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!
 

Name: Karine
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: Dogs
Pet Breed: 1 Coton de Tulear + 1 Shih Tzu
From: Lyon, France
To: Fairport, New York, USA

Is it possible for both my dogs to travel together in the same kennel to avoid too much stress for them? What are the specific requirements for dogs to enter the United States?

Thanks!
Karine
 

Hi Karine,

Thanks for contacting us. First, here are the pet import requirements for the United States. To answer your other question, yes, each of your dogs will need an individual crate. The travel crate must meet the requirements of the airline and will be large enough to allow good air circulation.

Speaking of stress, we recommend that you crate train your dogs (on their own) well in advance of the trip so that they'll view it as a safe place to be. If your dogs feel comfortable in their crates, the trip is likely to be much easier for them.

Please let us know if you have more questions or if you're interested in our services. Have a great trip!

 

 

Name: Dawn
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Lab mix
From: Orlando, FL
To: London

We are a year plus from possibly moving from Orlando to London. We currently have two dogs, both weighing 50 lbs each. The good news is that they are crate-trained. The bad news is that we keep them in the same crate. Do the pets need to travel in individual crates? What time of year is best to consider for travel to London? Which airlines do you use? Any particular UK rules that we need to consider other than what is on your resource page? I am trying to do some research well in advance. Thanks for your help.

Thanks,

Dawn

 

Hi Dawn,

It's great to hear from you; it's very smart to start researching a pet travel endeavor well in advance. Here is the rundown of pet import requirements for the UK, and yes, you will need to have an airline-approved travel crate for each of your dogs. Here's more info about choosing the right dog travel crate.

We highly recommend choosing a pet-friendly airline (we often use United) that operates with careful pet policies. If you choose a carrier that places a high priority on a pet's safety the weather won't really be a factor, however since many airlines operate with embargoes during the summer you should research options ahead of time to avoid surprises.

Please contact us if you have any more questions about  your trip or if you're interested in our services. We'd be happy to be of further help, and wish you a great trip!
 

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.

 

Name: Sujin
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Yorkshire
From: Kuwait
To: Canada

Please tell me all the formalities which I need to fulfill before taking my pet to Canada. He is fully vaccinated and up-to date but has not been embedded with the chip which bears the owner's information.

I'm permanently moving to Canada and am scheduled to move out of Kuwait by August 10-15.

Waiting for your response.

Regards,

Sujin

 

Hi Sujin,

Canada does not require that pets have a microchip, however we do recommend them. In our experience they offer pet owners peace of mind (even if microchips are never needed it's nice to know they're there -- just in case).

Here are the complete pet import requirements for Canada. Take a look and then please let us know if you have any questions. There are many decisions to make when planning a pet move (choosing an airline, picking out the right travel crate, etc), and we're happy to help if you find you need assistance.

Thanks for the question, and good luck with everything!

 

Name: Jody
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Small Chinese dog, 10 to 12 pounds
From: Nanning, China
To: Houston, Texas

Can you assist me with getting my dog from China to Houston, Texas? I will need assistance with the regulations and paperwork. My wife is currently in China until the end of June and we would like to bring the dog with her back to the United States.

Regards,

Jody

 

Hi Jody,

Sure, we'd be happy to help you move your pet. For quicker service you can call our office: +001-512-362-6100, or you can fill out our free quote form which will allow a specialist to look over the details of your move and offer you an estimate and overview of our services.

For your information, here are the pet import requirements for the United States. Your dog will need an international health certificate issued within 10 days of departure as well as an updated rabies vaccine. We recommend choosing a pet-friendly airline and making sure your dog is comfortable spending time in the travel crate, as well.

We look forward to hearing from  you -- please let us know if you have any questions!

 

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: Kartik
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Labrador
From: Delhi, India
To: Toronto, Canada

My 8-year-old Labrador has never traveled by air and I am hesitating to fly with her. I am planning to relocate to Canada, preferably Toronto. I am little afraid and would like to understand the whole procedure, as its a very long journey.

Is it possible that I can travel with my pet? My decision to relocate hinges on this.

Thanks,

Kartik

 

Hi Kartik,

Thanks for the question, we'd be happy to walk you through the steps of a pet move. First, you'll want to take a look at the pet import requirements for Canada for an idea of what you'll need to do to bring your dog to Canada.

As far as your air travel concerns, the most important things to do include talking with your vet about the health of your dog (identify any possible risk factors, etc.) and also choose a pet-friendly airline. Airlines with established pet procedures who make sure pets are carefully loaded on and off the plane in a timely way are the ones to look for (we often fly with United, Lufthansa and KLM). Here are a few frequently asked pet travel questions that may help you, as well.

It's not necessary for you to be on the same flight as your dog, in fact most of our clients fly separately while we handle the details of their pet move.

Please let us know if you have more questions or if you'd like a free quote for our services. We'd be happy to help you find a solution and bring your dog to Canada safely!

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Name: Chris
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Mixed but predominately Australian Shepard
From: Brazil
To: USA

I cannot find firm requirements on what documentation is required to transport my dog from Brazil to the USA as checked baggage.

I know that i need a health certificate from my Brazilian vet, but have also been told that I need approval from the Ministerío of Agricultura. I can not find this requirement on the MoA website so I am unclear on the accuracy of that requirement.

Can anyone help to point me in the direction of the requirements?

Thanks,

Chris
 

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the question. Take a look at the pet import requirements for the United States for an overview of what you'll need to do. The most important things to have for entry into the US are an updated rabies vaccine and the international health certificate, as you stated. We also recommend carefully choosing a pet friendly airline.

Please let us know if you have more questions, and if you'd like a free quote for our services you can fill out this form. Good luck, and we'd be happy to hear from you again!

Name: Eddie
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Collie
From: Ireland
To: Canada

What do I have to do to get my dog from Ireland to Canada? Will the dog travel with me or alone, and how much does it cost?

Thanks,

Eddie

 

Hi Eddie,

Thanks so much for the question, we'd be glad to help. First, take a look at the pet import requirements for Canada. You'll need to take care of a few things, including the rabies vaccine and a vet health certificate. We also recommend a microchip if you don't have one, and it'll be important to choose a pet-friendly airline.

Most of the pets we ship are on separate flights from their owners, as we take care of getting them checked in and then going through customs on the other end. Let us know if you're interested in our services and we'll tell you more about how it works and what the cost breakdown is. If you'd like to organize it yourself, Ipata.org is a good resource for finding pet shipping agents.

Good luck with the trip!
 

Name: Lisa
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: German Shepherd
From: Virginia, USA
To: Abuja, Nigeria

I am thinking about relocating to Nigeria for my job, but I am very worried about safely transporting my dog.

My dog is about 75 lbs and is 12 years old. Provided the vet gives her a clean bill of health to travel, is it safe? How would PetRelocation assure her safety?

Thanks,

Lisa

 

Hi Lisa,

Your concerns are certainly understandable. Moving a dog to faraway Africa isn't exactly a common occurrence, but the good news is that we've handled a few such moves and would be happy to talk to you about the procedure and the details.

Here are the pet import requirements for Nigeria, as well as a few tips for moving an older dog. If you and your vet decide to go forward with the relocation, you'll want to choose a pet-friendly airline and make sure your dog is well-acclimated to the travel crate if she isn't already.

To find out more about what we do and how we do it, please give our office a call or fill out our free quote form. Also, take a look at couple of customer stories that may help put your mind at ease. We moved Bear to Kenya and Hugo to South Africa recently -- in these instances the pet owners were a little nervous to start, but as you can see the moves went well. Every relocation is different, but it's our job to work towards the best arrangement possible and move pets safely.

Good luck with your decision and your plans, Lisa. We hope to hear from you soon!

 

As summer approaches it's once again time to keep our ears and ears open for news of summer airline embargoes and altered operations that may affect pet travel.

Take a look at last year's summer embargo information for an idea of what to expect, and remember to talk to a pet relocation specialist or do plenty of careful research ahead of time if you're planning to travel with a pet this summer.

We'll keep you updated as we go forward, but here it is: your first official summer pet travel news flash from United Airlines.

 

-Phoenix (PHX) will only accept pet arrivals before 9 a.m. and after 9 p.m. (this is the same procedure they followed last year).

-Palm Springs (PSP) will have an embargo in place through Sept. 15.

-Dubai (DXB) will have restrictions on brachycephalic breeds all year long.

-The new on-site kennel facility at O'Hare is in development and more news of it should be announced soon.

 

Keep in touch, pet travelers!

 

Name: Joyce
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Pomeranian
From: Dublin, UK
To: Brazil

Hi,

I'm moving to Brazil next month (June), but I'm doing an eight-hour connection in Switzerland. Do I need a passport or just a Health Certificate (APHIS 7001) and the vaccines?

Thank You,

Joyce

 

Hello Joyce,

Thanks for your questions; here are the pet import requirements for Brazil. Unless you are planning to leave the airport or switch airlines, you will not need to complete any additional steps for your time in Switzerland. You will need the APHIS 7001 issued within 10 days of departure as well as the required vaccines.

Please contact us if you have any more questions or if you're interested in our door-to-door services. We'd be happy to assist with your move.

Good luck!

Name: Darcy
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
From: New York City, NY
To: Fortaleza, Brazil

How long would my cat have to be in quarantine? She is a very nervous cat and I'm worried about this.

Thank you,

Darcy

 

Hi Darcy,

Thanks for the question. A few countries do require a quarantine period for entering pets, but Brazil is not one of them. Take a look at the Brazil pet import requirements to see the list of steps you'll need to take to bring your cat into the country.

In addition to these basic vaccine and health certificate requirements, we also advise choosing a pet-friendly airline and working to help your cat get used to her travel crate. Nervous pets are often ones that have never had the chance to grow accustomed to their crates, so leaving the kennel out in the open, placing toys and treats in it, and generally helping her to see it as "no big deal" will help her be less stressed on travel day.

Please contact us if you have any more questions, and good luck with the trip!

 

 

Name: Mahmooda
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
From: Bangalore, India
To: Dammam, Saudi Arabia

What are the requirements for taking a pet cat abroad? Kindly list me all the formalities and the process required.

Thanks,

Mahmooda

 

Hi Mahmooda,

Sure, we're happy to offer some information. Here are the pet import requirements for Saudi Arabia, along with some tips for how to crate train a cat.

As you can see, you'll need to follow Saudi Arabia's rules (which include a microchip, vaccines, and the international health certificate: Aphis 7001). You'll also want to choose a pet-friendly airline and find out what their particular procedures are for bringing your cat along.

Please contact us if you have any more questions, and good luck with everything!

 

Here's a note from one of our recent customers. Milo moved from Ohio to Shanghai, and he's settling in well!

 

Hi Tyler!!

Thank you so much for everything!

Milo has been working hard on getting over his jetlag but otherwise is his happy little self. After filling his belly and passing out for a few hours, we took him with us to dinner with friends who were visiting. After a trek through his new hood, he passed out with his chin on the dinner table. So cute! He's still sleepy today, but seems effortlessly adjusted.

Thank you for taking such good care of our little guy and navigating us through all the airline hurdles!

 

He's home!

 

 

Exploring the new place

 

Name: Kerry
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed:  Labrador Mix
From: Spain
To: USA

What injections and tests does my dog need to enter the United States?

Thanks,

Kerry

 

Hi Kerry,

Thanks for contacting us, we'd be happy to help. These are the pet import requirements for the United States. Though not strictly required, we recommend a microchip for your dog. Aside from that, you'll need an up to date rabies vaccine as well as the correct documentation (including an international health certificate issued within 10 days of departure).

Please let us know if you have more questions about choosing the right travel crate, picking a pet-friendly airline, or anything else involved with pet travel. We're also happy to tell you more about our door-to-door services if you're interested.

Good luck!

 

Choosing a pet friendly airline is one of the most important components of planning a safe and smooth pet move. We have a few carriers that we primarily use for the relocations we handle, and among them is German airline Lufthansa.

In addition to transporting thousands of human passengers each year, Lufthansa is also known for its Frankfurt Animal Lounge. This 4,000 square meter facility allows traveling animals to transit and board (if necessary) under the care of expert professionals. Lufthansa Cargo is recognizing the fifth anniversary of the Animal Lounge and celebrating over 30 years of experience transporting animals. Though clearly a standout service provider in the realm of pet travel, we're glad to hear that Lufthansa plans to continue to improve and innovate in the future.

Here's an excerpt from a recent Lufthansa Cargo announcement regarding specific horse travel updates as well as an overall goal to keep expanding their pet offerings:

"But we are not resting on our laurels, of course. Instead, we continue to work on getting better and better for you and your animals. We have just introduced a new horse container that offers 20 centimeter more space on the side. Rather than aluminum, the containers are made of special plastic materials to better protect your horses from heat and cold. This is yet another contribution to making sure your animals are in good hands with Live/td - today and in the future."

We'll keep you updated as Lufthansa and other airlines improve and add pet services and pet friendly routes (United recently made a couple of pet travel expansion announcements). Such news is always welcome to us, and we're guessing you feel the same way.

Happy pet traveling, everyone!

 

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Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.