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.
Name: Camilla Number of Pets: 1 Pet Type: Dog Pet Breed: Mix Breed From: Oslo To: London
How can I arrange my dog's travel myself, which airline should I use, and how expensive is it?
Thanks,
Camilla
Hi Camilla,
Thanks for your question! It's definitely understandable that you're researching your options and working on planning your pet move yourself, as pet travel can certainly be expensive no matter how you go about it. First, here are the pet import requirements for the UK (they've recently been relaxed so that's good news). Choosing a pet-friendly airline is very important, and we often fly with British Airways when we go to London.
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!
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.
Name: Heather From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada To: Provence, France Pet: Riley, Dog, Golden Doodle
Are there alternatives to traveling by air with my dog to France? If not, do any airlines exist which would allow me to bring my 65 pound dog on board with me rather than stow her in the luggage compartment? I am moving to do my doctorate in France. My golden doodle is very sensitive and gets anxious easily. For this reason, I am wondering whether it is possible to travel with her on board with me or via ship? I've heard horror stories about air travel and would prefer to forego this opportunity than to put her through anything that would be traumatic for her.
Thanks,
Heather
Hi Heather,
Thanks for your question! Pet travel can definitely be stressful, especially when you're starting out and don't know much about the process. We move pets safely all the time, however, and would be happy to shed some light on how things work.
A dog of your size will not be able to fly in the cabin with you, but when you choose a pet-friendly airline, flying your pet in the cargo area is a safe option. We often fly pets this way and, though it seems surprising from a human perspective, dogs probably prefer the less chaotic atmosphere of the temperature-controlled, pressure-controlled cargo area.
Hopefully this information helps to put your mind at ease, and we're happy to talk to you about your move if you have more questions or if you'd like a free quote (you can contact us here). Good luck with everything!
Pet transportation services aren't just limited to moving a dog or cat across the country when work or military duty calls the family to a new place. Along with technological advances and emerging international developments, transporting animals is a service in demand, leaving airlines and freight companies in the position of stepping up to the challenge or being left behind.
This recently published Bloomberg article goes into greater detail about Lufthansa, KLM, and the other companies who deal with shipping animals. It's pretty fascinating to see how trends have been changing recently and how these businesses are learning to handle exotic moves.
Want to know more? Here are a few details from the article, and you can read the whole thing here.
-Last year Lufthansa's Frankfurt facility handled 110 animals of various kinds (including 80 million tropical fish and 300 tons of worms).
-Lufthansa usually transports around 14,000 dogs and cats and 2,000 horses in a year.
-Animal freight makes up about one to two percent of Lufthansa's total cargo revenue.
-One of the most unconventional cargo shipments on record was a plane filled with dogs and cats evacuated from Lebanon following a missile strike.
-Before they fly out of Frankfurt, animals are inspected by up to 24 different vets.
-Some freighters are equipped with up to four different temperature zones, meaning that one flight can safely and comfortably carry warm-blooded and cold-blooded animals (think horses and penguins, for example).
-Large fish, dolphins and poisonous reptiles are not accepted for shipment by Lufthansa due to safety concerns.
Name: Jimmy Pet's Name: Tori From: Florida To: California
I own a tea-cup Yorkshire Terrier. I wanted to have him transported from Florida for my girlfriend who is the true owner.
We were both concerned about the move, as it was our first experience transporting a pet across the country.
However, from the moment that we sought out PetRelocation.com, the representative on the phone (Lee) was extremely professional and caring. Moreover, the person that he delegated responsibility to (Amber) was also very professional and kind. Both Amber and Lee took all of our concerns into account. Finally, Lin and Lisa, the agents who brought Tori, our dog, to the airport and to our home, were very caring, kind and diligent.
What both I and my girlfriend took away from this experience was that PetRelocation.com has employees that love their job and take a vested interest in seeing that their clients are satisfied and that their pets are safely transported.
This was the first and most memorable experience for us.
While there are many contingencies that come into play -- some outside human control -- I would highly recommend that PetRelocation.com be given the opportunity to carry out this responsibility.
Name: Pauline Pet's Name: Stella From: Los Angeles To: London
I did a lot of research with all types of animal transport companies before choosing PetRelocation.com, and at first I was nervous, as we didn't know what to expect, but we are SO glad that we chose PetRelocation.com and are very impressed and happy with their services.
We chose PetRelocation.com because of their experience with handling long distance pet transporting. We were won over by specialist Sarah Rosales' detailed descriptions of what our dog, Stella, would be going through during the long flight as well as the hours before and after.
Specialist Abbey Steidensticker was also amazingly helpful and patiently answered all of our questions and addressed our concerns with a warm and timely professionalism. With her help, we did not have to worry much about anything! She prepared all documents, contacted the two vets we had for Stella, and arranged all correspondence between agents.
And the absolute best part about PetRelocation.com is their pick-up and drop-off services - we only had to crate train Stella, and on the day of her flight she was simply handed over to an experienced agent. The timing was perfect! - I flew out of Los Angeles two hours after her flight, and arrived home in London to wait for her to clear Customs. Abbey kept us very well informed about Stella's status, from the moment she checked into her flight, to when she landed, cleared Customs, and when she was on her way over to us!
Just an hour or two after I arrived, she was delivered to our door by a friendly London transport agent, which Abbey had coordinated as well. When we saw her, we were so thrilled to be reunited again!
Stella is adjusting nicely to London (although the weather here leaves something to be desired), and she is enjoying long walks in the park near our home and finally spending some quality time with both her "mom" and "dad".
Thanks so much to PetRelocation.com for an amazing job! :)
Name: Stacy Pet's Name: Neely From: Connecticut To: England
When I found out we were moving to England I was so excited and overwhelmed all at the same time! My biggest concern with the move was being able to bring my dog with me. The thought of leaving Neely behind was not an option, and the thought of transporting her overseas terrified me. At first, I was determined to get all of Neely's travel documentation and flight plans in order myself. However, with all the other stresses of moving and the possibility of me not being able to fly out with her, my husband decided it was time that I get some help.
My husband's employer had given me Cara's contact information so that I could talk to her to see what PetRelocation.com could do to help me. After the first phone conversation I instantly felt comfortable. Cara and Ashley had both walked me through every single step that I needed to take in order to get my dog over to England. They checked and double checked every piece of paperwork and answered any questions that I may have had. They kept on top of all the changes that were being made by DEFRA, and notified me immediately as to what those changes were. They made sure that Neely's crate was appropriate for travel, and even mailed us out a welcome pack!
When I found out that I needed to go over to England before I could get Neely out there, Ashley worked with my father to complete her travel requirements. On the day of Neely's travel, she was picked up at my parent's home and brought to the airport. Ashley had notified me when Neely was up in the air and gave me a confirmation number so that I could track her. They also kept in touch with my father to let him know the same. During her travel they made sure she had a pre and post- flight potty break as well as water and clean bedding. Once Neely cleared customs they called me to let me know that she would be delivered to me shortly.
When Neely arrived she acted as though she had been on one big adventure! She was so excited to be at her new home, and most importantly she arrived safely, clean, and happy!
It's now been close to three weeks since she arrived and she has settled in without a hitch! PetRelocation.com has made this moving experience stress and worry free. Cara and Ashley always took the extra step to make sure that everything was done right and that Neely would arrive home safely. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone who has to transport a beloved pet and I would certainly use their services again in the future!
Name: Rosa Number of Pets: Two Pet Type: Dogs Pet Breed: Dachshund From: Italy To: California
Because of their weight they cannot travel in the cabin. What do you suggest? Is it better to send them on a cargo trip or to take them on our same trip, but below, in the dedicated area?
Thank you,
Rosa
Hi Rosa,
Thanks for the question! The most important thing you can do is choose a pet-friendly airline so that your dogs will be safely transported in the cargo area. Take a look at our blog for more information about pets traveling in cargo if you have any concerns about it.
Relocating pets is a team effort, and we employ the help of agents and drivers all around the world to help transport your furry family members safe and sound.
Last month we introduced you to John Kernan of Pawsitively Dogs in our first Driver Spotlight, and today we'd like you to meet another trusted collaborator: Rebeca Berni of Dog Gone Taxi based near Seattle, WA.
We've worked with Rebeca many times and now we're taking a moment to shine the spotlight on her. Read on to find out more about one of our top pet agents!
How long have been in the pet transportation business?
I've been in this business since 2005.
How did you get started?
I was the owner/operator of a physical therapy center for dogs (doing warm water hydrotherapy). Many clients had difficulty getting their pets to and from their appointments, as the dogs were disabled or had injuries that made it difficult for them to walk.
That's when I started Dog Gone Taxi. Soon after that - about six months later - a dog transportation company in Seattle that did daycare & boarding drop-off and pickups went out of business. They kept their website but changed their phone number to our number without letting me know. We grew our local business rapidly after that. A year later we got a call from a pet broker service to do an airport delivery. They helped educate us on the industry and told us how to get fully licensed with USDA.
Year after year we have added more pet brokers and gotten more experience in the industry. In 2010 we started providing private (one families' pets at a time) cross-country pet relocation. As the pet transportation business grew, I became unable to do the water therapy clients and changed that business into pet boarding and daycare. We now offer pet boarding (dogs & cats) and doggie daycare in our Seattle office, as well as the transportation business in WA, OR, and CA, and we now have several employees.
Rebeca Berni (and dog pals) on a cross-country trip.
What’s your average day like?
There is no average day. Some days we have check-ins at 4 a.m. and pickups at 11 p.m. Typically in the AM we have our local business daycare/boarding drop-offs and again for a few hours in the afternoon. The airport check-ins and drop-offs are fit in between.
What’s your most memorable pet move experience?
We recently moved 12 roosters & chickens from Victoria, BC to Fargo, ND. They were family pets, kept in the home and in a coop. Fresh eggs in the AM meant that the chickens were happy!
Do you have pets of your own?
Yes, I have two dogs. A Bichon and 17-year-old blind Beagle.
What’s your favorite part of this job?
Seeing the happy owners face when their pet has been delivered all safe and sound. And of course, playing with the puppies!!
Do people find what you do unusual?
Yes, but once I explain what it is we do, they usually say, '"Oh, I wondered how people moved with their pets, I just never thought about it."
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Stay tuned for another Driver Spotlight to appear on the blog soon... There are many more interesting pet agents to meet!
Name: Clarisse From: New York, NY, USA To: Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines Pet: Koda, Dog (Pembroke Welsh Corgi, 9 months,18 lbs)
Is my dog going to be flying on the same flight with me or will he be on a separate flight that will allow for stops and such? It's far to travel from the US to the Philippines. I'm aware of the toll it takes for an almost daylong flight. I want to know that my dog will be safe, taken care of, and as comfortable as he's going to be while in transit.
Thanks,
Clarisse
Hi Clarisse,
Thanks for the question, we hope we can help! First, here are the pet import requirements for the Philippines. It's not necessary to be on the same flight as your pet (especially if you're hiring someone to help you clear customs or handle transportation), and we do often suggest breaking the trip into parts rather than choosing a direct route in order to allow time for rest breaks, etc. Primarily it's important to choose a pet-friendly airline with established safety policies. Your concerns are valid -- it's certainly taxing to fly internationally, so the best you can do is choose a trustworthy airline.
Please give us a call if you have any more questions, and fill out our free quote form if you're interested in our services. Good luck!
Anyone who has planned a pet relocation knows that there are many moving parts to attend to. We can do a lot from our home base (make phone calls, arrange vet visits, order custom crates, etc.), but bringing pets to and from the airport, to and from boarding facilities, and ultimately home to your front door requires the services of someone trustworthy and adept at the more physical, location-specific tasks associated with moving pets.
PetRelocation.com entrusts this job to various pet transportation professionals around the world, and we thought it was about time to introduce you to a few of them.
First up is John Kernan of Pawsitively Dogs, who started out as a businessman in California. Family matters brought him back to his hometown of Rochester, NY, and he ended up staying there when he realized he'd rather run a pet-sitting business than return to the world of suits and ties.
We're glad this animal-lover made the career switch, as he's helped us with several moves in the upper New York region. John has even crossed the border into Canada to move a pet, so he can call himself an international pet mover!
To give all of us a better idea of what goes on during every part of the pet move, we recently asked John a few questions about his experiences. Here's more about moving pets from a driver's point of view...
How did you get started as a pet transporter?
I've come to the pet transportation business by way of the pet sitting business. Prior to that, I was in corporate America in the information technology sales world.
I've been involved in volunteer rescue for 10 or more years, walking dogs at shelters and ASPCA centers. I left the corporate world after my Dad passed and Mom wasn't doing so well. As the single sibling (I have seven others), it was easiest for me to take a break, leave California, and return to Rochester for what I thought would be a year or so.
While here, I indulged my passion for animals through work as a volunteer dog walker and trainer at the local ASPCA. I work with another rescue group here called Nuts for Mutts as well. As Mom improved I decided to start a pet sitting business rather than return to corporate America.
I began assisting with local ASPCA events, continued transporting on occasion as part of my pet taxi service, and more recently began transporting for PetRelocation.com in the New York and southern Ontario, Canada regions.
Is there anything else that inspired you to embrace this line of work?
I have a rescue dog named Bobby whose story I tell under the My Inspiration section of my website. He's been my best pal for over 8 years now...makes me laugh every single day.
Here's an excerpt from John's website:
I met him during my volunteer work as a dog walker at a No-Kill shelter in Nevada. He’d been deposited there by animal control after spending the first few months of his life on the street. After finding out that the poor guy never got walked and had been there almost a year (a positive example of this shelter’s commitment to its residents), I needed another volunteer to assist me in cornering Bobby so I could put a leash on him for a walk.
After several walks it became apparent that he was totally overwhelmed and confused… his head remained down, tail low, always hunching down as he slinked along beside me. I later learned that he’d been there almost a year and they were concerned that he might not be adoptable. I could hear no more and decided to take him home. He lay in the bed I bought him for over a week without once barking; only venturing out with me for potty breaks. Gradually, he improved as he learned to trust me and his new surroundings.
It took time and patience but he is now a shining example of what trust and affection can do for a wounded animal. His loyalty continues to astound me and he makes me laugh every single day!
What is the best part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is my initial meeting with the dogs at airport pick-ups. This potty break is often the first time they get out of their crates for hours, and they can be confused. It's nice to see the subtle changes as you talk to them and reassure them that everything is going to be OK. They're just dying for a reassuring voice and touch after a long flight, and will often nuzzle right up to you for comfort. Final delivery to the customer is also great as the animal first recognizes his "long-lost" owner.
What has been your longest trip, and do you have any interesting transport stories?
The longest transport to date was from Rochester, NY to Mississauga, Ontario, a distance of over 300 miles.
It was interesting crossing the border with the two pups I had in two separate cages. It was all I could do to convince the customs rep that I was NOT transporting illegal aliens but instead legal canines! He also found it difficult to understand that I did not own the dogs, but instead was transporting them on behalf of a pet transportation company.
After several rounds of questions and perusals at my paperwork, he finally waved me through. I do believe this was a first for him!
What advice do you have for pet owners that may help put their minds at ease during a relocation?
I think that it helps the owners to have a contact telephone number with the drivers. I always call the owner prior to pick-up at their location or from the airport prior to delivering their pet to them. It is certainly reassuring to know that the transport person is also another pet lover and understands what you're going through. I've found that customers really do appreciate the call.
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We thank John for speaking with us and look forward to working with him to move many more pets!
Name: Amanda Pet's Name: Josh From: Japan To: Singapore
We chose PetRelocation.com because of their home-to-home delivery service. It was our first time moving Josh and we were very paranoid about this. We read many stories online about how dogs died on the plane so we wanted to ensure that everything would go smoothly.
Our Pet Relocation Specialist, Sarah, was a great specialist to us. She was empathetic and patient to our inquiries, and she made herself available to us at all times. Even though we were in Japan, she gave us details to ensure that Josh's export documents were in order.
On the day that Josh was supposed to move there were sudden changes, and I had to call Sarah at night. But everything went in order. It was never chaotic. We were never worried.
When Josh arrived in Singapore, he was so energetic and so curious about the whole new environment even after the exhausting flight. At the end of the whole procedure, we realized we worried too much when actually everything went perfectly well.
So to other pet owners out there, if you ever wondered like I did if this is a made-up blog, I can absolutely tell you, no, it is not. PetRelocation.com is a great pet transport service provider. Keep it up!
Name: Sally From: Kailua, Kona, HI To: Washington, DC Pet: Oreo, mixed breed, 50 lbs
Is it possible to fly our dog to DC from Hawaii? How are animals transported over long distances without stops to go to the bathroom? I would hate to leave our dog behind, but I can't imagine her being in a crate for 12+ hours. One time our flight was delayed and we were traveling for 24 hours. How do people do it?
Thanks, Sally
Hi Sally,
Thanks for the question! We've moved many dogs in and out of Hawaii, and while it is a long trip, it's possible to carry out safely. (We find that pets are generally surprisingly resilient). Here is some information about the pet import requirements for the United States, and for long trips we do recommend putting something absorbent into the bottom of the crate (an old towel or bathmat, shredded newspaper, etc.). If you'd like an estimate for our door-to-door services, here is the link to our free quote form.
Good luck with your pet travels, and please let us know if you have any more questions!
Name: Michelle Number of Pets: 2 Pet Type: Dogs Pet Breed: Bichon Frise/Miniature Poodle mix From: Ottawa, Canada To: Peru or Israel
My oldest dog is a stress licker. Is he able to wear his e-collar in the crate during transportation?
Thanks, Michelle
Hi Michelle,
Thanks for checking in with us! Generally all "extra" items (toys, treats, etc.) are not permitted by airlines or recommended by us when it comes to traveling. For the safety of the pets, it's simply better to keep the travel crate environment free of any clutter or foreign objects (we do often leave a towel or something similar on the bottom of the crate to absorb any messes).
Feel free to give us a call if you have any more questions, and take some time to check out our blog and our Facebook page for more tips and stories from other pet owners. Good luck with everything!
Name: Shan Number of Pets: 1 Pet Type: Dog Pet Breed: Yorkshire Terrier From: Northern Ireland To: Jordan
Hello,
I don't know where to start when it comes to relocating my dog to Jordan from Ireland.
1. What paperwork is needed? 2. Which airlines will accept pets? 3. What injections/tests should be done? 4. What do I need for the transportation? (travel box.. etc) 5. What is the quarantine duration, if any? 6. Can my pet travel freely back and forth, or will this have to be done every time?
If you decide to leave Jordan and return back to Ireland, you'll need to meet the pet import requirements for Ireland, and then if you want to go back to Jordan you'll need to make sure you have all the same up-to-date paperwork/vaccines as the first time.
Thanks for checking in with us, and please keep in touch if any more questions arise. We can also provide you with a free quote if you're interested in our door-to-door services. Good luck with everything!
Name: Norella From: United States To: United States Pet: His name is Bear, he is a British Mastiff and weights 160 pounds
My daughter is moving from Atlanta to Washington DC, and no air travel company wants to carry the dog. I am looking for a company that handles ground transportation.
Thanks, Norella
Hi Norella,
Thanks so much for contacting us with your question. It often ends up being easier to relocate large pets via ground transport, and we're happy to help point you in the right direction. You have a few options; you can visit MyPetTravel.com or IPATA.com to find a service provider yourself, or you can fill out our free quote form and we can tell you how much it will be for us to plan the details of the move.
Good luck, and please let us know how we can be of further help!
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.
Here's an excerpt from John's website: 
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