargo without you accompanying him. That’s our specialty. Some countries actually require animals to be carried in the cargo hold only eg: London, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, UK to name a few… The safety and comfort of your pet is always our top priority, whichever way he travels. Your pet will either travel on the same aircraft as you, or on a different one.

For Australia:
The current entry to Australia is entry through Melbourne only. There are no other way. Quarantine is 10 nights at Mickleham Post-Entry Quarantine Facility in Melbourne. They are not allowed to arrive in one Australian airport and then travel on an Australian domestic flight to Melbourne. After Quarantine, we will then transport your dog to your required destination. No visitation is allowed for the 10 nights stay. No birds are allowed.

For New Zealand:
Dogs and Cats shall enter New Zealand through the following port of entries: Christchurch, and Auckland only.
It is 10 nights at any one of these facilities. No visitations to the Quarantine facility. No birds are allowed.

We will work you to arrange the most feasible option for your pets.

Yes, we can collect your pets anywhere in the island of Singapore and for Malaysia the city of Kuala Lumpur only (surcharge applies for other region).

We need to leave the country first, how about my pets?

We will work you to arrange the most feasible option for your pets.

Are you able to collect my pets from a different location?
Yes, we can collect your pets anywhere in the island of Singapore and for Malaysia the city of Kuala Lumpur only (surcharge applies for other region).

Why is the airfare for cargo so expensive?
Applying Charge: The larger among “Live Animal Quantity + Cage weight” and “Volume Weight” is applied.

Ex: If dog/cat’s weight is 10 kg, cage’s weight is 15 kg and cage’s dimension is 60*80*50 cm, then:

① Actual Weight: 10+15=25 kg
② Volume Weight: 60*80*50 cm/6000=40 kg
③ Chargeable Weight of 40 kgs is applied for this shipment

Airfreight Charge and Extra Charges (fuel surcharge, security surcharge and others)

Depending on when you want to travel to Australia or New Zealand, preparation starts about 3 to 4 months in advance.

The blood test is done in Singapore at the government lab. Dogs must pass all tests or will not be allowed entry into Australi or New Zealand.

During the flight, be it cargo or excess baggage, no one will be with the pets. We will have water in the crate and we can only take care of your dog all the way to flight, upon arrival it will be taken over by Quarantine or our designated local partner.

When flying with a dog or cat, it’s best to refrain from feeding them for 4-6 hours before flying. This will cut down on your pet’s need to go to the bathroom while in the air. This will also prevent bloat during stressful situations.

“Potty accidents” are common, so we encourage owner’s to line the bottom of the crate with a thick layer of paper and personal bedding items to absorb any in-flight accidents. Like humans, your pet may experience a little dehydration during the flight, which will reduce the need for urination.

Yes. You can attach small personal items –  serving-size bag of food, a leash and collar – to the top of the crate, but please don’t send anything valuable since these items can become detached during shipping, or be confiscated by the airline, customs or quarantine. Comfort items or items with a familiar smell – a blanket or towel can go inside the crate on top of a thick layer of absorbent newspaper. No litter box or cat litter is allow. Comb, brushes or food bowl cannot be send with your pets.

We will give your pet a drink of water at the airport before departure. We try not to overfill water containers because water invariably spills during transit which may make bedding wet or moist. Where possible, we may also provide frozen water, as this enables the crate to be moved without the water spilling, and your pet can take water as the ice melts during travel. Your pet is likely to be thirsty after the flight, so please provide a drink as soon as you can safely take the pet out of the crate if you are clearing the pet(s) on your own. (our arriving agent in the destination country will take care of this as well).

Food is not provided during the flight because it can be a choking hazard, causes bloat and large amounts of food may make your pet feel uncomfortable in its crate. However, please prepare two portions of your pet’s food in two separate plastic bags. We will attach these portions to the outside of the crate at pick-up time, and they will be available in the unlikely event that your pet’s trip is delayed.

Dogs with flat or snub noses, including Pugs, Boxers and Bulldogs, and cat breeds including Burmese or Persian are classified as brachycephalic breeds, which may pose a higher risk during transport.  These breeds have a compromised respiratory system and cannot breathe as efficiently as non-brachycephalic breeds. As pets regulate their body temperature by panting, snub-nose breeds are more inclined to overheat in warm weather.  

There are more than 30 breeds of dogs and cats that are considered brachycephalic, as per Wikipedia:

Each airline has its own policy regarding brachycephalic breeds, and may impose restrictions for some or all breeds.  Some airlines prohibit the transport of snub-nose breeds, otherwise they may impose tighter regulations such as increased temperature restrictions, or a requirement to transport the pet in a larger crate to enable increased air circulation around your pet.

Shiloh Animal Express works with all a few airlines and understands the restrictions imposed by each airline.  Speak to a Pet Relocation Specialist to discuss travel options and ways to prepare your pet for travel.

 Let’s talk! Send an email to: transport@shilohanimalex.com

Some airlines place pets in “hold 5”, at the rear of the plane. It is part of the cargo area underneath the cabin, but it is separated and it is heated. It is kept at the same temperature and pressure as the cabin, since the captain is notified of animals on board, and will make sure of this. Some airlines place them at the belly of the aircraft, center of the cargo hold.

Pets are kept separate in the warehouse at the airline to keep them calm, and once they are put in the aircraft no-one is able to monitor them, since the hold is inaccessible. Pets are treated as a priority and should be put on last and taken off first. In the case of the long-haul flights with transfers the pets are checked at any refuel/transfer points and their water bowls are replenished. The pets are not let out, due to bio-security and quarantine regulations. If the pets appear unwell they will be let out, but only as a last measure to allow veterinary access..

Separation from the owner, vet examination, X-ray, delivery to airline and subsequent delivery to the aircraft is undoubtedly stressful for the pet, once they are in the aircraft and used to the noise, they will just tend to sleep through the flight. They will realise that not only can they not get out, but nothing can get into their crate, so they are safe. In the absence of stimuli the pet will “shut down” and sleep for the flight. Cats especially will not be bothered by the flight. 

It will not be possible for your cat to travel with a litter tray as this could cause damage to both the flight kennel and your cat. As you know, cats are very clean animals. If they must go in the box they will, but they will aim to sit in a different area.

We would recommend that you skip your pet’s meal prior to the flight for your pet. If they are flying in the evening then we would recommend that they only have breakfast. They will be fine for the flight, even if it is a long one- it’s only us humans that need to eat all the time!

We will provide them with water for the flight & sometimes in the form of an ice block in their water bowl, attached to the front of the crate. This avoids them drinking all of the water on one go, and means that the water doesn’t slosh around during check in, transit to the plane and take off.

If the toy could be considered to be a choking hazard, then the toy can’t travel.

It is always a great experience having your beloved pets with you in your new country of residence. It can help your kids and the entire household adapts to the new environment. Follow our instructions, leave us to do the work for you once you engaged us and not tell us what to do and you will be fine. 🙂

We will get your Pet(s) home Safely Across 6 Continents.

• Some airlines are more pet friendly than others, so do some research as you plan your pet’s trip and check with a pet travel expert to see which carrier they recommend based on your origin and destination.
• An airline that is “pet safe” signals that employees are specifically trained to handle animals and they follow a last on, first off policy. This means pets are given priority, they are transported in temperature controlled vehicles, and they are never left to sit on the tarmac.
• Check-in occurs at the airlines’ cargo facility and pets are tracked during each stage of their their journey.
• The cargo area is pressure and temperature controlled.
• Pets do not need to travel on the same flight as the pet owner and they’re not attached to the ticket of their pet owner, which makes it easier for people to plan their own travel routes.
• This method tends to be more expensive because of the higher standards of care involved. Also, the larger your pet is, the more the ticket will be because the freight prices is based on the combined weight of the pet and their kennel.

• Check-in occurs at the main terminal and pets must be accompanied by their owner and fly on the same flight.
• Airline requirements vary, so call or check the carrier’s website carefully or give them a call to find out exactly what to expect.
• Airline employees will handle pets and haven’t necessarily received special training about how to do so.
• Pets may be moved with general cargo and may spend more time waiting on the tarmac.
• This option is much cheaper
• Temperature restrictions usually apply (since there is no “pet safe” system in place, which includes having temperature controlled vehicles on hand, pets can’t travel if it’s too hot or too cold).
• Many people think it’s better to have a pet attached to their own ticket, but if a pet is bumped from the flight (which happens more than you might think), this creates serious complications that can be difficult to deal with on your own. International pet travel is stressful enough without adding in additional unknown variables.
• Also, this option simply isn’t as safe because pets are not given the attention and priority they receive when traveling with a pet safe cargo operator. The airlines that do not offer excess baggage for pets are doing it for good reason, and they tend to be the carriers who are the most devoted to safe pet travel.