As you search for expert help to transport or travel with your pet, you will likely run across two different options: professional pet shipping companies vs pet travel & relocation agencies.
At first glance, these services might look identical. However, we serve entirely different purposes. In fact, they often work together as a team to get your pet safely to your destination. Think of pet travel & relocation agencies as the dedicated travel agent for your entire family, while a pet shipping company focuses on cargo & commercial movement logistics.
What We Have in Common: Animal Welfare First
Before looking at the differences, we should highlight what a great pet shipping provider and BPTS share. First and foremost, animal welfare in transit guides every decision we make. We both know the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations (LAR) inside and out. These rules set the global standard for humane animal transport. Both services keep safety at the forefront, whether your pet rides in the cabin or the cargo hold.
What is a Pet Shipping Company?
A pet shipping company operates as a specialized logistics provider. You hire them when you cannot physically accompany your animal, or when a country legally requires cargo transit.
When a Pet Shipping Company is Best:
- Traveling Separately: You must fly on a different day or route, meaning you need someone to manage the flight and terminal handoff.
- Manifest Cargo Rules: Specific destinations, like the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, legally require pets to enter as manifest cargo. They cannot fly in the cabin or as checked baggage on these routes.
- Customs Clearance: A pet shipping team works closely with a customs clearance agent who is responsible for clearing your pets through customs.
Pro Tip: Always look for a provider registered with IPATA (International Pet and Animal Transportation Association).
What is a Pet Travel & Relocation Agency?
A pet travel and relocation agency focuses on designing your pet inclusive journey. If you plan to travel alongside your pet, they step in to handle the details so you can simply show up and enjoy the experience. Bodzin Pet Travel Solutions (BPTS) operates as a boutique travel and relocation advisory agency for pet parents on the move with their pets.
Our Pet Travel & Relocation Services Support:
- Route Design & Itinerary Planning: We map out your door-to-door timeline, factoring in your budget, location, and travel style.
- In-Cabin Commercial Flying: We provide custom airline policy navigation, route advice, and carrier recommendations for small pets flying under the seat.
- Accompanied Baggage Flying: If your pet exceeds cabin weight limits but can fly in the climate-controlled hold (AVIH), we add them directly to your existing ticket. This avoids complex manifest cargo bookings.
- Private & Semi Private Aviation: We source luxury charter options for ultimate comfort. Our team helps you book a whole aircraft, find an “empty leg” flight, or secure a spot on a pay-per-seat shared private jet like Bark Air, Aero and JSX.
- Transatlantic Oceanliner: We manage complete surface travel arrangements, including securing highly competitive kennel spaces on the Queen Mary 2 ocean liner.
- Custom Road Trips: We design beautiful driving routes complete with pet-friendly hotel bookings, curated stops, and scenic milestones.
- On-the-Ground Airport Support: We provide hands-on assistance by accompanying you to your departure airport to help with check-in, or welcoming you on arrival. We also offer real-time phone support during the check-in process.
- End-to-End Concierge Care: We secure VIP hotel treatment for you and your pet, communicate with government officials, We even coordinate with your vet before your appointment to keep things simple.
The Cheat Sheet: Choosing Your Service Provider
| Scenario | Best Service Provider |
| “I need to move to Australia with my 3 cats.” | Pet Shipping Company |
| “I want to fly with my cat in the cabin to Paris on a specific airline a luxury hotel booking.” | Pet Travel & Relocation Agency |
| “I need to add my dog to my airline reservation in cabin or in the hold (AVIH)” | Pet Travel & Relocation Agency |
| “I want to charter a private jet or buy a shared seat so my pet sits next to me.” | Pet Travel & Relocation Agency |
| “I need an onward train ticket or a private taxi arranged after we land.” | Pet Travel & Relocation Agency |
| “I am moving next week, but my pet must fly out two weeks later.” | Pet Shipping Company |
Better Together: When to Combine Our Services
We never view travel planning and pet shipping as competing options. Your journey and pet dictate your needs. For complex international moves, we frequently collaborates with pet shippers to manage the journey before and after the flight.
Scenario: Moving to the UK
The Scenario: Your dog is moving to the United Kingdom, which requires manifest cargo entry. You live four hours away from the US departure airport, and your new UK home sits hours outside of London.
- Where BPTS Steps In: We design your pre-flight road trip, book your overnight airport hotel, and pinpoint 24/7 emergency vets along the way. We align your local vet appointments perfectly for your health certificate timeline. On the backend, we arrange pet-friendly train tickets or a private vehicle transfer directly from the cargo terminal to your new home. Finally, we identify local vets at your new destination for total peace of mind.
- Where the Pet Shipping Team Steps In: Our preferred IPATA partners manage the airport cargo warehouse details, book the flight manifest, and handle nominating a customs clearing agent prior to arrival in London.
Let’s Build Your Pet Inclusive Travel or Relocation Plan
We maintain complete transparency from our very first call. We feature a trusted network of preferred IPATA pet shipping company partners. If your trip requires a specialized pet shipping agency, we will tell you immediately and introduce you to trusted network. If your goals match our travel services—like private aviation, pet friendly hotels, or in-cabin flights—we will build your pet-inclusive itinerary from scratch.
