Pet Transportation Across Southern California
Across The Pond Pets provides a full-service Southern California pet transportation service for families relocating with dogs, cats, birds, and exotic animals across Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, the Inland Empire, and surrounding regions — domestically and internationally.
Whether your pet is traveling across the country or to the other side of the world, our pet travel specialists handle every detail — from airline cargo reservations and veterinary documentation to airport cargo check-ins and ground transportation from your Southern California home.
Our team works daily with all major regional airports including LAX, San Diego International (SAN), and John Wayne Airport (SNA), ensuring your pet's journey is coordinated by professionals who know the logistics inside and out.
Areas We Serve Across Southern California
Our Southern California pet transport service covers the entire region. We pick up and coordinate from all major cities and communities throughout the SoCal metro area, including:
Whether your pet is departing from Southern California or arriving from another country, our team ensures a smooth, compliant, and stress-free relocation experience every step of the way.
Major Airports We Serve in Southern California
Southern California is home to six major commercial airports used for domestic and international pet transport. Our team regularly coordinates airline cargo bookings, cargo facility check-ins, and pet pickup and drop-off at every one of these hubs:
| Airport | Code | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles International | LAX | International departures, widebody cargo, most airline options |
| San Diego International | SAN | South SoCal departures, domestic & select international routes |
| John Wayne Airport (Orange County) | SNA | OC residents, domestic connections to major cargo hubs |
| Ontario International | ONT | Inland Empire region, growing cargo capability |
| Hollywood Burbank | BUR | North LA Valley, domestic connections |
| Long Beach Airport | LGB | South Bay and Long Beach area pet transport |
For international moves, LAX is usually the best option. It offers the widest range of direct international routes and dedicated cargo facilities. Visit our dedicated Los Angeles (LAX) pet transportation page for full details on LAX-specific logistics.
What Our Southern California Pet Transportation Service Includes
Professional pet relocation is far more than booking a kennel on a plane. Our full-service coordination covers every element of your pet's journey from start to finish:
Airline Cargo Bookings
We book pet-specific cargo space with the right airline for your route, breed, and travel date — navigating airline policies so you don't have to.
Veterinary Documentation
Our documentation specialists guide your vet through USDA-accredited health certificates, APHIS endorsements, and import permits.
Crate Compliance
We verify your travel crate meets IATA size, ventilation, and labeling standards. See our crate size guide and crate guidelines.
Ground Transportation
Door-to-airport pet ground transport from your Southern California home to airline cargo facilities — safe, punctual, and stress-free.
Import Permit Research
Destination country requirements vary widely. Our team researches import rules, quarantine obligations, and breed restrictions for every move. Browse pet destinations.
Day-of-Travel Support
Real-time coordination on departure day, cargo facility liaison, and post-arrival support to confirm your pet has landed safely.
International Pet Transportation from Southern California
Many Southern California families relocate internationally every year — for work, military assignments, retirement, and family. International pet shipping is significantly more complex than domestic travel. Airline cargo regulations, destination country import rules, and USDA documentation requirements can create serious delays or border rejections if not handled correctly.
Across The Pond Pets coordinates the entire international process for pet owners moving from Southern California, including:
- Airline pet cargo bookings on the correct carrier and route for your destination
- USDA-accredited health certificate guidance and veterinarian coordination
- USDA APHIS endorsement processing for required documents
- Destination country import permit research and application support
- Travel crate sizing, labeling, and IATA compliance verification
- Ground transportation from your SoCal home to the airline cargo facility
- Real-time departure day coordination at LAX, SAN, SNA, and other airports
- Pet nanny escorted travel for anxious pets or restricted breeds
Start early. For international pet relocation from Southern California, we recommend beginning the planning process at least 3–6 months before your move date. Many countries require a specific sequence of vaccinations, tests, and document endorsements that cannot be rushed. Review our pre-travel checklist to get started.
Pets We Transport from Southern California
Our Southern California pet transportation service handles all types of animals, not just dogs and cats. We have experience coordinating transport for:
Dogs
Dog travel services — all breeds, including brachycephalics.
Cats
Cat travel services — domestic and international.
Birds & Rabbits
Small pet, rabbit & bird transport with proper documentation.
Exotic Pets
Exotic pet shipping with CITES permits and import documentation.
Military PCS Pet Transportation from Southern California
Southern California is home to some of the country's largest military installations — Camp Pendleton, MCAS Miramar, Naval Base San Diego, Edwards Air Force Base, and Fort Irwin. Our military pet transportation services are built specifically around the fast timelines and unique logistics of PCS orders, helping service members relocate their pets to overseas commands including:
- Japan — Okinawa, Yokosuka, Misawa
- Germany and European commands
- Korea — Osan, Camp Humphreys
- Hawaii, Guam, and other Pacific installations
Pets Arriving in Southern California — CDC Rabies Rules
If your pet is arriving in Southern California from a high-risk rabies country, strict CDC documentation requirements have been in effect since August 2024. Dogs entering the United States from these countries must meet specific vaccination, microchip, and serology standards before they can clear U.S. Customs. Our team helps you navigate the entire process. Learn more on our returning to the U.S. with dogs — high-risk rabies rules page.
Frequently Asked Questions — Southern California Pet Transportation
Why Pet Owners Choose Across The Pond Pets
- Experienced international pet travel specialists with thousands of successful relocations across 6 continents
- TSA-certified pet handling professionals who know airline cargo procedures inside and out
- End-to-end coordination — documentation, airline bookings, ground transport, and arrival support
- Deep airline relationships at LAX, SAN, SNA, and all major SoCal cargo facilities
- Expert guidance through complex international regulations and destination import requirements
- Bilingual services also available in Español via MascotasTravel.com
Read what past clients say on our testimonials page, or browse our pet travel FAQs. Meet the team on our our team page.
Request Assistance for Your Southern California Move
Full Southern California Agent Support
Our team provides complete logistical coordination for pet travel throughout Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, and the Inland Empire — including airport cargo check-ins, airline procedures, and day-of-travel support.
Request Agent SupportVeterinary Document Assistance
Flying with your pet from LAX, San Diego, or Orange County? We assist with USDA-accredited health certificates, airline health requirements, and APHIS endorsements for international and domestic pet travel.
Get Document AssistanceUS Rabies Certification Assistance
Returning to Southern California with a dog from a high-risk rabies country? Our team assists with CDC rabies documentation and USDA endorsement requirements. Learn more about high-risk rabies country rules.
Rabies Certification HelpMilitary PCS Pet Transportation
We specialize in military pet relocation from Southern California bases to destinations worldwide — Japan, Germany, Korea, Guam, Hawaii, and Europe. Built for PCS timelines.
Military PCS AssistancePlan Your Southern California Pet Journey Today
Consult with our experienced pet travel specialists to ensure a safe, compliant, and stress-free relocation for your pet — from anywhere in Southern California.
Get a Free Quote Schedule a ConsultationLearn more about our pet travel services and our full range of international pet shipping options. Our pet transport specialists prioritize the safety and well-being of your pet at every step.
