Office Address

3249 Terminal Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93455, United States

Phone Number

+1 (513) 655-6703

Pet Relocation is Our Passion!

Relocating pets is an important service, and thousands of ‘pet parents’ all over the world need shipping for their dogs, cats, and other animals for different reasons, including a home relocation, a new job, family vacation, attending school, new ownership over the internet from rescue shelters or adoption agencies, and PCS (Permanent Change of Station) for military.

Planning a pet move can be an overwhelming and time consuming task. Happy Tails Travel specializes in animal transportation by air, and we set the standard in quality pet relocation. We minimize discomfort and stress for both you and your pet. Your peace of mind matters to us.

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Trusted Agency

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Pet Travel Safety

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Frequently Asked Quotation

Air travel is as safe for pets as it is for people. Your pet will travel in a special cargo compartment within the aircraft. This compartment is both climate controlled and pressurized for your pet’s safety and comfort, and it is on the same air circulation system as the cabin. Many of our customers are envious that their pets are laying down comfortably on soft bedding in their crates, while the owners are confined to squeezy airline seats!


We provide strong and sturdy travel crates that provide protection during loading and unloading, and prevent your pet escaping whereas lightweight crates that some owners source from pet stores may flex during handling, enabling the door to accidentally open.


If you can imagine keeping your pet in a crate in the laundry overnight, this is similar to what your pet will experience while in the pet-compartment within the aircraft.

Airlines do not ship pets in extreme heat or cold, as your pet will be briefly exposed to the weather on the tarmac during loading & unloading. Once loaded onto the aircraft, your pet will enjoy temperature-controlled air conditioning in the pet compartment within the aircraft, and experience temperatures similar to those in the passenger cabin.


Airlines consider the temperature on the ground at the origin, destination, and any transit points along the way. Should temperatures fall outside of approved ranges at origin, destination, or transit points, your pet may not be permitted to travel on its scheduled flight. Some locations such as Phoenix, Arizona are commonly embargoed for all pet transport during summer months.


Airlines consider the temperature on the ground at the origin, destination, and any transit points along the way. Should temperatures fall outside of approved ranges at origin, destination, or transit points, your pet may not be permitted to travel on its scheduled flight. Some locations such as Phoenix, Arizona are commonly embargoed for all pet transport during summer months.


All airlines have different policies, however, most will only permit pet travel when temperatures exceed minimums (ranging between 10 deg F to 40 deg F) or are below maximum temperatures of usually around 85 deg F.


With access to many flights, Luxury Paw Transport can schedule your pet’s travel for the coolest time of day (or night) in hot weather and the warmest time of day in cold weather.


If you plan to travel with your pet on the same flight, please be aware that an unexpected temperature restriction may impact your own travel plans which may result in delays and amendment fees to your own ticket.


Speak to a Pet Travel Consultant for more information.

Whenever possible, we ship pets on non-stop flights.


If a change of plane is necessary, we will choose the route that minimizes travel time and provides the maximum safety and comfort for your pet. If your pet will require a long stopover/connection, we can provide a “comfort stop” where your pet will be cared for, fed, watered, and exercised while waiting for its next flight. Pets with medical conditions may require a comfort stop so that medication can be administered.

In most cases you can take your pet with you on vacation, however there are many factors to consider, especially if travelling overseas. Sometimes preparatory veterinary work or timeframes may be impractical for short journeys, or your pet may be quarantined at destination or upon return home. Some larger pets may also be unable to travel to remote locations that are serviced by small aircraft. As vacations can vary, please speak with a Pet Travel Consultant to discuss options.

We will give your pet a drink of water at the airport before departure. We try not to overfill water containers because water invariably spills during transit which may make bedding wet or moist. Where possible, we may also provide frozen water, as this enables the crate to be moved without the water spilling, and your pet can take water as the ice melts during travel. Your pet is likely to be thirsty after the flight (just as you may be), so please provide a drink as soon as you can safely take the pet out of the crate. If your pet doesn’t drink when settling into its new home, you may consider adding a food flavoring to the water.


Food is not provided during the flight because it can be a choking hazard, and large amounts of food may make your pet feel uncomfortable in its crate. (what goes in will eventually want to come out….) However, please prepare two portions of your pet’s food in two separate plastic bags. We will attach these portions to the outside of the crate at pick-up time, and they will be available in the unlikely event that your pet’s trip is delayed.