They’re not just pets anymore—they’re family. And moving them across the world isn’t as simple as it once was. Today’s international furry pet travelers are older, often on medications, and increasingly belong to breeds such French bulldogs and Great Danes–which require heightened care, compliance, and logistics. At the same time, airline and country regulations can shift overnight, leaving families scrambling and pets at risk. One missed detail in a document, a single measurement slightly off with the travel kennel, or a one degree above or below the temperature restrictions can derail an entire journey.
This is the new era of global pet travel: high stakes, high standards, and no room for error. And it’s why more families are turning to expert partners like Starwood Pet Travel who coordinate every detail of a pet’s global move with precision, compassion, and real-time transparency.
The New Realities of Global Pet Shipping
Since 2020, international pet shipping has undergone a seismic shift. A global surge in pet ownership, combined with lingering effects of the pandemic and a 35% spike in demand for relocation services, has collided with a maze of new regulations and rising complexity, both with airlines and country requirements. The locations with the biggest surge in demand since the pandemic are the UK, Spain, and Portugal. Today’s pet travelers often include multiple animals from the same family, many requiring specialized care due to age, breed, or medical needs. At the same time, families now expect far more than just a safe arrival—they want real-time visibility, personalized updates, and assurance that their pets are receiving compassionate, expert care at every step.
Pets with More Complex Needs
Global pet relocation today looks very different than it did just a few years ago. The pets traveling now are often older, on daily medications, or belong to breeds that need special attention—especially snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds like French Bulldogs and Pugs, or large breeds like Great Danes. These animals face unique restrictions on flight routes, weather conditions, and crate specifications. With roughly 50% of dogs now taking daily medication or supplements, this trend has reshaped the way pet relocation must be handled.
At Starwood, every travel plan begins with a personalized assessment of the pet’s age, breed, temperament, and medical needs. From climate-controlled routing to specialized sizing of travel kennels, each challenge is addressed with expert care and regulatory compliance.
Higher Expectations from Pet Owners
As more people see their pets as full family members—95% according to a Harris Poll the expectations around pet relocation have soared. Pet owners now expect the same level of service they’d receive if they were relocating themselves: consistent communication, real-time updates, and reassurance that their pet is safe and cared for every step of the way.
Gone are the days of dropping off a pet at cargo and hoping for the best. Starwood has transformed the experience with a tech-enabled approach: real-time tracking, a dedicated customer portal, and proactive updates throughout the journey. Families are informed when their pet boards, lands, clears customs, and is delivered—all in real time, across the globe.
An Ever-Changing Regulatory Landscape
Perhaps the most unpredictable element in international pet travel today is the rapidly changing web of airline and country-specific import regulations. From updated vaccine requirements to sudden embargoes on pet travel during hot months, rules are constantly in flux. A single overlooked detail can delay a pet’s arrival by weeks—or prevent them from traveling altogether.
Starwood stays ahead of these changes through direct relationships with airline partners, embassies, and an annually vetted global agent network. The logistics team monitors regulatory changes daily and adjusts travel plans accordingly, ensuring paperwork is correct, anticipating potential curveballs, and maintaining compliance with every rule, every time.
When Your Pet’s Travel Agent is Better Than Yours
The world of international pet travel has changed, but with Starwood Pet Travel, families don’t have to navigate it alone. Starwood has responded to the demands of this new era with innovation, compassion, and an unrelenting commitment to safety and service. Whether your pet is older, needs special care, or you simply want peace of mind during their journey, families can expect dedicated support—every step of the way.
Starwood is highly-rated and widely recognized for its expertise and high customer satisfaction in international pet travel
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