Pet Move Customer Story: Chief and Sheera's Move to Australia

Tuesday, May 15, 2012
by PetRelocation.com Customer

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!



Pet Move of the Month: Marshmallow's Military Pet Move To The UK

Tuesday, May 1, 2012
by PetRelocation.com Customer

 

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!

 

Pet Move Customer Story: Hunter and Lulu's Move to London

Friday, April 27, 2012
by PetRelocation.com Customer

 

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
 

Pet Travel Question: Importing A Dog to England

Friday, April 20, 2012
by Pet Travel Center Questions
Name: Joanne
From: Tunisia
To: England
Pet: Belgium Shepherd

What documents do I need to travel from Tunisia to England? Will my dog need to go into quarantine?
 
Thanks,
Joanne
 
 
 
Hi Joanne,
 
Thanks for your question. The UK recently relaxed their pet import rules, so there is no longer a quarantine. Take a look at the full requirements here and please contact us if you have any more questions about your upcoming pet move. Good luck!
 
 
 

 

Pet Travel Question: Moving Dogs to Portugal

Friday, April 20, 2012
by Pet Travel Questions

Name: Finn
Number of Pets: Two
Pet Type: Dogs
Pet Breed: Mixed, small dogs
From: Brasil
To: Portugal

 

What are the required documents I'll need? Will there be a quarantine for the dogs in Portugal?

 

Hi Finn,

Thanks for submitting a question to us. Here are the pet import requirements for Portugal. There is no quarantine at this time, but you'll need to satisfy a few guidelines.

Please contact us if you have any more questions, and feel free to fill out our free quote form. Good luck and happy traveling!

 

Pet Travel Question: Shipping Pets to Thailand

Thursday, April 19, 2012
by Pet Travel Questions

Name: Cecilia
Number of Pets: 5
Pet Type: Cats
Pet Breed: One British Short Hair, One Persian, Three Domestic Short Hair
From: Hong Kong
To: Bangkok, Thailand

 

Is there a quarantine for Thailand? Can my pets travel on the same aircraft as me?

Thanks,

Cecelia

 

Hello Cecelia,

 

Here are the pet import requirements for Thailand (and you can also find more info here). If all requirements are met there shouldn't be a quarantine.

As far as air travel, we recommend choosing a pet-friendly airline and in that case it's not necessary to travel on the same flight. You may end up hiring someone to help with your cats' passage, but just know that it's typical for pet owners to take separate flights.

Please contact us if you'd like a free quote or if you have any more questions. We'd be happy to assist you with your upcoming pet move!

 

Pet Move Customer Story: Sascha & Nicole's Cat Move to Australia

Monday, April 16, 2012
by PetRelocation.com Customer

Name: Jennifer
Pets' Names: Sascha and Nicole
From: Houston
To: Perth, Australia

When my husband got notice his job was moving us to Australia, I was both excited and worried. I wasn't sure how our girls, Sascha and Nicole, would make the move. I didn't even know where to start!

I had a friend recommend PetRelocation.com, and after a brief introduction, they got to work on our case right away. Scotty and Ashley helped us through every step of the process to make sure our girls had a smooth transition. It was good to know that while we were trying to get ourselves moved, the girls were in good hands for their move. On the travel day, the gentleman that came to pick them up, Roman, was very professional and gentle. It was comforting to see them being well taken care of, and we got updates on every leg of their journey.

We just visited the girls in quarantine and they look well. We can't wait to bring them home in two weeks! Thank you again to all the folks that helped us get our girls here safely!



Pet Move Customer Story: Venzy's Move to Hawaii

Wednesday, April 11, 2012
by PetRelocation.com Customer

Name: Lindsay and Jamie
Pet's Name: Venzy
From: California
To: Maui, Hawaii
 

My husband and I decided we were going to move to Maui about a year ago. We were concerned about our kitty having to go through a long quarantine. A friend of mine told me about PetRelocation.com. A mutual friend of ours had used them and had a very successful experience moving animals from far across the globe...

At any rate, I got in touch with Abbey - an absolute champ who walked me through (and held my hand!) :) every step of the process.

Venzy was a little nervous when we picked her up but when she saw her new home, she was thrilled. We can't thank PetRelocation.com enough for all the help, support, time and effort they put into ensuring we and our whole family could experience this big move together!


Thank you/Mahalo!
Lindsay, Jamie and Venzy


 

 

Nice View!

 


 

Pet Move of the Month: Neely's Move to The UK

Monday, April 9, 2012
by PetRelocation.com Customer

NeelyThe prospect of moving can be both exciting and overwhelming -- that's according to Stacy, the owner of our featured Pet Move of the Month. That seems to be how most of our customers feel about pet moves, which is why PetRelocation.com is happy to step in and help move treasured dogs like Neely when the family is called overseas (it was for military reasons in this case).

Military moves can be especially daunting, but Neely made the trip just fine and is doing well in her new place. Read on to find out the whole story (you can also check our blog for even more info about this pet move). Congrats, Neely! We're so glad we could help you in your journey across the pond!

 

Is this the first time you’ve ever moved a pet?
Yes it was.

What were some of your concerns going into the move?
The two major concerns that I had when it came to Neely’s move were her safety and the possibility of her needing to be quarantined.

Why did you decide to use PetRelocation.com to help out with your move?
I decided to hire your services because it took the work out of trying to figure everything out. Also, after reading all the great testimonials I knew Neely would be in great hands and would arrive home safely.

Did anything surprise you about the international pet moving process?
It wasn't that I found anything surprising, but I would say that some of the steps that were required in order for Neely to travel were a bit confusing at times. We were traveling to the UK during a time where a majority of the rules were changing rather quickly, thus making it difficult to keep up. That is why I am SO glad that we had the people at PetRelocation.com there to help us. With all the things that you have to remember to do in order to prepare for moving, it was a relief to know that I didn’t have to worry about keeping track of all the rule changes and requirements for Neely's travels.

How is Neely adjusting to the new location?
Neely is loving England! On her first day here she just slept the day away in an attempt to recover from doggy jet lag. It has taken her about a week or so to settle in and adapt to all the new sights and smells, but now its like she’s been here forever!

What is life like in the UK? Is it a pet-friendly place to be?
The town where we are living at in the UK is in the Lakes District and is very pet friendly. Many of the dogs here are very socialized and are often off leash. Some of the pubs and stores even allow pets in, just as long as they are well behaved. There are plenty of footpaths where we can go on walks and there is a very nice park in our area as well. On weekends we often go out for long hikes, which Neely loves!

When we first arrived here I had set up a vet appointment for Neely to make sure that there were no other vaccines that she needed, especially because there is so much livestock around where we are. I also wanted to make sure that her current heartworm prevention and flea and tick treatments were appropriate for the region. The vet we took her to was extremely helpful and thorough. We had copies of Neely’s vaccination records from the states which definitely helped the vet figure out what she had already been vaccinated for and what she needed boosters for in the future.

There are plenty of small locally owned pet shops in our town as well as some chain pet stores in some of the larger towns (which are not that far away) for pet food, toys, etc. One thing I would advise pet owners to do before moving is to make sure that the local pet stores carry the brand of food that your pet is currently eating. When we came over here we found out that the brand of dog food that Neely was currently eating was not supplied here at the local or chain pet stores. As a result, we had to switch her food over to something else, which was kind of a pain because Neely is a fussy eater. The only un-pet friendly thing we found about the UK was trying to find a rental property that allowed pets.

What advice do you have for people who might be planning a move?
The advice that I would give for anyone who might be planning a move is to prepare as far in advanced as possible, educated yourself on the process, and ask TONS of questions. This will greatly help in reducing the amount of stress that is involved with moving because you won’t find yourself running around trying to do things at the last minute. Also, make sure you have copies of your pet’s full vaccination record as well as any records in regards to illnesses or procedures that he or she may have had.


And just out of curiosity, where does the name “Neely” come from?
Neely was a rescue dog that my mom had found for me through Petfinder.com. When I had adopted her that was the name that she had came with. I was thinking about changing it when I brought her home, but she already new her name at that point. However, she does have a nickname of “Bean” that I call her very frequently. She earned that nickname because she was only a tiny eight pound pup when I got her.

 

neely

 

Pet Travel Question: Considering a Dog Move to South Korea

Monday, April 2, 2012
by Pet Travel Questions

Name: Richard
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Yorkie
From: Texas, USA
To: South Korea

I am being offered a two-year contract in South Korea. I would like to accept the position, but my wife will not leave her dog. What are all the requirements, and is there an quarantine in Korea for the dog?

Thanks,

Richard

 

Hi Richard,

Thank you so much for contacting us. It's definitely a challenge to plan an international move and make all the decisions associated with one. Of course your wife wants to bring her dog along (we're pet lovers, too -- we understand!), and we're happy to help.

These are the pet relocation requirements for South Korea. You'll need to have updated vaccines and a few documents endorsed by the USDA, and we recommend spending some time to choose a pet-friendly airline. At this time, there is no quarantine if all requirements are met.

Please contact us if you have any questions or if you'd like a free quote. Thanks again, and good luck with everything!

 

Pet Travel Question: Taking a Trip to New York?

Wednesday, March 21, 2012
by Pet Travel Center Questions
Name: Leah
From: Tel Aviv
To: New York
Pet: Bella (Dog, Viszla, age one)

What do I need to do and how much will it cost to take her to the US and back for a month? What papers and quarantine are required? Will it hurt her to fly such a long distance, and does she get sedated? Can they go on the same plane as me? I'll probably be flying with El-Al, nonstop. She is especially sensitive to cold.
 
Thanks,
Leah
 

 
Hi Leah,
 
Thanks for your question! Here are the pet relocation requirements for New York (United States). Bringing Bella back into Israel will mean meeting these import requirements. Honestly we usually advise against bringing your pet along on long-distance trips when it will just be a vacation rather than a permanent or long-term move. You'll find that the costs of the endeavor, not to mention the time it will take to prepare and the stress it will place on your dog, may not be worth it for a quick trip. (The decision is up to you, of course.)
 
In terms of sedation, this is not recommended (actually you will probably not be allowed to fly if an airline thinks you have sedated your pet). We do recommend choosing a pet-friendly airline with established safety policies (thus her sensitivity to cold shouldn't be an issue because responsible airlines do not leave dogs on the tarmac).
 
Please contact us if you have any more questions, we'd be happy to be of further assistance!

 

Pet Move Customer Testimonial: Marshmallow's Move to England

Wednesday, March 21, 2012
by PetRelocation.com Customer

Name: Tarnna
Pet's Name: Marshmallow
From: Maryland
To: England

 

Being that we are a military family we are pretty used to moving, but this time it was a little more difficult than usual. My husband had already been out of the country for almost a year and it was up to me to get myself, two children and our dog ready to move to England.

After researching about getting pets into the country, our biggest fear was that something would be done wrong and Marshmallow would have to be quarantined, yet I still pressed on trying to do it on my own. As the day got closer we hit a few more bumps; my husband informed me that Marshmallow could not come until five days after us due to our hotel arrangements, which meant our friends would have to take her to the airport (and the airline I had booked her flight with was not very helpful when it came to someone else dropping her off).

Also, the new guidelines for getting into the country were making it almost impossible for me to do anything before I had to leave, thus putting a burden on our friends. I then decided to contact PetRelocation.com and get some much needed support and help. Our specialists Matt Kincaid and Rebecca Klenk were there to help us through every step of the process, and they even got in touch with our friends who were keeping her. They made it incredibly easy on us, from getting all her correct tests and forms in order to enter the country to getting her to our home two hours from the airport, all while keeping us informed of her whereabouts and even her moods!

Though initially she was a little frightened, Marshmallow arrived to us healthy and as happy as she could be after a long flight, and we couldn't be more grateful for everything that Pet Relocation did for us!



What To Do and Where To Begin: Frequently Asked Pet Travel Questions

Thursday, March 8, 2012
by Caitlin Moore

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.

 

Bandit

 

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!

 

 

 

Pet Travel Question: Exporting Pets from New Zealand

Wednesday, March 7, 2012
by Pet Travel Center Questions
From: Tracey
From: Wellington, New Zealand
To: Tampa, Florida
Pets: Lace - dog, age 5; Chazy - cat, age 4; Rusty - Female spayed cat, age 4

Question: How much will it be to move them from NZ to Florida? What papers and quarantine is required? Will it hurt them to fly such a long distance, and do they get sedated? Would I get to see them on stops? Can they go on the same plane as us?
 
Thanks,
Tracey
 
 
Hi Tracey,
 
Thanks for getting in touch with us about your move! Here are the pet import requirements for the United States. You'll need to secure a few basic health documents, but no quarantine is required for standard entry to the United States. International relocations definitely require serious planning, but by doing the research and allowing yourselves plenty of time, it's possible to carry out a smooth move.
 
We strongly advise against using sedatives, and emphasize the importance of choosing a pet-friendly airline. Long  trips can definitely be taxing, but they can also be safe if handled with care. Usually our clients are not flying on the same plane as their pets, but again, with the right airline and when the details have been attended to, this is perfectly safe. We'd be happy to further advise you, and you're also welcome to peruse our blog for more information.
 
Please contact us if you have any more questions, and if you're interested in our services you can fill out our free quote form. We look forward to hearing from you!
 
 

 

Pet Travel Question: Moving A Dog To China

Monday, March 5, 2012
by Pet Travel Center Questions
Name: Lynette
From: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States
To: Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
Pet: Abigail, long hair miniature dachshund, 11lbs

I am concerned about moving my dog to China. What does the process entail and will she need to be quarantined? If so, what is the process and how long is it?

She is not particularly good with other animals or people outside my family. She has never bitten anyone, but the potential is there. I am really conflicted on what to do about this situation, because we have to relocate and cannot leave her with anyone here in the US. She also suffers from anxiety when she's away from us for too long.
 
Thanks,
Lynette
 

 
Hello Lynette,
 
Thank you for contacting us, hopefully we can help you sort things out. First, these are the pet import requirements for China. It can be tricky to go into China, as different ports of entry have different requirements. Feel free to contact our office for more information about the most up-to-date rules for Qingdao.
 
As far as your dog's behavior, it sounds like you're facing a challenge. We always advise that you try to get pets used to their travel crate as well as you can, and you may want to talk to your vet or possibly a trainer to see if there's anything else you can do to prepare for a smooth trip. Again, you're also welcome to contact us or fill out our free quote form, and one of our specialists can take a little more time to discuss your move with you.

Thanks again for reaching out to us... Talk to you again soon!

Pet Move of the Month: Jake & Eddie's Move to Australia!

Thursday, March 1, 2012
by PetRelocation.com Customer

pet of the monthLaura had never moved a pet before, let alone two pups all the way from one continent to another. Feeling overwhelmed by the process and unsure of where to begin, she turned to PetRelocation.com for some help.

We were glad to step in and offer our assistance (working with such cute pups made it that much easier!). Here's what Laura had to say about Jake and Eddie's move to Australia.

What were some of your concerns going into this move?

Everyone we spoke with advised us that Australia is one of the strictest countries in terms of the process for relocating pets, so our biggest concern was ensuring we first got educated on the process as a whole, including requirements needed, timing, costs, options for help, etc.

Our second biggest concern was ensuring our US vet was not only government approved, but also willing to go through this involved process with us. Our ultimate goal was to ensure our boys served the minimum 30 day quarantine period and that they'd remain healthy during that time.

Why did you decide to hire PetRelocation.com to help with your move?

We were impressed by the information available on the site, as well as the super-informative blog. We spent quite a bit of time perusing the PetRelocation.com site, where we immediately felt at ease about the process and level of knowledge available through your services.

Also, plain and simple. . .  because of Scotty!  First, having a relocation specialist familiar with the country you're relocating to is a huge benefit and was a must for us.  More importantly, even when we didn't yet have a contract for services with PetRelocation.com, Scotty was corresponding with us via email on questions we had a long the way, and that said a lot about your company.  

We knew PetRelocation.com was in this business for all the right reasons. Also, having been in the process of corresponding with and courting multiple pet relocation companies at the same time, Scotty was always the most responsive and informative in his responses.

Did anything surprise you about the international pet moving process?

It was definitely a learning process every step of the way. We were surprised at how much preparation was required, the level of approvals the boys would need, the time-sensitivity of the various steps along the way, and oddly, that the boys got their import permits before our visas were even approved!

How are the dogs adjusting to the new location?

Jake and Eddie are loving their new Aussie lifestyle; their tails didn't stop wagging for the entire ride home when we finally were able to take them home from quarantine! It took them a few days before they completely let their guard down and realized they were in there new "home" with us to stay, but they've adjusted extremely well. They were able to be quarantined together and we were able to go visit them while in quarantine, which helped their mental and physical health tremendously (and ours too!).

What is life like in Australia? Is it a pet-friendly place to be?

Australia is a pet-friendly place in terms of people having pets and loving to socialize with Jake and Eddie, however, it is very pet-unfriendly in terms of securing housing as a renter. Having pets, especially two dogs, has made it extremely difficult for us to find rental properties that will accept us as tenants; most properties are not pet-friendly here, unfortunately, especially in the city center.

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

Research and educate yourself on the process, requirements, etc. of relocating your pet(s) to your specific relocation location (for Australia, the AQIS website was invaluable), do everything you can to ensure your pet(s) serve the minimum quarantine period if applicable, ask lots of questions, ensure your local government approved vet is fully onboard and involved in the process and fully educated on the requirements for your specific relocation location; we couldn't have had such a smooth relocation without ours!

On a side note, getting our boys to Australia safely and in good health was a huge concern for my husband and I as we planned this relocation and we can't thank PetRelocation.com enough for your big part in ensuring this happened for us. THANK YOU!

 

Happy Travelers!

 

 

Pet Travel Question: Flying Cats to the UK

Wednesday, February 29, 2012
by Pet Travel Questions

Name: Willow
Number of Pets: Two
Pet Type: Cats
Pet Breed: DSH
From: Indiana, USA
To: Ruswarp, UK

Having a hard time finding answers on how to move my cats to England. I have everything except blood tests. May I take them and have them quarantined there in a vets office? And what airlines are pet friendly?

Thanks,

Willow

 

Hi Willow,

Thanks for contacting us! These are the pet import import requirements for the UK. They became more relaxed beginning Jan. 1, 2012 -- good news for you! Basically the old quarantine rules are no longer in effect, but you will still have to secure the basic travel paperwork (health certificates, etc...).

As far as airlines, look for one with established pet-friendly policies (we often use Continental, KLM and Lufthansa).

Please let us know if you have any more questions or if you need a free quote. Good luck!

Papua New Guinea Pet Moves: A Pet Relocation Specialist Shares Her Story

Tuesday, February 28, 2012
by Caitlin Moore

 

The following post was written by Pet Relocation Specialist Sarah Smith. Find out what she had to say about a recent (and pretty complicated) pet move to Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea is an island off the Northern coast of Australia. It is culturally diverse, and over 850 languages are spoken here. With most residents making less than $1.25 US per day, it’s hardly a place I thought I would be sending any expats and their pets, but this is exactly what happened!

Sophie, a Dachshund from Dallas, needed to be reunited with her mom in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. First we thought about going through Hawaii or Japan (as there are no direct flights from the US mainland).  After some routing trials, I decided that going through Australia was the only safe option for little Sophie.

 

papua new guinea map

 

Sure, we could have gone through Japan for fewer costs, but the airline in question could not guarantee where Sophie would be kept during the 12-hour layover. If you’re anything like Sophie’s mom (or me!) this is unacceptable. We pride ourselves on knowing where your pet is every step of the way, and the uncertainty involved in this possibility simply wasn’t an option...  So Australia it was!

Australia happens to be one of the most challenging countries to import animals into, and if we were going to transit through Australia, we were going to have to meet the majority of the rules. Luckily Sophie’s mom had already planned ahead and kept Sophie up to date on vaccinations, and she even had her blood drawn for the mandatory rabies antibody test so we were ahead of the game. A canine influenza vaccine would complete the process for import into Australia.

Papua New Guinea was a different story. We needed an import permit and a Hendra test upon arrival in Australia. Hendra is a disease not worried about elsewhere in the world, but is apparently prevalent in one small area in Australia. Therefore, any animal touching down in Australia would need to be tested for Hendra.

This is a lengthy process, so I had to arrange for Sophie to stay in quarantine upon arrival in Australia for two weeks while we got the test done and the results back. This process would take a week except for the following: animals have to arrive into Australia from the US on a Thursday or a Friday, the Hendra test is only carried out on Tuesdays and Fridays, and the results arrive on Tuesdays. So, Sophie arrived into Sydney on a Friday and had her blood tested on Tuesday. The results arrived the following Tuesday, but of course the only flights from Sydney to Papua New Guinea are on Mondays and Saturdays.  But, Papua New Guinea requires animals to arrive on a Monday or Tuesday, so we couldn’t take the Saturday flight. Are you confused yet? Imagine how I felt!


sophie

 

So Sophie arrived that Friday, had her blood drawn on Tuesday, got the results back the following Tuesday, and couldn’t leave Australia until the following Monday. Luckily, Sydney’s Eastern Creek Quarantine facilities are top notch and were very communicative throughout the process, and Sophie’s mom was very understanding.

Did I mention calling Papua New Guinea or receiving a call is effective about 4% of the time, and they are exact opposites from us in terms of time? So phone call efforts were futile.  All communication had to be done by email.

Sophie finally arrive in Port Moresby safely, cleared customs, and was taken to quarantine for two days. After quarantine was complete, my agent was able to deliver Sophie to her new home (Papua New Guinea doesn’t really have street addresses, so this also proved difficult).  In all, Sophie was treated kindly, traveled safely, and is probably excited to not see an airplane for a while. After all, she was on four different planes to get to her mom.

A few things to keep in mind if you’re moving your pets to Papua New Guinea:

  • Get help. You WON’T be able to do this on your own!
  • Bear in mind the time differences and communication challenges.
  • Save money! Papua New Guinea -- because of the routing -- is probably the most expensive place in the world I’ve moved a pet so far.
  • Be patient: this process can take three weeks, just for the travel alone, not even including the preparation.
  •  Be flexible: some areas of the world are quite simple and streamlined, and others are not. I received several emails from the Chief Veterinary Officer of Papua New Guinea from a Gmail account. Some things are going to change when you least expect it so know that as the professionals, we’ll handle it!

 

ocean view
 

Pet Travel Question: Importing Dogs to Australia

Tuesday, February 28, 2012
by Pet Travel Questions

Name: Shahrzad
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Pekingese
From: Iran
To: Australia

Hi,
I have a Pekingese and he is seven years old. I'm immigrating to Australia as a permanent resident and I want import my dog too. Unfortunately, Iran (my country) is non-approved country for importing. I choose United Arab Emirates for indirectly importation. Can I have your help on this matter? I need some information about quarantine duration in UAE and any useful information.

Thanks in Advance,
Shahrzad

 

Hi Shahrzad,

Thank you for your question. These are the pet import requirements for Australia -- there are quarantine rules to contend with, so it's a wise idea to start your preparations well in advance of your travel date. We advise checking out the official Australia site to find out about the details of quarantine, and please contact us if you have any further questions or if you'd like a free quote.

Good luck!

 

 

Pet Travel Question: Moving Cats to Dubai

Wednesday, February 22, 2012
by Pet Travel Center Questions
Name: Des
From: South Africa
To: Dubai
Pets: Four cats

We are looking at the option of moving to Dubai for three years with my fiance's company job opportunity, and my biggest concern that would make me not want to go would be that our pets would be uncomfortable to do the move. How long would we have to to be in quarantine here in SA and in Dubai?

As our one female, the older one, always tends to get sick if we place them in a cattery when we go away, we have now had to get a sitter at our home to look after them and then she's fine.
 
Thanks,
Des
 

Hi Des,
 
Thanks for the question! These are the pet import requirements for Dubai. If you meet these basic rules as outlined, there will not be a quarantine. As far as making the flight as smooth as you can for the cats, it's important to choose a pet-friendly airline with established safety policies. Helping the cats get used to their travel crates as well as possible beforehand will also make the trip easier on them.
 
Please contact us if you have any more questions, or if you're interested in our services you can fill out our free quote form. Good luck!