Name: Karine
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: Dogs
Pet Breed: 1 Coton de Tulear + 1 Shih Tzu
From: Lyon, France
To: Fairport, New York, USA

Is it possible for both my dogs to travel together in the same kennel to avoid too much stress for them? What are the specific requirements for dogs to enter the United States?

Thanks!
Karine
 

Hi Karine,

Thanks for contacting us. First, here are the pet import requirements for the United States. To answer your other question, yes, each of your dogs will need an individual crate. The travel crate must meet the requirements of the airline and will be large enough to allow good air circulation.

Speaking of stress, we recommend that you crate train your dogs (on their own) well in advance of the trip so that they'll view it as a safe place to be. If your dogs feel comfortable in their crates, the trip is likely to be much easier for them.

Please let us know if you have more questions or if you're interested in our services. Have a great trip!

 

 

Continuing our coverage of summer pet air travel embargoes and restrictions, today we have news that Delta Cargo has begun its Summer Live Animal Program. This means that during the summer months (specifically May 13 through Sept. 29, 2013) select stations will provide "additional care and protection" for pets and will fly certain breeds during warmer temperatures. Normally Delta will not fly pets if the temperature exceeds 85F/29C.

Please contact us to find out about the qualifying airports, and note that Delta Cargo will not accept any snub-nosed dog or cat if the temperature exceeds 75F/24C for any city. To qualify for these special summer allowances, all cities the pet is being routed through must qualify.

Delta may end up being the best choice for some people, but based on our experience, it's preferable to fly with an airline that operates with pet safe procedures all year (United Airlines drives pets out to the airplane in a temperature-controlled vehicle, for example, so the weather outside is not as big a factor). That being said, because English Bulldogs, Olde English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and mixed varieties of these breeds are especially susceptible to the stress of travel, United has released some breed-specific adjustments recently. See the full Bulldog update here.

Also regarding United, Boston Terrier puppies, American Bulldog puppies and Pug puppies may fly any time of the year without restriction, but adults of these breeds are completely embargoed from May 15 to Sept. 15. To provide extra safety, snub-nosed breeds should use travel kennels that are one size larger than normally required.

All these rules can certainly sound confusing and this is just a quick overview, so don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions about the specifics of these summer regulations for pet travel. It's our job to see pets transported safely, and our team of specialists is happy to discuss your options and concerns.

Please stay in touch for more summer pet travel news, and travel safely everyone!

 

 

 

 

 

Name: Sharon
Number of Pets: Two
Pet Type: Dogs
Pet Breed: Komondors
From: Canada
To: Ijzendijke, Netherlands

My partner and I want to travel in Europe for six months. We have a home in Ijzendijke(Netherlands) to live in (family home). We would like to leave from Toronto in April and return the end of Sept. We plan this for 2014. We want to be on the same flight as our dogs. We were planning on buying kennels but didn't know if the Airline would accept them. I read all the requirements the EU states, however they state after four months the dogs have to have a rabies shot again. Can we have that done in Europe and will it allow the girls to return home with that shot?

Thank you,

Sharon

 

Hi Sharon,

For reference, here are the pet import requirements for the Netherlands and for Canada. To return to Canada the dogs will need to have up-to-date rabies vaccines (administered more than 30 days from the departure date and less than a year). As far as kennels, they need to be airline approved and sized correctly. Here is some information from our blog about choosing a pet travel crate.

Please take a look at this information and let us know if you have any more questions. Thank you, and good luck with the trip!

 

Just about everyone who works here at PetRelocation.com has at least one pet at home, but not all of us have had the chance to experience what our customers do -- flying with our dog or cat.

When Pet Relocation Specialist Sarah S. recently took her Irish Goldendoodle Reba on summer vacation, we realized it would be fun to share her travel story -- and what she learned -- here on the blog.

This is what Sarah had to say about flying with Reba for the first time as well as what it was like to deal with the natural nervousness that pet travel can sometimes inspire.

 

Where did you go and why did you decide to bring Reba?

I went home to Michigan to visit my family. We were renting a cottage on Lake Michigan and I took Reba for several reasons:

1. I couldn’t imagine being without her for a week. Lame, right? (*Editor's Note: Not Lame!)
2. I knew she would have a blast running and digging in the sand.
3. My parents and sister haven’t seen her since she was a baby and I can’t deny my family the chance to see their only grandkid or niece!

 

What did you do to prepare her for travel?

We started crate training right away when she was a puppy. I bought the size 400 when I first got Reba in November, anticipating her size at the time of our trip here in July. It was a perfect fit, but very close. If she grows any larger, she’ll need the 500.

I started feeding her in her crate a month or so after I got her. I didn’t want to scare the brand new puppy right away with the kennel so I left the top off for months and fed her in there. We learned the word “kennel” and when I pointed, she went in and I’d give her a treat. She loves it in there! But she doesn’t like the door shut. So I didn’t shut the door at all until travel date.

I also completely wore her out the day before travel. We went to the park, she came to work with me, and I basically didn’t let her nap.

 

How were you received by airline staff along the way?

United in Austin (AUS) and Grand Rapids (GRR) were AMAZING on the way there. When I checked her in at GRR on the way back, the three people working the desk were not old Continental employees, they were newer United employees and none of them had ever checked a pet in before.

A guy in a yellow vest came in and started petting Reba and, and he told me "I have a dog of my own and love dogs. I’ll take really good care of Reba!” I knew it would be okay because the one actually handling Reba knew exactly what he was doing and that’s who I was most concerned with.

 

How were you received by your fellow passengers?

I had to check Reba in at the passenger terminal at GRR on our way home. She got to walk in on her leash but she wanted to be held. Everyone in line was oohing and aahing about how stinkin' cute she was.

 

How did Reba handle the experience? Did anything surprise you?

She was a little apprehensive when she arrived in GRR, but it’s because I wasn’t there. My mom received her and she hadn’t seen my mom in months so I think this was the main reason for her nerves. She was exhausted after her travels. Same thing on the way home…absolutely pooped! And very thirsty. And starving! But she didn’t go to the bathroom in her kennel and she wasn’t panting or anything.

 

 

Would you fly with Reba again?

Yes, if I was going for a week or more. She squeezed in at a total of 49 lbs so we got the <50 lbs rate of $250 each way, so it was $500. Not worth it for a weekend trip, but SOOO worth it for the 9 days I was gone.

 

What advice would you give to other pet travelers?

It just makes me appreciate their stress a bit more. I was freaking out about Reba’s trip, but she did just fine! The people at United are so nice and helpful. I really would send her again -- the only real downfall is the costs. 

I tell my clients all the time that if I trust my own dog with United, that theirs will be safe as well. I’m particularly obsessed with my dog -- we’re talking like 800 photos on my cell phone. So if clients claim they’re overbearing dog parents, I totally get it because I am too! But now I know it’s not so bad. I think about how she would have been so scared if I had stuck her in a boarding facility for a week and the few hours on the plane make it seem way more worth it.

--

Thanks for sharing your story, Sarah! It's great to learn even more about pet travel by hearing about the experience from one of our own.

Name: Esther
Pet's Name: Starla
From: Colorado Springs, CO
To: Cleveland, OH
 

My grandmother, who lived in Colorado Springs, CO, adopted Starla in July of 2009. They had almost three wonderful years together. After my grandmother passed away this spring, I decided to take Starla back to Cleveland, OH, to live with me.

Rather than trying to deal directly with an airline, I decided to find a pet relocation service. I had a time crunch: I wanted to leave Colorado on May 27. I only had about four days to make travel arrangements for the dog (and myself).

I called PetRelocation.com on May 23. Sarah Rosales answered the call and immediately started my account and emailed me the necessary forms. I cannot express how relieved I was just to have someone answer the phone call and be able to assist right away. I had attempted to contact two other companies - one never returned my inquiry emails and one did not return the initial phone call for almost a day.

My next encounter was with Scotty Walkwitz. Scotty did the majority of the work as far as arranging the flight, and was always available to me via email for my numerous questions. Again, a stress-free experience, due to accessibility and communication!

Katie was our last PetRelocation.com specialist - she drove Starla to Denver for her flight to Cleveland. She helped me with last minute kennel preparations, and they were off! All I had to do was catch my flights and meet Starla in Cleveland.

Once I landed in Cleveland I headed straight to the cargo area for the airline, and there was Starla, safe and sound.

This was a wonderful, stress-free experience from the initial phone call to meeting Starla in Cleveland. It was so nice to know that my new dog was being handled by kind, caring professionals. It allowed me to concentrate on other more pressing issues during a difficult time.

Here are two pictures: one of Starla by herself (on sofa), and one with Xena, my other dog.

 

 

 

 

Whether you're planning a lot of noisy festivities or are using the day off to take care of the business of moving, all pet owners should prepare for the Fourth of July Holiday.  Remember that the Fourth falls on a Wednesday this year so you'll likely hear booms and blasts this weekend as well as next week; do your pets a kindness and prepare them for the chaos that's to come by considering the behaviors that may cause trouble and doing what you can to keep things as normal and calm as possible.

Escape Artists - The biggest danger this week is a dog or cat escaping when they hear fireworks or when a guest accidentally leaves a door open, so in addition to giving gates and fences a good once-over, be sure that tags are up-to-date and microchip information is correct just in case there's a getaway.

Snack Seekers - Barbeques and parties can invite all kinds of temptations. If you're against feeding pets table scraps, lay down rules for visitors, and no matter what don't let your pets overdo it. Also, beware that the remnants of fireworks (paper, fuses, etc...) might look oddly appetizing to your pets. Clean up debris to protect them from what they don't quite understand.

Scaredy Cats (and Dogs) - Again, loud fireworks are fun for us but possibly terrifying for our furry friends. Leave them at home during big displays and tuck them away in a bedroom or travel kennel if you live in a noisy area. Some people recommend thundershirts during anxious times, as well.

Also: If you're traveling this week, note that airport and freight facilities may have modified hours of operation on Wednesday, July 4. Double check with your airline or with your pet relocation specialist if you have any questions.

Have a safe and happy holiday, pet lovers!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great news for pet travelers of a certain breed...

United Airlines has announced that they will now accept several dog breeds that have previously not been permitted, including American Staffordshire Terriers and Pit Bull Terriers. Effective immediately, dogs six months or older and weighing more than 20 pounds who meet the proper kennel requirements (kennels meeting Container Requirement #82) and show no signs of aggressiveness will be allowed to fly.

We previously reported that United's banned breed policy was being protested against by pet owners and various dog advocacy groups, and the IPATA Board of Directors also requested that United modify their policy. United is still in the process of updating their website to reflect this change, but you can take a look at the bulletin below to find out all the details.

As always, please contact PetRelocation.com with any pet travel questions.

 

 

United Airlines Acceptable Animal Breeds for Transport (Revised 4/2012)

 

Here are a few pet travel news links for you. Happy Friday, pet lovers!

 

Pet travelers flying with Alaska Airlines should be pleasantly surprised at this news.

Pet business news: Rover.com has raised $3.4 million with the goal of being the Airbnb for dogs.

National Pet Day + The New York International Auto Show = Pet safety tips and fun for everyone.

A kennel cough vaccine for dogs can now be administered orally.

The Mighty Texas Dog Walk was a great success!

Foreign Service officers aren't too happy about United's new pet policies.

A loose bat on an airplane inspired officials to track down passengers due to rabies fears.

More luxury hotels are going pet-friendly these days.

 

Karma wishes everyone a happy weekend

 

 

Name: David
Pets' Names: Genevieve & Jason
From: Austin, TX
To: Boise, ID
 

 

With a new job, my company relocated me from Austin, TX to Boise, ID. The relo was done on a short timeline, leaving no time to make the 3-to-4 day drive. Additionally, the thought of making that long drive with kids, a dog and a cat was not appealing.

PetRelocation.com was the most professional company I found to help us move our pets. Our coordinator, Katie, helped us navigate the government and airline regulations and kept us informed of our pets' progress along the way. When the driver, Marcus, picked the pets up at our house, I could tell right away that he loved animals, and knew how to handle them.

Katie found a great kennel in Boise to keep our pets until we arrived a couple of days later. Both pets are healthy and happy. Our dog, Jason, is a bundle of energy by day, and our cat, Genevieve, is playful by night.

PetRelocation.com did a wonderful job for us!

 

Name: Shelley
Number of Pets: 6
Pet Type: 4 cats, 2 dogs
Pet Breed: German Shepherd, Golden, 3 Domestic short hair, 2 Domestic longhair
From: Arizona
To: NY



Should we use our kennels and litter pans for our cats, or are cat carriers a better choice? Two are used to kennels and two used to be in them but haven't been for quite a while. I want to make this as stress free as possible for them. It's going to be at least 12 hours a day driving for four days. Any advice would be appreciated. I have never traveled with cats before, I take them to the vet in the carrier but that is it.

Thanks,
Shelley


Hi Shelley,

Thanks for your question! It sounds like you have quite an endeavor ahead of you. Luckily there are a few things you can do to make this cross-country pet move a little bit easier.

Since you're in control of this trip (and don't have to meet any airline requirements, for example) it's really up to you to decide what kind of travel carrier you use. For long journeys we suggest roomy travel crates with an absorbent material in the bottom, and to prepare the cats who haven't spent much time in the car, try going on a few short trips in the weeks preceding the move.

Be sure to bring plenty of food and water as well as any necessary medications, and it's smart to have current vet records and recent pictures of the pets, as well. Finally, your demeanor will rub off on them, so do your best to breathe deeply and stay calm.

Good luck with this trip, and please contact us if you have any more questions!

Name: Fiona
Pets' Names: Puppy & Socks
From: Sri Lanka
To: Uganda


I asked PetRelocation.com to see if they could do this move, which coming from Sri Lanka was a bit uncommon (more so for the dogs going to Africa). Mike soon got in touch, and after a large amount of research he confirmed the move was a possibility. Hampering this was the fact that I was not with the dogs, making everything take longer. But, as of the end of Sept., my two Sri Lankan street dogs arrived safe and well into Entebbe, Uganda.

I was like all people doing this, worried about the dogs being left in a corner of a large warehouse, by themselves, hot and with no water. As it turns out, they were well looked after en route by Petrelocation.com's agents and the chosen airline. They looked good and had obviously had the kennels cleaned on the way, as they had a long transit time. I could not contemplate trying to do this myself, and the positive result shows in the photo. Thanks Mike, I really appreciate this.

Name: Allyson
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Mixed
From: Tel Aviv
To: Houston


Hi Allyson,

I will be returning to the US with my dog later this summer. Based on what I have read on your site will probably use KLM or LH and transport him as checked baggage since I will be on the same flights. Will he be taken to the pet hotel with a transit time of approximately two hours? Will he require special docs since this is the EU, or are the US entry docs enough?

Thanks for an awesome website,

Allyson



Hi Allyson,

Unless you're changing airlines, you won't have to obtain any other paperwork besides what's necessary to enter the United States. It's hard to say what options you'll face if you haven't chosen an airline or a route yet, but as an example, the Frankfurt Animal Lounge offers a chance for transiting pets who are traveling via cargo to have a break from their travel kennels. In our experience it's often better to allow a longer layover or even an overnight so that pets can have a chance to stretch their legs, etc.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about this. Thanks for the question (and for the kind words)!

Name: Sasha
Pets' Names: Claudia, Georgia, Sydney and Coco
From: Denver, CO
To: Miami, FL

We have two dogs (golden Doodle and Shipoo) and two cats, and our move was from Denver, CO to Miami, FL. I can highly recommend PetRelocation.com for moving pets, as they made the whole move completely stress free from end to end.

I was impressed with the quick reply to emails from our consultant (Christina) as well as the outsourcing in airline boarding kennel at the other end and also the agent in Denver who collected our four pets at 5 a.m. Moving is so stressful, and adding pets to the move makes it even more stressful - our animals arrived settled and happy.

Happy pets = happy owners (family and kids). Thank you!

Pet travel isn't just an afterthought for Continental Airlines. They put forth plenty of effort to ensure that our furry friends are taken care of when flying becomes necessary.

Whether you're prepping for a long-distance move or taking advantage of the fact that you have an easygoing mini-pup who loves to take vacations with you, here are a few facts about Continental that could help you decide if they're the airline for you.

Which animals can travel in the cabin?
Cats, dogs, rabbits and birds can fly in the cabin if they meet prescribed size requirements. Only one pet per person is allowed in the cabin, and these pets must be carried in an approved carrier that fits completely beneath the seat in front of you. Pets under eight weeks old are not permitted on board.

How much does it cost to fly a pet on Continental?
For in-cabin pets, the fee is $125 each way (per kennel). Contact Continental for pet cargo travel rates.

Are there any restrictions or embargoes to be aware of?
Hot temperatures can be dangerous for pets generally and certain breeds specifically, so be aware that from May 15 - Sept. 15 no adult Boston Terriers, Pugs or Bulldogs will be accepted to fly. Certain breeds are restricted all year, including Pit Bulls and American Staffordshire Terriers. Country rules apply as well; for example, pets cannot fly into the Dominican Republic due to space constraints, and many countries (such as Greece and Mexico) require a customs broker. See Continental's website for the full list of restrictions.

Can Continental fly pets to the UK?
Since the UK is rabies-free, it's a tough country to fly into with pets, however Continental is the first airline to be approved under the Pet Travel Scheme. This makes it possible to avoid the six month quarantine for dogs, cats and ferrets if all guidelines are met.

What "extras" does Continental offer?
For pets traveling as cargo, a dedicated 24-hour Live Animal Desk serves as a point of contact, and a frequent flier program is available. For safety and comfort, rest stops are mandated for animals traveling longer than 18 hours. Find out more about the perks of the PetSafe program.

Take a look at this Behind the Scenes video outlining Continental's pet-friendly features, and check back later this week for more info!


(Photo by smemon87 via Flickr)

--


PetRelocation.com's Pet Friendly Airline Spotlight Series will feature one airline each week during the month of May.  Check back each Monday through Thursday this month for more information about the various pet programs and tips for booking pet-friendly flights, and use #PetReloAS on Twitter to follow and join the conversation!

We've almost made it to the weekend! Take a look at the most interesting pet news we ran across this week, and enjoy your Friday!

-Did you see that we launched a PetRelocation.com Pet Friendly Airline Series? This first week we explored JetBlue Airways. Check out 10 things we learned about JetBlue and take a look at the pet photo contest they're running.

-The elites of the American military have been put into the spotlight following the events of last Sunday, and it turns out there was a dog involved in the big terrorist raid, as well. Take a look at this amazing slideshow that explores the role of specially-trained military dogs.

-Sometimes we can't bring our pets with us when we travel, and a lucky few are able to afford top-notch lodgings for their furry friends. Resort-style kennels equipped with webcams and posh amenities are becoming more and more common, as chronicled in this NYTimes article about pet stay facilities.

-An Oklahoma woman has won the right to keep a kangaroo as a pet after demonstrating that the partially-paralyzed animal alleviates her depression and is no danger to the community. Read more about Irwin the therapy kangaroo.

-Here are some pictures of Basset Hounds running. Clearly this link needs no further explanation.

Name: Amanda
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: dog
Pet Breed: Corgis (21 lbs, 26 lbs)
From: Dallas, TX
To: Alaska

I am having trouble finding what kind of travel bag to get to transport my fur kids in the cabin with me. It will be too hot in Dallas for the Airline to allow us to ship the pets in cargo, meaning that they will have to go in the cabin with me. Do you have suggestions on what type of bag to get and where? Also, what should I do to prepare them? Is there anything we can do to help calm them down too? Our youngest one likes to bark a lot. I am afraid they will remove him because of barking. Suggestions? Anything you can help with would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Amanda


Hi Amanda!

Thank you for your question. First, it's important to check with the airline you'll be using to find out about their particular requirements for in-cabin pet transport. Unfortunately you'll be encountering weight limits (JetBlue, for example, doesn't allow the dog and carrier to exceed 20 pounds), so review each possible airline to find out if this trip can be carried out as you imagine it.

As for purchasing a pet travel carrier, again, check with the airline to see what they allow. Continental permits both hard-cased and soft kennels that can be placed under the seat in front of you, and they allow one pet per passenger. Many airlines sell the travel carriers at the ticket desk and JetBlue sells them online. If you end up flying your dogs in cargo, you'll also need to meet specific travel crate requirements.

For behavior, it's important to be sure that your dogs are comfortable being in a carrier, so work on getting them used to it during the weeks before you go. We do not recommend sedating pets during air travel (sedatives may interfere with regular breathing).

One of our Pet Relocation Specialists would be happy to speak with you if you have further questions, Amanda, so contact us if you need anything! Good luck with everything and keep in touch!

March 15th marked a new beginning for me when I started my job as a Pet Relocation Specialist here at PetRelocation.com.  Upon first hearing of my new gig, people typically had a few different reactions.

“What will you be doing?”

“I have a cat I want to get rid of. Can you find him a new home for me?”

“What is PetRelocation.com?”

It turns out I will be relocating “Any pet, Anywhere, Anytime” (that’s the company motto). I will not be able to “get rid” of your cat for you. And what is PetRelocation.com? It’s a company with amazing owners, amazing employees, and a big heart. 

We relocate pets across the United States and across the world. If you’re moving and you think your cats will scratch and claw in the car all the way from San Diego to Miami, send them via air, shipped specially by PetRelocation.com!  If your company tells you you’re moving to China, Germany or South Africa, we can make sure your pets make it there safely, as well. 

When asked why I wanted to work at PetRelocation.com, I had a few things to say.  I have a passion for animals, and since I would never leave my dog in the hands of strangers, I wanted to find out more about this niche in the market. I wanted to find out how this company shipped pets. Were they just tossing them in with the luggage? Do they get left in a warehouse? What in the world does ‘quarantine’ mean?

After working here for a week, I found my answers:

How does the company ship pets?

It’s literally a door-to-door service. Our agent picks up your pet from your home and takes him to the airport. He flies to your new home and another agent picks him up and hand delivers him to your door. The day of the move, the pet owner literally doesn’t have to lift a finger. 

Were they just tossing the pets in with the luggage?

No way! PetRelocation.com works with pet-friendly airlines, such as Continental, KLM and Lufthansa. These airlines have policies and procedures in place to ensure your pet is the last to board the airplane and first to be taken off. They are not left on the tarmac while staff rearranges luggage. They are never “tossed” anywhere. They all travel with name tags, water and blankets. Airline personnel can say hi personally to “Buddy” or “Elvis.” Imagine if your dog left you, was unsure of what was happening, and then as he was getting on the plane a stranger called him by his name and gave him some water.  The last thing he hears is something we all love to hear: our own name! It’s those little personal touches that make the difference.

Do they leave pets in a warehouse?

Not a chance! PetRelocation.com works with agents and airlines who treat your pets as they would their own. They are never left on a tarmac or in a warehouse unattended. In fact, some airports are set up to let pets out of their crate during a layover to stretch their legs and run around a bit!

What does ‘quarantine’ mean?

Quarantine sounds like a scary word. Webster has many definitions, including "a state of enforced isolation." So my dog has to be locked up? Like solitary confinement? Not exactly! Everyone here reassured me that quarantine just means making sure an animal isn’t going to transport rabies or another disease from one country to another. Sometimes it means they have to enter a facility (kennel), but most times the quarantine period can be completed at the owner’s home. Nothing changes except they get their rabies shot and they can’t leave the country for a short period. They can still go to the park, the lake, the vet, etc…

So now I’ve worked here at PetRelocation.com for a little while. In our office, as I type this, we have a Labradoodle named Aussie, a Golden Retriever named Charlie, and an Airedale/lab mix named Draper. It’s obvious we are a bunch of animal lovers, and just about everyone who works here has a pet of their own. That’s why we’re so good at what we do. We treat your pets as if they were our own, we’re friendly, we thrive on our great customer service, and there is no move too big or small.

We have pictures all over the office of pets that have been to Spain, Italy, India, China, the Caribbean and more! At the end of a move, there’s a little sense of joy when you get that phone call saying the pet owner and pet have been reunited in their new home, and you know you made it happen. It almost gives you goose bumps.

 

 

Name: Ashlee
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Rhodesian Ridgeback
From: Jacksonville, FL
To: New York, NY

My dog is just over a 100 lbs, and I am having a hard time finding an airline that will fly a dog that large. Are there any airlines that you recommend?

Thanks,
Ashlee



Hi Ashlee,

Great question! We know that pet travel with large dogs can be somewhat challenging, so we're happy to share our experiences and advice with you.

First, take a look at this recent blog post we wrote about Moving Big Dogs. You'll see that you may need to buy a custom travel crate, which means it's important to double check that your airline can accommodate a larger kennel. In terms of airlines, we often use pet-friendly Continental because they make sure, among other things, pets are the last to board the plane and the first to be unloaded.

Good luck with everything, and don't hesitate to contact us if you have any more questions! One of our Pet Relocation Specialists would be happy to help you with your move. Good luck!

Our Australia pet shipping specialist, Scotty Walkwitz, recently traveled along with Harley, a pet we moved to Australia, on her journey.  Moving pets to Australia is no simple task, as Scotty explained in his first post about moving Harley to Australia, and you can catch up with Harley's move by reading how her first day of pet travel went from Houston to Los Angeles!

8:00 AM PST

I woke up to a very rainy day out in Los Angeles and as I walked down to the corner to get some breakfast, I got caught in a heavy downpour -- what a way to wake up in the morning!  Meanwhile, Harley was at the Kennel Club LAX where she could eat her breakfast inside and stay nice and dry.

10:00 AM PST

After going over every detail of Harley’s Australian Import Permit and making sure all of Harley's accompanying Australia Pet Import paperwork was in order, it was time to take the documents into the USDA for their endorsement. Once the USDA signs off on everything, Harley will be ready for the final kennel sealing before her departure.

2:00 PM PST

After the USDA, I arrived back at the Kennel Club LAX to check on Harley.  The sun was now shining and things had dried out quite a bit. I took Harley out to the play area for a little bit of play time before we headed back to the USDA. The Kennel Club LAX, a bright pink oasis in the sea of airline cargo terminals and busy LA traffic, has a great playscape in the back for their guests to run and play. Playtime is a standard amenity during any dog's stay at the Club and I took a video of Harley at the Kennel Club, enjoying some California sun!

Once Harley had had her fill of sniffing in corners and trotting around, it was time to load up and head over to the USDA for the final kennel sealing.

3:30 PM PST

When we arrived at the USDA for the final kennel sealing, we were #6 in line -- a lot of dogs were traveling to Australia and New Zealand that day. While we waited for Calvin (the officer with the USDA) to finish up with the 5 dogs ahead of us in line, Harley and I took some time to walk around the parking lot. She had a long flight ahead of her and I wanted to make sure she got to stretch her legs as much as possible before it was time to get back in the kennel for her flight.

4:00 PM PST

It was finally Harley’s turn to see the USDA officer.  They scanned her microchip one last time to make sure it was still operating and matched all of her documents, and I gave her a few last scratches on the head.
The kennel sealing is done by the USDA and consists of six points of sealing -- each of the four corners of the kennel and two on the kennel door must receive a seal. Each of these metal seals has their own individual serial number and cannot be tampered with or broken. After a pet has been sealed in their kennel, they cannot be taken out until they arrive in Australia.  This process prevents the spread of rabies into Australia, which could devastate the ecology of a country that has been historically rabies-free.

Once her kennel was sealed and we had all the final endorsed paperwork, it was time to head off to Air New Zealand to get Harley checked in for the flight. Many times we use Qantas Airlines for our Australia moves, however Harley is flying with Air New Zealand because she is moving to Perth.  We can’t take a connecting flight through Australia on Qantas to Perth so we have to connect through Auckland, NZ on an Air New Zealand flight and then continue on to Perth.

4:30 PM PST

My time with Harley is quickly winding down.  Once we complete her check-in with Air New Zealand, she will wait safely with the Air New Zealand staff until she is ready to be boarded on to the aircraft. The check-in doesn’t take long, and after her air way bill is issued (which is similar to a human's boarding pass) it is time to say goodbye. Harley, as she has been through the entire trip so far, is very calm and ready to go. I say my goodbyes and then it's time to get myself checked in on my flight back to Houston later that night.


I had been working with Harley and her owners for the six months leading up to her trip, and Harley and I became pretty good pals during our two day trip from Houston to Los Angeles.  So it certainly felt bittersweet to see her off but I knew that she'd arrive in Australia safely -- after all our hard work, it was impossible for her not to!  Plus, I knew how excited her owners were to see her after being separated from her for a while.  I could see why they missed her:  she was a very easy traveler (not once did she complain) and her tail was always wagging. Stay tuned for more updates on Harley’s arrival into Perth, Australia.