Meet Your Professional Pet Flight Nannies: Monica & Gabe
Hi, we’re Monica and Gabe — the professional pet flight nannies and founders of Cabin Companions. When you meet our experienced pet transport team — which is just the two of us — you’re meeting two passionate animal lovers who treat every pet like family. We started this business because we’ve seen firsthand the horrors of pets treated like cargo with no one looking out for them — and we would never accept that for our own animals. We know you wouldn’t either.
With over 30 years of combined experience and a deep passion for both helping animals and traveling, we created a specialized safe pet travel service unlike any other. Our mission as licensed pet transporters is simple: to ensure every pet is treated with love, respect, and constant attention while offering complete peace of mind to their families. We wouldn’t feel comfortable sending our pets off with someone we’ve never met — and we know you wouldn’t either. That’s why our professional pet flight nanny service guarantees we personally accompany every pet, every mile, every step of the way.
We can’t wait to meet you — and provide safe, personalized pet travel for your beloved companion!
Monica Tarant
Professional Pet Flight Nanny & Animal Welfare Expert
Hi, I’m Monica. And for decades, I’ve dedicated my career to ensuring the safety, well-being, and happiness of animals.
As a nationally recognized leader in animal welfare, I’ve worked with shelters across the country, taught best practices in lifesaving care, served on government animal advisory commissions, and helped transform communities to be more compassionate toward animals. My work has taken me across the world, and countless times I’ve flown home with a cat or dog from one shelter who needed to reach safety or a waiting adopter at another. Now, I’m bringing that same expertise and passion to a new mission—helping pets travel safely and stress-free while giving their owners confidence and peace of mind.
I understand how much your pet means to you—because I feel the same way about mine. My veterinarian would call me a “sensitive pet parent.” Maybe even a bit of a control freak! The thought of sending my own pets across the world with a stranger—let alone a corporate mystery employee who may not be equipped to handle a medical emergency or behavior concern—would make me an anxious mess.
Luckily, I also love to travel both as a flight nanny and for vacation! A 20-hour road trip is my idea of a good time, and I find as much joy in planning a trip as in reaching the destination. My favorite way to experience a new place is by visiting the local farmers’ market and taking in the sights, smells, and flavors. When I’m not in the air or on the road, I’m a runner, a vegetable gardener, and one of Tom Petty’s top fans on Spotify. Gabe and I love cooking together, and we’re lucky to live in Detroit—not only home to a major international airport hub but also the best Middle Eastern food in the country!
With decades of experience handling animals in all situations, a deep understanding of their needs, and a passion for travel, I provide a level of care and professionalism that sets my service apart. If you’re looking for someone with unmatched animal expertise, a meticulous approach to logistics, and someone who truly understands how nerve-wracking travel day can be—you can trust me to be your pet’s dedicated travel companion, treating them with the same love and attention I would my own.
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois (Midway, O’Hare)
Favorite Airport: JFK, with its outdoor “wooftop” garden for pets, is hard to beat. Plus, the best airport bagels you can get!
Favorite Travel Destination: Prague, Czech Republic
Favorite Animal Fact: Penguins have group hugs to stay warm and constantly move positions to ensure that all members of the group get a chance to be in the warm center.
Gabe Downey
Experienced Pet Transporter & Animal Advocate
Hi, I’m Gabe and I’m passionate about making life easier for animals and their people who love them.
A lifelong cat dad and seasoned traveler, I’ve always had a soft spot for animals and a passion for adventure. Lucky enough to have traveled extensively in the United States and abroad, I’m no stranger to navigating the logistics of planes, trains, and road trips—experience that now helps pets and their humans travel smoothly and safely with me as their flight nanny.
With a background in communications for nonprofits focused on both human services and animal welfare, I bring a unique understanding of the needs of both people and animals. I served as Director of Communications at a Humane Society and have raised and trained a Leaderdog for the Blind, further deepening my expertise in animal care and the importance of empathy and support for both pets and their owners.
I started Cabin Companions in partnership with my wife, Monica Tarant, to help fill a need for safe, reliable travel options for pets and their families. When I’m not coordinating travel plans for furry passengers, you’ll find me volunteering at animal welfare events across the country, being creative, attending a Detroit Tigers game, planning my next trip—or strumming my guitar.
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan (Detroit Metro Airport (DTW)
Favorite Airport: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol – best airport cheese shops around!
Favorite Travel Destination: Liverpool, England
Favorite Animal Fact: Famous French composer Maurice Ravel claimed he could “speak the language of the cats.” He could not.
Why Choose Our Professional Pet Flight Nannies?
When entrusting your furry friend to a pet transport service, experience and dedication make all the difference. Our experienced pet transport team provides a level of personalized care that typical pet shipping companies simply cannot match. Here’s what sets Cabin Companions apart in providing safe, stress-free travel for your pet:
Professional Pet Flight Nannies
Unlike large pet shipping companies that use contractors, our service is personally provided by Cabin Companions' owners. When you book with us, you're guaranteed that one of us – Monica or Gabe – will personally accompany your pet throughout their entire journey, ensuring the highest level of care and accountability.
Safe Pet Travel Guaranteed
We specialize exclusively in in-cabin pet travel whenever possible, ensuring your companion never experiences the stress of cargo transport. This approach minimizes anxiety, maintains consistent temperature and pressure, and allows for immediate attention to your pet's needs throughout the journey. Your pet's comfort and safety are our highest priorities.
Experienced Pet Transport Team
With over three decades of combined experience in animal welfare, we understand pet behavior, stress signals, and comfort needs better than typical transporters. Our extensive background includes shelter management, veterinary assistance, and specialized animal handling training – expertise that's crucial for ensuring safe, low-stress pet travel.
Direct Access to Your Pet Flight Nanny
From your first inquiry through delivery, you'll always communicate directly with the person accompanying your pet. We provide regular updates throughout the journey with photos and real-time status reports. No call centers, no middlemen – just clear, personal communication with your dedicated pet transport specialist.
Emergency Preparedness
Your pet's safety is paramount. Our team is trained in pet first aid and travels with a comprehensive medical kit. We've established relationships with veterinarians across the country and maintain detailed contingency plans for any situation that might arise during transport, ensuring peace of mind throughout the journey.
Fully Certified and Insured
Our professional pet transport service meets all industry standards and regulations. We maintain comprehensive insurance coverage specifically for pet transportation, and stay current with airline policies and international travel requirements. This attention to regulatory compliance ensures smooth, hassle-free transportation for your beloved companion.
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