Name: Abby
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Crossbreed
From: Oman
To: Kochi, Kerala, India

We are planning to relocate our pet dog, Lucky, from Muscat, Oman to Kochi, Kerala, India. She is 4 1/2 years old. We would like to know the procedures to make this happen.

Thanks,

Abby

Hi Abby,

Sure, we'd be happy to offer some advice. First, here are the pet import requirements for India. We also suggest making sure your dog is crate-trained before you travel, and it's important to choose a pet-friendly airline. If you'd like some help with arranging your move, you can fill out our free quote form for a price estimate.

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

Name: Gaya
Pets' Names: Tummy and Vicky
From: Milwaukee
To: New York City
 

I had a wonderful experience working with the staff at PetRelocation.

My two dogs Tummy and Vicky have never been crate trained, so I was very nervous about how they would do during the flight. The PetRelocation staff was very supportive and guided me step-by-step through the process of getting my boys ready for travel. Additionally, they reassured me multiple times and kept me updated frequently on the day of the move.

I was very pleased to receive Tummy and Vicky in New York City, and they both seemed very calm and relaxed! They have now adjusted to the city and seem quite happy here. They started day care the next day after their move here and are doing great!

I don't think I would have had the courage to move my boys here without the expertise and guidance of PetRelocation. Thank you so much for all your help and support!!!

Name: Nancy
Pet's Name: Bandit
From: New York
To: Denmark
 

My pet cat, Bandit, has just arrived in Denmark, safe and sound! I'd like to share our story...

My fiance is Danish and lives in Denmark. After a couple of years of traveling back and forth, we decided that my cat Bandit and I would move to Denmark.

I was pretty overwhelmed when I started to look into ways to move pets abroad. The main obstacle was that Bandit simply weighed too much (17 lbs) to go in-cabin on the flight. The other option, flying as cargo, seemed unappealing and I had read a lot of horror stories.

A friend recommended that I look into a pet relocation service, as that was how she moved her dog from Australia to England. I did a web search and found PetRelocation.com, among others.

All of my interactions with PetRelocation.com were extremely positive. They really know the ins and outs of pet relocation. I initially spent about 30 minutes on the phone asking a lot of questions and learned about the process. I felt that PetRelocation.com had a lot of experience and connections with certain airlines that made me feel better about transporting my cat.

They also took care of all the details. All that I really needed to do was buy the crate and do a little crate training. I also had to bring the cat to the vet as well, but PetRelocation had already handled filling in the paperwork. My vet was really appreciative of this.

I opted for door-to-door service, which went flawlessly. Our move happened right after Hurricane Sandy, which was pretty nerve-wracking, but our relocation consultant monitored the situation closely and everything went on according to plan.

On the day of the move, I received constant email updates and also was able to track my cat all through the journey. The notifications were timely and extremely helpful. In Denmark, my fiance received calls when the plane landed and also right before the cat and agent arrived at his doorstep.

My cat took the trip pretty well. He explored the apartment and is all settled in. I arrived the next day and he came out to greet me. We are very pleased with the services from PetRelocation.com. It was everything that they said it would be and I would definitely recommend them or use them if we ever move again!

Name: Daniel
Number of Pets: One
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Mutt
From: Malaysia
To: Oman

Hi, my girlfriend is moving from Malaysia to Oman. I recently moved here, and while in Malaysia we got a six-week-old puppy (the puppy herself is now perhaps 12 weeks old). I would like to know the process of moving a pet dog from Malaysia to Oman, the complications, and if anyone knows an estimated cost.

Thanks,

Daniel

Hi Daniel,

Thank you for contacting us. The cost of your move will depend on a few factors (you can fill out our free quote form here), and in general you'll need to follow these pet import requirements for Oman.

Our all-purpose pet travel tips include planning early, choosing a pet-friendly airline, and making sure your dog is crate-trained well in advance of the trip. This is just a brief overview, so please let us know if you have any more questions. Good luck!

Name: Jennifer
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Great Dane
From: Houston, TX
To: Scotland

Is there a weight limit when shipping a dog to Scotland? We are moving next year and have a full grown Dane.

Thanks,

Jennifer

 

Hi Jennifer,

Thanks for your question! Shipping big dogs creates a few more challenges, but we've done it many times before and are happy to offer some tips. First, you'll probably need a custom travel crate, and you'll definitely need to check with the airline to find out about size requirements. Not all planes are large enough to hold extra large crates, so they'll have to make sure they're equipped to handle you.

Here are a few more tips for traveling with large dogs, and check out the pet import requirements for the UK as well. Please contact us if you have more questions, and good luck!

Name: Michele
Number of Pets: 3
Pet Type: Two dogs, one cat
Pet Breed: Huntaway,  Jack Russell/Foxy Cross, Very Cool Cat
From: Rotorua, New Zealand
To: Portland, Oregon

I know it's like pulling hen's teeth to bring pets over here, but what is it like to bring them to the states? I'm hoping there are considerably less hoops to jump through.

Thanks,

Michele

Hi Michele,

Good news, it is much easier to bring pets to the United States than New Zealand. Here are the pet import requirements for the US. Please take a look and then let us know if you have any questions.

Remember, we also recommend flying with a pet-friendly airline and spending time before your move to make sure your pets are comfortable with their travel crates. Thanks for the question, and good luck with everything!

Name: Samantha
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: American Bulldog
From: UK
To: Namibia

Hi,

I am hoping to move to Namibia in February and want to take my 2-year-old dog with me. What are the import rules for Namibia? He already has his passport and current rabies injection, but I want to know if he needs anything else and if he will have to go into quarantine?

Thanks,
Sam

 

Hi Sam,

Thanks for the question. Some countries' pet import rules are not as easy to find information about, so it's best to go straight to the source and contact the Namibia Ministry of Agriculture for more information.

Beyond that, our advice is to choose a pet-friendly airline and make sure you have a travel crate that's airline-approved and allows for plenty of ventilation. For organizing pet moves, IPATA.org can also be a helpful resource. Please let us know if you have any more questions, and good luck!

Name: Carlos
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: English Bulldog
From: Salt Lake City, UT
To: San Juan, Puerto Rico

I am currently in the process of a military movement and I have never moved my dog overseas. I would like more information about the process and requirements/rules. Any assistance with this matter would be greatly appreciated -- thank you so much for your support.

Thanks,

Carlos

Hi Carlos,

Thanks for your question -- we're happy to offer some assistance. First, take a look at the pet import requirements for Puerto Rico. It's important to follow these rules, choose a pet-friendly airline with established pet procedures, and to make sure your dog is comfortable with the travel crate. Please take a look at our website for more pet travel tips and advice, and if you're interested in signing up for our services you can fill out our free quote form. Note that we offer a 10% discount for military moves.

Thanks again, and please let us know how we can be of further help. Good luck!

 

About a year and a half ago we helped Boris and Mia move to the UK with their family, and when life beckoned everyone back to the United States recently, we once again assisted with the relocation. Both moves required careful attention to detail and time to adjust, but the pups did well and the whole family learned a lot from the experience.

The dogs' owner Adrian was kind enough to answer a few questions for us about their relocations, so read on to find some great information about moving pets.

Congrats to Boris and Mia, we're so glad they chose us to help them travel the world safely!

What were some of your concerns going into moving your dogs internationally? 

First and foremost our dog’s well being, there are stories floating around about the side effects of flying animals. For example, stress related to the entire moving process, risk of heat stroke (time of year, origin and destination applies), pressure variations within the cabin, and possible injuries due to handling. An additional concern was being able to meet the regulatory requirements (i.e., having all paperwork in order and certified upon arrival).

Did anything surprise you about the international pet moving process?

The most surprising part of the pet move was the genuine help and positive coaching we received from Scotty. We did our homework and researched what it was going to be like for our dogs. However, the constant questions we had and quick response from Scotty helped ease our apprehensions.

How have your dogs adjusted to moving to a new place each time?

When they arrived in England (a year and a half ago), they were very sleepy and could barely keep their eyes open. Their internal clocks were off so it took them a couple of days to adjust to the new feeding, walking, and sleeping schedule.  They also had to get used to new food. Upon their return to Texas this last month they once again had to adjust to the time zone. Thus far, we encountered some minor issues with Mia’s breathing as it was heavier than normal and Boris was salivating more than prior to the move. Of course the vast temperature changes may have played a major roll considering they were used to a much cooler temperature. It took a few days to work out but they are back to their normal barking selves.    

What is life like in the US compared to the UK? What adjustments have you made, if any?

The original relocation to the UK took more adjusting from our part (vs. from Mia and Boris).  For Mia and Boris the climate changed from three digit summer temperatures to a below freezing wet winter. This meant more indoor living for them, which they did not mind at all due to the extra attention. For us, because dog owners are common in the UK, and they like to frequently walk their dogs without a leash, we had to constantly coach Mia and Boris not to mind free roaming dogs approaching them. It was a learning curve for all of us. Eventually they got used to seeing other dogs walking by and in one occasion Boris happened to lean in and give a big kiss to another dog passing on a walk.

Additionally, in Chester where they lived, there were many dog parks. This meant that most of the residents were comfortable around dogs. We would have a few people stopping us to pet the dogs and learn about them. Eventually they had a few people in the neighborhood asking for them if we were spotted walking without them.

There were several veterinarians and plenty of pet stores. A charming aspect of living in the UK is that some of the pubs allow you to bring your dog in. So when the bitter cold air is creeping around and the fire is crackling away in a pub, you don’t have to feel guilty for leaving the dogs at home. Some would even provide a doggy bowl of fresh water for them.

The move back to the USA has taken a little bit more time for the dogs to acclimate. They were provided with plenty of fresh water, shade, exercise and rest to help allow them to adjust faster. After a few days they were back to their normal trotting, fence protecting, happy-go-lucky ways. It is obvious they missed being able bask in the sun and run freely in a big yard.

What advice do you have for people who might be planning a move?

Find out what regulatory agencies come into play and their requirements. Understand lead times for the required paperwork to be processed in order to follow the sequence of requirements carefully. Ensure crates/kennels are large enough for the breed to have room to move freely. Do not feed pets prior to move and exercise them prior to move. Groom them according to destination. Lastly, relax as pets can “pick-up” the emotional state of their owner. That being said, I would like to leave you with a somewhat comical story.

The Sunday before the dogs’ big move back to the States we woke up to what could have been a disaster. We had meticulously put together a packet to include all necessary documentation for their arrival. That packet was laid down on the kitchen table along with several other miscellaneous items (some of which contained food). Not to mention it was placed under some of those items as well. I am sure you guessed it, the only packet that was found on the floor, torn apart and with bite marks all over was their relocation packet.  The food and rest of items were unscathed. Of course neither Mia nor Boris confessed to the mishap (although Boris is our prime suspect). In some way I think this was their way of saying “We know what is going on!” Dogs are smart heart warming creatures and sensitive to their surroundings. The best ending to this story, they didn’t ruin their pet passports.

--

Excellent stuff! Please contact PetRelocation.com if you have any questions about moving your own pets, and keep in touch for more great pet travel stories.
 

Name: Devon
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Brussels Griffon
From: Boston, USA
To: London, England

I have a Brussels Griffon and have heard that sometimes pug-like dogs are not allowed to fly due to their nose and possible problems getting enough oxygen. I was just wondering if this is true and if there is any way I can bring my Brussels with me? I can't bear to leave him behind. Thank you!
 

Hi Devon,

Thanks for contacting us! Flying with snub-nosed breeds can be a little tricky, so there are a few things to keep in mind. First, double check with the airline you'll be using to make sure they accept these breeds, and ask about any possible temperature restrictions that may limit when you can fly.

When getting ready to fly, be sure to choose a travel crate that's nice and large so that good air flow is possible. Helping your dog to stay cool and calm (making sure the dog is comfortable with the crate is also important) is one of the best ways to prepare for a safe flight.

For your information, here are a few tips for achieving safe pet travel as well as the pet import requirements for the UK.

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

You may have come across a couple of unsettling news items recently regarding pet travel. Two dogs -- both reportedly young and healthy, both United passengers -- died during their respective cross-country U.S. flights. As their owners search for answers, other pet owners have found themselves with plenty of questions about pet air travel safety, as well.

Given the current lack of clear information available about these particular incidents, it can help those who need to travel by air with their pets to focus on what we know about reducing the risks of pet travel by air. While many pet owners’ first instincts might be to react strongly against pet air travel in general, the impact of no longer having the option to travel by air could mean that pets would be left behind in shelters when their owners relocate for work or military reasons.

As this industry continues to evolve, it's always a good time to discuss the do's and don'ts of pet travel. The fact is that some pets shouldn't fly, and the ones that are cleared for takeoff require dedication and care from everyone involved in the process. While it's true that there's always an element of risk involved in pet travel, there are ways to effectively reduce those risks.

Here's what you can do to be smart about pet travel by air:

Plan early and plan well. Think of pet travel as a major life event similar to undergoing back surgery or buying a car. Just as you wouldn't choose a random doctor out of the phone book to perform a serious operation or throw down thousands of dollars on a vehicle without reading customer reviews, you can't rush into pet travel without planning carefully. Talk to pet travel professionals and pet owners who have done this before, consider all viable options, and allow plenty of time to map out the best path for your pet.

Talk to your vet about whether or not your pet is safe to fly. Just because you can't bear the idea of leaving your pet behind doesn't mean traveling is always the right choice, and an honest conversation with a trusted veterinarian is definitely in order before booking your flight. Age, weight, medical history, and even temperament all play a role in deciding if your pet is up for the traveling experience. Overweight and elderly pets are clearly at a higher risk, as are anxiety-prone animals or those with separation issues. Consider investing in a full vital organ screening at your veterinarian’s office to identify potential underlying conditions that could flare up during an air travel experience.

Take extra caution with snub-nosed breeds. Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, Mastiffs, Persian cats, and other brachycephalic breeds are more susceptible to breathing problems and heat stroke in stressful situations such as air travel, and many vets would advise that you avoid flying these pets. If you do decide to move a snub-nosed pet, it's important to, among other things, choose a large travel crate that offers good ventilation, choose a pet-friendly airline, and work to make sure the pet is well-hydrated before, during, and after the flight.

Choose a large, well-ventilated travel crate. It's actually important for all pets to be transported in a travel crate that is not only airline-approved, but roomy and well-ventilated. Good air flow is key in terms of your pet's comfort level and overall safety, as is proper hydration and working to make sure your pet is comfortable and familiar with the crate well before the day of departure.

As the airlines work to perfect their pet travel processes and as the Department of Transportation continues to examine and alter its pet air travel incident reporting policies, it's up to you to keep your furry family member's best interests in mind and to plan all travel details with care. Please contact our team of Pet Relocation Consultants with any questions you have about how to plan the safest pet move possible.

Name: Joanna
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Westie cross
From: Melbourne, Australia
To: Michigan, USA

Is it ok/safe for a middle-aged (6-year-old) dog to be relocated during January from an Australian summer to a US winter?

Thanks,

Joanna

Hi Joanna,

Thanks for your question. While we can tell you that we've moved thousands of pets safely to and from many destinations during all parts of the year, it sounds like this is an issue you should really discuss with your vet. Travel can be too stressful for some pets, but if your dog is properly crate trained and -- most importantly -- if you choose a pet-friendly airline (we often go with United, KLM or Lufthansa), the outdoor temperature shouldn't have an effect on your travel details.

Please contact us if you'd like to talk to us further, take a look at the pet import requirements for the United States, and be sure to set aside some time to chat with a trusted veterinarian about any concerns you may have.

Good luck!

It's something that many of us have come to believe wholeheartedly -- home is where your pet is. Whether you're moving across the country or across the world, including the family's animal companion makes all the difference when it comes to settling into a new place.

That's exactly what Izzy's owners recently discovered. They were initially anxious about bringing her all the way from Alaska to Indonesia, but it turned out to be well worth it and it sounds like Izzy has even helped them to learn a lot about Jakarta, their new home.

Read on to find some great tips about relocating a pet to Indonesia -- this family did a wonderful job and we were happy to help them keep everyone together!

Is this the first time you’ve ever moved a pet?

It is not the first time we have moved a pet overseas, however it is the first time I knew there was a company that could help me. Had I known this several years ago when we moved our yellow Labrador to Dubai, we would not have run into the problems we ran into and would have been able to bring her with us, rather then waiting several months to figure out how to send her and then worrying about her well-being all the way there.  

What were some of your concerns going into the move?

I worried that maybe it would be too difficult to find an airline that would fly Izzy safely, and that it would be too far of a flight for her to travel, too hot, and that maybe she couldn't come with us. I would call various airlines, and I could not understand them, and they didn't' t seem to have the information I was looking for. In addition, there were so many import permits and so much legal paperwork to complete that it was just too overwhelming to figure out on my own. I would get different information every time I would call an airline or other pet relocation company. I was worried that if I couldn't get help moving her and I did it on my own, she would end up in a foreign country and I would never see her again.  

Did anything surprise you about the international pet moving process?

I was just surprised how difficult it is for a regular person to figure it all out without any experience. PetRelocation.com  was so knowledgeable about pet friendly airlines, import permits, vaccinations, and all the timing involved. I was surprised that they were so diligent in making sure Izzy's trip was the safest and best way to travel. They were just so knowledgeable about the best route for our Izzy to take. Even though it seemed like the longest, it was absolutely the safest way for her to go. They were not about getting her there quickly as much as getting her there safely and comfortably and maintaining her health all the way.  I was overwhelmed with the knowledge they had about moving pets and the different country requirements. I could not have done it on my own -- I tried and spent several days and got absolutely nowhere.

How is Izzy adjusting to the new location?  

Surprisingly, Izzy is doing remarkably! I thought that she would have some adjustments to make and would act differently for a while, however her personality is the same. She has developed the same silly habits here, such as finding corners in the house to put herself into and barking at me to go for a walk or to get an extra bite of something. She also surprisingly loves the weather in Jakarta.  She constantly requests to go outside and will just lie down outside soaking up the sun with her Alaskan fur coat and everything. She loves the pool as well, but coming from Alaska she has not yet learned how to swim so she is taking swimming lessons! She loves to be outdoors.  

Unfortunately we did have a bit of health scare, unrelated to the actual travel. Izzy arrived in Jakarta 10 days before I did and stayed with my husband and son, who had arrived a couple weeks earlier. She arrived in great health and was happy, only had to serve one day in quarantine, and the relocation company here delivered her straight to our doorstep. However, once I arrived in Jakarta and Izzy saw me, she became so excited she started running around the yard like a crazy lab. She started digging in the garden and ate something foreign. I wasn't able to get her to stop right away, and then the next day she became ill -- refusing to eat, throwing up, and acting very lethargic. I was extremely worried after everything we went through to get her here safely that she was not going to make it. I've never had a sick dog before.

Everything worked out for the best, though, and because of this unfortunate experience, I can say with confidence (which I did not know before and was worried about), that yes, Jakarta is a third world country but they are capable of taking excellent care of dogs and pets here. Izzy was in the hospital for five days with gastritis (labs love to eat everything), and the entire time the veterinarians would text me her treatment plan and tell me how she was doing. They also texted pictures of her X-rays and medications. You don't get that much feedback in the States. I was extremely happy with the knowledge they had, and they returned Izzy back to her healthy self. They even make house calls! Now I can truly say with confidence that they have great pet care here, as well.

What is life like in Indonesia? Is it a pet-friendly place to be?

Well, it was not like I expected it to be at all. The weather is not nearly as hot as living in Houston, Texas in the summer. There are lot of dogs here. In our complex I counted several golden retrievers, a bull dog, dachshunds, a poodle, and Jack Russell terrier, all taking a walk.  Many people have the perception that Jakarta is not a dog friendly place, however I have run across several veterinarians here as well as holistic dog food stores. Groovy pets has a vetcare clinic for ill animals as well as a groomer and a store that carries most high quality brand dog food -- many I did not expect to find. I was able to keep Izzy on the same dog food.  Although it is a Muslim country, many of the Muslims tolerate dogs, and when hiring "help" here such as maids and gardeners you just have to make sure they are okay with dogs. Surprisingly there are many Indonesians who own dogs as well.

Indonesia is a very busy place with traffic that cannot be described, and there are many things a dog can get into that can be dangerous (as we found out).  Before bringing your dog, its best to make sure the house you will move into is cleaned up around the garden area and free of pesticides, poisons and fertilizers. All homes are secured with a fence or brick walls all around your home so your dog will be secured safely inside. All homes have a pool as well, and for dogs who love to swim it can be very therapeutic. In Jakarta the gardeners are usually hired as dog walkers and often will walk your dog to a park where many other dogs congregate and have a play date!!  

What advice do you have for people who might be planning a move?

Do your research. Learn as much as you can about the area you are going to be moving to so you can make it safe for your pet.  Find out if other people have moved their dog or pet to that country. Prepare your pet ahead of time by getting them used to traveling in a crate. Find out what pet food is available in your new location and try to switch them before they travel so they will not have tummy issues when they get there. Find a veterinarian before arriving in your country so that if any unforeseen circumstances arise, you are prepared the minute your pet arrives. Find out how you will get your pet to the vet if you are not able to drive in your host country.

PetRelocation.com is worth the peace of mind when moving your pet safely to another country, as it saves time and worry.  It was so worth it to get our Izzy safely to Jakarta, and we will definitely call upon PetRelocation.com again when we move back.  
 

Name: Carly
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Great Dane
From: Toronto, Canada
To: Nassau, Bahamas

My parents are relocating from Toronto, Canada to Nassau, Bahamas and need some advice on how to transport their Great Dane. They have contacted a number airlines but haven't had much luck as he is over 150 lbs and too tall for most crates, even large ones. They would be willing to take a ferry from Florida if that were possible.

Any recommendations you might have for us would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Carly

 

Hi Carly,

Thanks for contacting us with your question. Relocating large dogs does add some complexity to the process, but don't worry, it can be done. Here are a few tips for moving large dogs, and in terms of the crate you'll probably need to special order a custom one or add crate extensions to an existing one.

Here are the pet import requirements for the Bahamas to let you know about the other rules and restrictions. Hopefully this is helpful, Carly! Please contact us if you have any more questions, and good luck with the trip.

Name: Hannah
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Bichon Havanese
From: Norway
To: Czech Republic

Dear Pet Relocation,

We are moving from Norway to the Czech Republic very soon and we want to get a clear instruction guide as to the requirements that we need to meet. She has had her microchip and rabies vaccines, along with the puppy vaccinations as usual. We have a puppy passport and a crate for her to travel in.

There seems to be a lot of different information on the internet so I wanted to write to you and ask. We are leaving very soon and need to get this cleared before we fly. We do not want our lovely puppy getting caught up along the way due to lack of information from our behalf. Hope you can help me.

Kind Regards,
Hannah

 

Hello Hannah,

Thanks for the question -- pet travel rules can be confusing so you're right to try to research everything carefully.

Here are the pet import requirements for the Czech Republic. It sounds like you're off to a great start, but if you still have questions after reviewing this information please don't hesitate to contact us. Good luck!

Name: Grace
Pets' Names: Rusty and Talon
From: Texas
To: Germany

Rusty and Talon's move from a tiny, isolated Texas town to beautiful Germany came unexpectedly in the summer of 2012. They lived with my mother for several years after I moved overseas for my job. Unfortunately, this summer while visiting, I realized my mother was no longer able to care for them properly. I had just a little over one month to get them prepared for international travel. Due to my own summer schedule, I could not ship and receive the dogs. I needed help. I searched pet travel companies and liked what I saw with PetRelocation.com. I contacted them and am so thankful I did.

Joe and Sarah began the process for me, but it was Abbey who held my hand (and eight paws) all the way through. She worked closely with my small town rural veterinarian who was uncomfortable completing the mountain of paperwork (the specific deadlines are scary!). Abbey repeatedly contacted my vet and walked him through each step in the correct order to meet German import requirements. He was so relieved! Also, Rusty and Talon are seniors and just simple country dogs who had never been crate trained, had never flown, etc. Abbey helped with all of that, too.

Rusty and Talon were picked up in the middle-of-nowhere Texas and driven to Dallas for their flight. Abbey set me up with a pet/flight tracking system so that I knew exactly where my pets were at all times...when they departed, when they landed, etc. This was so wonderful! When I saw the email that their flight had successfully landed at Frankfurt Airport, I breathed a huge sigh of relief. A few hours later my country dogs were at my door and looked glad that their adventure was over!

It's been two days, and both Rusty and Talon are settling in well. They already enjoy the walking paths so common in Germany and are glad to be out of the Texas heat. If I have one suggestion for pet owners it is to be well organized and keep all your pet records up to date. This makes your travel so much easier (I'm glad I'm organized!). I also suggest being careful about microchipping your pet. Not all microchips are accepted for international travel, and Abbey made sure I got the right kind. Some microchips are fine for the US and re-homing a lost pet. International travel requires a special kind of microchip, however, and many vets do not carry the brands that meet these specifications (and many vets don't know themselves if their chips are approved). It took a lot of research on my part to find a vet in my area that could provide the correct chip. Be careful! You don't want to have to microchip twice!

Thanks to Abbey, Sarah, Joe, Dr. Vick Burk in Rotan, Texas, his staff (Deena and Shannon), and all the nameless people who assisted stateside and here in Germany. Rusty and Talon are now world travelers in their old age! Retirement must be grand!

Just about everyone who works here at PetRelocation.com has at least one pet at home, but not all of us have had the chance to experience what our customers do -- flying with our dog or cat.

When Pet Relocation Specialist Sarah S. recently took her Irish Goldendoodle Reba on summer vacation, we realized it would be fun to share her travel story -- and what she learned -- here on the blog.

This is what Sarah had to say about flying with Reba for the first time as well as what it was like to deal with the natural nervousness that pet travel can sometimes inspire.

Where did you go and why did you decide to bring Reba?

I went home to Michigan to visit my family. We were renting a cottage on Lake Michigan and I took Reba for several reasons:

1. I couldn’t imagine being without her for a week. Lame, right? (*Editor's Note: Not Lame!)
2. I knew she would have a blast running and digging in the sand.
3. My parents and sister haven’t seen her since she was a baby and I can’t deny my family the chance to see their only grandkid or niece!

What did you do to prepare her for travel?

We started crate training right away when she was a puppy. I bought the size 400 when I first got Reba in November, anticipating her size at the time of our trip here in July. It was a perfect fit, but very close. If she grows any larger, she’ll need the 500.

I started feeding her in her crate a month or so after I got her. I didn’t want to scare the brand new puppy right away with the kennel so I left the top off for months and fed her in there. We learned the word “kennel” and when I pointed, she went in and I’d give her a treat. She loves it in there! But she doesn’t like the door shut. So I didn’t shut the door at all until travel date.

I also completely wore her out the day before travel. We went to the park, she came to work with me, and I basically didn’t let her nap.

How were you received by airline staff along the way?

United in Austin (AUS) and Grand Rapids (GRR) were AMAZING on the way there. When I checked her in at GRR on the way back, the three people working the desk were not old Continental employees, they were newer United employees and none of them had ever checked a pet in before.

A guy in a yellow vest came in and started petting Reba and, and he told me "I have a dog of my own and love dogs. I’ll take really good care of Reba!” I knew it would be okay because the one actually handling Reba knew exactly what he was doing and that’s who I was most concerned with.

How were you received by your fellow passengers?

I had to check Reba in at the passenger terminal at GRR on our way home. She got to walk in on her leash but she wanted to be held. Everyone in line was oohing and aahing about how stinkin' cute she was.

How did Reba handle the experience? Did anything surprise you?

She was a little apprehensive when she arrived in GRR, but it’s because I wasn’t there. My mom received her and she hadn’t seen my mom in months so I think this was the main reason for her nerves. She was exhausted after her travels. Same thing on the way home…absolutely pooped! And very thirsty. And starving! But she didn’t go to the bathroom in her kennel and she wasn’t panting or anything.

Would you fly with Reba again?

Yes, if I was going for a week or more. She squeezed in at a total of 49 lbs so we got the <50 lbs rate of $250 each way, so it was $500. Not worth it for a weekend trip, but SOOO worth it for the 9 days I was gone.

What advice would you give to other pet travelers?

It just makes me appreciate their stress a bit more. I was freaking out about Reba’s trip, but she did just fine! The people at United are so nice and helpful. I really would send her again -- the only real downfall is the costs. 

I tell my clients all the time that if I trust my own dog with United, that theirs will be safe as well. I’m particularly obsessed with my dog -- we’re talking like 800 photos on my cell phone. So if clients claim they’re overbearing dog parents, I totally get it because I am too! But now I know it’s not so bad. I think about how she would have been so scared if I had stuck her in a boarding facility for a week and the few hours on the plane make it seem way more worth it.

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Thanks for sharing your story, Sarah! It's great to learn even more about pet travel by hearing about the experience from one of our own.

Name: Catiw
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Labrador
From: New York
To: Norway

My husband and I live in Norway from August to April. We bought a puppy while we were there last year. We are getting ready to return to Norway and wanted to make sure we had all of our paper work in order. Can you explain exactly what we will need to be able to return to Norway. We were unsure if it differed because she was originally born in Norway.

Thanks!

Catiw
 

Hi Catiw,

Thanks for the question. These are the pet import requirements for Norway. It doesn't really make a difference that she was born there originally, you'll just need to follow these rules as outlined, choose a pet-friendly airline, and be sure your travel crate is airline approved.

Please contact us if you have any more questions or if you'd like a free quote. Good luck with your travels!

Name: Boris
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Wirehaired Dachshund
From: Russia
To: Italy

Hello! What documents are needed for a dog for a trip to Italy? What are the requirements for vaccinations?

Thank you very much!

Boris

 

Hi Boris,

Thanks for your question! Here are the pet import requirements for Italy. You'll need to take care of a few basics involving vaccinations and paperwork, and also make sure you have an airline-approved travel crate.

Let us know if you have any more questions, and if you'd like some assistance with your trip, you can fill out our free quote form.

Thanks again, and good luck!