International Pet Transport

 

We've been following the news and developments accompanying the United/Continental Airline merger, and over the past few weeks United has been following a path of general expansion.

Beginning on May 1, Manchester will become the 15th transatlantic destination served from the hub of Dulles International Airport (IAD). Also on May 1, Doha will become the fourth Middle East destination served by United Airlines.

In terms of pet travel, Manchester will be open to pet shipments immediately and Doha is expected to be animal-accessible at a later date.

We'll keep you updated with all the latest pet transportation news, so keep in touch!

 

(via TripAdvisor.com)

 

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.

 

 

Hannelore Foerster/Bloomberg

 

 

 

 

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: Julia
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: Cold Water Fish
Pet Breed: Moor Black Goldfish
From: London, UK
To: Tel Aviv, Israel

Is it possible to move my pet fish with me to Israel? I will be living there for a few months. If so, what documentation would I need? How would I transport them?

Thanks,
Julia


Hi Julia,

Thank you for contacting us! Transporting fish can definitely be a tricky proposition, and the first thing to do is check with the Israeli import authorities to find out about their most up-to-date rules and regulations. You can also find general Israel pet import information here and here.

You can also check out our blog, where we recently discussed how to move a fish internationally. Hopefully these stories and tips will help you on your way, and remember, you're more than welcome to contact PetRelocation.com if you'd like some help with this move.

Good luck!

Name: Anne
Pets' Names: Conor and Fiona
From: Philadelphia
To: Italy


Of the many challenges we faced relocating to Italy, the one that concerned me the most was moving my “kids”. After doing a lot of research and speaking with a vet experienced in international pet transportation, I tried coordinating the move myself with the airlines. The airlines seemed to know less about this process than I did, which led me to the conclusion that I didn’t know what I didn’t know.

Conor and Fiona are too precious to me to take chances with so I did some more research and soon found PetRelocation.com. They were very knowledgeable and professional and inspired confidence. My rep Sarah was very patient with all of my “doggie Mom” questions and concerns. Sarah walked me through each aspect of the move including assembling a custom crate for Conor, who is a very big boy!

On moving day, everything went smoothly from pick up to take off at the airport to changing planes in Frankfurt and arrival in Milan. Sarah updated with texts and emails on Conor and Fiona’s every move. They arrived safely in Italy the next day and were very happy to have their paws on terra firma again! Getting the kids to our new home in Tuscany was one of the bigger budget items for our move, but it was so worth it. Thanks Sarah and PetRelocation.com!

Congratulations to Fluffy and Mittens (and their owner Fariha) for being named our Pet Move of the Month! Exporting pets from Pakistan isn't the easiest thing to do, but after plenty of careful planning these Persian kitties made it safely to Seattle. Thanks to Fariha for sharing this great pet travel story with us.

Is this the first time you’ve ever moved your pets?
Yes!

What were some of your concerns going into the move?
The distance between Pakistan and the USA. It's a journey that we dread and leaves us exhausted for days. For two delicate Persian cats, we were afraid they may not make it.

Did anything surprise you about the international pet moving process?
Only the fact that it was so difficult to find a transporter. If there are other services available (besides PetRelocation.com), they are not known about in Pakistan and/or don't show up on a google search. 

How are the cats adjusting to the new location?
The cats seem quite well-adjusted. However, there are certain things they are still not used to but unfortunately are part of their new life. For one thing, in Pakistan we have huge concrete houses; here, the ground shakes every time someone walks & it seems to unnerve them.

What is life like in Seattle compared to Pakistan? Is it a pet-friendly place to be?
Seattle is hugely pet-friendly! But our cats are strictly indoors... We're afraid of the other cats on the street, and also of them getting lost. They go out onto the patio with us and love rolling around in the sun. It'll be interesting to see them when it gets colder, as the coldest it gets in Karachi is 55-60 degrees.

For us, it's comforting to know we're in a place that welcomes and loves animals. Also, that we have a choice when it comes to health care, facilities and products. All our neighbors have pets, and it seems that here not having one would be an unusual circumstance. Unlike back home, where pets are very unwelcome!
 
What advice do you have for people who might be planning a move?
If their pet is part of their family -- like ours are -- they should seriously consider moving them too! I think it's helped us all settle in better and made the new house a home, just having them here.
 

Name: Catherine
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
From: Nairobi, Kenya
To: South Africa

Do you offer clearance and delivery services?



Hi Catherine,

PetRelocation.com offers door-to-door pet moving services, meaning we take care of all the flight bookings, transportation, pick-up and delivery and customs clearances. If you're not looking for the whole package but need a little advice or direction, please feel free to peruse our site (we have plenty of tips for how to move your own pet) or check with IPATA, the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association, for possible alternatives. For your information, here are the pet import requirements for South Africa, as well.

Good luck with your move and feel free to contact us if you have any more questions!

Retirement, change of scenery, a military permanent change of station -- there are a lot of reasons people move around the world with their pets. One of the most common reasons people move with their pets to a new city or country is because they're moving for work.

Generally speaking, if corporate transferees are moving with pets, their pets are their top priority during the move. Since moving a pet isn't like moving a car or a couch, emotions can often run high when it comes to corporate pet relocations. In honor of the SHRM convention happening this weekend in Las Vegas (if you're an attendee, be sure to stop by booth #930 and say hi!), we decided to put together some simple steps you can take to make a corporate pet relocation easier:

1. Start as early as possible.
If there's even a remote chance that you might be moving with your pet overseas at some point, particularly to an island country, it isn't a bad idea to start now on all of the necessary vaccinations and blood tests. For example, the UK requires a six month quarantine for all pets being imported from the US. One way to avoid having to undergo this quarantine is to issue the necessary microchip, rabies shot and blood test at least six months in advance here in the States and then wait six months prior to moving the pet to the UK. Upon arrival, your pet will be cleared immediately and can go home with you on the same day.

2. Talk to your employer about pet relocation benefits.
Many of the stresses that come from moving a pet internationally surround the oftentimes high costs surrounding international pet transport. Between the vet appointments and the pet airline tickets and the customs clearance fees, the costs can quickly add up which can mean added stress on your pocketbook. We often hear from corporate transferees that they don't care whether or not their company pays to ship their couch to their new home, but they definitely want to make sure they get to take their dog with them. Talk with your HR department about whether your company offers pet relocation benefits. PetRelocation.com offers group discounts and preferred pricing to many companies -- you may find out your company has a discount negotiated with a pet relocation service like ours. If they don't, consider asking your HR manager "Why not?" According to an Atlas Van Lines survey, nearly a third of companies now cover pet relocation expenses. If your company is considering offering this valuable benefit, we've put together a list of PetRelocation.com serivces [PDF] that your company can take advantage of.

3. Keep things in perspective.
With all of the myths and confusion out there surrounding pet flights and international pet shipping, it's easy to get quickly concerned about your pet's safety and well-being when facing a big move. Keep in mind that we move pets worldwide all the time (you might enjoy reading through some of our customers' stories about their own experiences). Knowing that others have made the same move before you can help ease your mind about your own pet's travel, and can help take some of the worry away.

Let us know: Have you moved for work recently? Let us know in the comments below how you manged to keep yourself sane during a corporate pet relocation.

Charlie, the dog pictured above, is the author's Golden Retriever. He often offers free pet relocation consultations, in between his frequent naps.

You may recognize Dakota (who we moved a few months ago from Orlando to Doha, Qatar), and now you can congratulate her! Dakota is our Pet Move of the Month for June, and her owner, Kelly, has been kind enough to tell us a little more about their international adventures. Find out more about this sweet pup, how their move was carried out, and what life is like for dogs in Qatar.

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

Yes! We had no idea where to even start when we learned we would be moving overseas. There was so much information on what we needed to do for Dakota that it was overwhelming. I sat in front of the computer for hours trying learn as much as possible about the process, and I am not sure if I learned even half of it! That was when we decided to use a relocation company.

What were some of your concerns going into the move?

Our biggest concern was the flight over and the layover in the middle. Dakota is really independent, but when she gets uncomfortable in a situation she will run, and we were afraid of her possibly escaping somewhere in transport. I asked a ton of questions about this to make sure she would constantly either be on a leash or within the confines of an area that was enclosed. We were nervous as well about the two extremely long flights she would have to be on and the area of the plane she would be put in and the stress it would cause her. Despite all of this, Dakota showed up at our door in Qatar as happy as could be and excited to be in her new home!

Did anything surprise you about the international pet moving process?

The whole process surprised me! We knew it wouldn't be simple, but we had no idea how much actually went into moving an animal. The paperwork needed for importing her and the schedule of shots to get her into the country was surprising. Having never lived overseas we did not realize each country was so different in their regulations for importing animals.

How is Dakota adjusting to Doha?

She is adjusting pretty well! It's pretty hot now, so we take her for long walks early in the morning and earlier in the evening and keep the afternoon ones short. She seems to be doing okay with this, although it's noticeable that she thinks the heat is horrible! She is pretty happy here though, and loves all the new people that are always coming around and giving her attention.

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

Qatar is a great place to live, as it's extremely family-oriented and safe. A lot of people here have pets and there are a ton of expats who have dogs. The country is not as dog-friendly as what we were used to as far as parks or being able to bring your dog to outdoor restaurants, but everybody is still extremely friendly to dogs and will always ask about Dakota or come up and pet her. There are a few public beaches that do allow animals and a lot of people will bring their dogs there in the mornings to have some play time. We also have a great vet that we use, Qatar Veterinary Center, who is absolutely wonderful with all the animals that come in there. We have also used them already to board Dakota when we had to go out of town and they take great care of her and have someone on the grounds 24 hours a day. Pet stores are a little scarce, but you can usually find what you need either at the vet or in the pet section of grocery stores.


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

Definitely use a relocation company. We considered trying to move Dakota ourselves in order to save money, but the extra money spent brought about peace of mind that Dakota was taken care of, making it all worth it. The entire process of moving is stressful enough, and to know that your animal is taken care of makes the move that much easier.


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Thanks again to Kelly and Dakota for being great travelers! We look forward to keeping in touch for a long time to come. For more information about moving pets to Qatar, please check out our blog or ask us a question in the comments section below.

Worldwide airline carrier Air France-KLM (also referred to as Royal Dutch Airlines) has a long history of serving customers and functions as one of the top choices for international pet travelers. Not only does this airline pay special attention to pets in flight, they have on-the-ground amenities that make all the difference.

In the past we've covered the basics (how to book a flight on KLM, "Behind the Scenes at KLM"), but here's another quick overview of what this airline offers to pet travelers.

-KLM has actually been flying with pets for over 90 years, and when they merged with Air France in 2004, the pet program was able to expand to cover more ground than ever.

-What often interests pet travelers most about this airline is the Air France-KLM Cargo Animal Hotel, located in the Amsterdam International Schiphol airport. This large, modern facility is a welcome sight for animals in transit, as it offers pets the chance to eat and drink, get a little exercise and enjoy some rest -- all in the care of well-trained animal professionals.

-KLM Cargo is part of the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), so pets flying with this carrier can enter the UK without going into quarantine (provided the pet traveler meets all other requirements).

-As far as pricing goes, fares will depend on your destination and also on the size of your pet.

-Remember to make your reservation at least 48 hours in advance, and check the KLM pet travel guidelines to determine if your pet will travel in the cabin, in the ventilated baggage area or as cargo.

-In addition to transporting household pets, KLM Cargo has moved zoo animals, horses and other exotic species.

As always, if you have any questions be sure to contact PetRelocation.com for some help with arranging your move and be sure to post your comments below!


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PetRelocation.com's Pet Friendly Airline Spotlight Series will feature one airline each week during the month of May.  Check back each Monday through Thursday this month for more information about the various pet programs and tips for booking pet-friendly flights, and use #PetReloAS on Twitter to follow and join the conversation!

It's the second week of our Pet Friendly Airline Series, and today we're taking a closer look at Lufthansa Airways. Martin Riecken, the Head of Corporate Communications for Lufthansa, answered a few basic questions about the airline's pet-friendly options and offers some advice for pet travelers.

How does Lufthansa's pet program work?

Lufthansa transports pets either in the cabin or in the cargo hold of its passenger aircraft depending on their weight and their size. In addition, Lufthansa’s wholly-owned Cargo subsidiary has its own animal transport business, which is a customized service guaranteeing the fast and competent transport of animals (either accompanied or unaccompanied by owners).

Pets that cannot be transported inside the aircraft cabin will be transported by Lufthansa in appropriate containers in an air-conditioned area of the cargo hold. Customers may also transport their pet in their own container, provided it complies with the relevant IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations.

The container must in any case be large enough to ensure that the pet can stand up and has sufficient space to move around. Furthermore, all containers must be equipped with an empty water dish.







When did Lufthansa begin flying pets and how many pets do you fly?

For decades, Lufthansa Cargo has been one of the world’s leading animal transport providers. Each year, the airline carries thousands of live animals in special containers.

Why did Lufthansa decide to begin offering service to travelers with pets?

The customer’s demands are always the primary focus of our business. We listened to our customers, who showed a clear demand for a high-quality service for transporting their beloved pets.

At what airports/regions do you provide service for pets?

Customers may carry pets to/from all Lufthansa and Lufthansa Cargo destinations that don't have any restrictions. Several countries do not allow the import/export/transit of pets accompanied by passengers. Some countries only allow specific types of pets, or have restrictions for pets in the cabin. Also, there are restrictions on certain aircraft types which cannot accommodate all crate sizes. Passengers will be informed about this during the reservation process.

What special arrangements do you offer for travelers with pets?

Lufthansa Cargo operates the most modern live animal facilities in the world!

We offer animals and pets traveling with us access to a 43,000 square foot Animal Lounge at Frankfurt Airport. (All pets, including dogs or cats transported in the passenger cabin with a transfer time of more than 2-3 hours, are taken there.)

Everyone involved in the transport of the pets, including coordinators, veterinary doctors and freight handlers, work in the same building. We have clearly distinct zones for export, import, transit and health inspections. In addition, we offer adjustable stalls with an area of up to of 300 square feet each and individually-controlled climate areas that comply with the most recent hygienic and veterinary EU regulations.

The Frankfurt Animal Lounge opened in February 2008 after a construction period of 13 months. For more information, please visit: http://lufthansa-cargo.info/animallounge/en/. In close cooperation with international zoos, Lufthansa Cargo also supports programs dedicated to animal conservation and the re-settlement of threatened species in the wild.

What’s the most common question your pet program representatives get asked about
flying with pets? How do you answer it?

The majority of questions are about the cost of transporting the pet. Transport costs vary between different origin and destinations. Further, additional costs (shelter, veterinary, customs etc.) may occur as well as for special handling or paperwork. To get the exact amount, please contact your nearest LH Cargo sales office or a forwarder specialized in shipping live animals.

What is the one thing you wish you could tell passengers considering flying with their pets?

Crates should be roomy so pets can stand up and turn around. Secure latches and empty water bowl help ensure safety and comfort.

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Thanks to Lufthansa for participating in our Airline Series! Check back with us later this week for more info, and feel free to post your questions here or on our Facebook page!


PetRelocation.com's Pet Friendly Airline Spotlight Series will feature one airline each week during the month of May.  Check back each Monday through Thursday this month for more information about the various pet programs and tips for booking pet-friendly flights, and use #PetReloAS on Twitter to follow and join the conversation!

As we announced yesterday, during the month of May we'll be featuring a series of Pet Friendly Airline Spotlights in preparation for vacation season. We know that many of you will be traveling with pets this summer, so it's the perfect time to examine some pet-friendly airlines and the services they offer.

This week we're turning the spotlight on JetBlue Airways, who has put some effort into establishing a pet program called JetPaws. JetBlue transports pets in the cabin only (so larger pets will have to find a different airline), but the small dogs and cats who end up on JetBlue have a host of amenities to look forward to.

We recently contacted Allison Steinberg, a JetBlue representative, and asked her a few questions about what a pet traveler can expect when they book a flight with this airline.

When did JetBlue begin flying pets?

The same time people began flying with us, at our inception back in 2000!

Why did JetBlue begin offering services to pet travelers?

We know how important pets are to our customers and how important it is to help transport them safely and comfortably. We strive to make the experience for our customers and their pets equally smooth.

In what regions do you provide service for pets?

In our entire network (domestic and international).

What special amenities do you offer for travelers with pets?

At JetBlue, pets ride in the cabin with their moms and dads and not in the cargo section of the plane. At some of our stations, including our state-of-the-art Terminal 5 at New York’s JFK, we have an accessible dog walking area.

Our TrueBlue, or rewards, members traveling with their pet will earn an additional 300 TrueBlue points for each pet fee paid. We also have some pretty jazzy pet accessories available for purchase.

Do you have any good pet travel stories?

We publish funny stories from our crew members and customers on our BlueTales blog. In particular, we had a fun story come in from a customer whose dog was listening to our XM Radio onboard.

In terms of amenities, what’s the best airport for travelers with pets? Why?

We boast a seamless travel experience for our customers and their pets at our state-of-the-art T5 at JFK. As mentioned above, we have an accessible dog walking area where owners can take their pets to stretch and use the “facilities” before their flight. Additionally, we offer a handy travel guide for our customers, outlining some of our pet-friendly cities and the whats, whens, wheres and hows of jetting with pets.

What’s the most common question your pet program representatives get asked about flying with pets? How do you answer it?

The most common question we get is how to book a pet on JetBlue. We direct customers to call our customer support line at 1-800-JETBLUE to book their pets.

What is the one thing you wish you could tell passengers who consider flying with their pets?

Check out JetBlue’s Checklist and Travel Petiquette guidelines to make traveling with pets even easier!


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Check back with us tomorrow for more information about JetBlue, including specific details about how to book a pet-friendly flight.



PetRelocation.com's Pet Friendly Airline Spotlight Series will feature one airline each week during the month of May.  Check back each Monday through Thursday this month for more information about the various pet programs and tips for booking pet-friendly flights, and use #PetReloAS on Twitter to follow and join the conversation!

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


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

Thanks,
Sara


Hi Sara,

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

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

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

AUSTIN Texas – April 5, 2011: PetRelocation.com today announced its expansion plans to include the recent purchase of a 9,500 square-foot office building at 612 Brazos, located on the corner of 7th and Brazos in downtown Austin.

PetRelocation.com, a privately-owned company that provides door-to-door pet transportation services for individuals relocating with their pets, has grown over 600% since 2005 and plans to double its workforce in the next two years. The company, which has been self-funded and bootstrapped from its inception, owns its current 4500 square-foot office location off of Highway 71 west of Bee Caves.

“Our company’s success has been fueled by smart investments in the company and its employees,” said Kevin O’Brien, CEO of PetRelocation.com. “By purchasing a building on one of the busiest corners in Austin, we’re solidifying our position as one of Austin’s fastest-growing companies as well as one of its best places to work.”

The building, which was the original Austin American-Statesman office, most recently was the IFC Crossroads House during South By Southwest. PetRelocation.com co-founders, Kevin and Angie O’Brien, closed on the property on Friday, April 1 and renovation of the building is expected to begin this week, with a target move-in date of early July.

About PetRelocation.com: PetRelocation.com, the pet travel and pet transportation industry’s leading service provider, offers full-service arrangements using pet friendly airlines for domestic and international pet transportation. Founded in 2004 in Austin, Texas, a strong emphasis is placed on assisting companies with relocating employees who own pets. For more information, please visit http://www.PetRelocation.com.

Media Contact: Rachel Farris, Rachel@PetRelocation.com / +1-512-264-9800 x 124

Moving from the United States to Malaysia is no easy feat, so when one of our customers made the leap, we asked her to answer a few questions for us. This knowledge can definitely help the rest of us should we ever find ourselves in the same position.

Thanks again to Mary, Archie's owner, for providing us with so much helpful information about pet moves to Kuala Lumpur!

Have you ever moved internationally with a pet before?

We have moved overseas seven times, but this was our first time to relocate with a dog.

What were your biggest concerns going into the move overseas?

Moving overseas, there are always many concerns, but for this trip we were primarily thinking about Archie's comfort and safety.  Cara at PetRelocation made sure his paperwork was in order, made sure he had a back up crate in case his travel crate was not accepted, saw to his itinerary, and arranged for a doctor to see him once he arrived in Kuala Lumpur.

How did you hear about PetRelocation.com, and what made you decide to take advantage of our services? 

I found PetRelocation through an internet search. I interviewed you over the phone and decided you were the best pet relocation company for Archie. Cara was great. She always returned my calls, which is very important to me.  Most importantly, she understood how emotional and nervous I was about moving Archie.

When did you start planning for this move? 

I first contacted PetRelocation in April of 2010 and inquired about the services and costs.  I called back in July and was put in touch with Cara, and she and I started planning the first day we spoke.

How did the flying process go? 

Since we left a few days before Archie, goods friends of ours shipped him for us. Cara gave them a ring to make sure they were comfortable with the process, and she answered any questions they had. I spoke with them the morning Archie was being transported to Bush International Airport by PetRelocation’s Houston handler, Paul. Paul stood in their kitchen and had a cup of coffee with them while he went over the flight process. They were quite pleased with his expertise and felt comfortable with Archie leaving with Paul.

How did Archie’s quarantine go?

Kuala Lumpur has a mandatory seven day quarantine. The Kuala Lumpur facility is clean, safe and provides minimum care. If possible, I would encourage owners to check on their pets during the seven days. (See below for more details about the quarantine facilities.)


How is life going in Kuala Lumpur? Any surprises? 

Surprises can be a daily occurrence with living overseas. So far, KL has been a pleasant place to live.

Have you connected with any other expatriates? What kinds of resources have been most helpful to you in terms of settling into a normal routine in Kuala Lumpur?  

We have met a few couples at our condo and tennis club. Also, I've been trying to locate some dog parks and clubs so Archie can socialize with other dogs. Malaysia is an Islamic Country, so dogs are forbidden in most public areas. As for resources, I have found the following quite helpful: PetRelocation.com, The Expat (a monthly publication), and The American Malaysian Association.
     
Do you have any specific advice about moving pets to Kuala Lumpur?

Make sure the place you are moving into allows pets.

In terms of the move, would you do anything differently if you had the chance?  

I might have looked longer and harder for a condo with an attached garden for Archie. Dogs are not allowed in the common area of our condo.


Mary was also kind enough to provide a few very specific details about her experiences with visiting the quarantine facility. If a move to Malaysia lies ahead of you, this information may prove invaluable:

-I went out to quarantine today with another couple.  I didn't get to see the kennels, but the grounds looked clean and the staff was friendly.  It's a huge facility.

-One thing you might need to mention to people: it's about 1 1/2 hours away from KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Center).  My driver told me it's best to go after 8:00 a.m. and start back before 4:00 p.m. in order to avoid traffic.  

-Our navigation told us to turn right for the facility, but it's really a left off the highway (you can't turn right).  This happened to another couple, too.

-Remember: traveling on Fridays here in KL is a big headache due to the fact that it's prayer day. 

-When you get to the facility, you have to check in at the main office and get a pass.  It's to your right when driving into the complex.  You need to take some sort of photo ID.  I did not take any ID, but my driver was able to leave his driver's license.  I will take my passport with me in the future.  

-Before you leave the office, get the block number where your pet is staying and the number of the kennel.  We were not given the number and had to find the block. The kennels are located up the hill, and you need to go through a guard gate and show your pass.  

-Bring some water for yourself to drink. 

-The units are tiled from floor to ceiling - quite noisy - so bring an extra pad so your pet can lay down comfortably.

-My recommendation to clients is this: if possible, go see your pet on the first day, then decide how often you want to visit.  Take some food just in case, and put the crates inside the kennel space so they have their secure place. 

It's been a busy few days as usual, but the weekend is finally almost here. Catch up with the pet news of the last few days, and have a great weekend, everyone!

-We should all strive to take good care of our pets every single day, but since February happens to be Responsible Pet Owner's Month, several organizations are taking the opportunity to point out the ways we could do better -- namely by spaying and neutering our pets. See what IPATA (Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association International, Inc.) has to say on the matter.

-Dog show enthusiasts look forward to this all year: The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will be happening this Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 14 and 15. Now in its 135th year, this showcase of the world's finest breeds should make for compelling viewing. Here's wishing good luck and safe travels to all the dogs who'll be going to the show in New York!

-Apparently February is Pet Dental Health Month, as well, so take a moment to consider the state of your pet's teeth. Cleanliness and brushing are a main concern, but dental fractures are another unfortunate occurrence to learn to watch for. Read more on the subject here, and don't be afraid to take a good look at those chompers!

-Dogs may complicate our lives, but hopefully it's mostly for the better. Read a British TV producer's story of motherhood, dog ownership and cross-national romance to see if you can relate to the wonderful complexities that life and international pet travel can sometimes bring.

-Some of the most frequent travelers around are members of the military, and guess what, they often have pets they want to move. One couple recently had a little trouble organizing the logistics of moving their big dog, Boris, from Italy to the United States. Read more about their heartwrenching situation, and contact PetRelocation if you need help planning a military pet move.

As usual, there's a lot going on in the world of pet transportation and general pet news this week. In case you missed them, here are some headlines from the past few days:

-Someone's pet travel plans went awry out on the open sea, resulting in an unusual rescue situation involving three men and a cat. A cruise ship spotted this motley bunch and brought them onboard after they lost control of their small boat off the coast of Cuba. Check out the video here.

-Last week we told you about the upcoming Chinese New Year and mentioned that pet travel plans may need to be rearranged, since many businesses will close during early February. Unfortunately, according to some news sources, the dawning of The Year of the Rabbit has prompted many people to buy and ship rabbits without much thought, which is a bad idea for a number of reasons. Read more about it.

-No one likes cleaning up after their pet, so it makes sense that a few businesses have stepped in to take care of the dirty work. Geared towards busy families, pregnant women and anyone who has the means to pass this chore off to someone else, pet waste removal services are taking off.

-Whether for a quick errand or an international move, here at PetRelocation.com we know that many pets are nervous about leaving their comfortable and familiar surroundings. It turns out that some veterinarians are now making home visits to alleviate stress in the lives of both pets and owners.

-Finally, just for fun, here's the "starting lineup" for the Puppy Bowl via PeoplePets. This competition of cute offers the best alternative to the football game/commercial extravaganza happening on Feb. 6. Looks like it'll be an enthralling spectacle!


Have a wonderful Friday and a great weekend, everyone!

Due to a winter storm warning that's been issued for the Northeastern US, Newark airport has issued a major cancellation plan that will affect human and pet travelers planning to fly this evening (Jan. 11) and tomorrow (Jan. 12). The bottom line? Check out the situation before you head to the airport by calling the airline you're planning on flying. For your information, here's a rundown of the projected changes as they'll affect Continental flights:

-Newark Continental Connection and Continental Express operations will be suspended from 7 pm local time Tuesday through 6 pm local time on Wednesday.

-International arrivals into Newark (EWR) are now scheduled to begin on Wednesday after 10 am local time. 

-Cleveland has reduced a large number of their Continental Express and Continental Connection flights on Tuesday evening and into Wednesday.
 
-There are no Continental flights scheduled in or out of Boston for January 12th at this time, and other Northeastern cities will have limited service on Wednesday.
 
-Newark Cargo operations will continue as normal through approximately 11 pm on Tuesday evening, but from 11 pm on Tuesday evening through 3 pm on Wednesday afternoon, Newark will not plan to move inbound or outbound cargo or mail on any flights.

PetSafe bookings that may be affected by this plan can be rescheduled through the Cargo Customer Service Center for Thursday and beyond.

As of Tuesday afternoon the weather has yet to turn bad, but the National Weather Service is expecting  8" to 12" of snow to hit the East Coast within the next few hours.

Have anyone's pet transport plans been affected by the snow storm? Feel free to offer any updates you have, and stay warm and safe, everyone!