Frequently Asked Questions

Paws en route specializes in providing pet transportation services in the Greater Toronto Area, Calgary, Vancouver and Montreal. Like a regular taxi service, you book a ride and a requested time. We show up with a pet-friendly/experienced driver ready to safely transport you and your pet to your destination.

Required documents vary by destination but generally include a health certificate from your vet, proof of rabies vaccination, a microchip certificate, and sometimes an import permit. We’ll help guide you through all of it. (fit to fly document, etc. )

We recommend starting your planning at least 3–6 months before your intended travel date. Some destinations, such as Australia and New Zealand, require a minimum of six months to complete the necessary documentation and meet quarantine requirements, so destination-specific research is highly recommended.

Yes, but it depends on your airline, pet’s size, and destination country. In-cabin travel is generally only allowed for small pets that can fit under the seat in an airline-approved carrier.

It depends on your pet’s destination and health requirements. The full timeline—from paperwork to flight day—can take a few weeks to several months.

We recommend crate training weeks in advance, gradually increasing time inside the crate and including familiar blankets or toys. We'll guide you step-by-step.

These countries have strict entry rules, including veterinary treatments and requirements, quarantine, and specific airline approvals. Our team handles the planning and paperwork for you.

Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and parts of the UK may require quarantine depending on origin and compliance. Quarantine periods can range from 10 to 30 days.

Cities like the UK, Toronto, Lisbon, Melbourne, and Dublin offer parks, pet-friendly rentals, and vet access, making them ideal for relocating with pets.

We work globally, but some countries with civil unrest or strict exotic pet bans may be limited. Contact us to confirm coverage.

We continuously monitor travel regulations and will adjust your pet’s relocation plan if changes occur. Flexibility is built into our process. Our overseas agents keep us informed of local updates, and as a member of IPATA (International Pet and Animal Transportation Association), we receive timely industry-wide alerts to ensure your pet’s travel remains compliant and smooth.

We offer a full range of services, including international and cross-border pet relocation, domestic transport, and ground transportation. Our team can also coordinate crate purchases, arrange boarding and daycare, schedule comfort stops during travel, and even manage full family-and-pet moving logistics.

Door-to-door transport, vet coordination, crate fitting, paperwork management, flight booking, customs clearance, and on-arrival care, pet nanny services and document handling.

A trained pet handler travels with your pet in-cabin on commercial flights. This is ideal for pets who can’t fly alone or when owners can’t accompany them.

Yes! We've transported rabbits, chinchillas, turtles, geckos, pet rats, red pandas, birds, and even pot-bellied pigs. Each case is assessed for travel eligibility.

You can start by filling out our intake form or booking a consultation. From there, we’ll build your pet’s custom relocation plan.

We do our best, but last-minute relocations may come with constraints and are dependent on government/airline requirements and timelines. Premium services or route adjustments may be necessary.

Yes. Summer and major holidays are busy times. Planning early ensures better flight availability and fewer delays.

Our logistics team works with your schedule, but international pet flights can depart a few days before or after your own. We’ll always do our best to align timing, but flight availability can be affected by embargoes and other restrictions.

Yes. We offer a range of additional services, including pet nanny service, priority veterinary bookings, customs escorts, and crate upgrades. We also provide specialized boarding and daycare, with options for one-on-one care or group pet care. For pets arriving by air, we can arrange airport pickup, along with other ground transportation solutions, depending on your needs.

Start by placing treats and familiar items inside, letting them explore freely. Slowly increase the time they spend in it each day.

Crate size must follow IATA guidelines. Your pet should be able to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. We can help you measure and recommend the right crate.

Absolutely. When fitted and used correctly, crates become safe spaces for pets. Many sleep through the flight!

Yes, secure water bowls and non-hazard toys are allowed. Attach care instructions and feeding notes to the crate.

Yes. Crate conditioning, a light meal 4–6 hours before, early hydration, and using familiar bedding all help reduce stress.

It depends on the airline, as some restrict certain breeds due to breathing sensitivities. For airlines that do allow brachycephalic breeds to fly, a “fit-to-fly” letter from a veterinarian and a BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) assessment are typically required.

We can’t transport banned or endangered species, or those with legal restrictions. Each case is reviewed individually.

Yes! We’ve successfully relocated turtles, birds, chinchillas, rabbits, and more.

Conditions like heart problems, seizures, or recent surgeries may require special care or vet clearance. It is highly advised to discuss your pet's medical condition with your vet when considering pet travel

Some fun ones include pot-bellied pigs, salamanders, and even a penguin and red panda request!

No. Sedation is generally discouraged as it can affect breathing at altitude. Airlines may refuse sedated animals.

Most countries require rabies and other vaccinations, microchipping, and others require parasite treatments. However, some airlines also require a fit-to-fly letter.

Inform us immediately. We may need to delay travel and reschedule based on your vet’s recommendation.

With proper planning—early flights, crate cooling pads, hydration—heatstroke is rare. We avoid mid-day cargo flights in the hot seasons.

Yes. Illnesses like tick-borne diseases or incomplete vaccination schedules can lead to mandatory quarantine or travel denial.

No. Flights depend on pet regulations, space availability, airline policies, and destination laws.

Not at all. We’ve relocated rabbits, birds, reptiles, and even amphibians, depending on country requirements

Unfortunately, no. Some countries have strict regulations that require pets to travel as cargo, which is why expert planning is so important. However, through our overseas agents, we provide a meet-and-greet service upon arrival to ensure pets are well cared for, comforted, and given a little extra attention after their journey.

No. Most countries require specific microchips. Microchips must usually be ISO‑compliant and implanted before the rabies vaccine. If not, it is recommended to bring your microchip paperwork and make sure the chip can be read by scanners at your destination - or you can bring an appropriate microchip reader.

Not always, although it is a requirement in countries like New Zealand and Australia. Many pets avoid quarantine if all requirements are met on time.

Costs vary based on destination, pet size, airline fees, crate size, and services selected. We provide customized quotes after your intake consultation.

We accept credit cards, wire transfers, and e-transfers. Payment plans may be available for certain services.

No hidden fees. We’re transparent with pricing and include all charges in your quote (customs, crate, permits, etc.)

Yes, a deposit secures your spot in our logistics queue and covers early-stage planning and document preparation.

Refunds depend on how far along your pet is in the relocation process. Our terms of service /use outline our refund policy.