Your pet's safety is our top priority! We offer a variety of packages that you can tailor to specifically meet your pet travel needs!

40 years of experience 4.6 400+ Google reviews 10,000+ safe trips
W h a t ' s i n c l u d e d
Packages tailored to your needs
P r o c e s s
How it works
Most of our clients have never worked with a professional pet travel company before, much less transported a pet overseas. And despite pets & people flying on the same flights, the processes for pet travel & human travel are almost entirely different. So, we get it - you probably have no idea what to expect!
But you're in good hands with Starwood. We've been in business for over thirty years, having transported thousands & thousands of pets all over the globe, so we have the process engrained in our bones! Here's an outline of what to expect after you sign-up with us:
Once you sign our proposal, we'll request the contact information of your trusted veterinarian. Collaborating closely with both you and your vet, we will diligently gather your furry friend's medical records and thoroughly review them.
Rest assured, if anything is missing, we will promptly notify you and keep you informed with a comprehensive veterinary timeline, ensuring you are well-informed about the next steps.
If your pet is traveling to a country that requires an import permit or quarantine, you don't need to worry! We take care of all the necessary requirements on your behalf. Once we have all the relevant paperwork, we'll handle the application for the import permit, as well as booking the quarantine facility.
We also offer assistance with obtaining the health certificate before your pet's journey. This includes arranging transportation to and from the vet, coordinating the final veterinary examination with any required treatments, completing the health certificate, and ensuring that the documents are endorsed by the USDA (if needed).
Once we have received all the necessary information and paperwork for your pet, we will take care of all the intricate details involved in booking your pet's journey. Unlike passenger reservations, which are made with the passenger side of the airline, pet cargo bookings are handled through the cargo side. It's important to note that pet cargo reservations can only be secured once the airline's booking window opens, which typically occurs 7-30 days prior to the travel date. Rest assured, we will select the best flight route with the best airlines for pet travel.
Once your pet's travel arrangements are finalized, we will provide you with a comprehensive schedule highlighting the exact times for pick-up or delivery, flight details, any necessary quarantine instructions (if applicable), and a checklist of items to bring along during pick-up.
Depending on the package you've selected, we have two convenient options for picking up your beloved pet. We can either collect them directly from your home or arrange to meet you at the airport. We also offer the flexibility to pick up from a trusted friend or family member, your veterinarian, or even a local boarding facility. It's important to note that only our drivers can check pets in the for the flight - this is a service we provide exclusively for your peace of mind (and your pet's safety).
After your pet is picked up, we'll keep you in the loop with live updates on their check-in, departure, and safe landing.
We have an industry-first pet travel portal and CareTags where you can track your pet's whereabouts throughout their journey.
After your pet reaches their destination, we take care of all the necessary customs procedures for international travel. Depending on the services you choose, we can either arrange for a smooth handover at the airport or safely drive your furry friend to your new home, a trusted relative, a dear friend, or a reputable local boarding facility. If your pet needs to undergo quarantine, the quarantine staff will handle their transportation from the airport to the quarantine facility. Once your pet is released from quarantine, we can offer convenient home delivery services.
T r a v e l F a c t s
Navigating global requirements
Pet Relocation Embargoes
Depending on your pet's breed and its origin or destination, some airlines place embargoes on pet travel. We are up to date on all the latest restrictions, so we can advise the best timing and flight routing for your pet to travel.
Pet Shipping Restrictions
Some airlines and/or countries will not allow pets to travel with you in-cabin or as accompanied baggage or they only accept live animal shipments from professional pet shippers. Check with your intended airline to review any specific pet shipping policies.
Pet Boarding
If necessary, we can board your pet until you are ready for them to travel. We’re happy to collect your pet from home, a relative, your veterinarian, or your favorite boarding facility if you need extra time to relocate.
Flight Cancellations
Flight cancellations are rare, but they can happen. If your pet’s flight is canceled, we will pick them up and arrange for them to travel to you on the next possible flight. We will contact you and/or the consignee (person receiving your pet) before making new travel arrangements.
Tranquilizers or Sedatives
Our primary concern is always the health and safety of the pets that we transport. Tranquilizers or sedatives can be more harmful than helpful to your pet during air travel, so we will NOT ship any pet who has been sedated or tranquilized.
Tax Benefits
One of the perks of transporting your pet is that pet moving expenses can be tax-deductible if the relocation is job-related. Please consult your accountant and refer to IRS publication #521 for more details.