Families Shocked by Increased Animal Travel Costs

Higher Prices Leave Families Devastated

Families who are moving abroad are expressing shock and devastation as the cost of animal travel increases. IAG Cargo, a key provider of pet transfers for major airlines such as British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Vueling, has announced price hikes on select routes starting from 1 March. Sara, a military family moving back to the US from the UK, saw the cost of shipping her two small dogs, Ghost and Bentley, soar from £1,143 to £5,118. IAG Cargo defends the higher prices by citing the complexity of its service.

The price changes affect anyone using IAG Cargo for pet transportation on specific routes. This shipping firm is commonly used by military personnel when relocating with their pets. Sara's family was due to ship Bentley and Ghost on a British Airways flight on 1 March. Under the current policy, IAG Cargo only accepts bookings for pet transfers up to six weeks before the flight, confirming the space later. The original quote for Sara's journey was £1,143 for both dogs, but the updated price is now £5,118 without additional fees.

Sara expressed her disappointment upon receiving the email with the new price, saying that it brought her to tears. As they are covering the cost themselves and recently purchased a new house in their destination, the financial burden is a significant blow. Sara managed to find another airline that could transport their pets at a lower price, but it requires a seven-hour round trip to a different airport.

Pet Transportation Costs Soar

Sara is not alone in facing exorbitant prices for pet transportation. The UK and US military families, in particular, are struggling to cope with the sudden price increases. Dean Faulkner, director of Silver Birch Pet Jets, which helps military families relocate their pets, has seen ticket prices rise by as much as 400%. These price hikes have put many families in a state of uncertainty as they struggle to secure the necessary funds. The emotional toll of leaving a beloved pet behind is immense, especially for military families who rely on their pets for companionship during deployments.

Industry experts like Faulkner have described these price increases as unprecedented and unexpected, even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Families like Stephanie's, who are going through a major life change like a divorce, are now faced with overwhelming bills for pet transportation. Stephanie, a UK national and military spouse, fears that the increased costs from IAG Cargo could amount to a bill of up to $20,000, leaving her in debt and potentially unable to bring her dog Toby with her to London.

Other families have also voiced their concerns, stating that the price hikes are simply unaffordable. Some families moving to the US on military orders have found themselves in a dire financial situation due to the increased costs of shipping their pets. Many are urging IAG Cargo to reconsider and provide support to military families who rely on their services.

IAG Cargo Defends Price Adjustments

IAG Cargo has defended its decision to increase pet transfer rates, stating that the adjustments reflect the complexities and care required for this specialized service. The company stated that pets are treated as family members, and their safety and well-being during transport are top priorities. They acknowledged that the costs of providing a high-quality service have led to the recent amendments in their prices.

Customers who have questions about their quotes are encouraged to contact their sales representative for further assistance. Meanwhile, the Royal Air Force (RAF) Families Federation plans to raise the issue with the British Embassy in Washington, as many RAF families are affected by these sudden price changes.