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. 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!

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!

As summer vacation season approaches, some pet jet setters are finding that hot weather makes air travel a little tougher to handle. Many airlines tighten their pet travel restrictions during this time, and (partially due to heat-related considerations) Delta has banned the transport of snub-nosed breeds altogether. This leaves us wondering, are there other travel options for our best furry friends?

One alternative that human travelers often prefer is travel by rail. It may take longer, but hopping on a train feels like a different kind of adventure than dealing with airline shenanigans, and sometimes it can seem challenging to locate and take advantage of all the pet-friendly airports out there.

Unfortunately, Amtrak, a major US train company, does not allow pets onto train cars (service animals are a different story, but you must show proper documentation). The National Association of Railroad Passengers outlines the restrictions.

What about other modes of ground transport? In the United States, pets (of a certain size) are allowed on various buses, trains and light rail systems. There are no universal rules when it comes to bus and subway pet travel, so it's important to check things out ahead of time and observe all posted rules. Here's a handy run-down from Dogfriendly.com.

Expats and world travelers take note: pets are allowed on trains in many European countries. Many of these railway systems require that pets wear a muzzle or remain inside a travel crate of some kind, extra fees often apply, and when it comes to occupying train cars with strangers, the comfort levels of others must be taken into account. Again, it's important to do your research ahead of time in order to find out about fees and restrictions before you hit the rails.

So there you have it. Like or not, for long trips and overseas journeys, air travel will still be the best bet for most of us. Travelers with small, well-behaved dogs who want to travel shorter distances are in a better position to try out other means of travel, but even then there are no guarantees.

No one said pet travel was simple, but we're here to help you navigate the ins and outs and the ups and downs! Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, and please visit our Facebook page for some advice from your pet travel peers!



Photo by Michael de Oz via Flickr

We've reached the end of the work week once again! Hopefully you all have a fun weekend ahead, but before you go, catch up with the top pet travel news stories.

-The summer pet travel season will soon be here (have you taken our survey yet?), and it's important to remember the restrictions you may encounter. Air travel becomes a more delicate process when the temperatures rise, so always be sure to check with your airline regarding their particular policies. For example, be aware that Delta restricts summer pet travel and has banned the transport of all bulldogs year-round due the breed's sensitivity and possible breathing issues.

-It's a question that employees of PetRelocation.com often encounter -- "what exactly do you do?" Well, if you're curious about what it takes to be a Pet Relocation Specialist, take a look at this firsthand account from one of our new hires! Sarah learned a lot during her first couple of weeks here, and you can too.

-As recovery efforts continue in Japan, a few good souls continue to keep the lost and abandoned pets in mind. One Canadian woman is specifically traveling to the exclusion zone surrounding the Fukushima nuclear power plant in order to save as many animals as she can find. Find out more about her journey.

-We know that dogs are great at boosting our moods and relieving stress, and it turns out some service dogs are being trained to alleviate the devastating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, as well. Read the incredible story of one combat veteran and his amazing dog.

Have a safe and happy weekend, everyone!

March 15th marked a new beginning for me when I started my job as a Pet Relocation Specialist here at PetRelocation.com.  Upon first hearing of my new gig, people typically had a few different reactions.

“What will you be doing?”

“I have a cat I want to get rid of. Can you find him a new home for me?”

“What is PetRelocation.com?”

It turns out I will be relocating “Any pet, Anywhere, Anytime” (that’s the company motto). I will not be able to “get rid” of your cat for you. And what is PetRelocation.com? It’s a company with amazing owners, amazing employees, and a big heart. 

We relocate pets across the United States and across the world. If you’re moving and you think your cats will scratch and claw in the car all the way from San Diego to Miami, send them via air, shipped specially by PetRelocation.com!  If your company tells you you’re moving to China, Germany or South Africa, we can make sure your pets make it there safely, as well. 

When asked why I wanted to work at PetRelocation.com, I had a few things to say.  I have a passion for animals, and since I would never leave my dog in the hands of strangers, I wanted to find out more about this niche in the market. I wanted to find out how this company shipped pets. Were they just tossing them in with the luggage? Do they get left in a warehouse? What in the world does ‘quarantine’ mean?

After working here for a week, I found my answers:

How does the company ship pets?

It’s literally a door-to-door service. Our agent picks up your pet from your home and takes him to the airport. He flies to your new home and another agent picks him up and hand delivers him to your door. The day of the move, the pet owner literally doesn’t have to lift a finger. 

Were they just tossing the pets in with the luggage?

No way! PetRelocation.com works with pet-friendly airlines, such as Continental, KLM and Lufthansa. These airlines have policies and procedures in place to ensure your pet is the last to board the airplane and first to be taken off. They are not left on the tarmac while staff rearranges luggage. They are never “tossed” anywhere. They all travel with name tags, water and blankets. Airline personnel can say hi personally to “Buddy” or “Elvis.” Imagine if your dog left you, was unsure of what was happening, and then as he was getting on the plane a stranger called him by his name and gave him some water.  The last thing he hears is something we all love to hear: our own name! It’s those little personal touches that make the difference.

Do they leave pets in a warehouse?

Not a chance! PetRelocation.com works with agents and airlines who treat your pets as they would their own. They are never left on a tarmac or in a warehouse unattended. In fact, some airports are set up to let pets out of their crate during a layover to stretch their legs and run around a bit!

What does ‘quarantine’ mean?

Quarantine sounds like a scary word. Webster has many definitions, including "a state of enforced isolation." So my dog has to be locked up? Like solitary confinement? Not exactly! Everyone here reassured me that quarantine just means making sure an animal isn’t going to transport rabies or another disease from one country to another. Sometimes it means they have to enter a facility (kennel), but most times the quarantine period can be completed at the owner’s home. Nothing changes except they get their rabies shot and they can’t leave the country for a short period. They can still go to the park, the lake, the vet, etc…

So now I’ve worked here at PetRelocation.com for a little while. In our office, as I type this, we have a Labradoodle named Aussie, a Golden Retriever named Charlie, and an Airedale/lab mix named Draper. It’s obvious we are a bunch of animal lovers, and just about everyone who works here has a pet of their own. That’s why we’re so good at what we do. We treat your pets as if they were our own, we’re friendly, we thrive on our great customer service, and there is no move too big or small.

We have pictures all over the office of pets that have been to Spain, Italy, India, China, the Caribbean and more! At the end of a move, there’s a little sense of joy when you get that phone call saying the pet owner and pet have been reunited in their new home, and you know you made it happen. It almost gives you goose bumps.

 

 

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!

We receive all kinds of pet travel questions here at PetRelocation.com, and a common one has to do with cabin vs. cargo - that is, is it better for a pet to fly under the plane or in the cabin with the human passengers?

A recent news story, in which a USAirways flight was actually forced to make an emergency landing after a dog bit two people while the plane was en route from Newark to Phoenix, illustrates why the debate continues on. In this case, a passenger released her dog from its carrier (which is against airline policy), and the dog proceeded to bite a flight attendant and another passenger.

Presumably wishing to err on the side of caution, the pilot then decided to land the plane in Pittsburgh so that the injured parties could be treated. Though no one was seriously hurt, 122 passengers were subjected to an inconvenient delay due to the actions of one rule-breaking passenger and her distressed dog.

Pet travel doesn't have to be so hard. We consistently recommend that pets fly in the cargo hold rather than in the cabin -- in fact, nearly all of our the pets we transport fly in the cargo hold of pet friendly airlines. As we've previously discussed, the cargo area is pressurized and temperature-controlled, which provides a more comfortable experience for high-flying pets. Though many passengers like the idea of being able to see and talk to their companion throughout the flight, the noises, the smells and the energy of the cabin may be overwhelming for an already-nervous dog or cat.

Pet friendly airlines like Continental have made pet travel easier by establishing high standards for their cargo hold procedures. Check out this video for a behind-the-scenes look, and read more about the pet travel in cabin vs. cargo discussion on our blog.

Each situation should be evaluated based on its own particular circumstances, but air travel decisions must be guided by more than just myths. It's true that many pets have flown in the cabin without incident, but this particular USAirways mini-debacle could have been avoided altogether if the owner had considered the safe, and in most ways superior, alternative.

Once again, it's time to announce the PetRelocation.com Pet Move of the Month! Our December star is Lucy, an adorable (and very photogenic) English Bulldog who moved from Washington, D.C. to Mexico City. She and her parents experienced the standard worries that go along with pet relocation (relocating a snub-nosed breed can bring up particularly stressful questions), but thanks to diligent planning and careful preparation, Lucy was able to safely move to Mexico City! Lucy and her owners worked with our PetRelocation Specialist Mike Cardno on her travel arrangements.

"Any relocation can be a stressful time for pets and their owners," said Lucy's Specialist, Mike.  "When you factor in additional concerns, like a snub-nosed breed of pet or a remote destination, that's often when our expertise is really allowed to shine.  Choosing the right airlines, finding the best routing possible and knowing all of the documentation required to make a move a success is extremely important when you're working on these types of moves."

"Our Specialist, Mike, had all sorts of recommendations to make Lucy's travel easier given her breed," said Lucy's owner, David, after the move.  Read more of what her owners had to say about their experience with PetRelocation.com and checking out the Q&A below with David on what life is like in Mexico with pets.  For more adorable Lucy pictures, be sure to check her out on Twitter and Tumblr.  That's right:  this four-legged international traveler is also 35 pounds of social media savvy!

Why did you choose PetRelocation.com? Had you moved Lucy before?

Lucy had moved once before, but it was an across-town move, so the stress in that move was minimal. For the big international move we did a bunch of online research that kept turning up PetRelocation.com, so we decided to give it a try. We were glad we did.

What were some of your initial concerns about moving Lucy internationally?

We had several concerns, some of which were pretty normal, some of which in hindsight were overblown. Our biggest concern was that Lucy, being a snub-nosed dog, would have respiration problems while flying. We had the luxury of knowing that an international move was coming sooner or later, so we did our best to keep her in top shape. Our thought was that a fit bulldog would fare better than a pudgy one. Also, our Specialist had several recommendations to help her on the day of the move, and the agents in DC and Mexico City were great.

We had a few other concerns specific to Mexico City. It's over 7,000 feet above sea level, so we were concerned about her ability to adjust to the altitude and the thin air. We also were concerned that Lucy might develop Montezuma's revenge! So far, so good!

What was something that you learned about moving pets that you didn’t know before you started the process with us?

We were unaware of how complicated the pet importation requirements could be. Evidently it is relatively easy to bring a pet into Mexico compared to some other countries, but even still there were several medicines that Lucy had to take, and forms we had to fill out. Given that transporting Lucy to Mexico was only one component of our move, we were glad that our Specialist was able to make sure we had all of our boxes checked.

How has Lucy been since arriving in Mexico? How is her temperament and general health?

Lucy is great! She is the same sweet, happy girl as always, and is busy making new human and dog friends at the local dog park and in the neighborhood. So far there's been no change in her health.

How is life with pets in your new country in terms of services and amenities?

Mexicans are big dog lovers, so there are plenty of local vets, pet stores, and even doggy day care. We're still trying to figure out what Lucy's routine will be, but no doubt there will be plenty of resources for her. Fortunately we are very close to a dog park, and Lucy has already met five other English Bulldogs in our new neighborhood! The beautiful thing about dogs is that even if their humans don't speak the local language perfectly, dogs understand each other instinctively.


Thanks for sharing your story with us, Lucy! Buena Suerte and keep in touch!

You've heard about "pet friendly" airlines and, if you've spent much time on our site, you know it's possible to transport a pet from one side of the world to the other, but what does the pet air travel process actually entail? CNN recently took a closer look at Continental's PetSafe Program to show high-flying pet lovers how it all works.

The video below offers more about Continental's safety protocols and is especially helpful if you'd like to see the pressurized, temperature-controlled cargo areas where pets are safely stowed.   Not only does Continental offer pet flights to a number of popular domestic and international destinations (one of their newer routes offers pet friendly travel to Frankfurt), they're also able to handle pets safely during the summer and winter months when other pet airlines have embargoed pets, thanks to their climate-controlled conditions on and off the tarmac for pets traveling in their PetSafe program.  

Perhaps most importantly, Continental Airlines is committed to improving pet air travel safety standards and keeping pet owners informed.  One of the biggest hot-topic issues?  Summer pet travel safety.  Last summer, Continental joined us in offering these summer pet travel safety tips.



Read more about Continental on our blog and feel free to share your stories about pet travel here in the comments or on our Facebook page!

When you woke up this morning, you probably stumbled to the coffee pot, and let the dog out, or fed the cat, or chatted for a few minutes with your parrot. It's amazing how these little moments can be taken for granted, until you realize that there are men and women out there who find themselves separated from their pets for six, twelve, and sometimes even eighteen months at a time, protecting our country.


On this Veteran's Day, consider remembering those who fought and those who continue to fight by helping a four-legged friend of a military member. Here are four great organizations whose missions, while very different, contribute to our veterans and their pets.

1. Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pets

Military deployments and relocations can be difficult enough, but many military members find themselves faced with giving up their pets due to expenses related to long-term boarding, care and transportation for their pets. Guardian Angel's for Soldier's Pets works to "ensure the pets are reunited with their owners following a deployment (combat or peace-keeping mission)." They are looking for contributions in the form of monetary donations, volunteering and even foster homes.
Read more and donate via PayPal here.

2.  Operation Baghdad Pups

We first learned of SPCA International's Operation Baghdad Pups when we were contacted by a member of the military who found a cat in a pile of rubble while serving in Iraq and rescued her.  He came to us looking for a way to send Jasmine to his family's home in the States.  When we first looked into moving "Jasmine" out of Iraq, we didn't know where to begin.  Terri Crisp, an animal welfare activist, had just started Operation Baghdad Pups and -- even though Jasmine was technically not a "pup" -- she helped us get her to Kuwait and on a flight out of Kuwait City.  The emotional bond between soldiers and refugee pets in Iraq was featured in a documentary called No Dog Left Behind, which aired on the Military Channel (view the trailer).
We've set up a fundraising page on Operation Baghdad Pup's website - can you help us meet our goal of $500 to help make sure no buddy gets left behind?

3. Operation Noble Foster

This group is dedicated to providing foster homes for military cats during deployments. They are in need of tax deductible donations to help keep their program going, or anyone with a home they are willing to open temporarily to foster a military member's cat.

4.  Military Working Dog Adoptions

Have you ever wondered what happens to retired military working dogs (MWD's)?  Many of them are in need of loving forever homes.  We've written about this organization before, and highly recommend them if you are considering adopting a dog, particularly if you're looking for German Shepherd.  Many soldiers consider these dogs to be their best friends but cannot adopt them after service.  Help make sure a soldier's friend is taken care of by making a donation to MWDA via PayPal (scroll down to the "Donations" section of the page).

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A special thank you on this Veteran's Day to our nation's members of the military. We offer a 10% discount on all military relocations as a way of saying thank you, every day, for your service.

A conference for pet shipping experts?  Yes, while it sounds quirky, the pet shipping industry is a tight-knit yet global industry full of people who genuinely care (and, admittedly, get a little bit geeky) about the safe transportation of peoples' furry loved ones.

The Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) was established in 1979 by a group of pet transportation professionals looking to increase awareness of pet transportation, implement safety standards and share knowledge of best pet shipping practices.  IPATA members share a lifelong commitment to pet shipping and since getting started, IPATA has hosted an annual conference for its members to come together.  One of its founders, Dr. Walter Woolf, is still active in the pet transportation business today. 

This past week, my coworker Matt Kincaid and I (pictured above) were lucky enough to go to the 34th annual IPATA Conference held in Montreal, QC, Canada.  While the Texan in me was a little skittish about a 40-degree drop in temperature, I packed up my warmest coats and scarves and headed north last Saturday to meet my colleagues in Canada.  We shared lessons learned and attended sessions on country import requirements, new government initiatives and more.  Here are a few pet shipping tidbits I picked up during the conference:

1.   "What is your skiboots factor?"  

The first day we were entertained and educated by a keynote speaker from New Brunswick named Martin Latulippe, CSP.  In his presentation "Awakening the Invisible to Achieve the Impossible," he told us about the importance of slowing down our lives to help us go above and beyond for our clients and their pets.  In a story about a man who ran a ski equipment store, Latulippe explained how the man had to seek out an additional pair of skiboots to fit a very tall teenager who came into his shop with his dad one day.  A few months later, the man received a letter from the boy's father thanking him for enabling them to ski that day because the next day his son died in a tragic car accident.  The keynote really set the tone for the rest of the conference in reminding us all that it really is the little things we do that matter in the end.

2.  The USDA Veterinarian Accreditation Program is still a work in progress.

We've written a lot about the recent changes to the USDA veterinarian accreditation program, which is required for veterinarians who would like to issue health certificates for live animals.  However, as we learned at IPATA, the USDA was overwhelmed by applicants wanting to be accredited, so the cut-off date for accreditation has been pushed back significantly (until May of 2011 or later).  Dr. Gerald Rushin from the USDA explained why this was and we live-tweeted his talk. 

During the Q&A portion after his talk, I asked if there would ever be a database available to the public that listed USDA-accredited veterinarians. He said that he would take this back to the USDA for consideration. A database for looking up USDA-accredited veterinarians would be a huge service to the public as currently it is difficult to know whether a veterinarian is legally able to issue a health certificate or not.

3.  More animals travel each day by air than humans.

This fact surprised me as well but if you factor in day-old chicks and tropical fish, the numbers add up.

4.  Internet "puppy scams" are a widespread problem, but progress is being made.

On the third and final day of the conference, we heard from a representative from Fraudwatchers.org regarding the issue of Internet puppy scams.  By aggressively pursuing puppy scammers, Fraudwatchers.org (which is entirely volunteer-based) has been responsible for over 21 arrests of these types of scams.  Check out our "How much to ship a puppy?" post for more information on these terrible scams.

5.  "Pet shipping experts" are fun people, too.

While most of the time we are pretty focused on making sure all of our clients' pets get safely to where they're going, we're also definitely not afraid to have a good time.  Over 100 pet shippers from 43 different countries were in attendance at the 2010 IPATA conference this year.  We all had a great time exploring Old Montreal, checking out various historic landmarks, heading out to a group dinner and even watching a few World Series baseball playoff games at local pubs.