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Preparing Your Pet for Transport
Preparing your pet for transport is a crucial step in ensuring a safe and comfortable journey. At Pawsitively Safe VIP Transport, we understand that moving your beloved pet is a significant event, and we don’t take this responsibility lightly.
Your Pet's Comfort Is Our Priority
We understand that trusting someone with your pet’s journey is a BIG step—and we take that responsibility seriously. Whether your companion is flying in-cabin with our flight nanny or traveling by private ground transport, we’re here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
We believe that thoughtful preparation makes all the difference. Whether it’s your pet’s first big adventure or just another day of being the star of the show, we’re here to ensure they’re cozy, calm, and cared for from start to finish.
This guide includes our best tips and recommendations to help you—and your pet—feel confident and comfortable every step of the way.
Health & Safety
Veterinary Requirements & Paperwork
Photo courtesy of:
Lisa Tollison
Southern Sunset Poodles & Doodles
South Carolina (www.scdoodles.com)
Ensure Proper Identification
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Your pet must wear a secure collar with an ID tag that includes your phone number
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All pets traveling via ground transport must also wear a properly fitted harness—not loose or restrictive—for safe leash transfers
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Microchipping is strongly recommended for added security
Travel Supplies and Carrier Options
Sanitized Crate Provided: We offer a high-quality sanitized crate specifically for your pet's journey. This crate will be used exclusively for your pet's trip but will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized for reuse on future assignments.
Purchasing Through Us: You can purchase a carrier, crate, or other travel supplies through our "Recommended Items" page. If you select this option, we will deliver these items along with your pet to their destination.
Providing Your Own: If you choose to provide your own crate, please ensure it meets these criteria:
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Safety Tested: The crate must be safety tested for durability and reliability.
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Tethering: It should include straps to secure it to the vehicle during transport.
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No All-Wire Crates: For safety reasons, we cannot accept all-wire folding crates. These crates are not suitable for secure transport.
Grooming for Comfort
Grooming is part of keeping your pet healthy and comfortable during transport.
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Give your pet a light bath 1–2 days before travel
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Brush to reduce shedding and avoid tangles or mats
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Trim nails to prevent snags on bedding or carrier surfaces
Professional grooming is not required—just a little home care goes a long way!
Grooming for Comfort
Grooming is part of keeping your pet healthy and comfortable during transport.
Give your pet a light bath 1–2 days before travel
Brush to reduce shedding and avoid tangles or mats
Trim nails to prevent snags on bedding or carrier surfaces
Professional grooming is not required—just a little home care goes a long way!
🧠 Did You Know?
Pets experience the world primarily through scent—and their noses are incredibly powerful. A dog’s sense of smell is estimated to be 10,000 to 100,000 times stronger than a human’s!
Even a faint scent from a favorite blanket, toy, or your worn T-shirt can help your pet feel more secure during travel. That’s because the part of the brain that processes smell is directly linked to the areas responsible for emotion and memory.
In unfamiliar situations like transport, these familiar scents can serve as emotional anchors, helping reduce anxiety and promote a greater sense of calm and safety.
Travel Supplies and Carrier Options
Sanitized Crate Provided: We offer a high-quality sanitized crate specifically for your pet's journey. This crate will be used exclusively for your pet's trip but will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized for reuse on future assignments.
Purchasing Through Us: You can purchase a carrier, crate, or other travel supplies through our "Recommended Items" page. If you select this option, we will deliver these items along with your pet to their destination.
Providing Your Own: If you choose to provide your own crate, please ensure it meets these criteria:
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Safety Tested: The crate must be safety tested for durability and reliability.
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Tethering: It should include straps to secure it to the vehicle during transport.
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No All-Wire Crates: For safety reasons, we cannot accept all-wire folding crates. These crates are not suitable for secure transport.
Feeding & Hydration
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Offer a light meal about 3 hours before pickup
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Avoid feeding immediately before transport to reduce motion sickness
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For longer trips, send pre-portioned food and clear instructions
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We provide bottled water throughout the trip unless you opt to provide a bottle of your preferred water brand.
Routine & Travel Gear
Familiarize Your Pet with the Carrier or Crate
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Introduce Early: Leave your pet’s travel crate or carrier in a comfortable place at home so they can explore it at their own pace.
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Positive Association: Add their favorite blanket, toy, or treat inside the crate to help them associate it with comfort and safety.
This is especially helpful for first-time travelers or pets unused to confinement.
Travel Supplies and Carrier Options
Sanitized Crate Provided: We offer a high-quality sanitized crate specifically for your pet's journey. This crate will be used exclusively for your pet's trip but will be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized for reuse on future assignments.
Purchasing Through Us: You can purchase a carrier, crate, or other travel supplies through our "Recommended Items" page. If you select this option, we will deliver these items along with your pet to their destination.
Providing Your Own: If you choose to provide your own crate, please ensure it meets these criteria:
-
Safety Tested: The crate must be safety tested for durability and reliability.
-
Tethering: It should include straps to secure it to the vehicle during transport.
-
No All-Wire Crates: For safety reasons, we cannot accept all-wire folding crates. These crates are not suitable for secure transport.
Maintain Routine & Comfort
Familiarity can ease anxiety and help your pet feel secure on the road or in the air.
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Pack Familiar Items: Bring your pet’s favorite blanket, toy, or bedding to provide a sense of home during the journey. A little familiarity goes a long way in keeping your pet calm with a new handler.
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Share Routine Details: Let us know about your pet’s usual feeding, potty, and sleep schedule—as well as any quirks or special care notes. The more we know, the better we can help them feel at ease.
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Sending Them Off With Love: A calm goodbye helps your pet feel secure. Speak reassuringly, and avoid last-minute stress. Rest assured—we treat every pet like family and will keep you updated throughout their journey.
What to Pack or Provide
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Secure collar with ID tag
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Well-fitted harness (required for ground transport)
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Vaccination records and any required documents
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Pre-portioned food and any medications with instructions
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Comfort item like a toy or blanket
Note: If you’re providing your own crate, it must be pre-approved for safety. No wire crates are allowed. If we are providing the crate, it will be airline-approved or crash-tested, sanitized, and appropriately sized.
Still Have Questions?
We’re here for you every step of the way! If you have questions or need help preparing, just reach out!
📖 FAQ
Travel Supplies and Carrier Options
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We provide travel equipment for your pet’s journey—including a clean carrier, travel bowls, soft blanket, and a complimentary toy.
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If you’d like your pet to travel with personalized gear they can keep, we offer optional upgrade packages featuring:
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New Crate or Pet Carrier
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Personalized blanket
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Custom ID tag
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Leash, collar or harness
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Portable bowls
Some personalized items may not be available for last-minute flight bookings (less than 3 weeks' notice). Budget and Priority packages may also be unavailable for trips booked less than 7 days in advance.
👉 View Package Options