Even during the air travel restrictions of recent months, cargo-partner has been successfully organizing international pet transports, ensuring the highest standards for comfort and safety.

One of the main concerns of pet owners is how to organize transport for their pets when traveling or relocating. If the destination is relatively close, pet owners can bring their dogs, cats or other small pets by car. However, when traveling by plane, they will require the help of a transport and logistics expert to organize air transportation.

In Croatia, cargo-partner has been a member of IPATA (International Pet and Animal Association) since 2018, making cargo-partner the first freight forwarder in Southeast Europe to join this organization.

Start planning early to get all documents ready

The first step is to ensure that all required documents are available. “Our Live Animal Transport team will advise our customers of all documents needed to ensure a smooth journey, including veterinary documents such as a pet passport and current health certificate. Since the requirements and procedures vary from country to country, we recommend getting in touch with our team at least 14 days in advance to ensure there is enough time for all necessary preparations. Some countries require a rabies blood test, the ‘titar test’, which has to be taken at least 30 days after rabies vaccination.

Precise coordination to ensure a smooth journey

After cargo-partner has booked the transport and received confirmation from the airline, the logistics provider issues an air waybill (AWB) to confirm the reservation. Furthermore, they coordinate all necessary communication with airlines, veterinarians and all other involved parties at the departure, transit and destination points. The team closely plan and monitor every step of the journey to ensure smooth procedures and comfortable transport for our customers’ pets. Every detail is important, from checking the documentation and confirming the booking with the airline up to organizing the boarding and departure, handling in transit and finally arrival at the destination. Therefore the utmost care is insured during all steps closely, because pets are for the most of us family members. In addition, the IATA officially considers live animals as a special type of cargo, which means there are very strict regulations in place and no detail can be omitted.

On request, the cargo-partner team in Croatia can also provide travel kennels, trained staff to accompany pets during the flight as well as road transport with a dedicated pet transport vehicle. Zoran Starcevic explains: “Our special van for animal transports ensures the highest comfort and safety for the transport of pets. We use it mostly in Croatia, but also for deliveries to and from neighboring countries like Serbia, Slovenia or Bosnia and Herzegovina.”