Evidence that the world is becoming more and more pet friendly, Washington lawmakers have introduced a bill that would allow dogs and cats to travel on trains. Currently non-service animals are not allowed to travel by Amtrak, and this bill would designate that at least one car per train to be pet friendly.

Rep. Jeff Denham is the bill's main sponsor, and he introduced it for personal reasons. “My dog, Lily, is part of our family and travels with us to and from California all the time. If I can take her on a plane, why can’t I travel with her on Amtrak, too?” he said.

If the Pets on Trains Act of 2013 is approved, traveling pets would need to be kept in a kennel and they wouldn't be able to go more than 750 miles. Passengers would pay a fee for each dog or cat they want to transport.

We'll see how it goes, but as an overall trend we like that this issue is even being discussed. By the way, are you traveling with a pet anytime soon? Take our Pet Travel Survey and tell us about it!

 

Name: Yekaterina
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
Pet Breed: Domestic Short Hair
From: Michigan
To: Caribbean

Hello,

I am thinking about applying to a medical school in the Caribbean, but a huge deciding factor for me is whether or not my cat has to be quarantined. I cannot seem to find anything solid online, so I was wondering if you could help me.

Thank you so much!
Yekaterina

P.S. My cat is up to date with all her vaccines and spends all of mosquito season on heartworm meds.
 

 

Hi Yekaterina,

Though it's doubtful your cat will face a quarantine as long as you fulfill all basic requirements, the answer to your question will depend on exactly where you're going. Please consult our country-specific list of import requirements for pets as well as the information available from IATA and IPATA.org. The fact that you're up to date on vaccines is good, and you'll need a vet health certificate as well.

Please let us know if you have more questions. You're always welcome to give our office a call or fill out our free quote form. Thanks for the question, and good luck with your decision and your travels!

It's hard work moving pets around the world, but it's what we love to do. What makes it all especially worthwhile is hearing from our happy clients after they've been reunited with their four-legged friends and seeing pictures of smiling faces settling into a new home, so we encourage the pet families we've served to share their stories with us.

Not only can globetrotters recount their experiences on our blog, we also enjoy connecting on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and all the other fun social media available today. We have so many outlets to choose from, so don't be shy about saying hello!

If you need further inspiration, meet "Stone" and Toby. We helped get Toby the cat to his new home in Ohio a few months ago, and his family has been great about sending us photos and updates. Check out the latest message below, and whether you moved last week or last year, feel free to follow their example as well as that of the other social pet owners we've told you about before.

As always, please contact us if you have questions about pet travel or simply want to check in. Talk soon, pet lovers!

 

@petrelocation Just wanted to remind y'all that y'all... #AbsolutelyROCK and Toby says HEYA! twitter.com/metalodyssey/s…

— Stone (@metalodyssey) May 16, 2013

 

Name: Michael
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
Pet Breed: Tortoise-shell short-hair
From: London, United Kingdom
To: Delhi, India

Do you have an adequate international network to coordinate this move?

Thanks,

Michael

 

Hi Michael,

Yes, we've arranged several moves to India and would be happy to discuss your options and a relocation plan with you. We've noticed an upward trend when it comes to moving pets to India -- it seems like an ever more pet friendly place to be.

To start, take a look at the pet import requirements for India. Your cat will need a microchip and a few health documents, and you'll want to make sure she's familiar and comfortable with her travel crate.

Please fill out our free quote form if you'd like to find out more about our door-to-door services, or you can give our office a call. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Name: Amanda
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
From: New York
To: Arizona

I am driving my car with a trailer to Arizona. Will I be pulled over because I have my cat with me, and will I need certification of some sort with shot records?

Thanks,

Amanda

 

Hi Amanda,

Thanks for the question! Driving across the country with a pet will not require the same kinds of documentation as flying would, however it's a good idea to have your cat up-to-date on all vaccines (especially rabies) and have proof to go along with it. It's doubtful you'd be pulled over and questioned about your cat, but it's smart to follow the laws of responsible pet ownership.

Many states have different requirements for pets, so take a look at what Arizona specifies in terms of cat vaccines and rabies rules, in particular. Other than that, we recommend having a microchip as well (just in case), and here are some tips for road trips with pets as well as how to crate train your cat.

Good luck, and let us know if you have more questions!

 

 

Name: Chandrika
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: 1 dog, 1 cat
Pet Breed: Labrador Retriever, Persian Cat
From: New Delhi, India
To: Singapore, Singapore

Is microchipping essential for the relocation of pets from India to Singapore? Do we need to prepare pet passports?

Thanks,

Chandrika

 

Hi Chandrika,

Here is an overview of the pet import requirements for Singapore. As for your question, yes, microchips are required for dogs and cats and you'll need a veterinary health certificate, among other things. Since you're coming from India, which is classified as a "Category D" country, there will be additional regulations to adhere to. Here is the official link from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore explaining these.

It's understandable that this process might seem overwhelming at first glance, so please contact us if you have questions about anything or if you'd like to find out more about our door-to-door services.

Good luck, and we hope to hear from you soon.

 

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!

 

 

 

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Our Pet Move of the Month is Mahalo, a former show cat from Japan who can sit and shake.

Flying with a pet this summer? Time to start thinking about airline embargoes.

Tips for going to the beach with your dog.

 

Name: Dora
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Pug
From: Sydney
To: Singapore

Hi There,

My husband, my kids and I are relocating to Singapore in the next couple of months and we are taking our beloved pug with us. I wanted to know what the procedure and the costs involved are. Do pets need to be in quarantine once in Singapore? If so, for how long?

Many thanks,

Dora

 

Hi Dora,

Thanks for the question -- we certainly understand that you'd like some advice for such a long-distance move. Here are the pet import requirements for Singapore for your reference. Singapore does impose specific rabies vaccine regulations and a quarantine (often 10 days long), so you'll want to tend to those arrangements well in advance of your departure to make sure you can find space somewhere.

Take a look at our blog for more pet stories about moving to Singapore -- we've helped many dogs and cats go there, and we'd be happy to offer you some information or a quote for our services. Good luck, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Though there's something special about each and every pet move we carry out, some stories are especially memorable. Meet Mahalo the cat, our featured pet move this month. After enduring a natural disaster (the 2011 tsunami and earthquake in Japan), Mahalo's owner Marian sent her beloved cat to live with friends in Colorado while she left Japan and searched for a new place to live. When she was able to get settled in a cat friendly condo in Hawaii she knew it was time to bring him home, and of course we were happy to help arrange their reunion.

Read more about Mahalo, a one-of-a-kind cat with a very dedicated owner.

Thank you for speaking with us, Marian! When was the last time you saw Mahalo before this relocation? You surely missed him...

The last time I saw Mahalo was last year around August 2012 during a visit to Boulder, where my friend was taking care of him. We had our high school reunion in Boulder so I stayed with her. The timing was great -- I attended the reunion and visited my friend and Mahalo.

What I missed most about him is hard to say because he just IS. He has a presence. He has a matter-of-fact way of getting on with life no matter what the circumstances! I guess if I had to pick, it was his inquisitive nature, his friendliness, and how he would come running when called by name. He also has a sit and shake routine! When I say sit, he would do it and then lift up his right paw for a snack!

Did anything concern you about the idea of moving Mahalo?

For the move from Boulder to Hawaii, I was most concerned about there being a hiccup with quarantine -- although I KNEW I had faxed all the paperwork and documents to Mandy. Still, windows of dates create anxiety. I have had pets experience Hawaii quarantine back in the day when there were NO shortcuts, and even with shortcuts you hear of horror stories. I have also shipped cats from Oregon to Hawaii in 2002 so I should be used to it, but in reality everything has worked out and the quarantine people are fantastic. Not sure why I was so anxious!

How has Mahalo been adjusting to life in Hawaii?

Interestingly there have been some changes. Back in Japan, he used to love dark tight corners, like underneath my bed frame, between the bottom of the bed and a futon I stored underneath. Tight! But back in Boulder he loved the crate they put out to get him acclimated, and also slept in the closet with the little girl of the house. He also licked my face to wake me up like an alarm clock back in Japan and did that with the little girl. But once he got back here, he jumps into my bed to wake me up, rolls around, etc... but no alarm clock licks of the face. He also does NOT like the crate at all, even though he did back in Boulder before leaving. In fact, when I put him in there with the fleece he loves, he growled! Gee! But he still sits and shakes on cue!

 

 

Is Hawaii a pet friendly place to be?

I am a resident owner of my condo and it is a pet friendly complex -- a new one, and I wouldn't have bought in if it wasn't. That was a condition when I started looking two years ago; while pet friendly is growing in Hawaii, it is not easy (especially for large dogs or multiple pets). I am planning to get a second cat, but I have to check out the rules.

Homeowner rules are pretty strict in Hawaii even in condos -- dogs have a weight restriction of about 25 pounds I think, and one pet is generally the rule. However, some condos have been known to grandfather in long time residents and change rules for new buyers. There are lots of vets in the city and in suburbs so you have to wonder where do these owners live? Small animal vet services are very lucrative and busy. Boarding starts at about $25 a day and there are plenty of pet sitters, but again I always advise folks to get personal referrals only. Many pet owners want people to come to their homes, and the going price is $25-$35 a day. Finally, there is a Petco in the city of Honolulu and the suburbs as well as Walmart, Walgreens and other stores that support pets, so there is certainly nothing to worry about.

The one piece of advice I would give to pet owners moving to Hawaii is to nail down a place to live first. Be sure it allows pets. Dog runs (mostly in suburbs) and parks I think are available in the city and the beach, but people must pick up after their pet. Of course that doesn't apply to cats; my cats are strictly indoors. I am not a fan of letting cats run amok outside, as Hawaii has a lot of birds and they are tame, which means they are fodder for cats. Also, living in a condo means there is no good way cats can be let outdoors.

You've moved Mahalo by yourself before, so what made you decide to hire the services of PetRelocation this time?

I found about PetRelocation through a friend in Japan who used your services from Florida to Japan back to Florida. Also, I saw you on Facebook after the friend told me about your services. I decided to use your services because I was not planning to go to Boulder to meet Mahalo, as some other issues came up precluding my doing the arranging. Also, after talking to my friend from Florida, I realized I did not want the hassle of taking him to the airport in Denver, yaddah yaddah.... Also that he would be delivered to me in Honolulu was the best part. I did not want to do the send off and pick up I have done too many times.

I liked the prompt response emails from Mandy. She went into detail about every concern I had. I also liked that you have local vendors and that you start the process early on, which was good for a planner like me. I couldn't have done without the hand-holding on the communications regarding departure, arrival, and quarantine. For me, just firing off emails and getting an answer was the best!

Thanks again, and we're looking forward to Mahalo becoming famous. Just as an FYI - he was a show cat in Japan and has won his share of ribbons, although he is now retired. He placed in his class of neutered short hair cats.

 

Thanks to Marian for sharing this wonderful story with us. We're glad Mahalo is home safe and sound at last! Please contact us for more information about moving pets to Hawaii, and travel safely, everyone.

 

Name: Darcy
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
From: New York City, NY
To: Fortaleza, Brazil

How long would my cat have to be in quarantine? She is a very nervous cat and I'm worried about this.

Thank you,

Darcy

 

Hi Darcy,

Thanks for the question. A few countries do require a quarantine period for entering pets, but Brazil is not one of them. Take a look at the Brazil pet import requirements to see the list of steps you'll need to take to bring your cat into the country.

In addition to these basic vaccine and health certificate requirements, we also advise choosing a pet-friendly airline and working to help your cat get used to her travel crate. Nervous pets are often ones that have never had the chance to grow accustomed to their crates, so leaving the kennel out in the open, placing toys and treats in it, and generally helping her to see it as "no big deal" will help her be less stressed on travel day.

Please contact us if you have any more questions, and good luck with the trip!

 

 

Name: Christie
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
Pet Breed: Moggie
From: London
To: Los Angeles

My cat is 19, and although she's in good health she does get stressed. I am very worried about moving her on an 11-hour flight to Los Angeles. Do you have any suggestions? She has been with me for 19 years and I cannot leave her behind.

Also, what paperwork does California want?

Thanks,

Christie

 

Hi Christie,

Thanks so much for the question, your concerns are certainly natural. Before moving older pets, we do advise talking to your veterinarian to discuss the possible risk factors. When moving internationally, we understand that it's never a great option to leave a pet behind, so it's important to talk to a trusted doctor about how you might be able to prepare your cat.

Take a look at our blog for a few ideas about how to minimize the risks of pet travel, how to travel safely with an older pet, and how to crate train a cat. For cats who tend to get stressed during travel, helping them get as comfortable as possible with the travel crate can make a huge difference.

Finally, if/when you decide to go forward, here are the pet import requirements for the United States. You'll need updated vaccines and an International Health Certificate issued within 10 days of departure. Please contact us if you have any more questions, and good luck with your travels!

 

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Name: Mahmooda
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
From: Bangalore, India
To: Dammam, Saudi Arabia

What are the requirements for taking a pet cat abroad? Kindly list me all the formalities and the process required.

Thanks,

Mahmooda

 

Hi Mahmooda,

Sure, we're happy to offer some information. Here are the pet import requirements for Saudi Arabia, along with some tips for how to crate train a cat.

As you can see, you'll need to follow Saudi Arabia's rules (which include a microchip, vaccines, and the international health certificate: Aphis 7001). You'll also want to choose a pet-friendly airline and find out what their particular procedures are for bringing your cat along.

Please contact us if you have any more questions, and good luck with everything!

 

Cats, dogs, guinea pigs, and horses. Those are just a few kinds of the pets we've moved here at PetRelocation, and we love that we're able to assist such a diverse group of customers.

Though the procedures can vary based on country-specific import requirements and the sizes and needs of the animals themselves, every day we talk to people who can't imagine leaving their pets behind when something like a new job throws a big change into the mix. Big or small, furry or feathered, the pets we end up assisting do tend to have one thing in common: they're well-loved and treated as part of the family.

In case you're curious to find out more, here's a breakdown of the top breeds we moved last year.

 

Pet Moves by PetRelocation (2012)

1. Domestic Short Hair Cat: 377

2. Labrador Retriever: 125

3. Tabby Cat: 53

4. Domestic Longhair Cat: 51

5. German Shepherd: 40

6. Golden Retriever: 29

7. Chihuahua: 28

8. & 9. (tie) Dachshund / Boxer: 25

10. Australian Shepherd: 20

 

We also moved over 10 each of the following: Pugs, Goldendoodles, Maltese, Shih Tzu, Beagles, Yorkies, Border Collies, Persian cats, and a few more. Of course there were several mixed and specialty breeds as well, along with a couple ferrets, rabbits, and even a chinchilla.

No day is ever the same here at PetRelocation, and we can't wait to see what the rest of 2013 brings. Please contact us if you have questions about moving your own pet -- even if you have a special case, it's probably nothing we haven't heard before. Happy traveling, everyone!

Name: Jo
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
Pet Breed: Domestic Short hair
From: Virginia
To: London

Do I have to wait six months if I am in the process of getting my cats shots etc.? What is the United States to United Kingdom pet import process?

Thanks,

Jo

 

Hi Jo,

Thank you for the question. Please take a look at the pet import procedures for the UK. As you'll see, the six month quarantine period is not longer in place (here's more about the updated EU pet import requirements), but you still need to follow the given timeline regarding the microchip implantation and the rabies vaccine, etc.

Please contact us if you have any questions about moving your cat to London, and if you're interested in our door-to-door services, you can fill out our free quote form. Good luck with everything!

 

 

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Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.

Name: Georgia
Number of Pets: Three
Pet Type: Cats
Pet Breed: Domestic Short Hair
From: Adelaide, Australia
To: Bergen, Norway

Hi,

My soon to be husband and I are wanting to immigrate from Australia to Bergen at the beginning of next year, and we want to bring our three cats with us. I was wondering how long the quarantine period would be in Norway for my cats? Also, how would we go about finding long term accommodation (through renting) that would allow our pets?

Thanks,

Georgia

 

Hi Georgia,

Thanks for contacting us, and congratulations on your upcoming life adventures! Here are the pet import requirements for Norway. There is currently no quarantine for pets being transferred here, however you will need to take care of a few arrangements in order for everything to go smoothly (health documents, rabies vaccines, etc).

We're not directly in contact with any apartment owners/locaters in Norway, but we'd suggest searching online and checking out expat websites such as expatarrivals.com.

Thanks again for the questions, and please contact us if you're interested in our services or are wondering about anything else. Good luck with everything!

Name: Beth
Number of Pets: Two
Pet Type: Cats
Pet Breed: Main Coons
From: US
To: Germany

We are moving in a few months to Germany. Do we need both the EU Vet and International Health Certificates? Do both have to be validated and stamped by the USDA?

Thanks,

Beth

 

Hi Beth,

Thanks for your question. These are the pet import requirements for Germany -- you'll see that you need the EU Vet Health Certificate (EU 998) and the International Health Certificate (APHIS 7001). There are several steps to complete, so we advise giving yourself plenty of time to plan.

Here's more about moving pets to Germany and tips for how to prepare your pets for an international move. Thanks again for checking in, and please contact us if you have any more questions.

 

Name: Penny
Pet's Name: Gandalf and Raffles
From: Gilbert, AZ
To: Madison, WI
 

Our story begins with me looking for a pet relocation company after we received news of our move to the Midwest from Arizona. Having looked at a variety of options online, I called PetRelocation and was immediately impressed by the friendliness and professionalism of the company's staff.

My first point of contact was Maegan, who answered all my questions and provided information in a very timely manner. She put together a comprehensive quotation for me and made me feel very at ease with the treatment our feline friends would receive. It was necessary to make a couple of changes in the travel plans, and Maegan handled the change in requirements very well.

Later Maegan's colleague, Claire, contacted me about the actual logistics of the move. She kept us superbly informed throughout the entire process. On the actual day our cats flew to Wisconsin, Claire kept in close contact, even though a flight delay meant she was sending us emails around midnight.

Gandalf and Raffles have been in Wisconsin since late February. They were not quite sure what snow was, but have now seen rabbits (lizards were a previous favorite "toy") for the first time in their lives. They settled well after their trip, which I think is due to the fact that they had the best treatment before and during their journey.

All in all, I would say that PetRelocation provided a wonderful service. I highly recommend using them if you are moving your pets. I would like to thank Maegan, and particularly Claire, for a job done very well. We will most certainly be in contact again with PetRelocation if we have a future long distance move.