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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

 

Name: Courtney
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Weimaraner
From: California
To: Texas

What airlines allow dogs to fly in the cargo area? When looking online many only outline rules for pets traveling in the cabin, but my 100lb dog is obviously too big. How do I find out if/what airlines will fly a dog that size?

Thanks,

Courtney

 

Hi Courtney,

Thanks for your question, it's a great one -- deciding on the right airline is one of the most important parts of planning a safe journey for your pet.

Some airlines are definitely  more pet-friendly than others, and we have a few that we regularly book flights with. United is who we typically choose when flying domestically (for international flights we often go with KLM and Lufthansa). United's PetSafe program entails certain procedures, such as making sure pets are the last to board the plane and the first to be removed. And, contrary to what many people assume, the cargo area is pressure and temperature controlled and pets are not simply "treated like luggage."

Because not all airplanes are equipped to hold large pet crates (which your dog will need), it's important to call the airline and check ahead of time to make sure you'll be accommodated. We have flown large dogs with United, but again, check with them before booking your flight because it all depends on the size of the plane they're using for your chosen route.

It's worth mentioning that you don't necessarily need to be on the same flight as your dog. Most of our customers end up flying separately from their pets, which just means you might need to enlist some help on one or both ends of your trip. (If you're interested in our services, here's a link to our free quote form.)

Please contact us if you have any questions about choosing a pet-friendly airline, crate-training your dog, or anything else related to pet travel. Good luck!

 

 

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: Claire
Pet's Name: Freddie
From: Florida
To: UK

I had looked into bringing my dog Freddie over from the US to the UK for months ever since I made the move myself. I researched both handling everything myself and a variety of companies that would handle the arrangements. After researching for over 10 months, PetRelocation was actually the last company I looked at and so I was quite surprised when I emailed them and they requested that I call. Every other company had just sent me an email, some with a brief introduction but most with just a cost estimate.

When I called PetRelocation, Cara spent about 45 minutes on the phone with me answering all my questions, giving me a ton of information and generally making me feel better about putting my precious cargo on an airplane across the Atlantic. (I had honestly contemplated leaving him happily in the States with my mom rather than risk any dangers of a flight.)

Cara made me feel comfortable with every part of the process, and I was impressed at how personal the phone call was, how much she clearly cared, and that the company basically required a real phone conversation and didn't just send out an emailed price quote. So, when their quote came in and was well in line with their competitors, it was no contest.

From then on the service from both Cara and then Bethany, who handled all of Freddie's logistics, was fantastic. They worked with both me in the UK and my mother, who was keeping Freddie in the US. They were always incredibly and immediately responsive to any and all questions and concerns (and we had a lot!) and never made us feel like we were a bother or being silly.

When the USDA called with a question and I received an overseas voicemail, I sent a panicked email to Bethany and she had called the USDA and cleared up the question in less than five minutes. When we worried that rural FedEx service would not be sufficient for the fast turnaround needed on some of the veterinary paperwork, Bethany made sure that the USDA and others got the paperwork out on time to arrive.

Last night, as Fred boarded his flight and made the red-eye trip to the UK, I was actually able to sleep as Cara and Bethany had made me feel confident that Freddie was going to be all right. I know that I would never have been as calm or assured if I had attempted the process myself, or if I had used another company.

My vet was so impressed with the quality of Bethany's assistance in filling out the medical paperwork, that he asked for the name of the company I was using to bring Freddie over - and he has worked with a lot of pet shippers over the years.

Upon arrival in the UK the Animal Reception Centre, folks said that our paperwork had been filled out perfectly and they were impressed because they so rarely saw paperwork without any errors.

Most importantly, Cara and Bethany and everyone at PetRelocation took an interest in Freddie as an important part of my family and took joy in helping us be reunited and in Freddie's safe arrival.

Although Freddie seemed a bit confused (where am I? Why is it snowing?) he was so excited to see me, wriggling and jumping and yipping. He was happy as a clam, and although a bit jet lagged, no worse for the trip. As I write this, Freddie is asleep at my feet, content on his new bed with a half gnawed bone by his side.

I couldn't recommend a company more and if we ever travel back across the Pond, I will look no further than PetRelocation to move us again!

Thank you so much for reuniting our family!

Name: Niki
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Small Dog
Pet Breed: Miniature Pinscher x Chihuahua
From: United Kingdom
To: Vancouver

I have heard that Canada does not require a pet to have a rabies vaccination or passport and understand Air Canada even allows small dogs to travel on the plane with you, but could you confirm exactly what the dog would require? Also, if the dog was to travel in cargo what would the conditions be?

Thanks,

Niki

 

Hi Niki,

Thanks for your question. Here are the pet import requirements for Canada. As you can see, you DO need an updated rabies vaccine as well as a health certificate. It's also a good idea to double check with the airline to find out about their most up-to-date rules and guidelines.

When traveling in the cargo area of a pet-friendly airplane, your pet will be in a climate-controlled setting and treated differently than simple luggage. Again, it's important to talk to the airline for a clear idea of what their procedures are, but keep in mind that we often fly pets via cargo and our safety record is outstanding -- here is more information on our blog about pet cargo travel.

Please contact us if you have any more questions. Good luck with everything!
 

 

Happy Friday, pet lovers!

 

This cat sneaked into a suitcase and took a little airplane trip (don't worry, it all turned out okay).

Tips for safe pet transportation via car.

How tabby cats get their stripes.

Dogs in Moscow ride the metro.

Cuteness time. Giant Panda gives birth at Washington's National Zoo.

Ron Burgundy, huh? Cool and unusual pet names.

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

The Mighty Texas Dog Walk was a great success!

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

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

More luxury hotels are going pet-friendly these days.

 

Karma wishes everyone a happy weekend

 

 

Name: Rebeca
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Shih Tzu
From: Washington, DC
To: Panama City, Panama



Hi I'm a Panamanian citizen and I want to buy a puppy in Washington and bring her with me in the airplane cabin with me. I would like to know if you can help me with the health certificate authentication from a Panamanian consul in the United States. (I'll be using Copa Airlines.)


Thank You,
Rebeca





Hi Rebeca,

Thanks for getting in touch with us. These are the import requirements for Panama, and we'd be happy to help you take care of the details. Please fill out our free quote form or give us a call at your convenience. Good luck and hope to hear from you soon!

Wondering how many people are flying with their pets these days? Let these statistics recently released by Virgin Atlantic give you an idea. Since 2003, this British airline has seen a 1500% increase in the number of dogs flying out of the UK and a 325% increase in the  number of cats doing the same.

This is just one airline, but clearly these numbers are worth noting and this growth trend can most likely be reflected by the industry as a whole. More and more people are traveling with their pets, and air carriers are taking notice. We look forward to watching the industry develop even further, and will report the inevitable exciting changes to you as they emerge.

For example, a smaller airline that you may or may not have reason to do business with, Air Malta, has just announced that it will be implementing a new pet policy beginning Jan. 1, 2012.

Air Malta  has been allowing guide dogs to ride in the airplane cabin for the last two years, but beginning in January, small pets (cats and dogs) will also be allowed to travel with their owners in the cabin. These new policies are based on customer and employee suggestions, and include the following:

-Small pets will be allowed in the cabin during all Air Malta flights, with the exception of those flying to and from the UK.

-Pets should be in a carrier no larger than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. The carrier should meet all air travel requirements (it should have a leak-proof bottom, allow proper ventilation, etc.).

-The pet and the carrier cannot exceed a combined weight of 10 kg.

-Only three pets, including guide dogs, can fly on one airplane.

-Pets must remain in their carrier throughout the flight, and the carrier must remain stowed beneath the seat throughout the flight.

-Pets must be at least eight weeks old to fly.

-Pets must still meet all import requirements for the destination country and must have a valid health certificate and should have seen a vet within three days before the flight.

These rules seem pretty standard but can make all the difference to pet travelers, so hopefully more airlines out there will soon be following suit. At any rate, we'll keep you updated!

Name: Garrett
Pet's Name: Faye
From: Galien, Michigan
To: Waterloo, Belgium


We chose PetRelocation.com to ship our dog, Faye, because their staff was very friendly and professional compared to the other companies we contacted. We were treated like actual people rather than just another sales lead.

They were very helpful and flexible during the entire process, especially as our actual move date continued to stretch over two months. Their suggestion to acclimate Faye to air travel by bringing her through the car wash was very helpful. By the time we left, we had a very clean car, and Faye was much calmer in her crate during all of the loud airplane-like noises of the car wash.

Faye has settled into her new house, yard, and neighborhood very well.

Name: David
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Great Dane
From: Florida
To: Either England or Japan

I may be assigned overseas and wanted to see how to go about getting my Great Dane overseas with me. He is a year old and weighs 150 Lbs.

Thanks,
David



Hi David,

Thanks for contacting us with your question. First, here is some general information about moving large dogs. You'll probably need to acquire a custom crate for your Great Dane, and it's important to check with your airline ahead of time to make sure the crate will be able to fit onto the airplane.

Here are the pet import requirements for Japan and the pet import requirements for the UK (which are scheduled to change Jan. 1, 2012, by the way). Let us know if you have any questions about these regulations, and please visit our site if you'd like a free quote for our services.

Good luck with your travels!

Earlier this month, two of our senior PetRelocation.com employees attended the 2011 IPATA Conference in Hong Kong. This event constitutes the world's largest gathering of pet shipping professionals, and Cara and Matt were able to learn, share, and pick up plenty of fantastic tips for us all.

Over the next few days we'll be telling you more about their adventures, starting with Cara's firsthand account of what it's like to bring a dog (a very big dog, in fact) from Hong Kong to mainland China.

Here's the full story of Kika's experience:

At 6:15 a.m. on a rainy Wednesday morning, we met downstairs at our hotel to begin our journey across the border between Hong Kong and mainland China with a two-year-old Newfoundland named Kika.

Not only is it challenging enough just to bring a pet across the border into China, but we were also dealing with a 150 lb black teddy bear. As in most parts of China, dogs are not always seen as typical pets. The attachment that Westerners have towards our pets and the way most of us consider them to be part of the family is a foreign concept for many Chinese.

Also, those that do have dogs as pets generally have small (under 20 lb) pups that don’t take up too much room or need a large yard to exercise. With the limitations on space for people’s living quarters, having a large dog just isn't the norm. This cultural attitude would later explain why we saw so many people drop their jaws as we walked Kika by.


Today’s plan was to meet the clients, Kika, and their driver in Hong Kong and head to the Lok Ma Chau border crossing, one of the six land checkpoints. After a 45 minute drive, away from Victoria Harbour and towards the lush green mountains, we arrived at Lo Wu crossing.


In order for our vans to enter China, we had to have special license plates. Each border crossing requires a different type of license plate, and a separate license plate is required to drive within and enter Hong Kong.


The border crossing consisted of two checkpoints, which looked exactly like tollbooths. Here was the first one:


We each presented our passports to the Customs and Immigration Officer for inspection, and they also checked that we had visas. Although we stayed in the car, the officer asked each of us to look closely at her so she could examine our faces and be sure we were actually who our passports said we were. One of the things I found most interesting was the electronic customer service feedback box affixed to the officer’s booth. Here it is pictured below:


As you can see, the happiest face is the most worn out button. Who knew that Chinese Immigration had such great customer service?

After we made it through the first checkpoint, given that we had a dog with us, we were instructed to pull to the side before heading through the second checkpoint. We were required to bring Kika outside the van and inside to the Immigration and Quarantine Office for detailed inspection of her documentation and to ensure she would be eligible to enter the country. We were allowed to walk Kika on her leash from the van to inside the inspection office.


Here is the plaza and entrance to the pedestrian checkpoint and Inspection and Quarantine Office.


Once we entered the building, we were led to the Office and were told someone needed to wait here with Kika while her documentation and health documents were inspected.



As Kika stayed in one room of the office, her paperwork was brought to another for careful inspection.


Given that it’s not every day that these inspectors see a 150 lb Newfoundland, they had many questions for us and seemed suspicious of our paperwork. Despite the fact that all of Kika’s documents were in perfect order, the inspectors still had complete authority and discretion to deny her entry. It was invaluable for us to have our local Hong Kong agent accompany us throughout the process, as she speaks fluent Cantonese and Mandarin.


Even though the facilities were clean and the staff was relatively agreeable, the stakes were extremely high and the business was serious. Similar to saying the word “bomb” on an airplane, hearing the words “fleas,” “biting,” or “sick” could have been detrimental. After more questions and document reviewing, Kika ultimately got the requisite stamps on her health certificate and we were on to the next part of the mission.

It took about 15 minutes to pass the “written” portion of the test, and now it was time for the physical inspection. Kika was made to stand up while the officer seemed to give her a pat down. She looked over her face, legs, and backside for any signs of disease or illness. We were then instructed to have her sit down and stand back up.


I wondered to myself if she would be asked to shake hands next, or roll over. No, the officer was merely trying to gauge her temperament. Any signs of aggression or threatening behavior would be highly frowned upon and could jeopardize her immigration status. Fortunately for Kika and her owners, she is quite a gentle giant and showed nothing but sweetness. She was also not acting nervous or afraid of her surroundings.


My experience moving pets around the globe taught me that this was in large part due to the owners’ calm energy. Yes she was in new surroundings and didn’t know what was going on, but what did she have to fear if her owners were not fearful themselves? Still, I was grateful of her demeanor, as many dogs would still be nervous no matter how calm their owners were.

There was another aspect that struck me as atypical. The fact that the officer placed her hands on Kika and got close to her at all was a big surprise for me, given that the vast population of mainland China is not particularly fond of dogs. However, as is the case with any stereotype, there are always exceptions.

This particular officer was very young, perhaps in her mid-twenties, and from the “new” generation. Our Hong Kong colleague explained that more and more jobs are being taken over by younger people who tend to be very well-educated and have a larger sense of the world, thus bigger pets (and pets in general) may be on the way to becoming more accepted. Albeit slowly, the times are changing before our very eyes.


After a quick walk  (past a few more gawkers!), we hopped in the van to go through the final checkpoint. Once that was finished, we headed to Shenzhen International Airport!



--

Want to know more? Check out Part Two and Part Three of our IPATA Conference series, as well as a run-down of the Pet World Pet Party we threw for some of our former clients.

Name: Louisa
Pets' Names: Shan & Loki
From: Central Ohio
To: Southern Washington

We chose PetRelocation.com initially because they said they can do the job! After having a wild few days contacting various moving companies (some quoting sky high prices), we found that many others admitted they couldn't handle my dogs. We had five weeks until the move week.

Shan, our 6-year-old German Shepherd who we brought to the States in 2007 from the UK,  had a spinal stroke on Easter 2011 and lost the use of one of his hind legs. He's healthy otherwise and stands at 33" head to floor and weighs 102 lbs. Loki, our 4-year-old Great Dane, is in perfect health and she's 100 lbs and stands 36" head to floor. TALL ORDERS!

We chose to pay for the door-to-door service, as we had our flight four hours before theirs and didn't have a car big enough for the huge crates. All members of the team were introduced to us (and the dogs when physically possible) before they carried out their part. Amber has great communication skills (phone, text, email) -- she was there anytime I needed to speak to her even from Texas.

There was a hiccup - the second airplane wasn't big enough, but it was no problem considering that PetRelocation.com has a kennel in every city that it can call upon at a moments notice, so my two were boarded over night, clean bandages were applied to Shan's 'dead' leg, they were fed, watered, exercised and packed back up the next morning on an airplane that could fit them.

I will recommend that anyone and everyone relocate with PetRelocation.com. I actually think they enjoy the challenges this line of work brings!

Name: Carol
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Yorkshire Terrier
From: USA
To: France

My dog weighs 5 lbs. He is an emotional/psychiatric support dog and travels with me in the cabin of the airplane on domestic flights. I may be relocating to France, and have read your importation requirements. Must my support dog travel as cargo or can he travel with me in the cabin of the plane.

Thank you,
Carol


Hi Carol,

Thanks for contacting us with your question, and thanks also for reviewing the pet import requirements for France on our website. It's necessary to contact the airline directly to find out about specific rules and regulations regarding cabin travel for dogs (we recommend a pet-friendly airline like Lufthansa or KLM), but generally small dogs who fit within certain size/weight categories are able to fly in the cabin.

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

Here's what we have on our news radar today. Enjoy!

-Hurricane Irene is heading towards the East Coast. Remember to do what you can to take care of your pets, and be ready to adapt to delayed or canceled flights. Here are a few tips for keeping your pets safe during in a hurricane and some general pet safety tips for emergency situations.

-That "dognapping crime wave" you may have heard about is probably just media hype.

-Some animals seemed to anticipate Tuesday's East Coast earthquake.

-Michael Vick's former dog-fighting mansion is being converted into a dog sanctuary.

-Some doctors are proposing that pets should be banned from airplane cabins due to passenger allergy concerns.

-Speed dating for pets lets Londoners give pet ownership a try before they commit to bringing a furry friend home for good.

-Happy National Dog Day! Everyday is dog day for some of us, but today has been set aside to recognize service animals and bring attention to all the dogs that still need to be rescued.

Name: Sara
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Pug
From: United States
To: Asia


My husband is hoping to get a job teaching at an international school next year. However, before he thinks about looking for a job, we want to know if it will be possible to relocate our 24 lb pug abroad? His height, length and weight exceed all maximums for traveling in the airplane cabin, but we have heard horror stories about sending a pug in cargo. He is extremely sensitive to heat and can easily become stressed. Is there any way that I will be able to safely transport him abroad with us? Is there any option for getting him in an airline cabin? I would pay for him to have his own seat, but that doesn't seem like an option either. Any guidance would be helpful. Thanks!

Thanks,
Sara


Hi Sara,

Thanks for your question! You definitely have a valid concern, as flying pugs is a delicate process and many airlines do not transport them (especially during the summer months). Delta recently announced a complete ban on flying pugs. We suggest that you talk honestly with your vet, research your flight options, and think carefully about whether or not it's worth it to proceed.

For further guidance, take a look at previous discussions we've had about flying with snub-nosed breeds.

Good luck with everything, and please contact us if you'd like to speak to a Pet Relocation Specialist in greater depth!

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.

 

 

Friday is finally here! Before your weekend gets going, take a minute to read the top pet and travel news stories of the last busy week.

-It's been documented that owning a pet can help relieve anxiety, thus it makes sense that Yale Law School has enlisted a pup named Monty to work as a therapy dog. Stressed students can check him out from the library for 30 minutes at a time.

-The string of recent earthquakes has not only inspired pet owners to formulate disaster plans to follow in case anything ever happens, it has directed government officials in North Korea to suggest that people actually use their pets as early warning systems. Animals often act strangely before extreme events occur, thus citizens have been advised to put their pets' sixth sense to good use.

-A Chinese coal baron recently purchased a Red Tibetan Mastiff for 10 million Chinese yuan (that's about $1.5 million). The 11-month-old dog has been named Big Splash, and he could grow to be over 200 lbs. In China, this breed of dog is regarded as lucky and religiously significant.

-In weirder news, an airplane that had just departed from Brisbane, Australia was forced to make an unscheduled landing when it was discovered that the cockpit was infested caterpillars. The plane was able to land safely, and it's uncertain how the little green hitchhikers made it on board.

-Finally, remember that the citizens of Japan -- and their pets -- are still coping with the catastrophe that happened two weeks ago. It's not too late to help out, and it's a smart idea to think about what you and your pets would do if faced with a natural disaster.


Have a great weekend, everyone!