Pet Move

"So, what exactly do you DO?" That's a question we often receive here at PetRelocation.com. People who walk by our downtown Austin, TX office look in our window and wonder what we're up to, and visitors to our Facebook page check out all the cute pet pics and find themselves enamored with, but also a little confused about, all the furry faces they see.

The simple answer is, we move pets! New jobs, military assignments, or simple wanderlust often make domestic and international moves necessary for individuals and families, and who wouldn't want to bring their pets along on this new adventure? Pets are part of the family, and figuring out how to move them safely usually becomes a top (if not THE top) priority.

Import requirements vary from country to country and airlines operate with different rules, so pet travel can quickly become a complicated endeavor that presents a number of challenges and decisions to made. Handling a pet move yourself is sometimes possible but not always preferable, so this is where we come in.

Handing over a specialized task to experts is what we're used to doing for all kinds of things (think building a deck, repairing a car engine, or talking to a financial planner), and though you may never have stopped to think about it, organizing a pet relocation falls into the same category.

There you have it! Rescue organizations are great and we fully support pet adoptions, but our business is all about helping families move the pets they already have so that everyone can stay together during a time of change.

Find out more about the services offered by PetRelocation.com, read about the reasons people end up choosing to get help with a pet relocation, and remember if you ever need to plan a move, we'd be happy to offer our assistance!

Name: Dale
Pets' Names: Chief and Sheera
From: Wildwood, Florida
To: Alice Springs, Australia

When my husband was offered a job in Alice Springs, Australia, the only stipulation I had was "the dogs HAVE to come with us!" I started doing some research and my heart sank when I realized that the amount of work it was going to take to get these dogs moved just might break me.

I was still working a full time job and going to grad school on top of organizing a huge move overseas, so I started to feel like this move for my pups, Chief and Sheera, was not going to happen. I then started looking around for someone to help me. That is when I read an article in the New York Times talking about this company, PetRelocation.com. From the moment I sent my initial email asking for information to the moment my dogs arrived safely in Alice Springs, PetRelocation.com has been my sanity.

Moving overseas is not easy for humans, and it is especially not easy for pets. My agents, first Scotty then Elaine, helped me crate train my "hillbilly" dogs to prepare them for their long flight. They walked me through all of my vet visits (and there were many!) and were always available during the visits if the vet had any questions or concerns.

Chief and Sheera were picked up from my home and taken care of their entire trip to quarantine in Australia. Elaine was available to me during the entire trip to let me know when my pups made it from one flight to another, or to tell me that they were enjoying a walk during a layover. Everything was taken care of, and all I ever had to worry about was missing my dogs or when I was going to see them again!

I could never have done this without their help, and when my time in Australia is done I will be utilizing their services once again! Thank you Elaine and PetRelocation! My dogs just arrived safely to Alice Springs after 30 days of quarantine and look better then the day they left my house in Florida!

Name: Helene
Pet's Name: Kendra
From: Nottingham
To: Shanghai

Our girl Kendra, seen here recovering from her journey from Nottingham to Shanghai, has arrived without a problem as planned last week.

PetRelocation.com has provided a seamless, impeccable service. Thanks to Scotty, Sandra and load of others along the way.

Name: Diana
Pet's Name: Minnie
From: Vicchio, (Firenze) Italy
To: Scottsdale, AZ
 

We are very connected to our Pomeranian Minnie who had to travel a long way back to the U.S. It was so great to have PetRelocation.com to take care of her during a stressful time for our family!!!

We knew she was well taken care of door to door. Their correspondence was exemplary and always cheerful too. I would never move her any other way.

Name: Lauren and Cassie
Pet's Name: Midnight
From: San Diego, CA
To: Fredericksburg, VA
 

PetRelocation.com was amazing! It was our first time flying our dog Midnight across the country, and we were very nervous, especially because she is 10 years old.

PetRelocation.com took great care of us and our dog! The experience was also extremely convenient. We didn't have to worry about not having the right forms or not having the right stuff to fly Midnight. They put an entire checklist together for us, which made it very easy. They also coordinated with our vet to confirm that everything was good to go!

Midnight arrived safe and sound in Virginia and seemed her normal, happy, loving, calm self upon arrival! We are so thankful to PetRelocation.com for such a great first experience with flying our pet!

Name: Tammi
Pets' Names: Sasha and Zoe
From: Wilmington, NC
To: Geneva, Switzerland
 

Thanks to PetRelocation.com, Sasha and Zoe arrived safely to us in Geneva.

Despite a few changes in the plan, they were well taken care of by the PetRelocation.com team and we were kept in the loop along the way. They have been busy getting to know their new home and have settled in right away.

Name: Camilla
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Mix Breed
From: Oslo
To: London

How can I arrange my dog's travel myself, which airline should I use, and how expensive is it?

Thanks,

Camilla

Hi Camilla,

Thanks for your question! It's definitely understandable that you're researching your options and working on planning your pet move yourself, as pet travel can certainly be expensive no matter how you go about it. First, here are the pet import requirements for the UK (they've recently been relaxed so that's good news). Choosing a pet-friendly airline is very important, and we often fly with British Airways when we go to London. 

Additionally, on our blog we've offered some advice that may help you: how to control the costs of a pet move and pet travel lessons from a DIY pet move. Hopefully these will help to get you started. Please contact us if you have any more questions, and good luck with everything!

 

There are many details to consider when getting a pet ready for a move, but one of the most important things to remember -- especially during the warmer months -- is the importance of hydration.

Making sure your furry little travelers have enough water in their system before, during, and after a move can make all the difference when it comes to their overall well-being, and it will make it easier for them to bounce back to their normal selves after even the longest journey.

Here are a few general tips, including how to keep your pet hydrated, that will come in handy in the hours before take-off. Travel safely, everyone!

Keep your pets on a normal schedule. Feeding and exercise should be monitored in the days before the flight to keep pets feeling as calm and normal as possible. A couple of extra walks and more playtime than usual will tire them out and increase the chances of up-in-the-air nap time, and having water available in the hours beforehand will allow them to reach healthy levels of hydration.

Don't feed pets right before a flight. Even if there's a long journey ahead, it's better to avoid food for two hours or more before take-off so that an upset tummy will be less likely.

Say NO to sedation. You may have a generally nervous pet on your hands, but sedation can be dangerous and is not advised or allowed. The best you can do is make sure your pet is well-exercised and comfortable with the travel crate, so start working on these factors well in advance of the move.

Monitor water consumption. Give your pets water before they get into their crate, secure water dishes to the inside of the crate so they have access to fluids during the flight, and you can even freeze water in the travel dishes beforehand or bring ice cubes along so that as they melt your pet will have another chance to drink.

Check for temperature embargoes. Many airlines restrict pet travel during the summer months, so make sure you have clear answers about any changes there may be in order to avoid delays or problems.

Double check with your Pet Relocation Specialist that everything is in order. Things are probably well-covered after all of this, but it  never hurts to run down the list once more if you've hired someone to help you.

Keep track of your own stress level. Some people feel inclined to limit their pet's water intake to avoid accidents in the crate -- use your own best judgment here, and don't forget that it's fine to place an old towel or some shredded newspaper in the bottom of the crate to absorb messes. Also, remember that air travel tends to dehydrate humans, too. If your pets are thirsty when they land, simply help them rehydrate as you would do yourself and focus on helping them to settle into their new surroundings.

Please contact PetRelocation.com if you have any more questions about traveling with pets.

Name: Leigh Ann
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
From: China
To: America

Hi,
I will be moving back to America from China and will be bringing my cat with me. While on the long flight, do I need to provide litter for my cat? If so, in China, you cannot find disposable litter boxes. Do you have another suggestion?

Thank you for your help.

Sincerely,
Leigh Ann

 

Hi Leigh Ann,

That's a great (and frequently asked) question. We do not recommend litter in the travel crate -- this would probably make more of a mess than it's worth. Rather, we suggest placing something absorbent in the bottom of the crate, such as an old towel or some shredded newspaper.

Hope this helps! Please contact us if you have more questions about moving a cat to the United States or if you'd like a free quote for our services. Good luck with everything!

Just as its becoming more common for people to fly with pets, more and more pet owners are driving with them, too. Whether for a vacation or a trip to the grocery store, many people have no qualms about bringing their pups along for the ride -- but a debate has arisen about what is safe and what isn't. (No, we're not going to dive into the whole Mitt Romney and Seamus situation.)

In Rhode Island, legislators are considering a ban on the practice of letting dogs roam freely in cars. It's been shown that wandering dogs can be a dangerous distraction to drivers (and can also be a safety hazard for the dogs themselves), and though some pet owners balk at the idea, many say the lap dog practice should be made illegal.

Here's the full article about the Rhode Island situation from The Wall Street Journal. A few other states have tried to instate similar laws and many places have bans on texting and talking on the phone while driving, but it seems that pet-related legislation is actually pretty tough to pass and no one has succeeded thus far. We'll see what happens this time around, and will do our best to keep up with all the latest pet travel news as it develops.

Do you restrain your pets when you drive or allow them to move around the car? Do other drivers' habits regarding pet travel make you feel unsafe? Let us know what you think!

Do you buckle up before you hit the road?

Name: Aimee
Pet's Name: Mrs. Frank Pickles
From: Dallas, Texas
To: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
 

When we chose to move to the Middle East, our first thought was how our little one, Frank, would handle it. Once we investigated the process, the logistics were overwhelming. But Rebecca at PetRelocation.com stepped in, walking us through each piece, finding the right vets to talk to about the import/export process, and keeping us constantly informed.

When we had to leave Dallas before Frank did, Rebecca virtually held my mother's hand through the last few steps before Frank was put on a plane for her exciting international trip. Frank arrived safe, happy, and healthy, and we could not have done it without the help of PetRelocation.com.

 

We've made it to another Friday! If your week was too busy to let you keep up with all the pet news, here are some links to the top stories. Enjoy...

Travel + Leisure names its Top Pet-Friendly Vacation Destinations. Spoiler alert: Denver does pretty well.

Check out these photos of Afghan rescue dogs, nicknamed 'battle buddies,' who are being brought to the United States.

Here's a slideshow of books "authored by" celebrity pets.

The Aggressive Breed debate never seems to end. A Maryland court examines Pit Bulls and finds them to be 'inherently dangerous.'

Sometimes it's possible to handle a pet move yourself, but most people think it's worth it to seek out a little help. Top Reasons Pet Owners Hire Pet Transport Services.

Did you meet Marshmallow, our Pet Move of the Month?

The beginning of a pet move can be pretty confusing and there are many things to consider, including your pet's safety, the legwork (and paperwork) involved, and how much it's all going to cost.

Some people choose to handle their moves on their own (and we're happy to offer tips for how to keep pet moves affordable, etc.), but ultimately many pet owners realize they'd rather have someone else handle everything. Whether due to stress, time, or basic logistics, hiring professional pet transportation services will bring some relief to the situation.

Here are a few reasons that many pet owners, including our own PetRelocation.com customers, choose to seek assistance with their moves.

Conflicting Information

"We had no idea how to go about organizing the move ourselves, and for a dog we loved so much, we felt secure in paying someone to do things correctly." -Michelle, who moved her dog Chunk to Australia

Thanks to the internet this has become a very DIY world, but that doesn't mean it's easy to pull off something like a pet move. Unfortunately it's the case that many government websites don't keep up-to-date information regarding animal imports, and a lot of the advice you'll find out there is just plain wrong. When your pet's safety is at stake, it's better to trust the experts who do this every day.

Time

"The list of things to do before a move is a long one. Having assistance with Cole took a huge burden away from us and allowed us to spend more time on preparing ourselves and getting our travel arrangements in order." -Mike, who moved from California to Brazil

Whether moving for work or for pleasure, the effort of relocating all your belongings, organizing the details and trying to make a home in a new place can call for huge time demands. Adding another set of concerns just isn't possible for some travelers, so that's why they call pet relocation companies like us.

Special Conditions

"Large dogs present more difficult travel scenarios, so getting assistance was very important for us.The overall safety and well-being of our pet outweighed our ability to handle the move on our own." - Mike, Cole's owner

Flying with an older pet, an especially large one, a snub-nosed breed or an exotic animal can all present special challenges. Again, the rules can be confusing and the internet can be a jumble of misinformation, so passing the reins to a relocation specialist who knows how things work is often the best choice for many pet owners.


Military Moves/PCS

"I had enough stress just trying to get me, my daughters and my house ready all while worrying about my husband, who was still gone (overseas in the military). Once I decided to hire Pet Relocation.com it was like a huge stress filled ball was lifted off me." -Tarnna, featured as our most recent Pet Move of the Month, moved from the US to the UK

Families serving our country who have to move frequently, often without as much notice or time as they'd like, can find themselves feeling particularly overwhelmed.

 

As you can see, there's nothing wrong with seeking some help! For more information about how to relocate your pets, check out  MyPetTravel, our blog, or take a look at our Facebook page to connect with other travelers who have done it all before.

You can also contact PetRelocation.com directly to speak to a Pet Relocation Specialist about what your options may be. No matter how you go about it, here's wishing everyone many safe travels!
 

Name: Barb
Number of Pets: Two
Pet Type: Dogs
Pet Breed: Golden Retrievers
From: Frisco, TX (Dallas suburb)
To: London, England

Hi! We may be moving overseas ( we will know in about 30 days). We know the rules have changed. Question is: Our one golden is 10 years old and hyper and in great shape. Is she too old to travel nine hours? (Our other golden is only 5 years old.) Thanks!

Will keep you informed....

Barb
 

Hi Barb,

Thanks for your question. You're right, the UK pet import rules have recently changed, but of course it's normal to still have questions about how to move your pets overseas.

Here at PetRelocation.com we have flown dogs that were ten years old and older. There may be greater risks associated with older pets, so it's great news that your pup is in good shape. The best you can do is keep her fit and healthy in the weeks before the flight, choose a large crate that will allow for plenty of airflow, and finally, talk to your vet about the trip to see what she/he advises.

Please contact us if you have any more questions, Barb. We'd be happy to help you with your move if you do end up going overseas!

Name: Martin Wirtz
Email: teemwirtz@me.com
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: bird
Pet Breed: cockatiel
From: USA
To: Germany

We are a military family moving to Germany. We need information on importing our pet cockatiel and how your services may help us.

Thank you,

Martin

Hi Martin,

Thanks for the question. Here is some info about moving birds to Germany to get you started.

If you have any other questions about moving pets to Germany  you can check our website or contact us for a free quote. We'd be happy to help you sort everything out!

Congratulations to Marshmallow for being named our Pet Move of the Month! This Dalmatian mix traveled from Maryland to the UK when her owners were called overseas, and we were happy to help them navigate the process during the hectic time that military families must so often face.

This was the family's first pet move and they had all the typical concerns (safety, paperwork, costs), but in the end everything turned out well and Marshmallow is enjoying life in the UK with all her favorite people. Her owner Tarnna, was kind enough to share the full story with us below. Read on to find out more about Marshmallow's military move!

What were some of your concerns going into the move?

We didn't want to put Marshmallow through the stress of a long flight only to arrive and have to be quarantined, that would have been devastating for her and our family.

Another big concern for me was how much is was going to cost. Moving internationally is not cheap, even if the military pays for some of it, so adding in this cost was a worry.

Did anything surprise you about the pet moving process?

I was shocked by the price to move a pet. Not just with this company, but every company I contacted and even trying to do it on my own. It is not an inexpensive thing to do and it made me change my thought process about military members who move around.

Most of the time military families will just give up their pets when they PCS, and I could never understand why until now. Luckily for us we had saved for emergencies and this seemed like a good time to use it.

Another thing that surprised me was how dismissive of my concerns some companies were -- luckily not this one -- but many that I contacted were and even the airlines directly. Getting these types of responses from other places is another reason I went with PetRelocation.com, everyone seemed genuine and like they actually cared that our animal got to us safe and sound.

How is Marshmallow adjusting to her new home?

Marshmallow loves our new home, just like we do! When she first arrived she was a bit scared and confused but she quickly settled in. The only thing that has changed is she has a bigger back yard to run around in, which keeps her happy. She has actually lost some weight from all the extra playtime she is getting. She was always a pretty laid back, good dog and nothing has seemed to change that.

How is life in the UK? Is it a dog-friendly place to be?

The UK seems to be a pretty dog-friendly place to be. We haven't searched out any dog parks yet, but we have taken her hiking, where she was loved on by everyone that passed us. Other than that we have only been here a little over a month so there aren't too many stories.

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

To other people who are moving I would say that they need to understand that if they want their pet to arrive in good condition it will cost them, but in the end it is so worth it. I would also say to people to go with their gut feeling about a company who is moving their pet; if you get a not-so-good feeling there is probably a reason. They are your pet and they are a part of your family and they deserve to be as comfortable through the moving process as you do!

Anything else you'd care to share?

At first I was put off by the cost, but after dealing with other companies and the airlines I realized that I could not do this on my own and saw that PetRelocation.com was actually the best company to go with. Like I said earlier, everyone I dealt with from my first call to the gentlemen who brought her to our home in England seemed like they really cared about her and animals in general, and they didn't put my concerns on the back burner. There are good people working for this company!

Once I decided to hire Pet Relocation.com it was like a huge stress filled ball was lifted off me. I had enough stress just trying to get me, my daughters and my house ready all while worrying about my husband, who was still gone. I felt defeated for awhile in the process and was feeling I could not get her here, but once I hired this company I knew it would be okay.

That may sound dramatic but this was the most stressful move I have had during my husband's military career, and we have moved a lot. Nothing was working out and everything seemed to be happening to hinder our move, so when the things with the dog worked out it brought some much needed sunshine. I enjoyed all the people who helped us through the process, everyone had their part, and they did it well. We are planning on using PetRelocation.com for our next move and I have referred my sister and brother-in-law to PetRelocation.com to move their dogs during their next move. They are also in the military and coming to the UK in November. 

Hopefully I didn't get too mushy, but we are very grateful for everything this company has done. We really feel like everyone went above and beyond and worked with us and their team to get us our dog!

Name: Olya
Number of Pets: 3
Pet Type: Cat
Pet Breed: Persian, Scottish Straight
From: Thailand
To: Cambodia

I'm not exactly moving but I'm going to Cambodia for a week and I want to take my kittens with me. I read on the website all the rules for bringing pets to Cambodia. I got a microchip and everything else. The problem starts when it says they need to be vaccinated for rabies 30 days before. But my kittens are still to young to be vaccinated for rabies. Which puts me in front of the question what do I do? And is it possible for me to take them?

Thanks,

Olya

Hi Olya,

Thanks for contacting us with your pet travel question. Honestly we usually recommend that you leave your pets at home if you'll only be gone for such a short time. Especially with such young cats (we also recommend that pets be at least three to four months old before they travel anywhere), it's in their best interest to remain in the care of a trusted pet sitter.

If you do decide to go forward with the trip it would be best to talk to your vet about your options and double check with the Cambodian officials about any possible exceptions.

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

 

Name: Michael Nelson
Pets' Names: Hunter and Lulu
From: New Jersey, USA
To: London, UK
 

PetRelocation.com offered a worry-free service, and with all the hassle of moving a family internationally it was well received. They were very friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable about what it takes to move our family dog and cat around the world.

Hunter and Lulu were picked up one morning in New Jersey and arrived the next afternoon in London at our new doorstep. There were no customs or quarantine issues as they took care of all the paperwork.

The pets arrived safely and a little jet lagged, and for that we appreciate and recommend their services.

The Nelson Family
 

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!