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

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

Thanks,

Nathan

 

Hi Nathan,

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

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

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

Some pet travelers will see new air travel rates beginning June 15, United Cargo has announced, so travelers planning to use PetSafe animal transportation services (United's specialized pet program) should check with the airline ahead of time to find out how much they should expect to pay.

Rates for some routes (including those going from the United States to Japan and other Pacific destinations) will decrease, while routes from the U.S. to Guam and Micronesia will increase. According to United, the changes are a result of "recent market evaluations" and the desire to offer competitive pricing.

Says United: "A key benefit of United Cargo's PetSafe is the use of climate-controlled vans to transport our four-legged customers between their flight and our facility safely and comfortably. United Cargo employs more of these specially-designed vans than any other carrier. Also, we recently opened our newest on-site PetSafe kennel facility at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. United operates similar kennels at our airport facilities in Houston and Newark, and these kennels provide the ultimate in care and comfort for animals traveling on United Airlines."

Visit United.com for more information about PetSafe routes and fees, feel free to contact PetRelocation with any questions about pet travel, and keep in touch for more pet travel updates.

 

Continuing our coverage of summer pet air travel embargoes and restrictions, today we have news that Delta Cargo has begun its Summer Live Animal Program. This means that during the summer months (specifically May 13 through Sept. 29, 2013) select stations will provide "additional care and protection" for pets and will fly certain breeds during warmer temperatures. Normally Delta will not fly pets if the temperature exceeds 85F/29C.

Please contact us to find out about the qualifying airports, and note that Delta Cargo will not accept any snub-nosed dog or cat if the temperature exceeds 75F/24C for any city. To qualify for these special summer allowances, all cities the pet is being routed through must qualify.

Delta may end up being the best choice for some people, but based on our experience, it's preferable to fly with an airline that operates with pet safe procedures all year (United Airlines drives pets out to the airplane in a temperature-controlled vehicle, for example, so the weather outside is not as big a factor). That being said, because English Bulldogs, Olde English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and mixed varieties of these breeds are especially susceptible to the stress of travel, United has released some breed-specific adjustments recently. See the full Bulldog update here.

Also regarding United, Boston Terrier puppies, American Bulldog puppies and Pug puppies may fly any time of the year without restriction, but adults of these breeds are completely embargoed from May 15 to Sept. 15. To provide extra safety, snub-nosed breeds should use travel kennels that are one size larger than normally required.

All these rules can certainly sound confusing and this is just a quick overview, so don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions about the specifics of these summer regulations for pet travel. It's our job to see pets transported safely, and our team of specialists is happy to discuss your options and concerns.

Please stay in touch for more summer pet travel news, and travel safely everyone!

 

 

 

Name: Dan
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Thai Ridgeback
From: Czech Republic
To: Murcia, Spain

I wish to buy a puppy in the Czech republic and have it transported to me in Murcia, Spain. I do not know what would be required legally and if the animal can travel freely within the EU. What would be required?

Also could you arrange transportation and what would be the cost?

Thank you,

Dan

 

Hi Dan,

Thanks for the question! These are the pet import requirements for Spain. Dogs are generally able to fly unaccompanied, but we do advise waiting until puppies are at least 16 weeks old before undertaking air travel.

If you're interested in finding out more about our services, please fill out our free quote form for an estimate. Thanks again, and we look forward to hearing from you!
 

 

Have a happy and safe holiday weekend, pet lovers!

 

No matter what your plans are, here's how to keep pets happy during the Thanksgiving weekend.

A woman is accusing Air New Zealand of discrimination after they wouldn't allow her service dog to fly.

fidoFOTO is a fun way to take and share fun pics of your dog.

Tips to keep pets safe all through the holidays.

In the future, New Jersey may allow pets to board public transportation during evacuations.

Keeping (pet and human) stress under control during the holidays.

Putting safety first during pet travel.

 

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

Name: Patricia
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Spitz Pomeranian
From: India
To: Mexico

Hello, I'm traveling with my dog from New Delhi, India to New York, he will go as checked baggage in the Lufthansa flight that I will take. From India there's a stopover in Germany for three hours, and then we continue to New York. In total the travel is 20 hours on the plane plus the three hour stopover.

I chose Lufthansa because of its good reputation taking care of animals, but this is the first time I'm taking a pet with me and it worries me that he goes as checked baggage. Is it completely safe? is it really completely controlled in terms of the temperature and pressure? I would appreciate some insight on how this works. I have tried looking for pictures and for a proper description of the place where they put the pets in the plane, but I don't find much.

Two days after arriving in New York, I'm taking an American Airlines flight to Cancun, Mexico, which is the final destination. American Airlines has a temperature policy -- if the temperature exceeds a limit they will not take my pet that day, does that mean that the baggage area is not completely controlled in the temperature? Don't they have AC down there?

I would really appreciate your insight into this area of the planes. Thank you very much!

Thanks,

Patricia
 

Hi Patricia,

Your questions are completely  understandable -- pet travel can definitely seem less than transparent at times. We often hear concerns about flights and safety, and our best advice is to choose a pet-friendly airline with established pet policies (we often go with United, KLM and Lufthansa).

We have discussed Lufthansa on our blog in the past: here's an interview with a Lufthansa expert as well as look at a few important things to know about them.

During the summer many airlines employ embargoes in order to minimize the time that pets are exposed to hot weather, particularly on the tarmac as they're taken on and off the plane. Airlines like United actually transport the pets in air-conditioned vehicles to and from the plane and make sure they're never left to sit in extreme temperatures -- a primary reason why we choose such airlines to begin with (here's a video that sheds light on the process).

If an airline has a temperature policy it means they might not have temperature-controlled vehicles that transport the pets, so you will probably want to double check with them to find out exactly how they do things.

If you have any questions about any of this, please contact us. We'd be happy to help you arrange your move or simply offer more advice. Good luck with everything, Patricia!

 

Today we're featuring a guest post from our friends over at SelfStorageDeals.com:

 

Planning a move can feel like a juggling act, with your family, your pets, and your possessions all up in the air at the same time. Wouldn’t it be nice if someone could hold on to one of these while you take care of the others?

Without begging or borrowing space, you’re going to have to look to the storage specialists: self-storage facilities. For a fee, it’s possible to rent the necessary space to keep a portion of your possessions outside of the equation while you manage your complicated move. But while a cheap self-storage unit can add stability and a sense of security during this turbulent period of your life, finding the right unit comes with its own set of calculations. Storage units come in sizes from “junior high locker” to 10’ x 20’ units as large as a full garage — rent one that’s too small and you’ll run out of space; go with a unit too big and you’ll be overpaying. So how do you determine which size unit is right for you?

Take Inventory. Packing a storage unit is not the same as packing a moving truck. Moving trucks are used for single trips, transporting as much stuff as fits in the truck from one place to another and then unloading. Storage units are rented out for months at a time, and during that time it’s very likely that you might need to access some of your possessions. This means that there will be two organizing principles to how you arrange your storage unit: 1) fitting things together to maximize your use of space (as you would with a moving truck) and 2) making sure that items you might need to access are accessible. So take inventory and classify accordingly.

Visit the Facility. If you can find the time, head out to the facility and examine various sizes of units. The most important factor here is height: while the square footage of floorspace is generally standard (5x5, 5x10, 10x10, 10x15 and 10x20 being the standard sizes), height ranges between 8-12 feet for a storage unit, which can equal very different volumes. Visiting the facility will allow you to fully picture the unit’s size, but even if you’re unable to visit make sure to contact the facility to find out about ceiling height. Stay away from “storage lockers,” which are sometimes available in storage facilities in metropolitan areas. These lockers are substantially cheaper because they are only 4-6 feet high.

Set up a model. Find a space in your home—preferably near your door, as you’ll be moving these items out with you—and experiment with the formation you might want to use in your unit. Using a uniform box size can make planning easier. Items that can be tightly-packed should go into boxes, with the heaviest pieces at the bottom. Items you might need to access can also be boxed—just make sure they stay at the top, within your reach. Tightly pack the back corners of your simulated unit with items you won’t need to get to. Those you’ll want to access should go towards the front of the unit on top of each stack. If you have a large number of items that you know you’ll need to access, you might want to leave a walking path that divides the unit into two halves. In such a case it’s likely true that you won’t be able to stack items as high either, so in general the more items you’ll have to access the more space you’ll end up needing.

Awkwardly-shaped items should be placed on top of boxes and away from corners when possible, as squares are the most efficient use of space. Disassemble all furniture that can be and then stack the pieces vertically on their sides. Remember that refrigerators, drawers and cabinets can be filled as well.

Here’s a rough guide to storage unit sizes:

5x5: same as a small closet; good for chairs, boxes, cabinets and electronics.

5x10: size of a walk-in closet; good for the contents of a 1-bedroom apartment.

10x10: size of a large bedroom; good for the contents of a 2-bedroom apartment.

10x15: size of a 1-car garage; good for the contents of a 2-3 bedroom house.

10x20: size of a 2-car garage; good for the contents of a 4-bedroom home.

Once you set up a model that you’re satisfied with, take a picture so you remember what went where. Then it’s time to load up that truck and take your possessions to their new, temporary home.

 

Brian Shreckengast is a writer at SelfStorageDeals.com, the price-focused search engine for finding cheap self-storage units. Learn more about storing and how to do it for cheap at the Self Storage Blog.

 

 

If summer pet travel lies ahead, it's a good idea to start preparing by reviewing summer airline embargoes and basic rules for hydration and safety. We have lots of great info on our blog, but here's a quick list that will help to get you into safe summer pet shipping mode!

-Choose a pet-friendly airline that values pets' well-being, and be sure to research all restrictions, embargoes and requirements before you make a reservation.

-Make sure your pet's travel crate is large enough, and don't be afraid to err on the side of caution in terms of size. The bigger the crate, the more air ventilation can occur and the cooler your pet will stay.

-Prepare your pets for a smooth ride by keeping them in good shape and acclimating them to their crate in the months before travel. Fit pets that don't fear their crate will be more relaxed and are less likely to experience shallow breathing and stress.

-If your pet has particularly long or thick hair, consider visiting a groomer who can remove some of the undercoat. Shaving isn't necessarily for the best, as pet hair can provide important insulation and cooling effects.

-Provide your pets with the water they need, and if your journey will be a long one that includes car rides and/or plane rides, bring ice or freeze water in a water dish the night before.

 

Please contact PetRelocation.com if you have any more questions about safe pet transportation during the summer months or any other time of the year. Stay cool, pet travelers!

 

 

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: Kathy
Pets' Names: Dolce' and Mollie
From: Rhode Island
To: California
 

Our family (pets included of course) was being relocated from Rhode Island to Southern California, a 3,000 mile trip to take place at the end of Aug. 2011. After checking several animal-friendly airlines (most of which only accept smaller animals that can be in the cabin under a seat.), we decided to fly Continental.

The animals had to be dropped off at a special holding area, and from there they are driven in a van to the plane. We were able to watch them being loaded into the air-regulated cargo area and a stewardess assured us they were on board. At the end of the flight our transportation was delayed. The people at the animal section made a call to our cell phone to let us know the animals arrived safely and were waiting to be picked up. After all the worry of having to have the animals on such a long flight, we picked up Dolce' and Mollie at the animal pick-up area.

They were well cared for throughout the whole process. We made it a point to put tags on their crates indicating live animals inside, along with their names on the crates in several places so that the handlers could call them by name. A big shout out for PetRelocation.com for getting our family from one side of the U.S. to the other!

 

Name: Stacy
Pet's Name: Neely
From: Connecticut
To: England

 

When I found out we were moving to England I was so excited and overwhelmed all at the same time! My biggest concern with the move was being able to bring my dog with me. The thought of leaving Neely behind was not an option, and the thought of transporting her overseas terrified me. At first, I was determined to get all of Neely's travel documentation and flight plans in order myself. However, with all the other stresses of moving and the possibility of me not being able to fly out with her, my husband decided it was time that I get some help.

My husband's employer had given me Cara's contact information so that I could talk to her to see what PetRelocation.com could do to help me. After the first phone conversation I instantly felt comfortable. Cara and Ashley had both walked me through every single step that I needed to take in order to get my dog over to England. They checked and double checked every piece of paperwork and answered any questions that I may have had. They kept on top of all the changes that were being made by DEFRA, and notified me immediately as to what those changes were. They made sure that Neely's crate was appropriate for travel, and even mailed us out a welcome pack!

When I found out that I needed to go over to England before I could get Neely out there, Ashley worked with my father to complete her travel requirements. On the day of Neely's travel, she was picked up at my parent's home and brought to the airport. Ashley had notified me when Neely was up in the air and gave me a confirmation number so that I could track her. They also kept in touch with my father to let him know the same. During her travel they made sure she had a pre and post- flight potty break as well as water and clean bedding. Once Neely cleared customs they called me to let me know that she would be delivered to me shortly.

When Neely arrived she acted as though she had been on one big adventure! She was so excited to be at her new home, and most importantly she arrived safely, clean, and happy!

It's now been close to three weeks since she arrived and she has settled in without a hitch! PetRelocation.com has made this moving experience stress and worry free. Cara and Ashley always took the extra step to make sure that everything was done right and that Neely would arrive home safely. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone who has to transport a beloved pet and I would certainly use their services again in the future!

Thanks again Cara and Ashley!!!

Since moving pets can be pretty complicated and will most likely coincide with a busy, stressful time in life, we're not surprised that we receive a lot of questions from overwhelmed pet owners about the logistics, the details and the costs of pet travel.

We've been shipping pets for a while now and have pretty much heard it all... Here are a few of the most frequently asked pet travel questions (along with our basic answers). Remember, no one is alone in this!

 

How do I know what the requirements are for the country I'm moving to?

Making sure that a pet's journey runs smoothly begins with research. Many countries have detailed import instructions on their own official websites; stringent countries like Australia outline almost everything while other places may not be so forthcoming, so you may need to check another source -- like IATA  or the country pages on the PetRelocation.com -- to find out about health documents, vaccines, and possible quarantines.

Which airline should I fly with?

This is perhaps the most important decision you can make related to pet travel. It's key that you choose an airline that has established pet policies and solid safety measures in place to ensure that your pet is properly cared for, not left to sit on the tarmac, and respectfully transported overall. We have a short list of trusted airlines that include KLM, Lufthansa, Qantas and United, but check with us if you have any questions about this.

How do I know my pet will be safe?

This is probably the  most common question requiring the most nuanced answer. Again, safety primarily depends on selecting trustworthy airlines and transport agents, but you can also do your best to prepare your pet physically by keeping them in good shape, acclimating them to their travel crates and setting a good example for them by remaining calm and upbeat in the days before the trip.

Remember that sedatives are strongly discouraged (and generally not even permitted). With so many moving parts it's impossible to guarantee a journey 100% free of hiccups, but by following these basic guidelines you're putting your pet in the best position possible.

Why does it cost so much to ship a pet?

We've addressed the question of pet moving costs in greater depth in the past, but essentially it comes down to the details. By the time you add up import permits, health certificates, customs clearance, delivery fees, plane tickets and a few other considerations, it simply isn't going to be a cheap endeavor. Does it end up being worth it, though? Most pet owners would say "of course".

Should I move my pet at all?

This is a tough one, and for certain people it's a question that must be asked. Air travel is taxing for humans and for animals, and older pets or those in delicate health simply may not be up for it. Also, many people don't realize how much is involved with air travel and crossing borders, so if this is just a vacation (rather than a permanent move), it will probably be better to find a trusted pet sitter rather than jump through so many hoops unnecessarily.

Ultimately it is the safety of the pet that's the most important thing to consider, so often a conversation with your vet, your family, and your pet relocation specialist will help you figure this one out.

 

 

Still have questions? We're happy to help! Give our office a call and be sure to check out our Facebook page to connect with other pet travelers who probably have the same questions as you. Happy traveling, everyone!

 

 

 

According to our archives, in the 1972/73 academic year a pet policy was created.  The reason we started a pet council and created a pet policy was because we noticed that students were bringing their little creatures to campus and there were no policies or procedures to deal with issues that we might come up against.

How did you draft your pet policy?

Our policy was drafted by creating what would work best for the college.  Because there are only a handful of colleges or universities that have a pet policy, it was hard to turn to others for help. Staff and students have generated this policy, and we feel it represents what is best for us.

I don't believe the rules have changed.  They have more or less been adapted to fit the population as well as maintain the welfare of the animals. We have separated animals into two categories: pets, which are cats, dogs (under 40 pounds), rabbits, ducks, and ferrets, and domestic animals, which are fish, small birds, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, amphibians, and reptiles.

We have adapted our policy so that students cannot bring animals to campus that the Pet Council would feel would not be sufficient for college life.  We do only have five houses on campus where a student can have a "pet." In all the remaining houses on campus, students can have a "domestic animal."

How has Eckerd been a model for other college pet programs?

Eckerd has been a model for other colleges and universities because we have been able to share our policies and procedures as well as given insight into what works and what doesn't work.  Schools are contacting us now with questions on how to propose the idea of having pets/animals on campus to the upper administration. 

Do you know of any instances where a student has specifically chosen to attend Eckerd because it is pet-friendly? 

There are several stories where students have chosen Eckerd because it is pet-friendly.  We recently filmed an episode of Must Love Cats on Animal Planet and the student stated that she chose Eckerd because we allowed pets.  She was able to be thousands miles away from home and bring her cat with her.  I believe that is typical of a lot of the stories that we hear.

Animal Planet's Must Love Cats from Eckerd College on Vimeo.

Do you have any memorable stories about pets on campus that you’d like to share?

I believe my favorite story to tell is the story of one student that had two ducks as pets.  Those ducks would follow her around everywhere she went. The student was also a Resident Advisor and a member of the Softball team. The ducks were well known and brought a sense of pride to the community because you could not go to any other college or university and say that there was a student that had a duck there.


Do most students transport their pets to campus by car or by air? 

Most students transport their pets by car. There is a small majority that will transport them by air. Some students will purchase the domestic animals (like fish and turtles) once they arrive to campus if they choose.

Do you see this as growing trend or one that has leveled off? Do you have any changes or expansions in mind for the future?

This is definitely a growing trend. We have seen an increase in the number of students that have requested pet housing on campus. The Housing Department also increased the number of pet houses from four to five.  We have also been receiving a lot of national recognition about our pet policy that has assisted. Our Admissions Department also does a great job in letting prospective students know about this amazing feature of our campus life.

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Be sure to check in with us tomorrow, when we'll be back with more information about the rising trend of pet-friendly college life.

No two pet moves are the same, but some are definitely more complicated than others. Recently PetRelocation.com had the opportunity to move 36 military dogs from Texas to Afghanistan, and Director of Client Relations Matt Kincaid headed up this high-priority operation. Here's what he had to say about this challenging and ultimately successful experience:


In March I was contacted by IQ Global Solutions based in Fort Washington, MD.  They were inquiring about the costs and feasibility of relocating 36 dogs from San Antonio, Texas to Kandahar, Afghanistan in a very short period of time on behalf of the US government.  I knew immediately that these dogs weren’t your typical canines.  Every one of them is specially trained in either search and rescue or to sniff out IEDs and other explosives, and each would join the front line in the war in Afghanistan.     

Never being one to turn down a challenge, I did the research needed to begin piecing together the relocation, and I put together a tentative logistics plan for moving forward.  This consisted of transporting by ground all dogs from their origin near San Antonio to Houston Intercontinental Airport, then flying from Houston to Frankfurt, Germany. From Frankfurt the dogs would travel to Dubai, and then from Dubai they’d go to Kandahar.  

Given our experience in relocating family pets, we have the resources available to ensure that the animal’s welfare is treated as the primary concern.  This shipment would be no exception, so we chose to fly with Lufthansa Airlines via Frankfurt, as their live animal program and Animal Lounge in Frankfurt make up one of the best pet travel programs in the world. 

To facilitate the Dubai transit, I worked closely with Yohannes Hailemariam of Move One Relocations.  I worked with Yohannes to arrange three separate stations for each dog to pass through upon their arrival in Dubai.  Station One consisted of having the dog cleared through customs, removed from his/her crate, and provided with food.  Station Two entailed the exercising of each dog, while Station Three was for bathing the dogs. 

There was a delay in Dubai which prevented the dogs from departing as scheduled, so the dogs were kept in Dubai for an additional two days.  Fortunately, due to our preparedness, each dog continued to rotate through the stations and was properly exercised and fed during the delay.

On the morning of their arrival in Kandahar, I received a call that all dogs had arrived at the Kandahar Air Force Base in great condition.  The clients on the receiving end in Afghanistan were extremely happy wi h the condition and general heath of the dogs, and stated that “the animals arrived in the best health and shape of any of the previous shipments.”
 



 
      

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 thanks to its pet-friendly policies and 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!

Name: Amanda
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: dog
Pet Breed: Corgis (21 lbs, 26 lbs)
From: Dallas, TX
To: Alaska

I am having trouble finding what kind of travel bag to get to transport my fur kids in the cabin with me. It will be too hot in Dallas for the Airline to allow us to ship the pets in cargo, meaning that they will have to go in the cabin with me. Do you have suggestions on what type of bag to get and where? Also, what should I do to prepare them? Is there anything we can do to help calm them down too? Our youngest one likes to bark a lot. I am afraid they will remove him because of barking. Suggestions? Anything you can help with would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Amanda


Hi Amanda!

Thank you for your question. First, it's important to check with the airline you'll be using to find out about their particular requirements for in-cabin pet transport. Unfortunately you'll be encountering weight limits (JetBlue, for example, doesn't allow the dog and carrier to exceed 20 pounds), so review each possible airline to find out if this trip can be carried out as you imagine it.

As for purchasing a pet travel carrier, again, check with the airline to see what they allow. Continental permits both hard-cased and soft kennels that can be placed under the seat in front of you, and they allow one pet per passenger. Many airlines sell the travel carriers at the ticket desk and JetBlue sells them online. If you end up flying your dogs in cargo, you'll also need to meet specific travel crate requirements.

For behavior, it's important to be sure that your dogs are comfortable being in a carrier, so work on getting them used to it during the weeks before you go. We do not recommend sedating pets during air travel (sedatives may interfere with regular breathing).

One of our Pet Relocation Specialists would be happy to speak with you if you have further questions, Amanda, so contact us if you need anything! Good luck with everything and keep in touch!