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: Nathan
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: American Bulldog
From: China
To: San Francisco, USA

Do you know if it would be okay to fly via Air China from Beijing to San Francisco in June? They have no breed restrictions, but many airlines don't fly American Bulldogs during summer months. Does the temperature really fluctuate that much on a trans-pacific flight during summer or winter?

Thanks,

Nathan

 

Hi Nathan,

Bulldogs and other snub-nosed breeds are more susceptible to having stress and breathing problems when flying, so many airlines try to minimize risks by imposing restrictions and embargoes. Before deciding if you should fly with a Bulldog, you should have an honest conversation with your vet and have your dog undergo a health screening to identify any underlying issues that may come into play.

If you decide to go forward, choose an extra-large travel crate that will allow plenty of good airflow and -- most importantly -- choose a pet-friendly airline. We generally select United, KLM, Lufthansa and a few others for the pets we relocate, as it's well worth it to go with a carrier with established pet policies in place. With United, for example, they use temperature-controlled vehicles to transport pets out to the plane, so temperatures outside shouldn't really be a factor. That being said, with breeds susceptible to stress, extra caution is never a bad idea.

Please contact us if you'd like to speak to a specialist about your move. We're well-practiced in finding the best routes for pets and can advise you about your options. Thanks for the questions!
 

Name: Karine
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: Dogs
Pet Breed: 1 Coton de Tulear + 1 Shih Tzu
From: Lyon, France
To: Fairport, New York, USA

Is it possible for both my dogs to travel together in the same kennel to avoid too much stress for them? What are the specific requirements for dogs to enter the United States?

Thanks!
Karine
 

Hi Karine,

Thanks for contacting us. First, here are the pet import requirements for the United States. To answer your other question, yes, each of your dogs will need an individual crate. The travel crate must meet the requirements of the airline and will be large enough to allow good air circulation.

Speaking of stress, we recommend that you crate train your dogs (on their own) well in advance of the trip so that they'll view it as a safe place to be. If your dogs feel comfortable in their crates, the trip is likely to be much easier for them.

Please let us know if you have more questions or if you're interested in our services. Have a great trip!

 

 

Name: Dawn
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Lab mix
From: Orlando, FL
To: London

We are a year plus from possibly moving from Orlando to London. We currently have two dogs, both weighing 50 lbs each. The good news is that they are crate-trained. The bad news is that we keep them in the same crate. Do the pets need to travel in individual crates? What time of year is best to consider for travel to London? Which airlines do you use? Any particular UK rules that we need to consider other than what is on your resource page? I am trying to do some research well in advance. Thanks for your help.

Thanks,

Dawn

 

Hi Dawn,

It's great to hear from you; it's very smart to start researching a pet travel endeavor well in advance. Here is the rundown of pet import requirements for the UK, and yes, you will need to have an airline-approved travel crate for each of your dogs. Here's more info about choosing the right dog travel crate.

We highly recommend choosing a pet-friendly airline (we often use United) that operates with careful pet policies. If you choose a carrier that places a high priority on a pet's safety the weather won't really be a factor, however since many airlines operate with embargoes during the summer you should research options ahead of time to avoid surprises.

Please contact us if you have any more questions about  your trip or if you're interested in our services. We'd be happy to be of further help, and wish you a great trip!
 

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Happy Friday, y'all.

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.

 

Name: Sujin
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Yorkshire
From: Kuwait
To: Canada

Please tell me all the formalities which I need to fulfill before taking my pet to Canada. He is fully vaccinated and up-to date but has not been embedded with the chip which bears the owner's information.

I'm permanently moving to Canada and am scheduled to move out of Kuwait by August 10-15.

Waiting for your response.

Regards,

Sujin

 

Hi Sujin,

Canada does not require that pets have a microchip, however we do recommend them. In our experience they offer pet owners peace of mind (even if microchips are never needed it's nice to know they're there -- just in case).

Here are the complete pet import requirements for Canada. Take a look and then please let us know if you have any questions. There are many decisions to make when planning a pet move (choosing an airline, picking out the right travel crate, etc), and we're happy to help if you find you need assistance.

Thanks for the question, and good luck with everything!

 

Name: Jody
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Small Chinese dog, 10 to 12 pounds
From: Nanning, China
To: Houston, Texas

Can you assist me with getting my dog from China to Houston, Texas? I will need assistance with the regulations and paperwork. My wife is currently in China until the end of June and we would like to bring the dog with her back to the United States.

Regards,

Jody

 

Hi Jody,

Sure, we'd be happy to help you move your pet. For quicker service you can call our office: +001-512-362-6100, or you can fill out our free quote form which will allow a specialist to look over the details of your move and offer you an estimate and overview of our services.

For your information, here are the pet import requirements for the United States. Your dog will need an international health certificate issued within 10 days of departure as well as an updated rabies vaccine. We recommend choosing a pet-friendly airline and making sure your dog is comfortable spending time in the travel crate, as well.

We look forward to hearing from  you -- please let us know if you have any questions!

 

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: Kartik
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Labrador
From: Delhi, India
To: Toronto, Canada

My 8-year-old Labrador has never traveled by air and I am hesitating to fly with her. I am planning to relocate to Canada, preferably Toronto. I am little afraid and would like to understand the whole procedure, as its a very long journey.

Is it possible that I can travel with my pet? My decision to relocate hinges on this.

Thanks,

Kartik

 

Hi Kartik,

Thanks for the question, we'd be happy to walk you through the steps of a pet move. First, you'll want to take a look at the pet import requirements for Canada for an idea of what you'll need to do to bring your dog to Canada.

As far as your air travel concerns, the most important things to do include talking with your vet about the health of your dog (identify any possible risk factors, etc.) and also choose a pet-friendly airline. Airlines with established pet procedures who make sure pets are carefully loaded on and off the plane in a timely way are the ones to look for (we often fly with United, Lufthansa and KLM). Here are a few frequently asked pet travel questions that may help you, as well.

It's not necessary for you to be on the same flight as your dog, in fact most of our clients fly separately while we handle the details of their pet move.

Please let us know if you have more questions or if you'd like a free quote for our services. We'd be happy to help you find a solution and bring your dog to Canada safely!

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Name: Chris
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Mixed but predominately Australian Shepard
From: Brazil
To: USA

I cannot find firm requirements on what documentation is required to transport my dog from Brazil to the USA as checked baggage.

I know that i need a health certificate from my Brazilian vet, but have also been told that I need approval from the Ministerío of Agricultura. I can not find this requirement on the MoA website so I am unclear on the accuracy of that requirement.

Can anyone help to point me in the direction of the requirements?

Thanks,

Chris
 

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the question. Take a look at the pet import requirements for the United States for an overview of what you'll need to do. The most important things to have for entry into the US are an updated rabies vaccine and the international health certificate, as you stated. We also recommend carefully choosing a pet friendly airline.

Please let us know if you have more questions, and if you'd like a free quote for our services you can fill out this form. Good luck, and we'd be happy to hear from you again!

Meeting the pet import requirements for Australia means fulfilling a minimum 30-day quarantine, a prospect that initially sounds less-than-ideal to many pet owners but in the long run ends up being not such a big deal. We receive plenty of photos, feedback, and even videos from clients that show us what the quarantine stay is all about, and we're happy to share that information with people thinking about a pet move.

Here's a great example below. Tilly the Labradoodle arrived in Sydney a few days ago after traveling from the United States, and she'll be ready to go home on June 1. As you can see, she looks good and her owners are able to visit her (a fact she's tail-waggingly happy about, of course).

Please contact PetRelocation with your questions about moving pets to Australia, and stay in touch for more pet travel updates from our clients!

 

Name: Eddie
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Collie
From: Ireland
To: Canada

What do I have to do to get my dog from Ireland to Canada? Will the dog travel with me or alone, and how much does it cost?

Thanks,

Eddie

 

Hi Eddie,

Thanks so much for the question, we'd be glad to help. First, take a look at the pet import requirements for Canada. You'll need to take care of a few things, including the rabies vaccine and a vet health certificate. We also recommend a microchip if you don't have one, and it'll be important to choose a pet-friendly airline.

Most of the pets we ship are on separate flights from their owners, as we take care of getting them checked in and then going through customs on the other end. Let us know if you're interested in our services and we'll tell you more about how it works and what the cost breakdown is. If you'd like to organize it yourself, Ipata.org is a good resource for finding pet shipping agents.

Good luck with the trip!
 

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: Lisa
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: German Shepherd
From: Virginia, USA
To: Abuja, Nigeria

I am thinking about relocating to Nigeria for my job, but I am very worried about safely transporting my dog.

My dog is about 75 lbs and is 12 years old. Provided the vet gives her a clean bill of health to travel, is it safe? How would PetRelocation assure her safety?

Thanks,

Lisa

 

Hi Lisa,

Your concerns are certainly understandable. Moving a dog to faraway Africa isn't exactly a common occurrence, but the good news is that we've handled a few such moves and would be happy to talk to you about the procedure and the details.

Here are the pet import requirements for Nigeria, as well as a few tips for moving an older dog. If you and your vet decide to go forward with the relocation, you'll want to choose a pet-friendly airline and make sure your dog is well-acclimated to the travel crate if she isn't already.

To find out more about what we do and how we do it, please give our office a call or fill out our free quote form. Also, take a look at couple of customer stories that may help put your mind at ease. We moved Bear to Kenya and Hugo to South Africa recently -- in these instances the pet owners were a little nervous to start, but as you can see the moves went well. Every relocation is different, but it's our job to work towards the best arrangement possible and move pets safely.

Good luck with your decision and your plans, Lisa. We hope to hear from you soon!

 

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Name: Joyce
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Pomeranian
From: Dublin, UK
To: Brazil

Hi,

I'm moving to Brazil next month (June), but I'm doing an eight-hour connection in Switzerland. Do I need a passport or just a Health Certificate (APHIS 7001) and the vaccines?

Thank You,

Joyce

 

Hello Joyce,

Thanks for your questions; here are the pet import requirements for Brazil. Unless you are planning to leave the airport or switch airlines, you will not need to complete any additional steps for your time in Switzerland. You will need the APHIS 7001 issued within 10 days of departure as well as the required vaccines.

Please contact us if you have any more questions or if you're interested in our door-to-door services. We'd be happy to assist with your move.

Good luck!

Though our focus is helping families to bring their pets with them when they move, we like to keep an eye on general pet travel trends, too.

The pet industry has seemed pretty recession proof over these last few years, and we've noticed that more and more hotels and travel services have come to embrace four-legged customers along with their owners. Something from today's news caught our eye, however: It seems that a new development could be emerging in the UK.

According to the Daily Mail and free pet-sitting service Petaround.com, thousands of British citizens will skip taking a vacation or cut theirs short because of inadequate or expensive boarding options for their pets. Kennel and pet sitting costs are on the rise here, making the financial demands of a holiday just too much for many families to justify. According the study cited, many pet owners are also "too embarrassed" to ask family or friends to help out with pet-sitting.

Here in the United States, many pet owners traveling for fun or business without their pets are turning to the dogsitting site Dogvacay.com, which lets dog sitters list their services and dog owners choose and contact individuals they're interested in checking out. In the UK Petaround.com functions similarly, but here pet owners are able to locate people to take care of their pets very cheaply, on an exchange basis, or even free of charge.

Dedicated pet owners are strong in number, so it's no surprise to see creative solutions to pet-sitting conundrums pop up in places where prices for services are rising in general. Will developments like Petaround.com reverse the trend of Britons ditching their holidays? We'll be following the news to find out.

Please contact PetRelocation if you have questions about pet travel, and keep in touch with us for all the latest pet news updates.