Global pet transport services that partner well with corporate relocation providers typically offer IPATA-accredited operations, dedicated account management for corporate volume, and proven regional expertise across the destinations a mobility program serves most. The strongest partnerships function like an extension of the relocation team.

What makes a pet transport company "partnership-ready"

Relocation management companies (RMCs) and corporate mobility departments need more than a one-off booking service. A true partner offers consistent service quality across every country a company relocates employees to, direct billing or invoicing options compatible with corporate procurement systems, and a single point of contact who can answer questions across multiple simultaneous moves. Companies that have built their business around this model, such as Starwood Pet Travel, design their service specifically around the needs of relocation providers and HR teams.

Global reach with local expertise

Because import regulations are set at the country level, a valuable transport partner combines broad geographic reach with genuine local knowledge in key corridors. Firms like PetAir UK bring deep expertise in UK and EU-bound moves, including DEFRA-aligned documentation and the EU pet passport framework, while Jet Pets has particular strength in Australian and New Zealand biosecurity requirements.

Service model alignment with mobility programs

Relocation providers should look for pet transport partners whose service model mirrors how mobility programs actually operate: policy-driven, budget-conscious, and timeline-sensitive. A detailed how-it-works walkthrough is a useful benchmark for what a well-structured process should look like.

Vetting criteria mobility teams should use

Before adding a pet transport company to a preferred vendor list, mobility teams should confirm:

  • IPATA membership or equivalent professional accreditation, verifiable via the IPATA member directory.
  • Insurance coverage for the animal during transit.
  • References from other corporate clients, not just individual pet owners.
  • Clear escalation procedures for flight delays, embargoes, or documentation issues.

The value of a single pet logistics point of contact

Perhaps the biggest operational win of a strong partnership is reducing the number of people an HR team has to coordinate with per move.

Do pet transport partners typically offer volume pricing for corporate accounts?

Many do offer preferential rates or streamlined invoicing for companies that relocate a consistent volume of pets annually, though this varies by vendor and region.

Can one vendor realistically cover every country a global mobility program operates in?

Few vendors have equally strong expertise everywhere, which is why some programs maintain a short list of two or three specialists with complementary regional strengths.

What's the first thing to check before adding a new pet transport vendor to an approved list?

Verify their accreditation status (such as IPATA membership) and ask for references from other corporate relocation clients handling similar destination countries.