pet relocation agency

Presentation of Air Transport Animal

Air Transport Animal is a dedicated international pet transport agency, offering end-to-end global pet relocation services for dogs, cats, and a wide range of other animals across France and around the world. From handling complex customs paperwork to arranging IATA-compliant cages and certified boarding facilities, our team of pet relocation specialists manages every detail of your pet’s journey.

Who We Are

At Air Transport Animal, we believe your pet deserves the same level of care and attention as any other member of your family, especially when it comes to an international relocation with your pet.

Whether you are relocating abroad, returning home, or welcoming a new animal into your life from another country, we are here to make the journey as safe and stress-free as possible.

Air Transport Animal is an international pet relocation agency, created with one clear conviction: animals are living beings that require dedicated expertise, not a generic courier service.

This is why Bagages Du Monde established Air Transport Animal as a service fully dedicated to international pet transportation, backed by over 25 years of experience in the field.

Whether your pet is travelling on a plane or by road, we work exclusively with reputable, certified carriers. All our partners are worldwide recognized specialists in live animal transport, as they are members of international networks dedicated to this field.

What We Do

Organizing international pet transport is far more complex than booking a plane ticket. It involves veterinary protocols, administrative procedures, strict documentation requirements, and careful coordination between multiple parties across different countries and time zones. Our team handles every step of the process and guides you through a smooth, seamless pet relocation.

Step 1: Initial assessment and personalized quote

Every pet relocation journey starts with a consultation. We assess your pet’s species, breed, size, age, and health status, as well as the departure and destination countries, to determine the best pet transport options and any specific regulatory requirements. You will receive a detailed, transparent quote tailored to your situation.

Step 2: Administrative and veterinary preparation

International pet transport requires precise documentation. Depending on the destination country, this may include a pet passport, microchip registration, up-to-date vaccination records (including rabies), an international health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian, import permits, and customs clearance documents. Our team ensures all paperwork is completed correctly and on time.

Step 3: Travel arrangements and crate preparation

Your pet will travel in an IATA-approved cage, sized and configured according to the specific requirements of the airline and destination country. We advise you on the right equipment, help you source it, and ensure it meets all applicable standards. The quality of the travel cage directly affects your pet’s comfort and safety throughout the journey.

Step 4: Pickup and departure

On the day of your pet’s international travel, our team coordinates the pickup of your pet from your home or a designated location to the airport. For air transport, we manage the check-in process with the airline, the live animal travel documentation at the departure airport, and ensure your pet is handled in the best conditions, whether travelling in the cabin or in the temperature-controlled cargo hold.

Step 5: Transit, monitoring, and updates

Throughout your pet’s journey, you will receive real-time updates from our team. We stay in contact with our partners at every stage of the route to make sure everything is running smoothly, and we are available to answer your questions at any time.

Step 6: Arrival and delivery

Upon arrival at the destination, our local partners handle customs clearance, any required veterinary checks, and the final delivery of your pet to your new address or to a certified boarding facility if you are not yet on-site.

Popular Destinations

Air Transport Animal organizes pet relocations to and from hundreds of destinations worldwide. Below are some of the countries we serve most frequently, along with indicative pricing to help you plan accordingly. Because import regulations, required documentation, and logistics complexity vary considerably from one country to another, we highly recommend requesting a personalized quote for your specific situation.

Destination Indicative price (from)
Mauritius 1250 €
UAE (Dubai / Abu Dhabi) 1145 €
Australia 1464 €
Hong Kong 1145 €
South Africa 1145 €
New Caledonia 2100 €
Ireland 1124 €
United Kingdom 1124 €
New Zealand 1464 €
Singapore 1145 €
Bahrain 1145 €
Wallis & Futuna 3134 €

Each of these destinations has its own specific set of import requirements, from quarantine rules in Australia and New Zealand, to rabies-free country status requirements for Mauritius and Singapore. Our pet relocation specialists are thoroughly familiar with the regulations in force in each of these countries and will ensure your pet’s paperwork is complete, accurate, and submitted within the required timeframes.

If your destination country is not listed, contact us! We provide pet shipping services to and from most countries worldwide.

Why Choose Us?

Choosing the right international pet transport agency is one of the most important decisions you can make for your animal’s journey. At Air Transport Animal, we bring together in-depth regulatory expertise, a genuine passion for animals, and a trusted global network to deliver a service that is both rigorous and deeply caring.

Our team of experienced pet relocation experts hold in-depth knowledge of IATA regulations, import and export requirements, and the health protocols of destination countries worldwide. But beyond their professional qualifications, what truly sets our team apart is their genuine affection for animals. Every pet in our care is treated as the unique living being they are, never as freight!

This means that no animal will ever be treated as a mere parcel among thousands of parcels, but as an actual living being deserving of respect, attention, and care.

From the initial assessment to the final delivery, we handle all administrative and veterinary procedures on your behalf, ensuring nothing is missed, no deadline overlooked, and no detail left to chance.

Some of Our Partners

Air Transport Animal works with a carefully selected network of partners, each chosen for their expertise and their commitment to animal welfare.

Airline carriers

Major international airlines operating live animal transport in compliance with IATA standards.

Pile Poils Animal Boarding Facility

  • Approved partner for short- and medium-term boarding during transit or pre-departure preparation.

What Pet Owners Say About Us

 

“I had my cat travel from Paris to Mauritius with Air Transport Animal, and I couldn’t be more satisfied! Pooja was incredibly efficient and clear throughout every step and explanation. I’m truly delighted, and I highly recommend their services!”

“Excellent service… my little Boston Terrier, ALTESSE, arrived safely in New Caledonia. I’m very happy with the service and the team’s professionalism. Thank you for everything… 🙏”

“Excellent experience. I used Air Transport Animal to relocate my cat Rolly (a British Shorthair) from Paris to Australia. Joao was very attentive, reassuring, and professional. My cat traveled comfortably and arrived in perfect health! I highly recommend ATA for pet transport.”

“A very positive experience! I used Air Transport Animal to transport my cat, Rolly (a British Shorthair), from Paris to Australia. The process was smooth and professional, my cat travelled comfortably, and arrived in perfect health. I highly recommend Air Transport Animal for pet transportation.”

Ready to Plan Your Pet’s Journey?

Whether you are moving abroad in two months or two weeks, the earlier you start planning your pet’s relocation, the smoother the process will be. Get in touch with our team of pet relocation specialists today for a free assessment and personalized quote. We will take it from there!

Frequently Asked Questions About International Pet Transport

The cost of international pet shipping depends on several factors: the destination country and its specific requirements, the size and species of your animal, the type of transport (cabin, cargo hold, ground transportation), the level of service selected, and any preparatory steps required (veterinary visits, documentation, pet travel cage purchase). As a rough guide, a straightforward European relocation may start from 1124 €, while a long-haul journey to Australia or New Zealand (which involves strict quarantine protocols) can amount to 1464 €. We provide a detailed, transparent quote after an initial assessment of your situation.

We specialize in the international transport of domestic pets, primarily dogs and cats. We also handle the relocation of exotic pets including rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and ferrets, subject to the regulations of the destination country. For exotic pets or less common species, we assess each situation individually and advise on the specific requirements and feasibility. If you are unsure whether we can help with your animal, contact us! We are happy to advise.

For most healthy adult dogs and cats, air travel is safe when properly organized. Airlines operating live animal transport are required to comply with IATA Live Animals Regulations, which set strict standards for crate dimensions, temperature control, ventilation, and handling procedures. Certain animals require extra precautions: brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats are more vulnerable to respiratory stress during air travel, and some airlines restrict or prohibit their transport in the cargo hold. Our pet relocation specialists will assess your pet’s suitability for air travel and recommend the safest transport option for their specific profile.

Depending on your pet’s size, species, and the destination country’s regulations, your animal may travel in the cabin (for small pets within approved weight limits), in the temperature-controlled and pressurized cargo hold (for larger animals), or via ground transport for shorter European routes. In all cases, your pet travels in an IATA-compliant cage and is handled by trained airline or ground staff at every stage of the journey.

Yes. We provide regular updates throughout your pet’s journey, from departure confirmation to arrival notification. Our team stays in contact with airline handlers and local partners at the destination to monitor the journey in real time, and you can reach us directly if you have any concerns at any point.

We recommend contacting us at least 4 to 8 weeks before your planned departure date, and earlier if your destination has particularly complex import requirements. Australia and New Zealand, for example, require a preparation period of several months due to their quarantine and health testing protocols. The more time we have, the more smoothly we can manage the administrative and veterinary preparation. We can also handle urgent relocations. Contact us to discuss your timeline and book your pet’s trip with peace of mind.

Requirements vary significantly depending on the destination country, but standard requirements for pets travelling abroad typically include: ISO-standard microchip identification, a valid pet passport (for EU travel), up-to-date vaccination records (including a rabies vaccination that meets the destination country’s specific requirements), an international pet health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian within a specified window before departure, and (for some destinations) import permits, serological tests (rabies antibody titer tests), and a period of isolation or quarantine.

When selecting an international pet transport company, look for the following: membership of recognized professional bodies such as IPATA, genuine experience with your destination country’s regulations, transparent pricing with itemized quotes, clear communication and responsiveness, and verifiable references or reviews from past clients. Be cautious of operators who offer unusually low prices without clearly explaining what is or isn’t included.

To ensure a stress-free journey, your pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down naturally inside their crate. At Air Transport Animal, we assist our clients in calculating the ideal dimensions according to the strict standards of the International Air Transport Association (IATA):

Length (A): Measured from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail.

Width (B): Calculated as twice the width of the pet’s shoulders to allow for comfortable movement.

Height (C): Measured from the floor to the top of the head or the tip of the ears.

 pet-measurement

Strict Material Requirements for Air Travel

An airline-approved travel crate is far more than a standard leisure carrier; it must meet precise safety criteria to be accepted for flight:

  • Assembly: The two parts of the shell must be secured with metal bolts. Most airlines strictly prohibit carriers that rely solely on plastic clips for assembly.
  • Locking System: The door must be equipped with a centralized locking system that secures both the top and bottom attachment points simultaneously.
  • Accessories: Water and food bowls must be fixed to the door and accessible from the outside, allowing staff to replenish them without opening the crate.

Special Care for Sensitive Breeds (Brachycephalic)

“Flat-faced” dogs and cats, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, or Persian cats, possess unique physiological traits that increase the risk of respiratory stress during a flight. To ensure their safety, our agency implements a reinforced security protocol:

  • Route Selection: We prioritize direct flights whenever possible to minimize handling and reduce the thermal stress associated with layovers.
  • Temperature Management: During the summer months, we organize departures on night flights or early morning schedules to avoid peak heat on the airport tarmac.
  • Custom Dimensions: We often recommend a crate size larger than the standard requirement to promote better air circulation around the animal throughout the journey.