FAQs : O'Brien Animal Transportation Service (OATS) :: Pet Shipping and Pet Transportation and Relocation Local, Domestic & International services.

What does OATS stand for?
OATS is short for, O’Brien Animal Transportation &
Services.

Why use OATS?
Compliance with all Animal Welfare Act Regulation

Comprehensive research into the most direct available flight for your pet

Acclimation for your pet for safe travel- without the use of sedation

Acquiring health certificates and letter of acclimations

Ensuring that vaccinations, including rabies are up to date

Finding and obtaining the requirements of country destinations including documentation, quarantines, etc

Contacting and Booking flights directly through air carrier

Assist in obtaining the required Pet Carrier and certain instructions on
how to prepare those crates that deem fit for international countries

Determine proper arrival and departure procedures and documentation

Arrange for payment to airline, vet, quarantine facility, kennel, pet carrier vendor, etc

Proper preparation for you pet and their travel kennel for flight

Arranging pickup/delivery logistics at each required destination

Arrangement of boarding and/or grooming services

Extensive Ground Transport network- anywhere in the US

How are Fees set for each trip?
There are a number of components to your fee. These include the air cargo fee (ticket) charged by the airlines, charges for ground transportation when needed, transfers, communication including long distance telephone calls, overnight/express mail services and our processing fee. In addition, you may incur costs for boarding, veterinarian services, permits and for approved pet carriers (crates). Each trip is different and may require many hours of planning and the involvement of a variety of people.

Once we send in your consultation form, is there any obligation for additional fees?
NO. It is an opportunity for us to review your info and have it all in one place, while conducting the research and effort needed in making your quote and travel as accurate as possible.

Where is my Pet during the Flight?
Pets are shipped in a pressurized and temperature controlled area of the plane. The temperature is the same as it is in the passenger area and your pet can rest comfortably in their kennel during the flight. When you choose to use the cargo system for pet travel, rest assure that your pet is put on the plane last and taken off first to assure safety.
Do not worry, cats and dogs actually travel better this way because it is quieter and they will rest in a darkened environment

I don’t know how airlines base their pricing for pets. Can you give me an idea?
Yes. In general, pet tickets are based on the following three factors when flying unaccompanied: weight of the pet in its carrier, dimensions of the carrier and destination location.

The questions you must answer before making travel arrangements are:
Is your pet going to travel domestically, within your own country, or will it be traveling internationally?
When do you want your pet to travel?
What is the size and weight of your pet?
How many animals will be traveling?
Is your pet to be accompanied?
Do you intend to break the journey, or stopover at an intermediate station?
What is your pet’s final destination?
Do you have a container for your pet?

How far in advance should I start planning my pet’s move?
You should start planning as far in advance as possible. Transporting your animal requires a lot of coordination and planning, many times taking weeks or months to coordinate your trip.

What size kennel/travel container will I need for my pet?
Your animal should be free to stand up, turn around and lay down with their front paws extended- without touching the side or top of its container.

Where is my Pet during the Flight?
Pets are shipped in a pressurized and temperature controlled area of the plane. The temperature is the same as it is in the passenger area and your pet can rest comforrably in their kennel during the flight. When you choose to use the cargo system for pet travel, rest assure that your pet is put on the plane last and taken off first to assure safety.
Do not worry, cats and dogs actually travel better this way because it is quieter and they will rest in a darkened environment

Can OATS pick up/deliver my pet/animal?
OATS has a network of transporters all over the world with over 250 locations worldwide. Please let us know if you need transportation services and we can coordinate them for you.

What can be expected when pricing our pets move?
There are a number of components to your fee. These can include the air cargo fee (ticket) charged by the airlines, charges for ground transportatin when needed, transfers, communication, overnight/express mail services and our shipment coordination fee. In addition, you may incur costs for boarding, veterinarian services, permits and for approved pet carriers (crates). Each trip is different and may require many hours of planning and the involvement of a variety of people & services.

Does your fee include the fee from the airline?
No. Our fee does not include any fees you may incur from your pet’s flight.

Are Pick Up and Delivery Services included in your fee?
No. These services are not included in our fee.

Once I send in the “Get Started” Form is there any obligation or fee?
No there is not. After submitting your Get Started Form, the staff at OATS will review your information and contact you about your pet’s specific needs. At which time you can then decide whether or not you’d like to HIRE OATS for the job!