Top Ten Pet Couriers in 2023

When it comes to moving your pet abroad, you want to make sure they’re in safe hands. This is why we’ve compiled a list of top pet couriers, with the front runners including Starwood Pet Travel, Happy Tails Travel Inc., and Pets Oasis.

These companies have the expertise and knowledge to make sure your furry friend’s journey is as stress-free as possible. 

Below, you can find out what our list of top pet couriers have to offer – from temperature-controlled transport to pet-friendly airlines and custom crates.

1. Starwood Pet Travel

This UK-based pet travel company is dedicated to ensuring that your pet is moved abroad safely, comfortably, and that the whole process is stress-free for you and your (possibly) four-legged friend.

As a member of the International Pet & Animal Transport Association (IPATA), Starwood Pet Travel is also able to partner with other businesses across the globe in order to deliver your pet door-to-door. You won’t have to lift a finger!

But this is your furry friend we’re talking about – you’re not going to opt for a pet courier without some trusty customer reviews, right? Well, Starwood won’t let you down in this department, either. Not only do 95% of users recommend this company, but Starwood Pet Travel has also been voted Pet Relocation Company of the Year by the Australian Emigration Awards.

So, you can rest assured your pet is in safe hands for your big move abroad. To find out exactly how much it'll cost you to use Starwood services, simply fill in this quick form, and they'll get back to you with a free quote.

2. Happy Tails Travel Inc.

Based in the US state of Arizona, these pet relocation specialists boast a 100% safety record. With 22 years of experience, Happy Tails Travel Inc have a global logistics network, shipping to most countries around the world. They handle every part of your precious pet’s journey, from customs clearance to transport between your home and the airport.

If you are travelling during the summer months, you can take comfort from the fact that, coming from the deserts of Arizona, they have plenty of experience transporting animals in the heat! International relocation plans start at US$850.

3. Pets Oasis

This customer-focused company offers a “one-stop destination” for pet relocations out of and into the United Arab Emirates. Owned by a licensed vet, Pets Oasis handle every step of the process, including customised International Air Transport Association (IATA) travel crates, flight booking, door-to-door pickup and delivery, document processing, boarding and in-house veterinary checks. Their primary airport is Dubai, but they can accommodate travel to and from other airports in the UAE.

4. Airpets

Located within easy reach of the UK’s biggest airport, London Heathrow,

Airpets offer convenient and luxurious pet transportation services. If you opt for a full door-to-door service, your pets will enjoy a short stay in their shiny new in-house facilities prior to their flight. Think grooming, hydrotherapy and secure exercise areas. During their flight, they’ll be in comfy IATA-approved sky kennels.

You will be allocated a personal pet travel consultant to oversee every step of the journey. While they serve a wide global network, travel between the UK and the US, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand takes place on an almost daily basis.

5. PetFlight Inc.

These Canadian pet travel experts have a great track record – over 20 years without death or injury to any pet they have moved. PetFlight offer international pet relocations from their base in Toronto, with Australia, the UK, South Africa, Dubai and New Zealand as their specialities. They handle both Canadian pet imports and exports. Quotes are personalised and can be adjusted to give you more responsibility in certain areas if you are looking for the cheapest pet shipping option.

6. Animals Away

With Animals Away, you can be sure your pet is in experienced hands. They have relocated over 50,000 animals around the globe! Established in 1992, this worldwide company offers first-class door-to-door services. From their offices in New York, Seattle, Boston and L.A. they handle every logistical aspect of your pet’s relocation experience – from documentation to transportation.

7. Pet Carriers International

Australian couriers, Pet Carriers International, have offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. They handle international relocations into and out of Australia. With great in-house boarding facilities close to the major airports and a fleet of comfortable climate-controlled vehicles, they offer a comprehensive service.

8. Animal Travel Services

As the longest-running pet courier service in Cape Town, this South African company have plenty of experience. Animal Travel Services pride themselves on offering an elite service for corporate clients, with everything from top-notch boarding facilities to pet chauffeur services.

They also lay on pre-flight pampering and grooming for your pets. They’ll also help you navigate South Africa’s strict import and export regulations (put in place to prevent illegal trafficking of the country’s much-loved endangered species).

9. Air Animal

Air Animal is a veterinarian-founded pet transport service, based in Florida. Since 1977, it has grown from a small family-run affair into one of the most extensive pet relocation companies in the US. Their comprehensive network includes over 225 airlines around the world. As an IATA-endorsed air cargo operator, they have high standards in humane pet transportation. Fees start at US$2,695 for a full VIP international door-to-door service from the US and US$1,595 for their more basic Book & Fly international package.

10. Worldwide Animal Travel

For a Canadian pet relocation service with offices in Vancouver, British Columbia and Toronto, look no further than Worldwide Animal Travel. As owners of Canada’s only customs bonded cat and dog kennels, imported pets can be cared for by their team before they have even been cleared through customs. They specialise in relocations to Australia and New Zealand, Japan and the rest of Asia, the Middle East, South America, the US, the UK, Africa and Europe – so basically all over the globe! They can provide a full service including travel permits, boarding, door-to-door collection and delivery, and IATA-approved custom flight kennels.