Animal Shipping

 

As temperatures rise, it's typical for airlines to adjust their pet travel policies. We've updated you about a few summer embargoes thus far from British Airways and United, and Delta has just announced a detailed summer pet program, as well.

Here's what they have to say:

"At Delta Cargo we take great pride in safely transporting live animals throughout the world.  We don’t just ship dogs and cats; we transport everything from hamsters to snakes to chinchillas.  We realize pets are considered family members and it is important for us to provide the same level of care and respect for them as we do their owners."

Beginning May 14, Delta Cargo will launch its 2012 Summer Live Animal Program, which entails allowing them to accept animals for transport even when temperatures exceed 85F/29C. At participating hubs, one or more air conditioned vehicles will be available to bring pets to and from the airplanes in support of their safety.

There are a few exceptions:

-If the station does not have air conditioned vehicles, animals cannot be transported if the temperature exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

-Regardless of whether or not a hub is part of the Summer Program, snub-nosed dogs and cats will not be transported if the the temperature is greater than 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Check out the list below to find out which airports are participating in the program, and remember that things can always change, so be sure to check with the airline/airport ahead of time if you'll be traveling with your pet this summer.

As always, don't hesitate to contact PetRelocation.com if you have any pet travel questions.

 

 

Delta Cargo 2012 Summer Live Animal Program

 

Pet transportation services aren't just limited to moving a dog or cat across the country when work or military duty calls the family to a new place. Along with technological advances and emerging international developments, transporting animals is a service in demand, leaving airlines and freight companies in the position of stepping up to the challenge or being left behind.

This recently published Bloomberg article goes into greater detail about Lufthansa, KLM, and the other companies who deal with shipping animals. It's pretty fascinating to see how trends have been changing recently and how these businesses are learning to handle exotic moves.

Want to know more? Here are a few details from the article, and you can read the whole thing here.

 

-Last year Lufthansa's Frankfurt facility handled 110 animals of various kinds (including 80 million tropical fish and 300 tons of worms).

-Lufthansa usually transports around 14,000 dogs and cats and 2,000 horses in a year.

-Animal freight makes up about one to two percent of Lufthansa's total cargo revenue.

-One of the most unconventional cargo shipments on record was a plane filled with dogs and cats evacuated from Lebanon following a missile strike.

-Before they fly out of Frankfurt, animals are inspected by up to 24 different vets.

-Some freighters are equipped with up to four different temperature zones, meaning that one flight can safely and comfortably carry warm-blooded and cold-blooded animals (think horses and penguins, for example).

-Large fish, dolphins and poisonous reptiles are not accepted for shipment by Lufthansa due to safety concerns.

 

 

Hannelore Foerster/Bloomberg

 

 

 

 

Alaska Airlines has announced a new partnership with Banfield Pet Hospital that will help travelers navigate the pet transport process more easily. Banfield, which has more than 800 facilities in over 40 states, will now give Alaska Airlines customers a free office visit, a travel consultation, and a $10 discount on the required health certificate.

Alaska Airlines flies pets in both the cargo and the cabin areas of the plane, and in the statement they issued Monday, professes a commitment to pet care and safety. Starting on May 1, they will be implementing new kennel standards for pets traveling in the cargo hold, and through June 9 will offer a 10% discount on PetStreak Animal Express shipments (the service for shipping pets via freight when the owners are not on the same flight).  Visit this website to find out how to redeem these offers.

This partnership shows that travel service providers are truly taking notice of the fact that more people are traveling with pets these days. It's a trend that's on the rise, so smart businesses will likely continue to innovate and expand in order to safely accommodate the needs that go along with shipping pets.

We can't wait to see who steps up next, and we'll certainly keep you informed as life becomes even more streamlined for pet travelers.

On that note, have you taken our pet travel survey yet? We're checking in with as many pet owners as possible so that we can get an idea of current and future trends. Let your voice be heard by taking the survey, too!

 

Since moving pets can be pretty complicated and will most likely coincide with a busy, stressful time in life, we're not surprised that we receive a lot of questions from overwhelmed pet owners about the logistics, the details and the costs of pet travel.

We've been shipping pets for a while now and have pretty much heard it all... Here are a few of the most frequently asked pet travel questions (along with our basic answers). Remember, no one is alone in this!

 

How do I know what the requirements are for the country I'm moving to?

Making sure that a pet's journey runs smoothly begins with research. Many countries have detailed import instructions on their own official websites; stringent countries like Australia outline almost everything while other places may not be so forthcoming, so you may need to check another source -- like IATA  or the country pages on the PetRelocation.com -- to find out about health documents, vaccines, and possible quarantines.

Which airline should I fly with?

This is perhaps the most important decision you can make related to pet travel. It's key that you choose an airline that has established pet policies and solid safety measures in place to ensure that your pet is properly cared for, not left to sit on the tarmac, and respectfully transported overall. We have a short list of trusted airlines that include KLM, Lufthansa, Qantas and United, but check with us if you have any questions about this.

How do I know my pet will be safe?

This is probably the  most common question requiring the most nuanced answer. Again, safety primarily depends on selecting trustworthy airlines and transport agents, but you can also do your best to prepare your pet physically by keeping them in good shape, acclimating them to their travel crates and setting a good example for them by remaining calm and upbeat in the days before the trip.

Remember that sedatives are strongly discouraged (and generally not even permitted). With so many moving parts it's impossible to guarantee a journey 100% free of hiccups, but by following these basic guidelines you're putting your pet in the best position possible.

Why does it cost so much to ship a pet?

We've addressed the question of pet moving costs in greater depth in the past, but essentially it comes down to the details. By the time you add up import permits, health certificates, customs clearance, delivery fees, plane tickets and a few other considerations, it simply isn't going to be a cheap endeavor. Does it end up being worth it, though? Most pet owners would say "of course".

Should I move my pet at all?

This is a tough one, and for certain people it's a question that must be asked. Air travel is taxing for humans and for animals, and older pets or those in delicate health simply may not be up for it. Also, many people don't realize how much is involved with air travel and crossing borders, so if this is just a vacation (rather than a permanent move), it will probably be better to find a trusted pet sitter rather than jump through so many hoops unnecessarily.

Ultimately it is the safety of the pet that's the most important thing to consider, so often a conversation with your vet, your family, and your pet relocation specialist will help you figure this one out.

 

 

Still have questions? We're happy to help! Give our office a call and be sure to check out our Facebook page to connect with other pet travelers who probably have the same questions as you. Happy traveling, everyone!

 

 

 

Name: K.
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: Rat
Pet Breed: Dumbo Rat
From: Japan
To: Maryland (though Washington, Dulles airport)

I am leaving Japan in the summer (expecting to leave in the last week of July) and want to take my two fancy rats home to the US with me. I have contacted the CDC in both countries and they have said there are no specific regulations for pet rats, however I am having a difficult time just getting a list together of everything that I am going to need at the airport. As time starts to run out I am getting very stressed that there will be some sort of last minute thing that I forget!

Also, as I have never shipped a pet before, I am a little confused about how the whole process works. Do I just walk in the airport with the carrier and hand them over when I check my bags? I worry that with the stigma most people have of rats that they won't be treated as well as a larger companion animal would, but I haven't been able to find any airline that will let me take them as carry on (I'd even be willing to buy a second seat!).

I guess what I am asking is just for some idea of what to expect and what forms/ vet information I will need to have for them. Using a service such as your own also isn't out of the question. More than cost, I am just concerned about my (clearly very spoiled) rats getting home safely.

Thank you so much for your informative site. Any information that you can give me will be most appreciated.

Thanks,
K



Hello,

Thanks for your question about traveling with your rats; your concerns are certainly understandable! First of all, you're right that it's important to start the process early in order to avoid being surprised about anything.

Here is some information from our site about obtaining customized rodent crates as well as how to travel with an exotic pet, and we also recommend contacting your airline directly in order to find out about their most up-to-date regulations. The good news is that the United States allows rats to be imported without much fanfare (here's a document from the Official U.S. Customs and Border Protection site that may be helpful).

Hopefully this information is helpful to you, and please let us know if you have any more questions or if you'd like a free quote for our services. Good luck with the move!

Chances are you're still working on your holiday shopping, and if you're reading this blog, you most likely have a few pets and pet owners on your list.

We always have pet travel on the brain, so you bet we have a few gift suggestions that will make your holiday pet travel plans run a little smoother. Have some fun with these gift ideas, and happy holiday traveling to you all!






Pet Travel Gift Basket includes a dog bowl, baggies and  tasty-to-your-pup treats like "Duck 'n' Rice Ringles" and "PupPuccino treats".













This portable pet house from Animal Planet is made of soft foam and is easy to assemble -- perfect for bringing along to grandma's house.











The Thunder Shirt provides a gentle, constant pressure to a dog's body, and according to many pet owners, has a calming effect that makes travel and stressful situations  -- like thunderstorms -- much easier to handle.

*Note: PetRelocation.com has never shipped a pet wearing a thunder shirt, but we've heard of people who have (KLM is apparently open to allowing them). If you're traveling with a sensitive pup, just check before you go to see if your thunder shirt will be allowed.









Traveling to colder climates and worried about your pet's paws? Protect them from the elements with these sherpa/suede fully lined Pet Boots.










Make things easy on yourself by picking up a carry-all for the various accessories you'll need for your big holiday trip. This functional bag by Doggy Baggage has multiple pockets and a cute design.









And last but not least (because they probably don't travel quite as often but kitties do hit the road sometimes), here's a great cat bed for the feline owners out there. The Eco-Buttercup Bed can be adjusted so that it's either flat or a snuggly buttercup shape, depending on your cat's preference. Hat tip to our Facebook fan Kim for bringing our attention to this one!








What are you getting your pet (or favorite pet lover) for Christmas? Tell us about it on Facebook!

It's been another busy week in the world of pet travel and pet shipping, so here are a few highlights in case you missed them!


-You're traveling with your pets this holiday season, but are you being environmentally conscious about it? Here's a green guide to pet travel.

-This pup has set a Guinness World Record for being the animal who has been photographed with the most celebrities (363!), having posed with the likes of Kristen Stewart, Bill Clinton and Kim Kardashian.

-It doesn't surprise us to hear the results of this American Pet Products study: more people own pets than ever before, and pet owners are happy to spoil their furry family members. 

-From fashion designer to animal rescuer: this New Yorker recently started the Tiny Tim Rescue Fund and creates clothing for dogs as well. 

-It's true: Dog Parks aren't for everyone. 

-More holiday pet travel tips.

-The new rules for moving pets to Panama.

-Of course you'd like to see a slide show of dogs playing in leaves.

Because it's a faraway destination and operates as a rabies-free country, Australia can create a lot of confusion when it comes to pet moves. Which airlines fly pets there? When should the planning process begin? If you're plotting a move like this and have yet to check in with a Pet Relocation Specialist, read on to find out what lies ahead.

We recently moved a French Bulldog named Chunk from Arizona to Australia, an experience that proved more complicated than Chunk's owners initially realized it would be. They made it home eventually, however, and here are a few lessons they learned along the way:

-Part of the Australia import requirements include undergoing a Rabies test, known as the Titer test. This entails having your pet's blood tested and sent to a lab, and then having the results certified by a government-approved entity (this is the USDA if you're in the United States, for example).

-The date when the blood is drawn for this test is when the 180-day quarantine period begins. This is an important detail to note, as it will obviously determine when your pet will ultimately be free to come home to you! Chunk's parents found this one out the hard way and ended up experiencing some delays -- another reason it's best to contact PetRelocation.com as soon as you know you're moving so that we can help things go as smoothly as possible.

-We advise this for every pet move: choose a pet-friendly airline. "Pet-friendly" means they don't just accept pets on board, they have a thoughtful pet policy in place and make sure animals are never left to sit on the tarmac.

-Check with the quarantine facility ahead of time to find out how they operate. Chunk's parents were luckily able to work around the hours and rules of their chosen facility (they brought their own food to help deal with Chunk's food allergies and could make the weekday afternoon visiting hours work with their schedules). Depending on whether you're going into Sydney, Perth or Melbourne, PetRelocation.com can help you make the best choice.

For further reading, check out five things to watch out for when shipping a pet to Australia and read about Harley, another cute pup who made the move. As always, contact us if you have any questions about moving pets!

Occasionally airlines and airports make important announcements regarding pet policies (or policies in general) that may require passengers to make other arrangements. Here are a couple of things to be aware of if you'll be traveling with pets anytime soon:

-Until further notice, Lufthansa will not be shipping any live animals from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) or Detroit Metro Airport (DTW).

-Starting yesterday, Cathay Pacific Airlines will no longer accept snub-nosed breed pets, which include pugs, bulldogs and Himalayan and Persian cats. They cite safety reasons (brachycephalic breeds have a greater risk of overheating and suffering from breathing problems) and join a few other airlines in operating with a similar policy. Read more about travel restrictions regarding snub-nosed breeds.

Check back with us for more updates, and contact us if you have any questions!

It's Friday! Check out the pet news of the week as you prepare for what'll hopefully be a fun, safe and happy weekend.

-If you have a pet you know how it is -- they have a magical way of absorbing the stress in a room and they bring laughter to life without even trying. A Doctor in psychology further explores this phenomenon and also asks, is your pet the emotional "third" in your relationship?

-Sometimes pet travel isn't as structured as it should be. Find out what happened when a snake ended up taking a solo train ride in Japan.

-This story began as a heartbreaker but seems to have a happy ending - a kitten was tossed out a car window on a NYC bridge this week but managed to remain unharmed when an animal control officer spotted the cat and picked him up. The kitty is now doing well in foster care.

-In more strange NYC news, a West Village pet store recently placed restrictions on who is allowed to take pets home after a few incidents involving drunk puppy buying.

-Many people are surprised to find out how much it costs to ship a pet. Here's a breakdown of what's involved with moving a pet safely.

-In case you missed it, here's the story of an Indonesian monkey who snatched a wildlife photographer's camera and proceeded to take a series of self-portraits. Sure, it's not really "pet news," but nothing says Happy Friday like a smiling monkey face!

-Finally, we announced our Pet Move of the Month this week; Kratos the English Bulldog moved from California to Italy in order to join his loving owner Shaun, a member of the US Navy. The picture of their reunion (below) illustrates one of our favorite parts about moving pets!

Moving a pet isn't cheap, and here at PetRelocation.com we're often asked why. Isn't it just a matter of booking a flight? Why should it have to cost so much?

Door-to-Door Services

"Door-to-Door" pet relocations contain a surprising number of moving parts. Those unacquainted with the service initially balk at the price tag, but when each individual expense is taken into account, it's clear why a safe and successful pet move can be a little pricey.

Here are a few of the components that make up a typical pet move:

• Import Permits - Emigrating to a new country often requires that you obtain formal permission from the government to bring your pet along with you.


• Government Endorsements for Health Certificates - In addition to obtaining health certificates from your veterinarian, they must be certified by relevant governing bodies as well, such as the USDA or the correct Consular Offices.


• Pick-up and Delivery - Pets are transported in a safe and timely way from your home to the airport and from the arrival airport to the new home on the other end.  Hiring a trusted driver with a climate-controlled vehicle (picture your pet in their very own private limo!) is an important part of the process, and time spent in traffic or driving longer distances as well as fuel costs must also be factored in when budgeting for this part of the service.


• Your Pet's Plane Ticket - The bulk of the cost associated with moving a pet is the airfare. While you may be able to hop on a discount flight to your destination without worrying about routing or stops, pets have to be carefully routed to ensure they are only flying in and out of airports that have pet-friendly airlines. Any layovers that last more than a few hours must include a comfort stop for the pet, typically at a pet hotel. These pet hotel fees, combined with the rising cost of fuel and the higher rates airlines charge for live animals due to liability (and the added amount of attention they require from the airline staff), can make what seems like a simple flight booking cost considerably more.


• Airport Check-In - It often takes a few hours to get past the check-in counter before departure, which requires specialized manpower to ensure that paperwork is in order and pets are properly looked after.


• Customs Clearance - Once pets have landed it's not over yet; entry procedures must also be negotiated. Tariffs, taxes and country-specific fees are paid at this time.

• Personalized Care  - Your Pet Relocation Specialist becomes your single point of contact for everything related to your pet's move. Specialists research the flight options, contact the airlines, make the bookings, establish communication with customs offices to make sure they'll be open when needed, secure approval for import when special permissions must be granted, and keep you, the customer, informed throughout the process.

No Regrets

It's natural to want to cut costs where you can or to feel hesitant about spending a substantial sum of money on something you could potentially handle yourself, but pet owners often tell us how happy they are that they chose to hire us. Take a look at what a few of our customers had to say after their pets were delivered safely to them:

"PetRelocation.com was a bit pricey but well worth it for the peace of mind."

"We considered trying to move Dakota ourselves in order to save money, but the extra money spent brought about peace of mind that Dakota was taken care of, making it all worth it. The entire process of moving is stressful enough, and to know that your animal is taken care of makes the move that much easier."

"Everything was taken care of, including the flight, the import permit and the quarantine reservation. Moving ourselves was stressful enough, and PetRelocation.com took care of the dog so we could take care of everything else."

"We had a lot of anxiety about moving our pets, and working with a professional made it much easier."

Like building a deck or planning your wedding, it comes down to pinpointing what you're willing and able to do on your own and then deciding that it might be better to let a specialist handle things more efficiently.
Precious Cargo

Many people do end up choosing the cheapest option (handling the move themselves), but many others decide that their energy would be better spent elsewhere and decide to hire us. After all, moving the furriest member of your family requires far more care and attention than moving your household belongings, so it makes sense to let someone more experienced step in.

It's true that you're not going to find "bargain-basement" prices when it comes to moving a pet. But, while it may not be cheap to engage our services, ultimately you get what you pay for.

No two pet moves are the same, but some are definitely more complicated than others. Recently PetRelocation.com had the opportunity to move 36 military dogs from Texas to Afghanistan, and Director of Client Relations Matt Kincaid headed up this high-priority operation. Here's what he had to say about this challenging and ultimately successful experience:


In March I was contacted by IQ Global Solutions based in Fort Washington, MD.  They were inquiring about the costs and feasibility of relocating 36 dogs from San Antonio, Texas to Kandahar, Afghanistan in a very short period of time on behalf of the US government.  I knew immediately that these dogs weren’t your typical canines.  Every one of them is specially trained in either search and rescue or to sniff out IEDs and other explosives, and each would join the front line in the war in Afghanistan.     

Never being one to turn down a challenge, I did the research needed to begin piecing together the relocation, and I put together a tentative logistics plan for moving forward.  This consisted of transporting by ground all dogs from their origin near San Antonio to Houston Intercontinental Airport, then flying from Houston to Frankfurt, Germany. From Frankfurt the dogs would travel to Dubai, and then from Dubai they’d go to Kandahar.  

Given our experience in relocating family pets, we have the resources available to ensure that the animal’s welfare is treated as the primary concern.  This shipment would be no exception, so we chose to fly with Lufthansa Airlines via Frankfurt, as their live animal program and Animal Lounge in Frankfurt make up one of the best pet travel programs in the world. 

To facilitate the Dubai transit, I worked closely with Yohannes Hailemariam of Move One Relocations.  I worked with Yohannes to arrange three separate stations for each dog to pass through upon their arrival in Dubai.  Station One consisted of having the dog cleared through customs, removed from his/her crate, and provided with food.  Station Two entailed the exercising of each dog, while Station Three was for bathing the dogs. 

There was a delay in Dubai which prevented the dogs from departing as scheduled, so the dogs were kept in Dubai for an additional two days.  Fortunately, due to our preparedness, each dog continued to rotate through the stations and was properly exercised and fed during the delay.

On the morning of their arrival in Kandahar, I received a call that all dogs had arrived at the Kandahar Air Force Base in great condition.  The clients on the receiving end in Afghanistan were extremely happy wi h the condition and general heath of the dogs, and stated that “the animals arrived in the best health and shape of any of the previous shipments.”
 



 
      

If you're moving with pets to Morocco, it helps to be prepared for the slower pace of the culture. While some of the ways of doing business can be frustrating, ultimately having accurate expectations can make for a smoother transition for both you and your pets.

What airlines fly pets to Morocco?

Currently the only pet-safe airline that can provide pet shipments into Morocco is Lufthansa Airlines. Lufthansa's hub, the airport Animal Lounge, is in Frankfurt, so all pets going to Casablanca must first transit through Germany. The main port of entry in Morocco is Casablanca (airport code: CMN).

Customs clearance in Casablanca is a relatively jumbled affair, as customs officials are not always available to immediately clear incoming animals. To compensate for this, Moroccan officials state that a 48-hour “quarantine period” is sometimes imposed, when in actuality, it’s typically a matter of customs taking that amount of time to clear the pets.

During our past pet relocations to Morocco, we have been able to lift that waiting period and pets can usually be cleared the day they arrive, but it is always wise be aware that a potential 48-hour wait after the flight lands might be in the cards.

A power of attorney is needed if you are working with a customs agent in Morocco to clear your pets (which we highly recommend). For our clients, the power of attorney is put together by our agent in Morocco upon a pet’s arrival at CMN and this power of attorney needs to be signed by the owner of the pet. This means that the pet owner must physically be present in Morocco at the time of their pet’s arrival and be available to sign the power of attorney when our agent contacts them. The power of attorney is not necessarily ready right when the pet lands, so the pet owner needs to be fairly flexible in their times of availability. Flights into Casablanca typically arrive late at night, so customs clearance usually doesn’t begin until the following morning.

What is required to import pets to Morocco?

The pet import requirements for Morocco are fairly straightforward. Your pet will need:

• ISO-Compatible Microchip
• Rabies Vaccination - at least 4 weeks old from the date of departure. It can be a 1, 2 or 3 year vaccine but it must be current (i.e. it should not have expired).
• Current Annual Vaccinations:
  • Dogs: DHLP or DHLPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Leptospirosis)
  • Cats: FVRCP
• Import Permit - Obtained from the Government of Veterinary Services in Morocco (requires a current residential address, ID, rabies certificate and vaccination record)
• International Health Certificate - Form 7001 (endorsed by the USDA)

So far in our Pet Friendly Airline Series we've spotlighted Lufthansa, JetBlue and Continental. For the final week in the series, we're going to mix things up a little by focusing on a few other high-profile airlines. They just released an announcement regarding summer pet travel, so today we're taking a quick look at Delta Airlines.

Though PetRelocation.com doesn't use Delta and they don't exactly have a clean track record regarding transportation, it's still worth knowing about their services. Delta Cargo recently announced the launch of its Summer Live Animal Program, which will be in effect from May 15 through October 15, 2011. This program is dedicated to safely shipping animals in select cities during the hottest months of the year.

Specifically, this  means that extra attention will be paid to pets flying this summer. Climate-controlled vans operated by specially-trained employees will pick up and deliver all warm-blooded animals when they're traveling to and from the aircraft, the animal holding areas and the cargo facilities. Exceptions to this pet program apply to snub-nosed dogs and cats, which will not be accepted when temperatures exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Travelers interested in flying their pets with Delta Cargo this summer should pre-book their pets with the Delta Cargo Call Center, who can be reached at 1.888.736.3738 or 1.800.352.2746.

Find out more about flying pets with Delta, and be sure to post your questions in the comments section!

Name: Amanda
Number of Pets: 3
Pet Type: Mustela Putorius Furo
Pet Breed: Ferrets
From: California
To: Taipei, Taiwan

I work for an animal hospital and our clients want to ship three ferrets to their owner in Taipei. Can you tell me what is required and if they have to have a FAVN rabies titer test? Is there a quarantine, and if so, then where do they go? Any information you have will be appreciated.

Thanks,
Amanda


Hi Amanda,

Thanks for contacting us! In our experience it is no more difficult to move ferrets to Taiwan than it is to move a dog or a cat. Double check the pet import requirements for Taiwan (which does impose a quarantine on animals entering the country for the first time -- here's more information about the Taipei quarantine facility), and contact us if you have any more questions! Good luck!

It's the second week of our Pet Friendly Airline Series, and today we're taking a closer look at Lufthansa Airways. Martin Riecken, the Head of Corporate Communications for Lufthansa, answered a few basic questions about the airline's pet-friendly options and offers some advice for pet travelers.

How does Lufthansa's pet program work?

Lufthansa transports pets either in the cabin or in the cargo hold of its passenger aircraft depending on their weight and their size. In addition, Lufthansa’s wholly-owned Cargo subsidiary has its own animal transport business, which is a customized service guaranteeing the fast and competent transport of animals (either accompanied or unaccompanied by owners).

Pets that cannot be transported inside the aircraft cabin will be transported by Lufthansa in appropriate containers in an air-conditioned area of the cargo hold. Customers may also transport their pet in their own container, provided it complies with the relevant IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations.

The container must in any case be large enough to ensure that the pet can stand up and has sufficient space to move around. Furthermore, all containers must be equipped with an empty water dish.







When did Lufthansa begin flying pets and how many pets do you fly?

For decades, Lufthansa Cargo has been one of the world’s leading animal transport providers. Each year, the airline carries thousands of live animals in special containers.

Why did Lufthansa decide to begin offering service to travelers with pets?

The customer’s demands are always the primary focus of our business. We listened to our customers, who showed a clear demand for a high-quality service for transporting their beloved pets.

At what airports/regions do you provide service for pets?

Customers may carry pets to/from all Lufthansa and Lufthansa Cargo destinations that don't have any restrictions. Several countries do not allow the import/export/transit of pets accompanied by passengers. Some countries only allow specific types of pets, or have restrictions for pets in the cabin. Also, there are restrictions on certain aircraft types which cannot accommodate all crate sizes. Passengers will be informed about this during the reservation process.

What special arrangements do you offer for travelers with pets?

Lufthansa Cargo operates the most modern live animal facilities in the world!

We offer animals and pets traveling with us access to a 43,000 square foot Animal Lounge at Frankfurt Airport. (All pets, including dogs or cats transported in the passenger cabin with a transfer time of more than 2-3 hours, are taken there.)

Everyone involved in the transport of the pets, including coordinators, veterinary doctors and freight handlers, work in the same building. We have clearly distinct zones for export, import, transit and health inspections. In addition, we offer adjustable stalls with an area of up to of 300 square feet each and individually-controlled climate areas that comply with the most recent hygienic and veterinary EU regulations.

The Frankfurt Animal Lounge opened in February 2008 after a construction period of 13 months. For more information, please visit: http://lufthansa-cargo.info/animallounge/en/. In close cooperation with international zoos, Lufthansa Cargo also supports programs dedicated to animal conservation and the re-settlement of threatened species in the wild.

What’s the most common question your pet program representatives get asked about
flying with pets? How do you answer it?

The majority of questions are about the cost of transporting the pet. Transport costs vary between different origin and destinations. Further, additional costs (shelter, veterinary, customs etc.) may occur as well as for special handling or paperwork. To get the exact amount, please contact your nearest LH Cargo sales office or a forwarder specialized in shipping live animals.

What is the one thing you wish you could tell passengers considering flying with their pets?

Crates should be roomy so pets can stand up and turn around. Secure latches and empty water bowl help ensure safety and comfort.

--

Thanks to Lufthansa for participating in our Airline Series! Check back with us later this week for more info, and feel free to post your questions here or on our Facebook page!


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!

When we're not shipping pets, the team at PetRelocation.com likes to focus our energies on positive pet causes. Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities to make a difference here in animal-loving Austin, TX.

For example, we've enjoyed supporting Emancipet, a great organization that works to control the pet population by reducing the number of homeless pets through spay and neuter programs.

Emancipet recently celebrated its 12th anniversary, and we were happy to serve as a sponsor for the celebration luncheon they held! A few of our specialists attended the event (Mike, Cara, Matt J. and Scotty are pictured below), and they had a chance to mix and mingle with some of the fine folks working to make the world a better place for pets.

Last year, Emancipet held walk-up wellness clinics, free mobile spay/neuter clinics, a Rescue and Shelter Veterinary Partnership and several other programs that altogether helped to keep thousands of potential homeless animals off the streets.

Find out more about Emancipet, including how you can donate to this important cause, or take the time to find out about similar programs in your own corner of the world.

Pet travel always requires plenty of planning and attention to detail, but as summer approaches it's important to make pet safety an especially high priority. Everyone involved in the pet travel process (pet owners, airline employees, pet taxi drivers, etc ) must be vigilant and well-informed.

If you're planning a trip anytime soon, here are a few questions you may have as well as a few important deadlines to keep in mind.

Why can pet travel be more complicated in the summer?

The demands of travel combined with the hot weather that summer brings makes it hard to keep your pet in a constant state of temperature-controlled comfort. Airlines adapt to these challenges by imposing restrictions on pet travel during the summer months, so it's important to check the rules well in advance if you're planning a trip.

Here are some of the specific restrictions you'll face:

United Airlines - From June 1 to Sept. 30, "snub-nosed" breeds will still be accepted for cabin travel but will not be admitted as cargo or checked baggage. From May 1 to Sept. 30, no pets can fly in the baggage section to or from Bahrain or Kuwait

Continental Airlines - From May 15 to Sept. 15, no Boston Terriers, Bulldogs or Pugs will be accepted, and during the rest of the year they will be flown only if the temperature is below 85 degrees. Last year they ended up restricting snub-nosed breeds through the month of September.
(UPDATE: As of December 2011, Continental no longer accepts English Bulldogs older than six months of age or who weigh more than 20 lbs. Please check with the airline or with PetRelocation.com if you have any questions about flying snub-nosed breeds.)

American Airlines - Though they don't list specific dates, pets will not be flown when the temperature is expected to top 85 degrees. Brachycephalic dog and cat breeds are not accepted at any time as checked baggage.

Delta Airlines - From May 15 through Sept. 15, pets will not be accepted as checked baggage but they can be shipped as cargo. Year-round restrictions regarding snub-nosed breeds apply, as well (for example, Delta does not accept Bulldogs at any time).

So some pets are more susceptible to heat-related problems? What exactly is a "snub-nosed" breed?

Also known as brachycephalic breeds, these kinds of dogs (and some cats) have a physical difference in the structure of their face and nose that makes it harder for them to breathe in any circumstance and even more likely to have problems when they're traveling, especially when they're nervous, excited or dealing with high altitudes. Pugs, Bulldogs and Boston Terriers fall into this category.

Are other kinds of pets at risk?

Regardless of what kind of pet you have, it's important to choose a pet-friendly airline. Even the healthiest animals can become stressed when they're away from their normal surroundings, and airlines like Continental ensure that pets are not exposed to high temperatures, are not left waiting on the tarmac, and are given plenty of water and attention.

So how do I really know if it's okay to fly my pet?

It's important to talk to your vet about your pet's health status, and once you've determined that your furry friend is up for the journey, do everything you can to make the trip a success by choosing a pet-friendly airline and attending to all other important details. Here are a few tips for safe summer pet travel.

May 15 is fast approaching, so if you could possibly be affected by any of the above restrictions then you'll want to make sure you plan appropriately. If you have a move ahead of you, book your snub-nosed dogs' flights before the deadline, consider pushing your move back until temperatures have dropped to a safe level again, or if you can, make it a road trip instead.

Do you have any summer pet travel advice or stories to share? Let us know here or on Facebook!

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.