Animals Travel

 

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

 

The beginning of a pet move can be pretty confusing and there are many things to consider, including your pet's safety, the legwork (and paperwork) involved, and how much it's all going to cost.

Some people choose to handle their moves on their own (and we're happy to offer tips for how to keep pet moves affordable, etc.), but ultimately many pet owners realize they'd rather have someone else handle everything. Whether due to stress, time, or basic logistics, hiring professional pet transportation services will bring some relief to the situation.

Here are a few reasons that many pet owners, including our own PetRelocation.com customers, choose to seek assistance with their moves.

Conflicting Information

"We had no idea how to go about organizing the move ourselves, and for a dog we loved so much, we felt secure in paying someone to do things correctly." -Michelle, who moved her dog Chunk to Australia

Thanks to the internet this has become a very DIY world, but that doesn't mean it's easy to pull off something like a pet move. Unfortunately it's the case that many government websites don't keep up-to-date information regarding animal imports, and a lot of the advice you'll find out there is just plain wrong. When your pet's safety is at stake, it's better to trust the experts who do this every day.

Time

"The list of things to do before a move is a long one. Having assistance with Cole took a huge burden away from us and allowed us to spend more time on preparing ourselves and getting our travel arrangements in order." -Mike, who moved from California to Brazil

Whether moving for work or for pleasure, the effort of relocating all your belongings, organizing the details and trying to make a home in a new place can call for huge time demands. Adding another set of concerns just isn't possible for some travelers, so that's why they call pet relocation companies like us.

 

Special Conditions

"Large dogs present more difficult travel scenarios, so getting assistance was very important for us.The overall safety and well-being of our pet outweighed our ability to handle the move on our own." - Mike, Cole's owner

Flying with an older pet, an especially large one, a snub-nosed breed or an exotic animal can all present special challenges. Again, the rules can be confusing and the internet can be a jumble of misinformation, so passing the reins to a relocation specialist who knows how things work is often the best choice for many pet owners.


Military Moves/PCS

"I had enough stress just trying to get me, my daughters and my house ready all while worrying about my husband, who was still gone (overseas in the military). Once I decided to hire Pet Relocation.com it was like a huge stress filled ball was lifted off me." -Tarnna, featured as our most recent Pet Move of the Month, moved from the US to the UK

Families serving our country who have to move frequently, often without as much notice or time as they'd like, can find themselves feeling particularly overwhelmed.

 

As you can see, there's nothing wrong with seeking some help! For more information about how to relocate your pets, check out  MyPetTravel, our blog, or take a look at our Facebook page to connect with other travelers who have done it all before.

You can also contact PetRelocation.com directly to speak to a Pet Relocation Specialist about what your options may be. No matter how you go about it, here's wishing everyone many safe travels!
 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to Marshmallow for being named our Pet Move of the Month! This Dalmatian mix traveled from Maryland to the UK when her owners were called overseas, and we were happy to help them navigate the process during the hectic time that military families must so often face.

This was the family's first pet move and they had all the typical concerns (safety, paperwork, costs), but in the end everything turned out well and Marshmallow is enjoying life in the UK with all her favorite people. Her owner Tarnna, was kind enough to share the full story with us below. Read on to find out more about Marshmallow's military move!

What were some of your concerns going into the move?

We didn't want to put Marshmallow through the stress of a long flight only to arrive and have to be quarantined, that would have been devastating for her and our family.

Another big concern for me was how much is was going to cost. Moving internationally is not cheap, even if the military pays for some of it, so adding in this cost was a worry.

Did anything surprise you about the pet moving process?

I was shocked by the price to move a pet. Not just with this company, but every company I contacted and even trying to do it on my own. It is not an inexpensive thing to do and it made me change my thought process about military members who move around.

Most of the time military families will just give up their pets when they PCS, and I could never understand why until now. Luckily for us we had saved for emergencies and this seemed like a good time to use it.

Another thing that surprised me was how dismissive of my concerns some companies were -- luckily not this one -- but many that I contacted were and even the airlines directly. Getting these types of responses from other places is another reason I went with PetRelocation.com, everyone seemed genuine and like they actually cared that our animal got to us safe and sound.

How is Marshmallow adjusting to her new home?

Marshmallow loves our new home, just like we do! When she first arrived she was a bit scared and confused but she quickly settled in. The only thing that has changed is she has a bigger back yard to run around in, which keeps her happy. She has actually lost some weight from all the extra playtime she is getting. She was always a pretty laid back, good dog and nothing has seemed to change that.

How is life in the UK? Is it a dog-friendly place to be?

The UK seems to be a pretty dog-friendly place to be. We haven't searched out any dog parks yet, but we have taken her hiking, where she was loved on by everyone that passed us. Other than that we have only been here a little over a month so there aren't too many stories.

What advice do you have for people who might be planning a move?

To other people who are moving I would say that they need to understand that if they want their pet to arrive in good condition it will cost them, but in the end it is so worth it. I would also say to people to go with their gut feeling about a company who is moving their pet; if you get a not-so-good feeling there is probably a reason. They are your pet and they are a part of your family and they deserve to be as comfortable through the moving process as you do!

Anything else you'd care to share?

At first I was put off by the cost, but after dealing with other companies and the airlines I realized that I could not do this on my own and saw that PetRelocation.com was actually the best company to go with. Like I said earlier, everyone I dealt with from my first call to the gentlemen who brought her to our home in England seemed like they really cared about her and animals in general, and they didn't put my concerns on the back burner. There are good people working for this company!

Once I decided to hire Pet Relocation.com it was like a huge stress filled ball was lifted off me. I had enough stress just trying to get me, my daughters and my house ready all while worrying about my husband, who was still gone. I felt defeated for awhile in the process and was feeling I could not get her here, but once I hired this company I knew it would be okay.

That may sound dramatic but this was the most stressful move I have had during my husband's military career, and we have moved a lot. Nothing was working out and everything seemed to be happening to hinder our move, so when the things with the dog worked out it brought some much needed sunshine. I enjoyed all the people who helped us through the process, everyone had their part, and they did it well. We are planning on using PetRelocation.com for our next move and I have referred my sister and brother-in-law to PetRelocation.com to move their dogs during their next move. They are also in the military and coming to the UK in November. 

Hopefully I didn't get too mushy, but we are very grateful for everything this company has done. We really feel like everyone went above and beyond and worked with us and their team to get us our dog!

 

 

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)

 

Just as obesity rates in people seem to be constantly on the rise, pets too are fatter than they used to be. We've run across a few news articles recently (here in the The New York Times and here on PeoplePets) that highlight the stories of overweight animals, and as you might imagine the implications are troubling.

Some pet owners may think it's cute to have a chubby pet or perhaps view it as a sign that their furry friend wants for nothing, but carrying too much weight around can be dangerous. Decreased mobility, difficulty breathing, hygiene issues and more can plague overweight pets, and here at PetRelocation.com we have particular reason to advocate slimming down and working to maintain a healthy weight.

In terms of pet travel, it's important to prepare your pets for the experience by making sure they're in good health. Overweight pets won't be in an ideal position for handling the stress of travel (even the smoothest trip will tire your furry traveler out a bit);  pets that are fit and well-exercised stand a better chance of handling the process gracefully.

The bottom line is to do right by your pets by keeping them in good shape. Follow your vet's advice on all matters (dental health, heartworm prevention, etc.), and definitely do your best to incorporate exercise and a healthy diet into their lives so that they'll be ready for anything.

Read a few tips for keeping your pets healthy and catch the story of Fridge the Cat if you missed it last year on our blog, and please contact us if you have any questions about how to prepare your pet for pet travel.

 

Fit pets are happy pets

 

 

We've been following the news and developments accompanying the United/Continental Airline merger, and over the past few weeks United has been following a path of general expansion.

Beginning on May 1, Manchester will become the 15th transatlantic destination served from the hub of Dulles International Airport (IAD). Also on May 1, Doha will become the fourth Middle East destination served by United Airlines.

In terms of pet travel, Manchester will be open to pet shipments immediately and Doha is expected to be animal-accessible at a later date.

We'll keep you updated with all the latest pet transportation news, so keep in touch!

 

(via TripAdvisor.com)

 

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!

 

We do our best to keep you informed regarding the best pet travel tips and the newest trends, but it never hurts to check in with others in the field to see what they have to say. Today we're featuring a guest post from our friends at CheapOair, an online travel company that keeps your budget in mind.

--

Air travel with pets requires lots of research to make the trip hassle-free. If you’re traveling for the first time with your pet on a flight, you need to put some extra effort not only to make the reservation and get the documents completed, but also to train your pet physically and psychologically. Here are a few tips that might help you in making your pet travel unperturbed.

Air Travel Policies for Pets 

The first and the foremost thing when planning to travel with your pet is to check the airline policies. Pet air travel policies vary from one airline to the next depending upon in-flight and cargo space and other factors. Therefore, it’s important to check with the airline for the latest pet flight regulations regarding carrier sizes, health documents, and other things required for pet travel. For example, as per the latest travel updates, AirTran Airways no longer accepts birds for travel on any flight.

Cargo or Cabin

It is crucial to select what is the best mode of travel for your pet. No doubt, pets too large to fit in cabin carriers have no other option than to fly in the cargo area, but certain snub nosed breeds and pets with medical issues should not fly in cargo. That doesn't mean it's unsafe to fly in the cargo area, though. It's advised that you choose a pet-friendly airline with safe pet practices as you plan your trip, and also discuss your options with your vet and a pet travel specialist before you fly.

Say No to Sedatives

Sedating animals before flights is prohibited. Sedation may affect the pet’s abilities to regulate his/her body temperature, your pet may become confused or even aggressive once the tranquilizer begins to wear off, and most airlines do not allow pets to fly if they’ve been sedated.

Overall, the best way to make pet air travel cozy and comfortable is to enlist the help of a pet relocation service provider.  They take care of each and every aspect related to pet relocation, including completion of documentation, vaccinations, and flight arrangements.

Author Bio:
Rachna works for CheapOair, an online travel company that is committed to provide cheap airline tickets along with hotel reservations and car rental services.
 

 

Do you live in the US and have an international pet move in your future? See the official instructions from the USDA below --  included is a step-by-step preparation plan, links to FAQs, information about USDA endorsements, a sample 7001 Form, and more.

Please contact PetRelocation.com if you have any questions about moving pets. We're happy to help make sense of the process and/or assist with your move.

Happy traveling, everyone!

 

USDA Document: How to Prepare Animals for International Travel (2012)

 

 

Here's what's been going on with pets and pet travel this week (if you're into that sort of  thing). Have a great weekend, everyone!

The happiest animals in the world.

Amazing photos of diving dogs.

Baby Boomers help the pet industry chug right along.

Another update regarding United's Pet policies for military members.

What's it like moving pets to Kuala Lumpur and then back to the United States?

These golden retrievers have been taught to play the piano.

Are you traveling with your pets this summer? Take our survey!

 

 

Run free this weekend!

 

It's a rainy day here in Austin, but that's not dampening the excitement for SXSW! Are you in town for the festivities? Whether you are or not, have a great day and an excellent weekend (and enjoy these pet news links).

 

Another good one from NPR. Pet Therapy: How Animals and Humans Heal Each Other.

Abu Dhabi is becoming friendlier to pet travelers all the time.

On a budget but still want to spoil your pet? Ten DIY dog toys you can make on the cheap.

More about Dog Vacay, a service connecting pet sitters to vacationing pet owners.

The Brooklyn Mutt Show is a cool alternative to Westminster (are you surprised that Brooklyn would do something like this?).

What to do and where to begin: 5 FAQs of Pet Travel.

Cool dog video!

Continental and United have officially merged; find out what this means for pet travel.

 

Nope, not a cheetah. This is Xavier, an F1 Savannah.

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!

 

 

 

Thanks again for reaching out to us... Talk to you again soon!

 

The following post was written by Pet Relocation Specialist Sarah Smith. Find out what she had to say about a recent (and pretty complicated) pet move to Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea is an island off the Northern coast of Australia. It is culturally diverse, and over 850 languages are spoken here. With most residents making less than $1.25 US per day, it’s hardly a place I thought I would be sending any expats and their pets, but this is exactly what happened!

Sophie, a Dachshund from Dallas, needed to be reunited with her mom in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. First we thought about going through Hawaii or Japan (as there are no direct flights from the US mainland).  After some routing trials, I decided that going through Australia was the only safe option for little Sophie.

 

 

Sure, we could have gone through Japan for fewer costs, but the airline in question could not guarantee where Sophie would be kept during the 12-hour layover. If you’re anything like Sophie’s mom (or me!) this is unacceptable. We pride ourselves on knowing where your pet is every step of the way, and the uncertainty involved in this possibility simply wasn’t an option...  So Australia it was!

Australia happens to be one of the most challenging countries to import animals into, and if we were going to transit through Australia, we were going to have to meet the majority of the rules. Luckily Sophie’s mom had already planned ahead and kept Sophie up to date on vaccinations, and she even had her blood drawn for the mandatory rabies antibody test so we were ahead of the game. A canine influenza vaccine would complete the process for import into Australia.

Papua New Guinea was a different story. We needed an import permit and a Hendra test upon arrival in Australia. Hendra is a disease not worried about elsewhere in the world, but is apparently prevalent in one small area in Australia. Therefore, any animal touching down in Australia would need to be tested for Hendra.

This is a lengthy process, so I had to arrange for Sophie to stay in quarantine upon arrival in Australia for two weeks while we got the test done and the results back. This process would take a week except for the following: animals have to arrive into Australia from the US on a Thursday or a Friday, the Hendra test is only carried out on Tuesdays and Fridays, and the results arrive on Tuesdays. So, Sophie arrived into Sydney on a Friday and had her blood tested on Tuesday. The results arrived the following Tuesday, but of course the only flights from Sydney to Papua New Guinea are on Mondays and Saturdays.  But, Papua New Guinea requires animals to arrive on a Monday or Tuesday, so we couldn’t take the Saturday flight. Are you confused yet? Imagine how I felt!

 

So Sophie arrived that Friday, had her blood drawn on Tuesday, got the results back the following Tuesday, and couldn’t leave Australia until the following Monday. Luckily, Sydney’s Eastern Creek Quarantine facilities are top notch and were very communicative throughout the process, and Sophie’s mom was very understanding.

Did I mention calling Papua New Guinea or receiving a call is effective about 4% of the time, and they are exact opposites from us in terms of time? So phone call efforts were futile.  All communication had to be done by email.

Sophie finally arrive in Port Moresby safely, cleared customs, and was taken to quarantine for two days. After quarantine was complete, my agent was able to deliver Sophie to her new home (Papua New Guinea doesn’t really have street addresses, so this also proved difficult).  In all, Sophie was treated kindly, traveled safely, and is probably excited to not see an airplane for a while. After all, she was on four different planes to get to her mom.

A few things to keep in mind if you’re moving your pets to Papua New Guinea:

• Get help. You WON’T be able to do this on your own!

• Bear in mind the time differences and communication challenges.

• Save money! Papua New Guinea -- because of the routing -- is probably the most expensive place in the world I’ve moved a pet so far.

• Be patient: this process can take three weeks, just for the travel alone, not even including the preparation.

•  Be flexible: some areas of the world are quite simple and streamlined, and others are not. I received several emails from the Chief Veterinary Officer of Papua New Guinea from a Gmail account. Some things are going to change when you least expect it so know that as the professionals, we’ll handle it!

• Trust PetRelocation.com because we know how to do it safely!

 

 

 

TGIF, right? Enjoy this news link rundown before your weekend officially begins, and have a good one, everyone!


If you ask us, pets ruled the game. Here are a few of last Sunday's Super Bowl Dog ads.

Take a moment to get better acquainted with someone who transports pets for a living. Driver Spotlight: John Kernan from Pawsitively Dogs (Guess what? He's an animal lover).

This is truly an incredible story about how dogs are capable of helping the disabled. "Wonder Dog" from The New York Times Magazine. 

And this is our not-surprised face: pet business are booming, as Americans spent billions of dollars on their furry friends last year.

How smart is your dog? Find out by performing these dog intelligence tests.

The Mutt Marathon combines two great things: running and caring for shelter dogs.

Friday fun -- 25 animals who think they're people via @BuzzFeed.

Finally, we named our Pet Move of the Month this week. Find out about this five-pet relocation to Sri Lanka!

Need a pick-me-up this afternoon? Check out this fun and uplifting tale of an Australian pup named Sahara who recently traveled around her country raising awareness -- and about $5,000 -- for the cause of animal rescue shelters.

A rescue dog herself, Sahara does a great job of highlighting the benefits and rewards of fostering and adopting rescue pets, and the money she raised will go to the shelters she visits in the video.

Take a look, and perhaps take a moment to think about what you can do to help rescue shelters and pets. Enjoy!

Another week, another batch of pet news headlines to entertain and inform us. Enjoy these, and have a great weekend, everyone!


Many of us choose to adopt and rescue pets instead of buying them from a breeder, but the process of being approved can be surprisingly difficult.

Almost a year after the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, these pet rescuers are working to help the animals left behind. (Don't miss the last few interactive slides - via The Atlantic).

If you care about THIS sort of thing: William and Kate have adopted a new dog.

Ummm, yeah. This bunny thinks it's a sheepdog.

Also: a surfing goat.

Have a political pal? Check out Pet Lovers for Obama.

Are you on Pinterest? Join us!

Name: Maya
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: English Lab
From: Miami
To: Costa Rica

Is the flight on American Airlines as checked baggage safe? The flight alone is 2.5 hours. My research shows that a certificate is needed from Costa Rica and the dogs vaccination papers must be kept with us. Will cabin pressure and temperature be comfortable for our dog? Costa Rica's high temperature this time of year is around 85 degrees, will the dog be allowed to travel now?

Thanks,
Maya



Hi Maya,


First of all, in case you need them, here are the pet import requirements for Costa Rica. Let us know if you have any questions about these rules.

There are many misconceptions about pet travel -- one being that cargo travel is somehow inherently risky. The most important thing is to choose a pet-friendly airline (we often use Continental) who will diligently see to all the details. When handled correctly, the cargo area is pressure and temperature controlled, and pet crates are secured and kept apart from the luggage. Animals shuold not be left on the tarmac (thus weather doesn't play as big a role because your pet is not subjected to the outdoors for more than a few moments). Finding a pet-friendly airline who follows these conventions is vital.

The bottom line is to investigate the airline you plan to use to find out about their most up-to-date pet policies -- the last thing you need is to encounter surprises on travel day. Please contact us if you have any more questions, and good luck with everything!