Cat owners, have you ever thought about taking your beloved pet on a trip or moving house? Especially when crossing provinces or cities, the question "Can express delivery send cats?" definitely arises. Don't rush, this matter is really not as simple as packing and shipping.

First of all, let me make it clear: ordinary express delivery strictly prohibits mailing live animals, including cats. Imagine stuffing a lively cat into an airtight express package, then mixing it with other goods while bumping and compressing it. High or low temperature environments can make it very hard for the cat to survive, even risking its life. Such behavior is not only irresponsible to pets but also illegal. Those so-called "pet blind boxes" are typical negative examples, not only illegal but can also lead to animal death.

So, if you really need to take your cat to another place, what are the correct "methods"? The main reliable options are: air transport, railway transport (some regular trains and pilot high-speed trains), and professional pet transport companies.

The Correct Way to Transport Pets

1. Air Transport: Speed and Safety Coexist

Air cargo is currently a relatively common long-distance pet transportation method, especially for owners who prioritize timeliness. However, this is not a spontaneous "just buy a ticket and go" trip, it requires advance research and preparation.

• Advance reservation is key: Not all flights have oxygenated cargo holds, so you must contact the airline in advance to inquire and book a pet space. Usually, applications need to be submitted at least 24 hours or even earlier before the flight departure.
• Prepare complete documents: This is the "ticket" for smooth transport. You need to prepare the "Animal Quarantine Certificate" issued by the county or district level and above Animal Health Supervision Office, along with your pet's vaccination certificate. The "Animal Quarantine Certificate" usually has a validity period; plan your timing carefully.
• Choose the right pet carrier: Selecting the carrier is crucial, relating to the cat's safety and is mandatory by airlines. Carriers must comply with International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards, requiring sturdy construction, good ventilation (at least three sides ventilated), a reliable locking mechanism, and enough space for the cat to stand, sit, turn around, and lie down in a normal posture. The bottom is best with absorbent padding. Short-nosed cats, short-nosed dogs, and certain breeds may not be suitable for air travel or may be rejected by some airlines. Check the airline's specific regulations in advance.
• Day of shipping precautions: Arrive at the airport cargo terminal at least 3 hours early to handle procedures such as weighing, payment, and security check. To prevent vomiting or discomfort in transit, it’s recommended to withhold food a few hours before departure. Place familiar items with your cat in the carrier, such as blankets or toys with your scent, to help ease anxiety.
• How is the fee calculated? Air transport fees are usually based on the pet’s weight (including carrier) and flight distance. Different airlines and routes have different pricing structures, some charging by kilogram (dozens of yuan per kg), some having a minimum charge. Additionally, quarantine fees, carrier fees, etc. may apply. Consult the airline or professional pet transport companies in advance for accurate quotes.
• How to pick up upon arrival: After landing, usually within 1-2 hours, present the recipient's original ID at the airport cargo station to collect the pet. If not traveling together, inform the person picking up of the shipment tracking number in advance.

2. Railway Transport: Cost-Effective Choice (Applicable in Some Cases)

Currently, pets generally cannot be brought directly into high-speed train carriages. Only some regular trains and selected Shanghai-Beijing high-speed train services are piloting pet transport service. Certain conditions must also be met for railway transport.

• Which trains are available? Mainly some regular trains. You need to inquire via China Railway 12306 whether the shipment service is available between your departure and arrival cities. Recently, some Shanghai-Beijing high-speed train trips have started pilot pet transport services, but with clear weight and shoulder height limits.
• Documents equally important: Similar to air transport, valid "Animal Quarantine Certificate" and vaccination records are required.
• Container requirements: Use a securely locked, well-ventilated cage with bottom padding to prevent fecal leakage, equipped with a water dispenser.
• Weight and escort rules: Usually, pets must not exceed 20 kilograms. For transport distances under 200 kilometers without feeding needed en route, solo shipping is allowed. For longer distances or when feedings are necessary, an accompanying person must be arranged by purchasing a passenger ticket on the same train.
• Costs: Railway transport fees are generally cheaper than air, charged based on mileage and other factors. Shanghai-Beijing high-speed train pilot service fees are calculated based on mileage tiers, currently offering discounted rates.

3. Professional Pet Transport Companies: Worry-Free and Efficient

If you find air or railway procedures too complicated, or need door-to-door service, consider seeking help from professional pet transport companies. These companies usually have rich experience and resources, providing one-stop services including document processing, carrier preparation, and pick-up/drop-off. Common pet transport companies include Youchong Express, Yifeng Pet Transport, Lechong Pet Transportation, SF Pet Express, etc. Choosing a reputable and well-reviewed company can give you peace of mind.

Precautions for Pet Transport

No matter which method is chosen, pet transport carries certain risks. As owners, we need to prepare thoroughly and manage expectations.

• Pet health status: Only pets in good health should be transported. Pregnant, nursing, very young (usually under 8 or 10 weeks), recently delivered pets, or those with specific illnesses are not suitable. Consult a vet before shipping to assess if your cat is fit for long-distance travel.
• Stress reaction: Pets may exhibit stress responses in unfamiliar environments or during transport, such as anxiety or vomiting. Placing familiar items in the carrier and withholding food in advance can help alleviate this.
• Transport environment: Cargo hold conditions may differ from passenger cabins; pressure, temperature, noise, and other factors might affect pets. Airlines usually place live animals in oxygenated cargo holds, but specific conditions should be confirmed ahead.
• Risk disclosure: Airlines generally require signing a pet transport liability waiver, stating potential risks during transport and that they are not responsible for pet injury or death unrelated to airline fault. Professional companies often provide insurance options, which you may consider purchasing.
• Preparation in advance: Besides documents and the carrier, prepare sufficient water for your cat, using carriers with water dispensers and freezing ice cubes inside to prevent spills. No feeding is needed for short trips; adequate food should be prepared for long journeys.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is it really forbidden to send live animals by ordinary express delivery?
  Yes, according to the "Implementation Rules of the Postal Law of the People's Republic of China" and related regulations, ordinary express delivery is strictly prohibited from sending live animals.
• What are the approximate costs for pet transport?
  Costs depend on multiple factors including transportation mode (air, rail), distance, pet weight and size, and whether professional services are involved. Air transport usually charges by weight, dozens of yuan per kilogram, with total fees ranging from hundreds to over a thousand yuan. Railway is generally cheaper. Professional companies charge for comprehensive services, so prices are higher.
• What documents are required for pet transport?
  Usually, the "Animal Quarantine Certificate" issued by county or district level Animal Health Supervision Office, and pet vaccination certificates are needed. International travel requires additional documents.
• Are there special requirements for the pet carrier?
  Yes, it must comply with International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards, being sturdy, ventilated, with reliable locks, and spacious enough.
• Can short-nosed cats be transported by air?
  Some airlines do not accept short-nosed cats for air transport because they are prone to breathing difficulties during flight. Confirm with the airline beforehand.

In summary, although ordinary express delivery cannot send cats, we can still legally and safely bring cats when traveling through air, rail, or professional pet transport services. Before choosing a suitable transport method, make sure to fully understand relevant regulations and procedures, and prepare your cat well to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.