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ANIMAL TRANSPORTATION
NAVIGATING THE WORLD OF LIV
“We work very closely with Qatar Airways who manage the majority of our exports to popular destinations such as Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and South Africa”
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ACW 25 SEPTEMVBER 2023
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s a dedicated live animal transportation service that handles the transport of beloved animal companions, Pets on Board works to ensure travel around the globe is safe and comfortable. From arranging live animal exports to handling pets during holidays, relocations, and seasonal migrations, they provide a comprehensive service that seeks to take the stress out of animal transportation. Global routes Pets on Board, a subsidiary of Dublin-based EFL International Distribution, operates globally and specialises in routes to countries with stringent regulations, such as Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and the UAE. These destinations demand meticulous paperwork and adherence to specific protocols, which can take several months to complete. The importance of thorough preparation cannot be overstated, ensuring animals meet the strict requirements of these countries. To minimise delays where possible, Pets on Board operates hand-in-hand with a number of partners. “We work very closely with Qatar Airways who manage the majority of our exports to popular destinations such as Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and South Africa,” Siobhan Sweeney, Pet Relocation Manager at Pets on Board, said. “The EU moves are handled more by Aerlingus and Lufthansa and the UAE are usually looked after by Emirates,” she explained. “We do use an array of different airlines for many locations however.” From facility to destination The actual journey from Pets on Board facilities to the destination involves several steps. As an organisation, they coordinate with airlines to book flights that accommodate the animals’ specific needs, utilising specialised crates to ensure the animals’ comfort and safety during the journey. “It’s really case by case specific, what the owner is willing to include in the service. We offer all services, basically, we offer everything,” Sweeney explained. “Not only do we cater for the transport, we can also provide the travel containers for transport; no crate is too big or too small. Ranging from standard plastic kennels to custom-made wooden
crates, we cater to all shapes and sizes of animals, all IATA approved of course”. Temperature control is paramount as aircraft cargo holds can experience extreme temperatures. Pets on Board ensures that the animals are exposed to the right conditions throughout the journey. Finally, on arrival at the destination, the pets may undergo customs clearance, which can vary from country to country. Prioritising welfare Transporting animals isn’t just about logistics; it’s also about ensuring their welfare throughout the journey. Pets on Board takes animal well-being seriously, tailoring their services to each animal’s unique needs.
“We try to just cater for the animal. We’ll always say that the animal comes first. The animal’s welfare is our utmost importance,” Sweeney stated. “You can’t explain to an animal what’s happening but you can explain to the owner.” As animals may be required to stay in various locations during the travel process, depending on the owner’s circumstances, Pets on Board offers a range of options, including in-home boarding facilities, family or friend care, or utilising the expertise of trained professionals for longer stays. This approach focuses on minimising stress for the animals and ensuring they are comfortable and safe. “We also work closely with Fota Wildlife Park in Cork with their