First thing's first: our pet travel advice for Justin Bieber.

Examining the plight of apartment seekers in New York and Austin as they navigate dog breed policies.

United Airlines has updated its pet policies regarding French Bulldogs.

Speaking of Frenchies, this little boy has a strong bond with his Bulldog best friend.

The most interesting cat facts from cattime.com.

WestJet's April Fools' joke is something many pet owners would probably like to see happen, actually.

Have a great weekend, pet lovers!

Name: Julia
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
Pet Breed: Norwegian
From: Dubai
To: New York

How do I bring my cat to New York? What is the overall process? Are there any forms I need to fill out? Should I seek assistance? How much will it cost? What shots does he need?

Thanks,

Julia

Hi Julia,

Yes, there are a few things you'll need to do to prepare your cat for the move from Dubai to New York, but the good news is that it's a pretty straightforward process. For your reference, here are the pet import requirements for the United States. An updated rabies vaccine and a health certificate issued by your vet within 10 days of departure are key, and you'll want to book a flight with a pet-friendly airline.

Many pet travelers who are pressed for time choose to hire professional assistance; if you're interested in our services, please fill out our free quote form and a relocation specialist will get back to you with an estimate.

Thanks for the question, Julia. We hope to hear from you soon, and either way have a great trip!

Name: Laura
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: 1 Dog and 1 Cat
Pet Breed: Pug/Shepherd mix (male) and short-haired ginger (female)
From: Toronto, Canada
To: Dubai, UAE

Hello,

I am wondering if you move pets from Canada to Dubai. If so, how much of the process is taken care of by your company?

Thank you for your time,

Laura
 

Hi Laura,

Thanks for the question. Yes, we have moved several pets to Dubai and would be happy to assist you. For your information, here are the pet import requirements for the UAE. If you're interested in our door-to-door services, you're welcome to fill out our free quote form here.

To cut back on costs, some pet owners choose to handle parts of the move themselves (the pick-up and/or delivery, for example), but we can take care of as much of the process as you need. Pet owners pressed for time are often happy to hand over most, if not all, of the planning, but either way we're happy to help make your move as smooth as possible.

Please contact us if you have any questions. We hope to hear from you soon!

Name: P.S.
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
From: Taiwan
To: Nevada, USA

I would like to take my cat home with me. I am departing Taiwan, transiting through S. Korea, then going on to Nevada.

Is a rabies certificate and/or microchip implant required?

Thanks for your help.

Hello,

Thanks for the question, we'd be happy to assist. These are the pet import requirements for the United States. If you're just transiting through South Korea (not leaving the airport or switching airlines), you won't need to worry about any other country requirements.

As you can see, going to the United States does require that you update your cat's rabies vaccine if necessary and also secure an international health certificate. A microchip is not required, but we do recommend getting one when traveling internationally (and just in general).

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

 

Name: Mike
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
Pet Breed: Persian
From: Romania
To: USA (Texas)

I have been told by a Romanian veterinarian that a microchip is required to import my cat to the USA. As per my research, there is no need for this microchip to enter the US. My cat has an updated health certificate and proof of vaccination. I know that some of the EU regulations require pets to bear a microchip in case of traveling within the EU, but I am traveling outside EU. Please clarify this for me: does my cat need a microchip to enter the US?

Thank you in advance,

Mike

 

Hi Mike,

Thanks for your inquiry. While microchips are not specifically required for entry into the United States, we do recommend them. Microchips are tiny, easily inserted, and often make travel easier. Here's more information about cats and microchips from our blog.

Please contact us if you have any more questions about your upcoming cat move, and good luck with everything!

Name: Nichole
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: Cats
Pet Breed: Siamese
From: Hawaii, USA
To: Indonesia

Hello,

I am interested in teaching in Indonesia beginning this fall, before I secure a job I would like to inquire about the process for bringing my cats along. I have two female cats, both Siamese breed.

What would be the procedure for moving them with me and how many months in advance would I need to begin this procedure? My cats already have microchips and have had their most recent rabies vaccinations in January 2013; they will also be coming from Hawaii, which is a rabies free state. The had their FAVN test done in October of 2011 before moving to Hawaii. I would like to know the costs I should expect for moving them as well. Will quarantine be required? Thank you for the information.

Kind regards,

Nichole
 

Hi Nichole,

Thanks for contacting us with your question! It sounds like you're off to a great start. Here are the pet import requirements for Indonesia; the length of your cats' quarantine will depend on a few factors, but we'd be happy to discuss your move with you if you give our office a call or fill out our free quote form. The costs will also depend on a few factors.

For a look at what it's like to move a pet to Indonesia, take a look at this story about Izzy, a dog we moved to Jakarta.

Again, it sounds like you're doing a great job planning your move so far, and you're well on your way to a successful relocation. We look forward to hearing from you!

Happy Friday, everyone! Here's all the latest pet news, rounded up for your convenience.

The EU will ease pet travel rules during times of emergency.

Take a look at this cat show in Madrid.

Looking for ways to make traveling with dogs a little easier.

For road trippers: Ten pet-friendly cars.

But remember, letting dogs roam freely in the car can be dangerous (and costly).

Are you on Vine? Be sure to follow us!

Name: Samantha
Number of Pets: 4
Pet Type: 2 Dogs and 2 Cats
Pet Breed: Collie and Persian
From: France
To: Spain

Do our pets need pet passports to move from France to Spain?

Thank you,

Samantha
 

Hi Samantha,

Yes, when traveling within the EU your pets will need pet passports. Here is more information from the European Commission about traveling with pets within the European Union.

Available from your vet, EU pet passports make travel with dogs and cats (and ferrets, actually) much easier than it used to be. Please contact us if you have any more questions, and good luck with your trip!

Name: Ewelina
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
From: Poland
To: United States

Hi,
We love our cat so much that we decided to take her with us to the USA for our six month holiday. We will have her in a travel crate under my chair, but I know she will not like it.

Like other cats, she hates to be closed in a small space. My question is, what we could do to make her travel easier and less stressful? Please give me some advice.

Thanks,
Ewelina
 

Hi Ewelina,

Thanks for your question, we'd be happy to advise. Cats can definitely be anxious about air travel, and the best thing you can do is work to get your cat used to the travel crate well in advance of your trip. This means keeping the kennel out in a visible place, placing toys and treats in it to encourage exploration, and practicing with short rides. Here's a post on our blog with tips for crate-training cats.

Note that we do not recommend sedation, and in fact strongly advise against it. Sedating pets during air travel can be dangerous and airlines will most likely not even allow your cat to board if they think she has been sedated.

As for your trip itself, here are the pet import requirements for Poland and the pet import requirements for the United States. In addition to following airline procedures you'll also need updated an updated rabies vaccine and a health certificate.

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

Name: Sharon
Pet's Name: Gyro
From: NYC
To: Singapore

We moved our cat Gyro from New York City to Singapore. It was a pretty complicated process, but Lenneke was incredible about guiding us through each step.

She was extremely responsive, informative, and endlessly patient. We were traveling around the time that Gyro was being transported, and Lenneke arranged for boarding for a few days with Cristina. Cristina took incredible care of Gyro, got him to the airport on time, and sent us pictures of Gyro along his journey.

When we were reunited in Asia, Gyro was happy and healthy. They did an amazing job! Here is a picture of Gyro enjoying his new home.

It's a busy day at the office today (we're hosting a Yappy Hour this afternoon, will you be there?), but we always have time to round up the top pet news of the week. Whether you're heading to SXSW or just taking it easy, have a great weekend!

Pet travel in China, where pets are becoming more commonplace but safety rules are still catching up.

A program called My Pets On Time helps pet owners keep track of their pets' busy schedules.

These could be the three best apps for pet owners.

A passenger trying to smuggle her dog onto a flight is thrown off. #followtherules

Cats who have no idea how they ended up where they did. (We did not move any of these guys, by the way).

General travel item: is this the future of airplane seating?

And finally, here's the link to our Get & Give Yappy Hour, happening Friday March 8 at 3:30. Come on over if you're in the Austin area!

Name: Taw
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
Pet Breed: Female
From: Malaysia
To: Buffalo, New York

I want to take my cat from Malaysia to the United States. What do I have to do?

Thanks,

Taw

Hi Taw,

Thanks for your question, we'd be happy to provide some information. To start, here are the pet import requirements for the United States.

Your cat will need an up-to-date rabies vaccine, a microchip, health certificate, and we recommend choosing a pet-friendly airline. (We often use United, KLM and Lufthansa, for example.) In case your cat has never traveled or been in a travel crate before, here are some cat crate-training tips.

Please contact us if you have any questions about moving, and have a great trip!
 

Headed to Downtown Austin for SXSW? Get your tail moving -- you're invited to a paw-ty!

PetRelocation is partnering with Petmate to host our first yappy hour on Friday, March 8th for all pet lovers! Pick up a pet toy to take home to your favorite feline or precious pup, check out super-new pet products from Petmate, learn about PetRelocation's pet travel services, and help a good cause all in one tail-waggingly-fun happy hour!

Here's the scoop:

First,

- Check-in at PetRelocation's offices on Yelp!, Facebook or Foursquare to get in the door at our new state of the art offices in downtown Austin at the corner of 7th and Brazos.

Then,

- Make a $1 donation to Austin Pets Alive!, which works to make Austin a "no-kill" city, and receive a FREE Petmate chew treat for your dog or nip toy for your cat! We have piles of pet swag, so bring a dollar for every four-legged member of your family!

- Check out the new PetRelocation Experience Room at the corner of 7th and Brazos, designed by the amazing Austin ad agency, Tilted Chair Creative, and learn more about safely traveling with pets from PetRelocation experts.

- Chat with Ann Hanson (@annyhanny), Director of Marketing and Innovation at Petmate, to learn about what innovative new products are hitting the pet market.

Finally,

- Grab a drink (yes, free beer!) or a bite to eat, relax, and network with other pet-friendly guests!

Just the Facts:

What: Petmate + PetRelocation Yappy Hour

When: Friday, March 8, 2013 - 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM CST

Where: PetRelocation Downtown HQ - 612 Brazos Street, Austin, TX 78701 (on the corner of 7th and Brazos St., next door to the Driskill Hotel)

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Name: Stacie
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
Pet Breed: Domestic Cat
From: Singapore
To: USA

Hi,

Can you tell me what vaccinations/check ups are required prior to relocation from Singapore to the US and in what time frame? Is quarantine required once back in the US if all necessary vaccinations and checks are done prior to relocation?

Thanks,
Stacie
 

Hello Stacie,

Thanks for getting in touch with us! Please start by taking a look at the pet import requirements for the United States. The procedures are actually pretty straightforward, and your primary concern will be to obtain a rabies vaccine at least 30 days before departure as well as an international health certificate. There is no quarantine for pets entering into the United States.

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

Name: Robert
Number of Pets: One
Pet Type: Cat
Pet Breed: Persian
From: France
To: Florida, USA

My cat has a current (four months old) rabies vaccination as recorded on his passport by our French vet. Does he have to be revaccinated for a 30 day requirement for entry into Florida?

Thanks in advance for your response.

-Robert

 

Hi Robert,

Thanks for the question. These are the pet import requirements for the United States. In terms of rabies, it sounds like you're in good shape (you should have an up-to-date vaccine administered at least 30 days before departure).

Please take a look at this information and then let us know if you have any more questions. Thanks again, and good luck!

We often receive questions from concerned pet owners about microchips. Are they necessary? Do they hurt? Which one is right for international travel?

The basic truth is that microchips are necessary for travel most of the time, and when it comes to getting them implanted, most pets barely notice them. Approximately the size of a grain of rice and inserted just below the skin between the shoulder blades, microchips offer a standardized way to identify pets when they're crossing borders and going through customs, and they also provide peace of mind to pet owners in daily life after a move (even if your pet never gets lost, knowing they're trackable is pretty comforting).

Here's more about what's involved with microchipping a cat, and also more about AVID, HomeAgain and ISO-compatible microchips. As always, please contact PetRelocation if you have any questions about microchips or anything else related to pet travel.

Finally, just because it's pretty cool, take a look below at an X-ray revealing what a microchip looks like. This cat named Leo will be traveling to New Zealand soon, so his owners took care of business by making sure he would be prepared with the correct microchip. Looks like he's ready to go!

Check out Leo's microchip. As you can see, it's tiny and implanted on his back between the shoulder blades.

While it's true that most of the pet moves we handle consist of dogs and cats, occasionally we're contacted by pet owners with totally different situations. We love a challenge, so when a potential client hoping to move 11 Koi got in touch with us, we were excited to to accept the move.

Check out these special pets below. We moved all 11 fish from Texas to Nashville, TN with just a few days notice, and we're happy to report that the trip went smoothly and the Koi are now settling into their new pond.

Relocating pets is always an adventure, and no matter the shape or the size, we're happy to help families stay together when life throws big changes into the mix! Please contact PetRelocation with questions about moving fish (or any other pet).

The employees of PetRelocation love getting to know our clients' pets as we help them travel the world safely, and most of us have adorable pets of our own who we're happy to show off anytime.

In honor of the sweetest holiday, here's a look at some of the cute faces we come home to each night. Happy Valentine's Day, pet lovers!

Reba! This Muppet look-alike belongs to Sarah S.

Marissa's dog Rocky lives with her parents in England (where it's been snowing like crazy)

Claire has worked with the German Shepherd Rescue of Central Texas over the last few years, and here she is with her own two pups, Zuri And Banjo

Tucker is a Schnoodle and belongs to Daniel

Marissa also has a cat named Rhett

Keith & Sherlock

Vivian belongs to (and is adored by) Jeana

Maegan & Benni (and a giant squirrel)

Tucker belongs to Matt K.

Ashley has three pups in her crew: George, Riley & Aston

Bethany & Gilligan

Lenneke & Oakley

Rachel's boy Charlie

Mandy's doggie Jackson

Tyler & Alex

Sarah R.'s dogs, Jack & Duna

Kitty & Sasha are Lauren's two gals

Raef belongs to Caitlin

Ramesses is Tyler's #1 kitty

Amber & Copano

And these pups are actually just friends of Amber's, but this pic was too perfect not to share!

Thanks for getting to know our pets a little better, and feel free to share your own V-Day pet pictures with us on Facebook or Twitter!

Name: Louise
Number of Pets: 3
Pet Type: 1 dog & 2 cats
From: Shanghai, China
To: UK

Can you clarify the requirements for relocating pets from China to the UK?

Thanks,

Louise

Hi Louise,

Sure, we'd be happy to assist you. Here's a rundown of the pet import requirements for the UK. The good news is this will be an easier process than it used to be, however you'll still need to spend some time making sure your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccines, have all the correct paperwork in order, and are comfortable in their travel crates (among other things).

Pet travel can seem complicated at first glance, so please contact us if you have any more questions or if you'd like a quote for our services. Thanks, and good luck!