Shipping Elite Italian Greyhounds Domestically & Internationally

Reputable rescues like Elite Italian Greyhounds prioritize the safety, health, and comfort of the dog above all else. Shipping is a carefully orchestrated process, not a simple courier service.

Shipping Within the USA

For domestic placements, the rescue primarily uses two methods:

1. Rescue Transport Volunteers: This is the most common and preferred method. The rescue coordinates with a network of volunteers who form a “relay team.” The dog is passed from one volunteer driver to the next in a carefully planned route from the foster home to the adopter. This allows for frequent breaks, potty stops, and monitoring.

2. Commercial Air Cargo (as a last resort): For very long distances where a volunteer relay is not feasible, the rescue may use USDA-approved airlines with specialized pet cargo programs. This is only considered for healthy dogs and involves:

   • Health Certificate: A USDA-accredited veterinarian must issue a health certificate within 10 days of travel.

   • ATA-Compliant Crate: The dog travels in a secure, well-ventilated, and appropriately sized kennel with food and water dishes attached.

   • Direct Flights Only: To minimize stress and time in transit, only non-stop or direct flights are booked.

Pet Nanny

Shipping with a Pet Nanny will vary on cost depending on location but will usually cost $600-$700.

A Pet Nanny will travel on a passenger plane with your puppy. Pet Nannies fly on standby so some delays may occur, but we always try to schedule a direct flight. Puppy will be delivered with blanket, small toy and dog food.

Delivery

Pups can also be delivered to your front door by Pet Taxi. Cost is based on mileage.

Shipping Worldwide (International Adoptions)

International shipping is a complex, highly regulated process with significant costs, always undertaken by the adopter. The rescue’s role is one of facilitation and ensuring all welfare standards are met.

Key steps and requirements include:

1. Thorough Adopter Screening: International adopters undergo an even more rigorous vetting process, including home checks by a local partner organization.

2. Breed-Specific Regulations: The rescue verifies that Italian Greyhounds are not a banned breed in the destination country (e.g., under Breed-Specific Legislation in certain regions).

3. Medical and Documentation Compliance: This is the most critical phase and can take months. It involves:

   • Microchipping: An ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip.

   • Vaccinations: Up-to-date on Rabies and other core vaccines as required by the destination country.

   • Import Permits: The adopter is responsible for securing the necessary import permit from their country’s agriculture or veterinary authority.

   • Veterinary Checks & Paperwork: A series of vet visits and specific tests (e.g., for parasites, diseases) are performed. All paperwork must be precise.

4. USDA Endorsement: Before travel, the complete health dossier is sent to the USDA-APHIS for official endorsement, verifying it meets the importing country’s standards.

5. Professional Pet Shipper: Reputable rescues insist on using a professional, experienced international pet shipper. These agents handle complex logistics, customs clearance, and choose the safest routing (often as a checked “live animal” on a passenger flight or via specialized cargo airlines).

Crucial Note: The rescue will never ship a puppy or dog to a location where its safety is in question. They strictly adhere to all airline embargoes (e.g., no travel during extreme hot or cold weather) and international laws. The well-being of the Italian Greyhound is the non-negotiable guiding principle of every transport.