From Elephants To Sturgeons:
How Petshipping Moves Animals Safely Around The Globe
Moving abroad with a pet comes with more than just paperwork and packing – it’s about ensuring the comfort and safety of a beloved family member. That’s where Petshipping comes in.
With over five decades of experience, this specialized agency has transported everything from butterflies to elephants, always with precision, care, and a deep respect for the animals involved.
In our interview, the Petshipping team shares insights into extraordinary animal moves, explains common mistakes pet owners make, and highlights how close cooperation with relocation partners like Wilde Relocation makes all the difference.
🐾 Can you briefly introduce Petshipping – what do you do, and what makes you different from traditional pet transport services?
Petshipping, formerly Gradlyn, began in 1968 transporting pets for US military families in Germany. Over time, we expanded to transporting all kinds of live animals – from zoo animals to insects. In 2024, we rebranded as Petshipping.com. What sets us apart is our experience, attention to detail, and dedication to going the extra mile.
🐾 What kinds of exotic animals have you arranged transport for, and what types of animals are you seeing most frequently?
We’ve handled the relocation of a wide range of exotic animals. One of the most memorable cases was organizing the transport of 11 elephants from Central Africa to the United States — we actually booked an entire aircraft for them.
On the smaller side of the spectrum, we’ve transported everything from spiders to entire beehives. For the last 20 years, we’re seeing a high volume of butterfly pupae being shipped from Costa Rica to Germany — a delicate but fascinating process.
🐾 What has been the most unusual or logistically challenging
pet relocation your agency has ever handled?
One of the most fascinating and complex relocations we’ve ever handled involved transporting 100 sturgeons from Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, to Abu Dhabi for a royal family. The fish were destined for a breeding facility the size of 11 football fields.
The preparation took about four months, and the journey itself lasted 36 hours. Each sturgeon measured around 1.70 meters and had to be packed individually.
One of the major challenges was ensuring they had enough oxygen and water for up to 72 hours. They were transported in a refrigerated truck to the airport to maintain optimal conditions.
Remarkably, every single sturgeon arrived safely and in perfect condition.
🐾 How does a typical pet relocation work with Petshipping
from the initial inquiry to the pet’s arrival at the new home?
It mostly starts with the breed of the pet and destination as requirements are different from country to country and from airline to airline. Also, we offer different types of services with pickup and delivery, organizing permits (if required), import and export clearances. It all depends on the pet owner’s preference in which type of services are needed.
🐾 What are some common mistakes pet owners make when relocating
their pets and how do you help prevent them?
The most common mistakes pet owners make is trying to do it themselves. There are people like us that do this daily and have the expertise to guide you through.
🐾 What paperwork or preparations are needed for international
pet transport, especially to or from Germany?
It depends on the country the pet is coming from to Germany and depends on the country the pet is flying to. Every country is different in terms of requirements. Some require additional tests, treatments, permits etc. and some don’t.
🐾 How do you ensure the pet stays as calm and
safe as possible during the journey?
We have a preparation guide for pet owners how to prepare their pets before travel. Do not provide any sedatives. The worst thing you can do is to sedate your pet.
🐾 Be honest – do some pets travel more
calmly than their humans?
100%. Pets always travel more calmly than their humans.
🐾 How do you coordinate with airlines, authorities,
and veterinarians to guarantee the highest safety standards?
Airlines, authorities and veterinarians have many requirements and restrictions nowadays. We are in close contact with them to guarantee high safety standards.
🐾 What happens in case of delays or unexpected events –
how do you manage those situations?
We bring pets to an animal station where they will be released from their transport crates and will be fed and watered in the time of delay. If need be, they can also be boarded.
🐾 What should pet owners absolutely keep in mind before
relocating with their animal – both emotionally and logistically?
Emotionally it is tough if you are attached to your pet as a pet owner. There is not much to worry about. To travel by air is still the safest way to travel especially if pets are booked as cargo as there are so many guidelines and restrictions to follow before even having the pet on board. We take care of the wellbeing of the pets as well as all parties involved like the airlines and authorities. Pets always have the highest priority as cargo.
🐾 Do you have a “hidden gem” pro tip that most
people don’t know but makes a big difference?
We always say preparation is key.
🐾 How does your partnership with relocation
companies like Wilde Relocation work in practice?
We are thankful for partnering with companies like Wilde Relocation that trust our work and knowledge in the industry. They can be sure that we will take care of their clients’ furry family members.
🐾 What benefits do clients gain when their relocation agent
and pet transport provider work closely together?
The pet owners feel a sense of trust between the relocation agent and us. This pretty much already gives an ease in comfort.
🐾 Do you see pet relocation becoming a bigger topic
in international mobility? What trends are you noticing?
More and more employers are giving pet allowances to their employees. There has been an increase in pet ownership over the last few years, especially since COVID.
A big thank you to the team at Petshipping for taking the time to share their unique expertise – and for helping families (and their animals) relocate with care, confidence, and heart.