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Pet Move Customer Testimonial: Buddy, Pinky and Pumpkin's move to Singapore

Tuesday, November 8, 2011 by PetRelocation.com Customer

Name: Tamara
Pet's Names: Pumpkin, Pinky and Buddy
From: Reston, VA
To: Singapore

I decided to go with PetRelocation.com after doing some research on the web. With everything else I had to deal with, I didn't have time to research and handle the logistics of moving three cats to Singapore by myself.

Cara and Ashley answered all my questions, handled all the details, and got my cats moved safely from the US to Singapore. Even with a complication - I had to leave before there was space available in the Singapore quarantine facility and reluctantly had to leave them behind for a couple of weeks at a kennel before they could fly out - everything went seamlessly.

Attached is a picture of two of my cats, Buddy and Pumpkin, in the quarantine facility in Singapore. They are all home with me now and quite happy to be here.




Top Relocation Destinations: Moving Pets to Switzerland

Thursday, October 27, 2011 by Pet Travel Questions

Geneva, SwitzerlandMoving pets abroad comes with a lot of baggage (literally and figuratively). Will they handle the trip okay? Do you have all the paperwork completed correctly? The questions go on and on, but the good news is that you're not the first one to attempt a pet move.

Moving for a job can be especially stressful, and Switzerland (along with Singapore, which we outlined a few days ago) is one of the more popular destinations for relocating employees these days. If a pet relocation to Switzerland lies ahead of you, there are a few things you should know.


Steps for Moving a Pet to Switzerland



1. Microchip

Each pet needs a microchip -- no other form of identification is acceptable. The microchip used should comply with ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785.

2. Full Vaccinations (Recommended)
For Dogs:  Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Leptospirosis, (DHLPP) and Rabies within the last 12 months or a minimum of 4 weeks before arrival.

For Cats:  Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP), and Rabies within the last 12 months or a minimum of 4 weeks before arrival.

3. EU Vet Health Certificate (Form EC#998) 
The form can be provided to you by PetRelocation.com.

4. USDA Endorsement
The following forms should be endorsed by the appropriate authority:

-Microchip Implantation Record (though not required, this is recommended if it’s available)
-Rabies Certificate
-EU Vet Health Certificate

5. International Health Certificate
Your vet should have these in stock, but they can also be found online. This is an international health certificate that needs to be completed by your vet within 10 days of departure.  Depending on the logistics of your particular pet relocation and the specific health certificate being used (APHIS Form 7001), an additional USDA Endorsement may be required on this health certificate. This is also required by the airlines.

6. All original documentation listed above must travel with the pets.

7. If the owner is not on the same flight as the pet, the following documents are needed:
-Copy of pet owner's passport
-Note from pet owner's employer for the relocation
-Owner's flight itinerary


Find out more about international pet moves at PetRelocation.com, and please contact a Pet Relocation Specialist with any questions you have.

Pet Travel Question: Moving Abroad with Cats

Thursday, October 20, 2011 by Pet Travel Center Questions

Name: Kerry
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
To: Lima, Peru
Pets: Two Cats (Tiger and Trouble)

From what I understand this is going to require a lot of planning, so I wanted to start as early as possible. I have read conflicting information and would like to clarify exactly what is required of me to make this move with my cats. Will they be quarantined? As a teacher I am flexible and able to go to almost any country, so any suggestions of what country would be easiest and safest to travel to with my cats would be greatly appreciated.  I am worried about my cats being a bit on the older side and that one of them is overweight. I am unsure if this will make the move more dangerous.

Thanks,
Kerry


Hi Kerry,

Thank you for submitting a question to us! You're right that pet travel requires plenty of planning, and getting an early start is definitely a smart idea. When moving older pets or those with delicate dispositions, first of all it's important to talk to your vet about whether or not they're healthy enough for the trip, and if they're not, to try to see about how you can improve their health by helping them lose weight, etc.

Second, it's important to choose a pet-friendly airline with established pet policies (we often fly with KLM, Lufthansa and Continental). Beyond that, spend some time researching the various pet import requirements for the countries on your list (here are the import requirement for Peru). Places like Australia and Singapore have quarantines, but others are less strict.

Hope this helps! Please let us know if you have any more questions or if you'd like some help planning your move when the time comes. Good luck!

Top Relocation Destinations: Moving Pets to Singapore

Wednesday, October 12, 2011 by Pet Travel Questions

singapore skylineAccording to Cartus Corporation, a global relocation management service, the top destinations for companies transferring their employees have remained consistent over the last few years.

Many places, such as the United States, the UK and China, have experienced steady numbers of transferees, and a few others, such as Singapore, have seen dramatic increases in corporate relocations. Singapore is a bustling hub for business and industry populated by about 5 million people, thus it's no surprise that this can be a top destination for relocating -- and relocating with pets.


Steps for Moving a Pet to Singapore

Moving to Singapore with pets requires about two to four months of careful preparation, and depending on where you're coming from, you'll also be facing quarantines of varying length. For the Continental US, Canada, Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Austria, France, Germany and Italy these are the steps to keep in mind:


1.  Six Months Continuous Residence in Country of Export (or since birth)


Your issuing veterinarian (i.e. local veterinarian) will need to state on the health certificate that your pet has resided continuously in the country of export for the six months prior to departure or since birth.

Your government veterinarian (for example, the USDA) will also need to be willing to endorse paperwork stating that your pet has resided continuously in the country of export. Check with your specialist about this one, as there are exceptions (such as pets coming from Shanghai).

2.  Microchip

Each pet shall be identified by means of a microchip.  No other form of identification is acceptable. The microchip used should comply with ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785, and AVID 9-digit chips are accepted as well.

3.  First Rabies Vaccination & Certificate & All Other Vaccinations

All pets must have an original Rabies Certificate and this certificate must state the microchip number, the date of inoculation, and the validity of the particular vaccination you obtain - some are good for two years, others are only good for one.  This vaccine must be an inactivated vaccine. For import into Singapore, the first rabies vaccine must be OLDER than four months.

Other Vaccinations (List on Separate Certificate)

Dogs:
Distemper*
Hepatitis*
Parvovirus*

Cats
Cat Flu (Feline calcivirus, Feline viral rhinotracheitis, Chlamydia psittaci)*
Cat Enteritis (Feline Panieukopaenia / Feline parvovirus)*

*At least two weeks prior to import.


(Wait 30 days between these two steps)



4. Rabies Serology (FAVN) Test

Your vet will need to perform a rabies blood test on your pet at least 30 days after the first rabies vaccination, but within six months prior to export.  The results need to show your pet has a rabies titre test of =/> .5 IU/mL.

5. Second Rabies Vaccination & Certificate

All pets must have an original Rabies Certificate and this certificate must state the microchip number, the date of inoculation and the validity of the particular vaccination you obtain - some are good for two years, others are only good for one.  This vaccine must be an inactivated vaccine. For import into Singapore, the second rabies vaccine must be OLDER than 30 days at the time of import. The second rabies vaccine must be given AFTER the titer blood draw. It can be performed on the same day as long as it is done in the correct order.

6. Reserve Quarantine Space

Once the original lab results come back from the rabies serology FAVN test, you will be ready to apply for quarantine space. Be aware that there is often a wait for quarantine space in the summer and around the holidays, so apply early for a reservation during these times.

7. Import Permit

You must obtain an import permit prior to arrival in Singapore.

8. Vet Health Certificate (Form 7001) & AVA Veterinary Certificate

These need to be filled out by your USDA accredited Veterinarian, and it must be issued within seven days of the flight.  It must also be stated the pet was treated for external parasites within 2-10 days prior to the flight, and internal parasites within four days of the flight.

9. USDA Endorsement

The Vet Health Certificate needs to be endorsed along with all supporting documents. Please contact your PetRelocation representative about the best way to handle this.

10. Quarantine

There is now a 10-day mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Singapore for pets coming from the Continental US, Canada, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Austria, France, Germany and Italy, and reservations must be made with the Singapore Animal Quarantine Station prior to arrival. Though travelers are often nervous about putting their pets into quarantine, be aware that Singapore facilities are known for being welcoming and safe; pet owners can visit every day, yards are available for playtime, and in our experience staff members have been consistently friendly and accommodating.

You can find out more about Singapore quarantine facilities on our site.


If you're bringing pets to Singapore from a country other than the ones mentioned above, please consult the Singapore government website, and if you have questions about any of these regulations, please contact a Pet Relocation Specialist for more information.



Pet Travel Question: Moving Pets to Singapore

Thursday, September 29, 2011 by Pet Travel Questions

Name: Kelly
Number of Pets: 5
Pet Type: 1 dog, 4 cats
Pet Breed: Dog - Labrador Retriever, cats - mixed breeds
From: Southern California
To: Singapore

I am extremely concerned about relocating my pets this distance and for the quarantine period. My dog is almost 12 (not young for a Lab) and one of the cats is very skittish.

What is the most efficient way to relocate the animals from Southern California and how will they be treated during the quarantine period? What additional services can your firm provide to make this process as risk-free and easy on them as possible?

Thanks,
Kelly


Hi Kelly,

Thanks for your question! Your concerns are certainly understandable; moving with your beloved pets can be very stressful. We offer door-to-door services and often handle moves to Singapore, however, and would be happy to help you.

If you decide to enlist our services, a Pet Relocation Specialist would advise you regarding how to prepare your pets (with the proper vaccines, travel crates, etc.) and would handle all the details of your pets' move. For a better idea of what this would entail, take a look at the pet import requirements for Singapore. You can also check out Singapooch, a great blog about canine life in Singapore. (Singapooch also happens to be written by former customers of ours!).

Please contact us for more information or for a free quote. Hope to hear from you soon!

Pet Travel Question: Moving Dogs to Singapore

Thursday, September 29, 2011 by Pet Travel Questions

Name: Melanie
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Bulldog
From: Bangkok, Thailand
To: Singapore

Hi,
My dog was vaccinated as a puppy in 2005 and every year since then he has had booster shots.  What does this mean if I am planning to move to Singapore? What is required?

Thanks,
Melanie



Hi Melanie,

These are the pet import requirements for Singapore. You'll need updated vaccines as well as the Rabies FAVN test, and upon arrival there is a 30-day quarantine for pets coming from Thailand. You can find more information here, and you're welcome to contact our pet relocation specialists if you have any more questions.

Good luck with your travels!




Moving Pets to Malaysia: Importing Pets to Sabah and Sarawak

Thursday, September 22, 2011 by Caitlin Moore

mapSabah and Sarawak are two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo. Brunei and Indonesia are also located on Borneo, and since these states have different import requirements from the rest of Malaysia, pet travel here can be a confusing issue to sort out.

PetRelocation.com recently moved some clients here, so we learned all about the do's and don'ts of importing pets to Sabah and Sarawak. Here is what we found.

First of all, be aware that Malaysia is not particularly pet-friendly, and local authorities may have regulations regarding the number of dogs that can be kept within residences.

The import requirements for Sarawak and Sabah can be broken into two categories:

Category 1
(United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, Brunei and Singapore)

When importing pets from one of these countries, an import permit and a health certificate issued within seven days of departure will be necessary. The certificate must be issued by an approved veterinary authority and state that:

1. No case of rabies has been reported to have occurred in the country during the previous six months.

2. The pet has been in the country for at least six months.

3. The pet has been examined and found to be healthy and free from any clinical sign of infectious or contagious disease at the time of examination and certification prior to export.

Category 2
(All other countries not listed above)

When importing pets from a country not listed above, an import permit and a health certificate issued within seven days of departure will be necessary. The certificate must be issued by an approved veterinary authority and state that:

1. The pet has been examined and found to be healthy and free from any clinical sign of rabies and infectious or contagious diseases at the time of examination and certification prior to export.

2. The pet has been vaccinated against rabies using an approved anti-rabies vaccine prior to export at least six months prior to export and less than one year.

3. The vaccination history, treatments given and health status must all be certified.

4. A rabies serology report showing rabies antibodies of more than 0.5 iu/ml.


Quarantine


Upon arrival from a Category 2 country, the animal will be placed in quarantine for a minimum of 30 days or a maximum of 180 days. The exact quarantine period is 180 days minus the number of days from the date of the last vaccination. (This is similar to Australia's current quarantine policy). As long as the rabies vaccine is more than six months and less than one year old, the quarantine period is 30 days.

According to the information we found, the available quarantine facilities are located about ten minutes away from Piasau Camp and Lutong. Twice-daily visits can be arranged (weekend visits may be difficult to manage), and the cost is low -- a few Malaysian dollars a day.

Estimated quarantine fees:
Dogs: Large - RM 5.00, Small - RM 3.00
Cats: All Sizes-  RM 3.00
Quarantine Certificate: RM 2.00


Banned Breeds


Pitt Bulls (including American Pitt Bull Terriers), American Staffordshire Terriers, American Bull dogs and mixes, Akitas, Neopolitan Mastiffs, Tosas, Dogo Argentines, Fila Brasileiros, Boerboels, Perro de Presa Canarios and mixes.


Routes/Airlines


If a pet requires quarantine they must fly into Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Penang or Padang Besar where the quarantine facilities are located. It's recommended that pets fly with KLM (via Amsterdam) or Lufthansa (via Frankfurt) into Kuala Lumpur. Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong) or Malaysia out of LAX with a stop in Taipei are two other possibilities.

In preparation for pet travel to Sabah and Sarawak, it's also necessary to secure a microchip, approved travel crate, Rabies Titer Test and other necessary vaccines depending on the breed.



This information provides a good start, but there are more details involved with travel to Sabah and Sarawak. Please contact your pet relocation specialist with any further questions or concerns, and feel free to leave your Malaysia travel tips in the comments below.





Bringing Cats to Singapore: Clyde's Pet Relocation

Friday, July 1, 2011 by PetRelocation.com Customer

Name: Sue
Pet's Name: Clyde
From: Atlanta, GA
To: Singapore


Our company that moved us from Atlanta, GA to Singapore recommended PetRelocation. They were very professional and took wonderful care of our cat. There were many vet visits we had to make on specific dates and many different requirements (shots, chip installed, de worming, ect) were needed to bring our cat to a new country. Our contact, Cara, was there every step of the way. She sent us a packet of information and was every time for my many calls! She spoke with the Veterinarian to make sure everything was done correctly. She even had to resend me some information that I had misplaced. She was wonderful and we are so thankful for Cara and PetRelocation.com!!



Customer Testimonial: Whiskers' Move to Singapore

Thursday, June 30, 2011 by PetRelocation.com Customer

Name: Rejane
Pet's Name: Whiskers
From: Binghamton, NY
To: Singapore

When my husband's job options narrowed down to Singapore or Australia last December, my main concern was Whiskers. He had a rough life in a farm barn until we adopted him, and it took us a while to get him back to health. This made our bond stronger, so we dreaded the thought of leaving him behind.

We knew that either way quarantine was required, but were very worried about the flight, as he hated the carrier from going to the vet so many times. I also had a cat before who moved in-state and had a terrible experience so we considered a lot of options until our move to Singapore was finalized, including leaving Whiskers with family members in another country, finding a way to stay in the US, or even flying him in the cabin with us (which ended up not being possible due to his size).

From the very beginning I had searched online for ways to move your pet and had found PetRelocation.com. The customer reviews and their long experience were impressive, and were definitely a factor that helped us choose their service. Because I had studied the possibility of bringing him on the flight with us, I was aware of the paperwork for Singapore. Our specialist, Scotty, was a great help in reviewing everything --  helping us find a new vet who was USDA accredited for the paperwork and arranging everything else.

We met an agent at JFK airport, who was really caring and attentive to Whiskers' needs until his flight. We came on a different flight and arrived earlier, but I was happily surprised when we went to visit him in quarantine the first time and he was much less stressed than I had expected. It was hard to leave him there at the end of each visit, but he had to stay there for only 10 days.

About a week later he was settled in our new home, adjusted to the foods available here and is now back to being the loving spoiled cat he's been. I'm glad he's here to share this new life with us :)




Pet Move Customer Testimonial: Lucy's Move to Singapore

Thursday, June 16, 2011 by PetRelocation.com Customer

Name: Ricky
Pet's Name: Lucy Blue
From: Breckenridge, Colorado
To: Singapore

When we first discussed relocating to Singapore for a couple of years, our major concern was our chocolate lab, Lucy, as we couldn't imagine going without her. She had traveled across the US a number of times by car, but had never gone anywhere in the cargo hold of a plane.

We were also concerned about a potential long stay in quarantine for her, not to mention the paperwork and shots involved for export/import requirements. When we learned that quarantine in Singapore would only be 10 days if the paperwork and immunizations were absolutely perfect, we thought it was a possibility. After hearing of PetRelocation.com and the door-to-door service they provide along with expert advice about everything from travel crates to flight routes, our minds were put at ease enough to go ahead with the move.

In retrospect, I couldn't imagine doing this kind of move without PetRelocation.com. It was clear from how Cara Scott and her team handled the process that this company loves animals, understands their important roles as family members, and wants to do the best for their furry customers. Cara's attention to detail and the reminders and assistance she provided every step of the way decreased our stress around this move substantially. We will be calling them again when we return to the US!




Singapore Pet Quarantine: From a Dog's Perspective

Monday, June 6, 2011 by Caitlin Moore

Pet travelers going to places like Australia and Malaysia are often concerned to hear they have to undergo a quarantine. While this sounds like a scary prospect, in reality many quarantine facilities are great about meeting pets' needs and making specific country requirements as manageable as possible.


Lucy

Just ask Lucy, a dog we recently moved to Singapore. After moving from Colorado, Lucy completed the prescribed quarantine and has even been blogging about her experience.

If you have any trouble visualizing what a quarantine actually entails, check out Singapooch, which is full of great information and a video illustrating that, just because she couldn't go home for a few days, Lucy remained a pretty happy dog.

Moving a pet to Singapore? Find out what you need to know on our site and feel free to contact us if you have questions about anything related to pet travel!

Pet Travel Update: New Import Health Standards for Cats and Dogs to New Zealand

Wednesday, June 1, 2011 by Caitlin Moore

If you're planning a pet move to New Zealand anytime soon, take note that they are instituting a few changes to their import requirements that began May 27, 2011. While all travelers are encouraged to follow the new standards, there will be a one-month implementation period from May 27 to June 27 where cats and dogs can either be imported under the new import health standards or the old ones.

Here's a little more info from the official website:

During the one-month change-over period, pets can follow the quarantine period from either the old or new import standards, regardless of which tests and treatments they have undergone.

For example:

-Pets from the United Kingdom, Hawaii, Ireland, Norway, Singapore and Sweden who enter the country before or on June 27 are not required to undergo quarantine.

-Pets from other countries where quarantine is reduced under the new standards (most other countries including the USA and South Africa) who enter New Zealand before or on June 26 will undergo the reduced 10-day quarantine period.

-Pets from Australia are not required to undergo a quarantine. Beginning June 28, all Australian airport checks must be done by an official vet and will only be done during certain hours (see the Guidance Document for more details).

-That being said, everyone is urged to prepare all pets under the new standards. Beginning on June 28, all pets must meet the new requirements based on their country of origin. If they fail to meet these requirements, they may not be eligible for import to New Zealand, or may be required to undergo further testing and treatment in quarantine.

-Pets from the United Kingdom, Hawaii, Ireland, Norway, Singapore and Sweden who enter New Zealand starting on June 28 require an import permit prior to entry and a 10-day quarantine period upon arrival.


Find more information about New Zealand's health standards as well as the change-over period for dog and cat importation, and please contact PetRelocation.com if you have any questions.

Dog Blog: Lucy's Relocation to Singapore

Tuesday, May 24, 2011 by Caitlin Moore

LucyWe're not the only ones who like to blog... It looks like Lucy, a dog we're in the process of moving to Singapore from the US, has her very own blog!

Lucy has been living in Colorado, but she's now on her way (along with her parents, of course) to live a life of excitement overseas.

It's always fun (and informative) to learn about the pet relocation process from a dog's-eye view, so if you have a move ahead of you, are curious about Lufthansa Airlines or want to know more about Singapore, take a look at Singapooch. It's a fun read!

We wish Lucy safe travels, and can't wait to follow her adventures in her new home!



Pet Travel Question: Returning Pets to New Zealand

Thursday, May 19, 2011 by Pet Travel Questions

Name: Lyn
Number of Pets: Two
Pet Type: Dogs
Pet Breed: Dachshund and Lab
From: New Zealand
To: Indonesia

We are moving soon to Indonesia (Java) for two years. We would like to bring our dogs with us. We have no problem getting them to Indonesia - the problem is bringing them back. We have heard we will have to send them to Singapore for six months before we can bring them back. Is this true? Will they be in quarantine in Singapore? Is there another way around this?

Hi Lyn,

Thanks for the question! First review the pet import requirements for New Zealand -- you're right that this is a tougher country to enter, and quarantine rules will come into play. It may also help to read the true story of a pet move to Australia in order to get a better idea of how a process like this works from start to finish.

Let us know if you have any questions about these regulations, Lyn! We'd be happy to help you with your move.

Good luck with everything!

Pet Travel Question: Importing Dogs to the US

Monday, May 16, 2011 by Pet Travel Questions

Name: Adeline
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Maltese
From: Singapore
To: Tennessee, USA

I will be moving to the USA in August and would like to know more about the procedure and process of moving my dog from Singapore to Tennessee with me. She is four years old, and I am thinking of letting her travel with me on the plane. Is there a quarantine requirement? What type of documentation should I bring along to prepare her to fly with me? This will be her first time on a plane.

Thanks,
Adeline

Hi Adeline,

Thank you for the question! To get started, take a look at the pet import requirements for the United States. There is no quarantine requirement, but you will need to secure a few documents and vaccinations.

Please contact us if you have any more questions. Good luck!


Moving Cats: Troy's Pet Move to the US!

Wednesday, May 4, 2011 by PetRelocation.com Customer

Name: Dennis
Pet's Name: Troy
From: Singapore
To: Texas, USA

Any move is stressful, but going from one side of the world to the other can really test your limits. Not having to worry about my cat helped me focus on other emergencies. I used PetRelocation.com to go to Singapore and back and was very pleased with their service and professionalism. Thanks!


Pet Travel during the Chinese New Year

Wednesday, January 19, 2011 by Caitlin Moore

Much of the Western world celebrates New Year's Day on Jan. 1, but in China the holiday arrives a little later (this year it's Feb. 3) and covers the span of several days. It's the most important holiday on the Chinese calendar, and it's celebrated by Chinese citizens all around the globe with feasts, family visits and various happy traditions.

In terms of pet travel, the Chinese New Year is something to be aware of because many businesses and customs offices in China and a few surrounding places (including Vietnam, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong) shut down during this time. Here at PetRelocation.com, we're sure not to ship any pets during the holiday week, and in fact we give ourselves a buffer on either end of this period in order to make sure our clients don't encounter any troubles.

shih tzus chinese new year

This year, we won't be shipping any pets into this region from Feb. 1 to Feb. 9, which affected the schedules of about five of our clients. Once again, this shows that there are many reasons to start the pet move process well in advance. You never know if flight reservations, vaccination schedules or customs communications might be affected by a particular country's traditions or holidays, so give yourself plenty of time to sort everything out.

So there's another important pet travel tip: Whether it's Chinese New Year or August in Italy (when much of the country slows down for vacation), you never know what lies ahead. Make time for thorough pet shipping research, and always plan carefully.

chinese dragonDon't know much about Chinese New Year? Here are a few fun facts:
 
-Chinese New Year begins on a different day each year because it's calculated according to astronomical measurements. The dates are figured using science and math rather than religion or mythology.

-On New Year's Eve, it's traditional to hold a huge feast featuring "lucky" dishes like noodles, fish, dumplings, mandarin oranges and various sweets.

-Each year is named after one of 12 different Chinese animals, and 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit.

-Instead of celebrating individual birthdays, Chinese citizens track their age based on the animal of the year they were born.

-Celebratory customs include cleaning the house to rid it of lingering ill fortune, decorating with red papercuts (sometimes called "window flowers"), feasting and setting off firecrackers.

-The Chinese New Year lasts 15 days, each with a different theme, and ends with a Lantern Festival.


red lanterns
 

Here's wishing everyone a safe and happy year!
 


(Photos by istolethetv, p_a_h and Laineys Repertoire via Flickr)

Pet Travel Question: Layovers and Flights to Asia

Wednesday, January 12, 2011 by Pet Travel Questions

Name: Risha
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Wheaten Terrier
From: California, US
To: Singapore

Do you recommend booking a long (21 hrs) direct flight for a nervous dog or is it better to book a layover? Do you have an airline you recommend that flies US to Asia? -Risha


Great question, Risha! It might surprise some people, but we do generally recommend booking a layover in order to give pets a chance to stretch their legs and spend some time outside the travel crate. We often use pet-friendly airlines like Continental and KLM, as they make an effort to take top-notch care of traveling pets.

Please contact us if you'd like some help handling your move, and good luck to you and your dog!

Pet Travel in the News

Monday, January 3, 2011 by Caitlin Moore

Happy New Year, pet travelers! We can only guess what 2011 will hold for us, but surely there are plenty of lessons and adventures ahead. The last few days of news have already offered a few items worth discussing... Here's what's been going on lately in the world of pet travel.

Smart Start
Did you know that Jan. 2 was National Pet Travel Safety Day? It may be a little known holiday but it's not as specific as it sounds -- pet travel can mean an international move, a simple trip to the grocery store or something in between, and for each scenario it's important to follow basic safety rules. So, in honor of the new year, take the time to brush up on the pet travel fundamentals. Among other things, don't let your dog stick his head out the window, start crate training early on to instill familiarity before a move, and keep your pets in good health and up-to-date on all vaccines.

Pet-Friendly Vacation Gems
Maybe your New Year's Resolution involves traveling more; if so, you'll be happy to notice that the world is becoming ever more accessible to people with pets. Singapore has proven itself especially open to including pets in daily life, and it's becoming more and more common to find beaches, restaurants and hotels that truly qualify as pet-friendly. We recently discussed pet relief areas at airports, too, so do your research before you hit the road.

Holiday Generosity
The holidays tend to bring out the best in people, and a glance at the news finds that adoption events and fundraisers did a great job of making life better for animals in need this season. Pilots N Paws, for example, is an organization that relies on volunteer pilots to relocate dogs and cats so that they'll have a better chance at finding homes. Read more about Pilots N Paws and stay tuned for PetRelocation's interview with one of the group's founders in the coming days.

Airport Mysteries
Unfortunately, during the past couple of weeks tragedy has befallen two different pet travelers. It has been reported that a cat named Patch disappeared at the Cairo airport when her owner was en route to New York's JFK, and a German Shepherd mix apparently escaped from her crate at the Atlanta airport and was later found dead by the highway. Both pets were traveling with Delta Airlines (and were not PetRelocation clients), and neither incident has yet to be fully explained or understood by the parties involved. It's clear that something went terribly wrong, however, and here's hoping that heartbreaking mishaps such as these are never allowed to happen again.

Pet Travel from Singapore to the UK

Friday, October 8, 2010 by Pet Travel Questions

Name: Magaret O.
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Mix Shi Zhu and Maltese
From: Singapore
To: United Kingdom Manchester

Hi, I am moving to the United Kingdom next year around March and I love my little precious and wouldn't want to leave without her... I would like to knew if you could help me on how I could travel on the plane with my precious? Which airline allows pets in the cabin with the owner throughout the whole journey? Is there a transporter who can handle all the necessary paper work? Thank you very much; hope to hear from you soon.....cheers!! -Margaret

Hi Margaret,

Thanks for your inquiry! There are a few steps to take to prepare for your upcoming journey. Take a look at the United Kingdom Import Rules and Requirements for an idea of what's to come, and certainly contact us if you'd like to enlist a Pet Relocation Specialist to help you plan the details of the trip in a timely way.

You may not be able to take your precious pup along with you in the cabin (see the British Airways site for more information about what you might expect), but that doesn't mean you won't enjoy a safe and efficient pet travel experience. Check with individual airlines for more information, or give us a call!

Don't forget to check us out on Facebook, too. Connecting with a wide community of pet travelers can make this experience much easier.

Good luck with everything and let us know how we can be of further assistance!