Import Pet

"So, what exactly do you DO?" That's a question we often receive here at PetRelocation.com. People who walk by our downtown Austin, TX office look in our window and wonder what we're up to, and visitors to our Facebook page check out all the cute pet pics and find themselves enamored with, but also a little confused about, all the furry faces they see.

The simple answer is, we move pets! New jobs, military assignments, or simple wanderlust often make domestic and international moves necessary for individuals and families, and who wouldn't want to bring their pets along on this new adventure? Pets are part of the family, and figuring out how to move them safely usually becomes a top (if not THE top) priority.

Import requirements vary from country to country and airlines operate with different rules, so pet travel can quickly become a complicated endeavor that presents a number of challenges and decisions to made. Handling a pet move yourself is sometimes possible but not always preferable, so this is where we come in.

Handing over a specialized task to experts is what we're used to doing for all kinds of things (think building a deck, repairing a car engine, or talking to a financial planner), and though you may never have stopped to think about it, organizing a pet relocation falls into the same category.

There you have it! Rescue organizations are great and we fully support pet adoptions, but our business is all about helping families move the pets they already have so that everyone can stay together during a time of change.

Find out more about the services offered by PetRelocation.com, read about the reasons people end up choosing to get help with a pet relocation, and remember if you ever need to plan a move, we'd be happy to offer our assistance!

Hi Brian,

Thanks for submitting a question to us. Here are the pet import requirements for Australia. You'll see that you do need to complete a variety of steps, including a rabies vaccination and RNATT. Australia is one of the more strict countries when it comes to importing pets.

Find more information on the official AQIS site, contact us if you have any more questions, and good luck with everything!

Happy Friday! What are your plans with your pets this weekend? Before you head off to enjoy yourself, catch up with the top pet news stories of the week...

This couple paid big bucks to clone their beloved dog. Would you?

Find out more about summer pet travel embargoes and Delta's new summer pet program.

Should there be laws against letting dogs roam free in the car while you drive?

Remember: hydration is an important part of safe pet travel.

Too cute! This maternal dog adopted two kittens as her own.

A controversial issue -- A vet's view of pit bulls.

Pet preparation and dealing with the dog days of summer.

This blind dog has his own guide dog!

As temperatures rise, it's typical for airlines to adjust their pet travel policies. We've updated you about a few summer embargoes thus far from British Airways and United, and Delta has just announced a detailed summer pet program, as well.

Here's what they have to say:

"At Delta Cargo we take great pride in safely transporting live animals throughout the world.  We don’t just ship dogs and cats; we transport everything from hamsters to snakes to chinchillas.  We realize pets are considered family members and it is important for us to provide the same level of care and respect for them as we do their owners."

Beginning May 14, Delta Cargo will launch its 2012 Summer Live Animal Program, which entails allowing them to accept animals for transport even when temperatures exceed 85F/29C. At participating hubs, one or more air conditioned vehicles will be available to bring pets to and from the airplanes in support of their safety.

There are a few exceptions:

-If the station does not have air conditioned vehicles, animals cannot be transported if the temperature exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

-Regardless of whether or not a hub is part of the Summer Program, snub-nosed dogs and cats will not be transported if the the temperature is greater than 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Check out the list below to find out which airports are participating in the program, and remember that things can always change, so be sure to check with the airline/airport ahead of time if you'll be traveling with your pet this summer.

As always, don't hesitate to contact PetRelocation.com if you have any pet travel questions.

Delta Cargo 2012 Summer Live Animal Program

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. 

Additionally, on our blog we've offered some advice that may help you: how to control the costs of a pet move and pet travel lessons from a DIY pet move. Hopefully these will help to get you started. Please contact us if you have any more questions, and good luck with everything!

 

There are many details to consider when getting a pet ready for a move, but one of the most important things to remember -- especially during the warmer months -- is the importance of hydration.

Making sure your furry little travelers have enough water in their system before, during, and after a move can make all the difference when it comes to their overall well-being, and it will make it easier for them to bounce back to their normal selves after even the longest journey.

Here are a few general tips, including how to keep your pet hydrated, that will come in handy in the hours before take-off. Travel safely, everyone!

Keep your pets on a normal schedule. Feeding and exercise should be monitored in the days before the flight to keep pets feeling as calm and normal as possible. A couple of extra walks and more playtime than usual will tire them out and increase the chances of up-in-the-air nap time, and having water available in the hours beforehand will allow them to reach healthy levels of hydration.

Don't feed pets right before a flight. Even if there's a long journey ahead, it's better to avoid food for two hours or more before take-off so that an upset tummy will be less likely.

Say NO to sedation. You may have a generally nervous pet on your hands, but sedation can be dangerous and is not advised or allowed. The best you can do is make sure your pet is well-exercised and comfortable with the travel crate, so start working on these factors well in advance of the move.

Monitor water consumption. Give your pets water before they get into their crate, secure water dishes to the inside of the crate so they have access to fluids during the flight, and you can even freeze water in the travel dishes beforehand or bring ice cubes along so that as they melt your pet will have another chance to drink.

Check for temperature embargoes. Many airlines restrict pet travel during the summer months, so make sure you have clear answers about any changes there may be in order to avoid delays or problems.

Double check with your Pet Relocation Specialist that everything is in order. Things are probably well-covered after all of this, but it  never hurts to run down the list once more if you've hired someone to help you.

Keep track of your own stress level. Some people feel inclined to limit their pet's water intake to avoid accidents in the crate -- use your own best judgment here, and don't forget that it's fine to place an old towel or some shredded newspaper in the bottom of the crate to absorb messes. Also, remember that air travel tends to dehydrate humans, too. If your pets are thirsty when they land, simply help them rehydrate as you would do yourself and focus on helping them to settle into their new surroundings.

Please contact PetRelocation.com if you have any more questions about traveling with pets.

Name: Krysta
Number of Pets: 5
Pet Type: Dogs
From: Puerto Rico
To: Northern Virginia/DC

My friend, who lives in Puerto Rico, has a dog that surprised her with puppies and I am working with a Rescue Organization trying to get them brought over to the US. What are the regulations and cost for bringing them over? Thank you!!!!

Krysta

Hi Krysta,

Wow, sounds like you have quite a situation on your hands. Well here are the pet import requirements for the United States (luckily it's not the toughest country when it comes to importing pets). As for costs, it will vary depending on a few factors.

For a free quote for our services you can fill out our online form, and if you'd like to speak to a Specialist you're welcome to give our office a call. Note that we recommend puppies be at least 12 weeks old before they fly.

Good luck with everything, Krysta! Just let us know if you need anything else...

 

Name: Aimee
Pet's Name: Mrs. Frank Pickles
From: Dallas, Texas
To: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
 

When we chose to move to the Middle East, our first thought was how our little one, Frank, would handle it. Once we investigated the process, the logistics were overwhelming. But Rebecca at PetRelocation.com stepped in, walking us through each piece, finding the right vets to talk to about the import/export process, and keeping us constantly informed.

When we had to leave Dallas before Frank did, Rebecca virtually held my mother's hand through the last few steps before Frank was put on a plane for her exciting international trip. Frank arrived safe, happy, and healthy, and we could not have done it without the help of PetRelocation.com.

 

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!
 

Name: Barb
Number of Pets: Two
Pet Type: Dogs
Pet Breed: Golden Retrievers
From: Frisco, TX (Dallas suburb)
To: London, England

Hi! We may be moving overseas ( we will know in about 30 days). We know the rules have changed. Question is: Our one golden is 10 years old and hyper and in great shape. Is she too old to travel nine hours? (Our other golden is only 5 years old.) Thanks!

Will keep you informed....

Barb
 

Hi Barb,

Thanks for your question. You're right, the UK pet import rules have recently changed, but of course it's normal to still have questions about how to move your pets overseas.

Here at PetRelocation.com we have flown dogs that were ten years old and older. There may be greater risks associated with older pets, so it's great news that your pup is in good shape. The best you can do is keep her fit and healthy in the weeks before the flight, choose a large crate that will allow for plenty of airflow, and finally, talk to your vet about the trip to see what she/he advises.

Please contact us if you have any more questions, Barb. We'd be happy to help you with your move if you do end up going overseas!

Name: Martin Wirtz
Email: teemwirtz@me.com
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: bird
Pet Breed: cockatiel
From: USA
To: Germany

We are a military family moving to Germany. We need information on importing our pet cockatiel and how your services may help us.

Thank you,

Martin

Hi Martin,

Thanks for the question. Here is some info about moving birds to Germany to get you started.

If you have any other questions about moving pets to Germany  you can check our website or contact us for a free quote. We'd be happy to help you sort everything out!

Name: Beth
Number of Pets: 4
Pet Type: Hens
From: California, USA
To: UK

Is it possible to take our hens with us? What check ups/paperwork would we need to get?

Thank you,

Beth

 

Hi Beth,

Thanks for your question! The UK has recently changed their pet import process, but there are still a few specific restrictions in place when it comes to birds.

Here's a link to a DEFRA document addressing the import of captive birds to the UK that walks you through the process. Please take a look and contact us if you have any more questions. We also have a free quote form if you'd like to find out more about our services.

Good luck with everything!

Name: Joe
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: Canine
Pet Breed: Shih-tzu
From: Philippines
To: Oklahoma

What do I need to do to get my pets to the US from the Philippines???

Thanks,

Joe

Hi Joe,

Thank you for contacting us. Here are the pet import requirements for the US. In addition to following these guidelines, our advice is to start preparing well in advance and also choose a pet-friendly airline.

Please contact PetRelocation.com if you have any questions or if you'd like a free quote. Good luck!

 

Name: C.P.
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: Cat
From: Maine, USA
To: Sweden

I am confused with some paperwork requirements. To move to Sweden I have to have the EU Commercial document. In that document it states that I have to have an examination done 24 hours before dispatch. I also have to get the documents USDA endorsed. So my question is: Does the paperwork need to be filled, signed, and endorsed 24 hours before we leave? Or is the paperwork valid for a certain amount of days?

Thanks!

Hello,

Here's a run-down of the pet import requirements for Sweden -- hopefully this helps explain the process a bit more. It actually is necessary for all of the endorsements, etc... to take place in the 24 hours before flight, so you'll need to depart from a major airport with a vet on site.

Please contact PetRelocation.com if you have more questions... Our specialists would be happy to help and you can also obtain a free quote from our website if you're interested in our services.

Thanks for the question and good luck with your travels!

Just as obesity rates in people seem to be constantly on the rise, pets too are fatter than they used to be. We've run across a few news articles recently (here in the The New York Times and here on PeoplePets) that highlight the stories of overweight animals, and as you might imagine the implications are troubling.

Some pet owners may think it's cute to have a chubby pet or perhaps view it as a sign that their furry friend wants for nothing, but carrying too much weight around can be dangerous. Decreased mobility, difficulty breathing, hygiene issues and more can plague overweight pets, and here at PetRelocation.com we have particular reason to advocate slimming down and working to maintain a healthy weight.

In terms of pet travel, it's important to prepare your pets for the experience by making sure they're in good health. Overweight pets won't be in an ideal position for handling the stress of travel (even the smoothest trip will tire your furry traveler out a bit);  pets that are fit and well-exercised stand a better chance of handling the process gracefully.

The bottom line is to do right by your pets by keeping them in good shape. Follow your vet's advice on all matters (dental health, heartworm prevention, etc.), and definitely do your best to incorporate exercise and a healthy diet into their lives so that they'll be ready for anything.

Read a few tips for keeping your pets healthy and catch the story of Fridge the Cat if you missed it last year on our blog, and please contact us if you have any questions about how to prepare your pet for pet travel.

Fit pets are happy pets