A major point of contention between pet owners is the combination of pet shipping and sedation during domestic or international pet shipping. Undoubtedly, transportation in and of itself is traumatic for an animal, even for animals accustomed to transportation. Every contingency needs consideration when planning travel and that does include sedation. You want your pet to be calm during transport and sedation can accomplish this. Yet, you are concerned that sedation might harm your pet. There are certainly different viewpoints to consider before making a decision on pet shipping and sedation during travel.



Pet sedation has serious associated consequences. The worst consequence is obviously the death or serious injury of your beloved pet. As in your pet's human counterparts, there is the possibility of a negative reaction, one of which is a loss of equilibrium. If your pet does experience a harmful reaction, you are not physically able to be present to ease the animal's discomfort.

The Professionals on Pet Shipping and Sedation

IPATA.COM (Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association International, Inc.), is a network of professional animal shippers dedicated to the provision of ?professional, competent and caring pet transportation relocation services.? IPATA.COM is the expert authority on pet shipping industry standards. IPATA.COM and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) both stand against pet shipping and sedation during shipment. The reason is that pet sedation causes a loss of equilibrium that in turn raises the risk of injury to the animal in moving about the carrier. The airlines are also weighing in with their opinion by not accepting sedated animals for shipment.

Alternatives to Pet Sedation

Having an alternative to pet sedation makes a better experience for your pet and less worry for you. Professionals at IPATA.COM and the Air Transport Association of America (ATA) recommend the tips below. Some of these alternatives to pet sedation during pet shipping take some planning and time before the actual transportation, but in the end, it is worth it to have a comfortable, calm, and happy pet.

? Acclimate your pet to an IATA-approved carrier before the transportation. Leave the kennel door open at home with a favorite object, such as a sock, t-shirt, or toy, placed inside the kennel to encourage the animal to spend time in the kennel. Put your pet in the shipping carrier and take car trips, increasing the distance of each trip.

? Choose a shipping crate or carrier that has plenty of air holes but will be comfortable for your pet to lie down in, as many pets will want to lie down and sleep if they are already comfortable in the shipping kennel. Purchasing an IATA-approved carrier will meet all regulation specifications.

? Ask your veterinarian for over-the-counter sedation alternatives.

Feel free to contact AnimalsAway.com to discuss pet shipping and sedation or to address any other issues or concerns you may have about the shipping process. Call us today at 1-800-492-7961 for detailed information on domestic and international shipping, as well as pet sedation from the number one pet shipping company on the Internet!