Pet Shipping Services

Name: Beth
Number of Pets: 4
Pet Type: Hens
From: California, USA
To: UK

 

Is it possible to take our hens with us? What check ups/paperwork would we need to get?

Thank you,

Beth

 

Hi Beth,

Thanks for your question! The UK has recently changed their pet import process, but there are still a few specific restrictions in place when it comes to birds.

Here's a link to a DEFRA document addressing the import of captive birds to the UK that walks you through the process. Please take a look and contact us if you have any more questions. We also have a free quote form if you'd like to find out more about our services.

Good luck with everything!

Name: C.P.
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: Cat
From: Maine, USA
To: Sweden

 

I am confused with some paperwork requirements. To move to Sweden I have to have the EU Commercial document. In that document it states that I have to have an examination done 24 hours before dispatch. I also have to get the documents USDA endorsed. So my question is: Does the paperwork need to be filled, signed, and endorsed 24 hours before we leave? Or is the paperwork valid for a certain amount of days?

Thanks!

 

Hello,

Here's a run-down of the pet import requirements for Sweden -- hopefully this helps explain the process a bit more. It actually is necessary for all of the endorsements, etc... to take place in the 24 hours before flight, so you'll need to depart from a major airport with a vet on site.

Please contact PetRelocation.com if you have more questions... Our specialists would be happy to help and you can also obtain a free quote from our website if you're interested in our services.

Thanks for the question and good luck with your travels!

 

Pet transportation services aren't just limited to moving a dog or cat across the country when work or military duty calls the family to a new place. Along with technological advances and emerging international developments, transporting animals is a service in demand, leaving airlines and freight companies in the position of stepping up to the challenge or being left behind.

This recently published Bloomberg article goes into greater detail about Lufthansa, KLM, and the other companies who deal with shipping animals. It's pretty fascinating to see how trends have been changing recently and how these businesses are learning to handle exotic moves.

Want to know more? Here are a few details from the article, and you can read the whole thing here.

 

-Last year Lufthansa's Frankfurt facility handled 110 animals of various kinds (including 80 million tropical fish and 300 tons of worms).

-Lufthansa usually transports around 14,000 dogs and cats and 2,000 horses in a year.

-Animal freight makes up about one to two percent of Lufthansa's total cargo revenue.

-One of the most unconventional cargo shipments on record was a plane filled with dogs and cats evacuated from Lebanon following a missile strike.

-Before they fly out of Frankfurt, animals are inspected by up to 24 different vets.

-Some freighters are equipped with up to four different temperature zones, meaning that one flight can safely and comfortably carry warm-blooded and cold-blooded animals (think horses and penguins, for example).

-Large fish, dolphins and poisonous reptiles are not accepted for shipment by Lufthansa due to safety concerns.

 

 

Hannelore Foerster/Bloomberg

 

 

 

 

Alaska Airlines has announced a new partnership with Banfield Pet Hospital that will help travelers navigate the pet transport process more easily. Banfield, which has more than 800 facilities in over 40 states, will now give Alaska Airlines customers a free office visit, a travel consultation, and a $10 discount on the required health certificate.

Alaska Airlines flies pets in both the cargo and the cabin areas of the plane, and in the statement they issued Monday, professes a commitment to pet care and safety. Starting on May 1, they will be implementing new kennel standards for pets traveling in the cargo hold, and through June 9 will offer a 10% discount on PetStreak Animal Express shipments (the service for shipping pets via freight when the owners are not on the same flight).  Visit this website to find out how to redeem these offers.

This partnership shows that travel service providers are truly taking notice of the fact that more people are traveling with pets these days. It's a trend that's on the rise, so smart businesses will likely continue to innovate and expand in order to safely accommodate the needs that go along with shipping pets.

We can't wait to see who steps up next, and we'll certainly keep you informed as life becomes even more streamlined for pet travelers.

On that note, have you taken our pet travel survey yet? We're checking in with as many pet owners as possible so that we can get an idea of current and future trends. Let your voice be heard by taking the survey, too!

 

Name: John
Number of Pets: Two
Pet Type: Dogs
Pet Breed: Westie and Schnauzer
From: New Jersey, USA
To: Bogota, Colombia

What's the best way to ship my dogs overseas?

Thanks,

John

 

Hi John,

The best way to relocate dogs from the United States to Colombia is to check out the Colombia pet import requirements, plan out your vet visits (vaccines and health documents are required), find out about travel crates and choose one that's airline approved, and look into selecting a pet-friendly airline with established pet policies.

If you have any quesitons or if you'd like to find out more about our services, please contact PetRelocation.com. Thanks for the question, and good luck!

 

Owning multiple pets already means living a life filled with a little more adventure than the average person, so imagine if, on top of that, you were traveling the world with a menagerie in tow.

That's the story behind February's Pet Move of the Month -- with three cats (Tom, Pom and Mobster) and two dogs (Felice and Worsie), Cindy and her husband Luigi have relocated more than once and haven't yet settled anywhere for good. Read more about their recent move to Sri Lanka, and join us in wishing them all the best as they continue their world travels!


Is this the first time you’ve ever moved your pets?
No, we’ve relocated quite a bit actually. The first time was from the Netherlands to Italy and the last time (before moving to Sri Lanka) was from Scotland to Namibia.

What were some of your concerns going into the move?
Our relocation from Scotland to Namibia did not go well at all, so we were actually concerned about everything! In particular about Felice, as the blood tests in Scotland went wrong as a result of which he could not travel with the rest and even had to make an additional stopover in Zimbabwe, as the results were not available on time.

So, all in all we were very, very concerned. But this gradually all disappeared as Christina really knew what she was doing and really seemed to have it all under control. I must admit that we were worried about the time frame -- in particular the blood samples that had to be shipped to South Africa, as the testing could not be done in Namibia. We had just seven days from drawing the blood to receiving the test results, but it all went very well and everybody involved was really great!

Did anything surprise you about the international pet moving process?
Well, not particularly about the international pet moving process itself, as we’ve become quite familiar with it, but the approach of PetRelocation.com was definitely refreshing!

How are your pets adjusting to the new location?
Very well!! The temperatures are somewhat lower than in Namibia and the humidity is many times higher, but they don’t seem to be bothered by it. The dogs love the garden and the cats love running around the house.

At night (we live “on top of a hill” as the last house of this “street”), thousands of bats fly past our house, and this is something our cats love! They have actually already become accustomed to this and they wait for it to happen (and then Pom starts climbing the window bars hoping to catch one)!



What is life like in Sri Lanka? Is it a pet-friendly place to be?
I would not describe it as pet-friendly actually. There are so many dogs living on the street, which is something I find hard to accept. It’s difficult to take the dogs for a walk, as street dogs might attack them. Fortunately we have lots of land around the house where they can run about.

We do live close to the Veterinary Medicine Faculty of the University of Peradeniya, and vet services are said to be good around here. So far I haven’t seen any pet stores yet. I do know of a specialized K-9 store in Colombo (the capital of Sri Lanka), but here in the Kandy region there's nothing so far!

Supermarkets generally sell cat and dog food (Whiskas, Pedigree, etc.), but nothing really fancy. Litter boxes and litter box sand is nowhere to be found, so we had to improvise. We now use large plastic washing bowls with wood fluff in it as litter boxes, and the cats don’t really seem to mind.




Luigi created a scratch pole from pieces of wood and coconut rope, which they appreciate very much. We normally cook for all the guys twice a day, and they do appreciate the fresh fish that is abundantly available over here.

What advice do you have for people who might be planning a move?
Start early if you know you’re about to relocate! We contacted PetRelocation.com about 10 months in advance, and this might seem ridiculous, but in the end it really worked in our favor as we were able to think of a Plan B or even a Plan C if Plan A would not appear to be feasible. And it also gave Christina lots of time to organize all the people involved and find the best agents throughout the route.


--

Please contact PetRelocation.com if you have any questions about moving pets to Sri Lanka (or anywhere else). Who knows, maybe you'll be our next Pet Move of the Month!

Name: P.
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Xoloitzcuintle
From: Seattle
To: Oslo

Please tell me what airlines carry dogs to Oslo from Seattle, I'd like to ship my dog as cargo.

Thank you,
P.



Hello,

Thanks for the question! It's definitely important to choose a pet-friendly airline for your trip. We often fly with Lufthansa, KLM and Continental, as they're dedicated to making pet safety a priority.

Please contact us if you'd like more advice or if you need a free quote for our services. We'd be happy to help you plan your move!

Name: K.
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: Rat
Pet Breed: Dumbo Rat
From: Japan
To: Maryland (though Washington, Dulles airport)

I am leaving Japan in the summer (expecting to leave in the last week of July) and want to take my two fancy rats home to the US with me. I have contacted the CDC in both countries and they have said there are no specific regulations for pet rats, however I am having a difficult time just getting a list together of everything that I am going to need at the airport. As time starts to run out I am getting very stressed that there will be some sort of last minute thing that I forget!

Also, as I have never shipped a pet before, I am a little confused about how the whole process works. Do I just walk in the airport with the carrier and hand them over when I check my bags? I worry that with the stigma most people have of rats that they won't be treated as well as a larger companion animal would, but I haven't been able to find any airline that will let me take them as carry on (I'd even be willing to buy a second seat!).

I guess what I am asking is just for some idea of what to expect and what forms/ vet information I will need to have for them. Using a service such as your own also isn't out of the question. More than cost, I am just concerned about my (clearly very spoiled) rats getting home safely.

Thank you so much for your informative site. Any information that you can give me will be most appreciated.

Thanks,
K



Hello,

Thanks for your question about traveling with your rats; your concerns are certainly understandable! First of all, you're right that it's important to start the process early in order to avoid being surprised about anything.

Here is some information from our site about obtaining customized rodent crates as well as how to travel with an exotic pet, and we also recommend contacting your airline directly in order to find out about their most up-to-date regulations. The good news is that the United States allows rats to be imported without much fanfare (here's a document from the Official U.S. Customs and Border Protection site that may be helpful).

Hopefully this information is helpful to you, and please let us know if you have any more questions or if you'd like a free quote for our services. Good luck with the move!

Name: Michael
Pet's Name: Jasper
From: Portland, OR
To: Phoenix, AZ

I moved from Portland, Oregon to Phoenix, Arizona as part of a work promotion. While the thought of moving is overwhelming enough, the idea of "moving" my dog was just over-the-top.

I was more than concerned about how Jasper would get down here - the idea of him being "shipped" felt too much like a package being sent - I needed more assurances that he would be more than a package to them.

Honestly, I found PetRelocation.com through a Google search and after reading some testimonials, felt pretty good with their service - what sold me was Rebecca's service when we first spoke and emailed - I knew that Jasper would be well cared for and she did not disappoint.

Here's the kicker, I was already in Phoenix and my dog was staying with family so I went for the full door-to-door service. AMAZING. He was picked up promptly, all his paperwork was handled in advance so there were no last minute "things" to worry about. I received update emails to let me know how things were going on Jasper's big travel day, and before you know it, my dog and I were reunited.

Rebecca and all of her team took care of everything and also CARED for Jasper like he was just as important to them as he is to me.

Thanks for all you have done.

Earlier this month, two of our senior PetRelocation.com employees attended the 2011 IPATA Conference in Hong Kong. This event constitutes the world's largest gathering of pet shipping professionals, and Cara and Matt were able to learn, share, and pick up plenty of fantastic tips for us all.

Over the next few days we'll be telling you more about their adventures, starting with Cara's firsthand account of what it's like to bring a dog (a very big dog, in fact) from Hong Kong to mainland China.

Here's the full story of Kika's experience:

At 6:15 a.m. on a rainy Wednesday morning, we met downstairs at our hotel to begin our journey across the border between Hong Kong and mainland China with a two-year-old Newfoundland named Kika.

Not only is it challenging enough just to bring a pet across the border into China, but we were also dealing with a 150 lb black teddy bear. As in most parts of China, dogs are not always seen as typical pets. The attachment that Westerners have towards our pets and the way most of us consider them to be part of the family is a foreign concept for many Chinese.

Also, those that do have dogs as pets generally have small (under 20 lb) pups that don’t take up too much room or need a large yard to exercise. With the limitations on space for people’s living quarters, having a large dog just isn't the norm. This cultural attitude would later explain why we saw so many people drop their jaws as we walked Kika by.


Today’s plan was to meet the clients, Kika, and their driver in Hong Kong and head to the Lok Ma Chau border crossing, one of the six land checkpoints. After a 45 minute drive, away from Victoria Harbour and towards the lush green mountains, we arrived at Lo Wu crossing.


In order for our vans to enter China, we had to have special license plates. Each border crossing requires a different type of license plate, and a separate license plate is required to drive within and enter Hong Kong.


The border crossing consisted of two checkpoints, which looked exactly like tollbooths. Here was the first one:


We each presented our passports to the Customs and Immigration Officer for inspection, and they also checked that we had visas. Although we stayed in the car, the officer asked each of us to look closely at her so she could examine our faces and be sure we were actually who our passports said we were. One of the things I found most interesting was the electronic customer service feedback box affixed to the officer’s booth. Here it is pictured below:


As you can see, the happiest face is the most worn out button. Who knew that Chinese Immigration had such great customer service?

After we made it through the first checkpoint, given that we had a dog with us, we were instructed to pull to the side before heading through the second checkpoint. We were required to bring Kika outside the van and inside to the Immigration and Quarantine Office for detailed inspection of her documentation and to ensure she would be eligible to enter the country. We were allowed to walk Kika on her leash from the van to inside the inspection office.


Here is the plaza and entrance to the pedestrian checkpoint and Inspection and Quarantine Office.


Once we entered the building, we were led to the Office and were told someone needed to wait here with Kika while her documentation and health documents were inspected.



As Kika stayed in one room of the office, her paperwork was brought to another for careful inspection.


Given that it’s not every day that these inspectors see a 150 lb Newfoundland, they had many questions for us and seemed suspicious of our paperwork. Despite the fact that all of Kika’s documents were in perfect order, the inspectors still had complete authority and discretion to deny her entry. It was invaluable for us to have our local Hong Kong agent accompany us throughout the process, as she speaks fluent Cantonese and Mandarin.


Even though the facilities were clean and the staff was relatively agreeable, the stakes were extremely high and the business was serious. Similar to saying the word “bomb” on an airplane, hearing the words “fleas,” “biting,” or “sick” could have been detrimental. After more questions and document reviewing, Kika ultimately got the requisite stamps on her health certificate and we were on to the next part of the mission.

It took about 15 minutes to pass the “written” portion of the test, and now it was time for the physical inspection. Kika was made to stand up while the officer seemed to give her a pat down. She looked over her face, legs, and backside for any signs of disease or illness. We were then instructed to have her sit down and stand back up.


I wondered to myself if she would be asked to shake hands next, or roll over. No, the officer was merely trying to gauge her temperament. Any signs of aggression or threatening behavior would be highly frowned upon and could jeopardize her immigration status. Fortunately for Kika and her owners, she is quite a gentle giant and showed nothing but sweetness. She was also not acting nervous or afraid of her surroundings.


My experience moving pets around the globe taught me that this was in large part due to the owners’ calm energy. Yes she was in new surroundings and didn’t know what was going on, but what did she have to fear if her owners were not fearful themselves? Still, I was grateful of her demeanor, as many dogs would still be nervous no matter how calm their owners were.

There was another aspect that struck me as atypical. The fact that the officer placed her hands on Kika and got close to her at all was a big surprise for me, given that the vast population of mainland China is not particularly fond of dogs. However, as is the case with any stereotype, there are always exceptions.

This particular officer was very young, perhaps in her mid-twenties, and from the “new” generation. Our Hong Kong colleague explained that more and more jobs are being taken over by younger people who tend to be very well-educated and have a larger sense of the world, thus bigger pets (and pets in general) may be on the way to becoming more accepted. Albeit slowly, the times are changing before our very eyes.


After a quick walk  (past a few more gawkers!), we hopped in the van to go through the final checkpoint. Once that was finished, we headed to Shenzhen International Airport!



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Want to know more? Check out Part Two and Part Three of our IPATA Conference series, as well as a run-down of the Pet World Pet Party we threw for some of our former clients.

In the past we've discussed how moving pets isn't exactly cheap. Once you break down the process it's easy to see how the costs of moving your most precious cargo can add up, but a pet move shouldn't have to amount to a completely overwhelming expense.

For the budget-conscious traveler, here are a few ways to keep the costs associated with a pet move under control.


Handle the airport transportation yourself.

Perhaps you've hired a relocation company to help you with your move, but check to see if you can be the one to transport your pet to and from the airport. It's not always possible to arrange this (some countries require a broker to clear customs) but absorbing some of the costs where you can (think gas money, time spent in traffic, etc.) will make this expenditure a little easier to bear.

For inspiration, read about how one couple saved money by having a friend help them out with their DIY pet move.

Buy a used travel crate.

Travel crates are important (they must be the proper size for your pet and also airline-approved), but most people never need them again once a move is complete. This means there are plenty of perfectly good shipping containers floating around out there, so check eBay or craigslist to find pre-owned pet crates and you can probably end up saving a few bucks.


Plan vet visits carefully and keep them to a minimum.

You'll need to visit the vet at least once to secure the proper health documents, but make sure you're aware of what you need so that you can be efficient and avoid multiple visits, which could definitely inflate your budget unnecessarily due to veterinarian fees.


Find and hire agents yourself.

Most people who hire full-service pet relocation services are doing so because they realize they just don't have the time it takes to arrange everything. If you're willing to put in at least a few hours though, you may be able to find and hire agents in the areas you'll need them. With tools such as MyPetTravel, which will provide you with insider tips and agent information, you'll be well on your way to organizing a cheaper move.


Crowdsource your questions.

You're not the first person to undertake a pet move; someone out there has done it before, and it's likely they'd be glad to share their knowledge. Social media can be used for fun and a whole lot more, so don't be shy about using these handy tools to pick up tips where you can. Throwing a question out onto Twitter or finding a great message board and posting a question could be the key to saving yourself time and money. Check out the PetRelocation.com Facebook page to get started.


Please feel free to contact PetRelocation.com if you have any questions about planning your upcoming pet move, and happy budget-friendly traveling!

Moving a pet isn't cheap, and here at PetRelocation.com we're often asked why. Isn't it just a matter of booking a flight? Why should it have to cost so much?

Door-to-Door Services

"Door-to-Door" pet relocations contain a surprising number of moving parts. Those unacquainted with the service initially balk at the price tag, but when each individual expense is taken into account, it's clear why a safe and successful pet move can be a little pricey.

Here are a few of the components that make up a typical pet move:

• Import Permits - Emigrating to a new country often requires that you obtain formal permission from the government to bring your pet along with you.


• Government Endorsements for Health Certificates - In addition to obtaining health certificates from your veterinarian, they must be certified by relevant governing bodies as well, such as the USDA or the correct Consular Offices.


• Pick-up and Delivery - Pets are transported in a safe and timely way from your home to the airport and from the arrival airport to the new home on the other end.  Hiring a trusted driver with a climate-controlled vehicle (picture your pet in their very own private limo!) is an important part of the process, and time spent in traffic or driving longer distances as well as fuel costs must also be factored in when budgeting for this part of the service.


• Your Pet's Plane Ticket - The bulk of the cost associated with moving a pet is the airfare. While you may be able to hop on a discount flight to your destination without worrying about routing or stops, pets have to be carefully routed to ensure they are only flying in and out of airports that have pet-friendly airlines. Any layovers that last more than a few hours must include a comfort stop for the pet, typically at a pet hotel. These pet hotel fees, combined with the rising cost of fuel and the higher rates airlines charge for live animals due to liability (and the added amount of attention they require from the airline staff), can make what seems like a simple flight booking cost considerably more.


• Airport Check-In - It often takes a few hours to get past the check-in counter before departure, which requires specialized manpower to ensure that paperwork is in order and pets are properly looked after.


• Customs Clearance - Once pets have landed it's not over yet; entry procedures must also be negotiated. Tariffs, taxes and country-specific fees are paid at this time.

• Personalized Care  - Your Pet Relocation Specialist becomes your single point of contact for everything related to your pet's move. Specialists research the flight options, contact the airlines, make the bookings, establish communication with customs offices to make sure they'll be open when needed, secure approval for import when special permissions must be granted, and keep you, the customer, informed throughout the process.

No Regrets

It's natural to want to cut costs where you can or to feel hesitant about spending a substantial sum of money on something you could potentially handle yourself, but pet owners often tell us how happy they are that they chose to hire us. Take a look at what a few of our customers had to say after their pets were delivered safely to them:

"PetRelocation.com was a bit pricey but well worth it for the peace of mind."

"We considered trying to move Dakota ourselves in order to save money, but the extra money spent brought about peace of mind that Dakota was taken care of, making it all worth it. The entire process of moving is stressful enough, and to know that your animal is taken care of makes the move that much easier."

"Everything was taken care of, including the flight, the import permit and the quarantine reservation. Moving ourselves was stressful enough, and PetRelocation.com took care of the dog so we could take care of everything else."

"We had a lot of anxiety about moving our pets, and working with a professional made it much easier."

Like building a deck or planning your wedding, it comes down to pinpointing what you're willing and able to do on your own and then deciding that it might be better to let a specialist handle things more efficiently.
Precious Cargo

Many people do end up choosing the cheapest option (handling the move themselves), but many others decide that their energy would be better spent elsewhere and decide to hire us. After all, moving the furriest member of your family requires far more care and attention than moving your household belongings, so it makes sense to let someone more experienced step in.

It's true that you're not going to find "bargain-basement" prices when it comes to moving a pet. But, while it may not be cheap to engage our services, ultimately you get what you pay for.

Name: Doug
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: Dog
Breed: Australian Cattle Dog
From: Reno, NV
To: Sydney, Australia

Where do we go to get microchips for our dogs (near Reno, Nevada) and where do we go to get all necessary blood tests? We see reference to "government approved vet" but don't find a listing on the web. Aren't most vets "government approved"?

Thanks,
Doug



Hi Doug,

Your regular vet (who will be fine as long as she/he is accredited) should be able to implant the microchips and take care of the basics, however for a move to Australia your pets will need to undergo a Rabies Titre test (and you'll need to have the samples shipped to the lab at Kansas State University). Take a look at the complete pet import requirements for Australia and please contact us if you're interested in enlisting our services or if you have any more questions. Good luck and thanks for the question!

Retirement, change of scenery, a military permanent change of station -- there are a lot of reasons people move around the world with their pets. One of the most common reasons people move with their pets to a new city or country is because they're moving for work.

Generally speaking, if corporate transferees are moving with pets, their pets are their top priority during the move. Since moving a pet isn't like moving a car or a couch, emotions can often run high when it comes to corporate pet relocations. In honor of the SHRM convention happening this weekend in Las Vegas (if you're an attendee, be sure to stop by booth #930 and say hi!), we decided to put together some simple steps you can take to make a corporate pet relocation easier:

1. Start as early as possible.
If there's even a remote chance that you might be moving with your pet overseas at some point, particularly to an island country, it isn't a bad idea to start now on all of the necessary vaccinations and blood tests. For example, the UK requires a six month quarantine for all pets being imported from the US. One way to avoid having to undergo this quarantine is to issue the necessary microchip, rabies shot and blood test at least six months in advance here in the States and then wait six months prior to moving the pet to the UK. Upon arrival, your pet will be cleared immediately and can go home with you on the same day.

2. Talk to your employer about pet relocation benefits.
Many of the stresses that come from moving a pet internationally surround the oftentimes high costs surrounding international pet transport. Between the vet appointments and the pet airline tickets and the customs clearance fees, the costs can quickly add up which can mean added stress on your pocketbook. We often hear from corporate transferees that they don't care whether or not their company pays to ship their couch to their new home, but they definitely want to make sure they get to take their dog with them. Talk with your HR department about whether your company offers pet relocation benefits. PetRelocation.com offers group discounts and preferred pricing to many companies -- you may find out your company has a discount negotiated with a pet relocation service like ours. If they don't, consider asking your HR manager "Why not?" According to an Atlas Van Lines survey, nearly a third of companies now cover pet relocation expenses. If your company is considering offering this valuable benefit, we've put together a list of PetRelocation.com serivces [PDF] that your company can take advantage of.

3. Keep things in perspective.
With all of the myths and confusion out there surrounding pet flights and international pet shipping, it's easy to get quickly concerned about your pet's safety and well-being when facing a big move. Keep in mind that we move pets worldwide all the time (you might enjoy reading through some of our customers' stories about their own experiences). Knowing that others have made the same move before you can help ease your mind about your own pet's travel, and can help take some of the worry away.

Let us know: Have you moved for work recently? Let us know in the comments below how you manged to keep yourself sane during a corporate pet relocation.

Charlie, the dog pictured above, is the author's Golden Retriever. He often offers free pet relocation consultations, in between his frequent naps.

It's not quite summer yet, but we can certainly see that things are heating up in the land of pet travel! We recently heard about a few changes and thought we'd pass them along to you...

Volcanic Ash Disruptions
Due to residual ash from the eruptions of two different volcanoes, there have been some schedule disruptions in various cities.

Flights to and from Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires may continue to be affected depending on the developing conditions. If you're flying between Melbourne and Sydney you may have previously been delayed, but things should be back to normal today.

Flights between Sydney and the U.S. are operating normally now, as are flights in the Middle East (due to ash from the eruption of the Nabro volcano in Eritrea), however it's always a good idea to double check with the airline before you leave home.


No Continental Flights to Bermuda
Effective immediately, Continental and United Airlines (who have recently merged) will not operate their PetSafe program to or from Bermuda. Rescheduling in the future should be possible, but they have not announced a specific date yet.


Air Canada Strike
If you've heard the words "strike" and "Air Canada" spoken together recently, don't be alarmed. Some call center and customer service agents have taken strike action, but the airline's cargo operations are running as usual and they're working to ensure that passengers are affected minimally, if at all.


Delta Summer Travel
You may recall that Delta has a summer program for pets that limits when they fly. We've been advised that Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) has pulled out of the program, and they will not ship any pets if temperatures exceed 85 degrees. Other airports may be following suit, so again, double check before you fly.

We recommend flying with Continental anyway, but keep in mind that, with limited pet flights during the summer, it's more important than ever to plan your travels carefully and well in advance of your desired departure date.

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Have you encountered any unexpected issues while traveling? Let us know about them here or on Facebook, and check out these Five Tips for Dealing with Pet Travel Predicaments. Good luck and stay safe, everyone!

Name: Maeve
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
Pet Breed: Domestic Short-Hair
From: Australia
To: Ireland

Hi there,

We are Irish, living in Australia but hope to go home at some stage in the next year or two. However, we want to travel for a few months on the way home and so need to send our cat ahead of us to my parents. Is this possible considering the length of the journey from Australia to Ireland? I would worry about the stress it may cause the cat. Some advice would be greatly appreciated.

Best,
Maeve


Hi Maeve,

Thanks for your question! First, here are the pet import requirements for Ireland. This can be a tricky country to enter with pets, but we'd be happy to help you navigate the requirements.

It should be possible to send your cat ahead of you, especially if you hire a door-to-door service provider like PetRelocation.com. If you're concerned about the general topic of pet air travel, take a look at our blog to read about other traveler experiences, and find out what you can do to avoid the stress of pet travel. It can certainly be an overwhelming prospect, but remember that pets are shipped safely every day.

Let us know if you have any more questions, and good luck!

If you're moving with pets to Morocco, it helps to be prepared for the slower pace of the culture. While some of the ways of doing business can be frustrating, ultimately having accurate expectations can make for a smoother transition for both you and your pets.

What airlines fly pets to Morocco?

Currently the only pet-safe airline that can provide pet shipments into Morocco is Lufthansa Airlines. Lufthansa's hub, the airport Animal Lounge, is in Frankfurt, so all pets going to Casablanca must first transit through Germany. The main port of entry in Morocco is Casablanca (airport code: CMN).

Customs clearance in Casablanca is a relatively jumbled affair, as customs officials are not always available to immediately clear incoming animals. To compensate for this, Moroccan officials state that a 48-hour “quarantine period” is sometimes imposed, when in actuality, it’s typically a matter of customs taking that amount of time to clear the pets.

During our past pet relocations to Morocco, we have been able to lift that waiting period and pets can usually be cleared the day they arrive, but it is always wise be aware that a potential 48-hour wait after the flight lands might be in the cards.

A power of attorney is needed if you are working with a customs agent in Morocco to clear your pets (which we highly recommend). For our clients, the power of attorney is put together by our agent in Morocco upon a pet’s arrival at CMN and this power of attorney needs to be signed by the owner of the pet. This means that the pet owner must physically be present in Morocco at the time of their pet’s arrival and be available to sign the power of attorney when our agent contacts them. The power of attorney is not necessarily ready right when the pet lands, so the pet owner needs to be fairly flexible in their times of availability. Flights into Casablanca typically arrive late at night, so customs clearance usually doesn’t begin until the following morning.

What is required to import pets to Morocco?

The pet import requirements for Morocco are fairly straightforward. Your pet will need:

• ISO-Compatible Microchip
• Rabies Vaccination - at least 4 weeks old from the date of departure. It can be a 1, 2 or 3 year vaccine but it must be current (i.e. it should not have expired).
• Current Annual Vaccinations:
  • Dogs: DHLP or DHLPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Leptospirosis)
  • Cats: FVRCP
• Import Permit - Obtained from the Government of Veterinary Services in Morocco (requires a current residential address, ID, rabies certificate and vaccination record)
• International Health Certificate - Form 7001 (endorsed by the USDA)

So far in our Pet Friendly Airline Series we've spotlighted Lufthansa, JetBlue and Continental. For the final week in the series, we're going to mix things up a little by focusing on a few other high-profile airlines. They just released an announcement regarding summer pet travel, so today we're taking a quick look at Delta Airlines.

Though PetRelocation.com doesn't use Delta and they don't exactly have a clean track record regarding transportation, it's still worth knowing about their services. Delta Cargo recently announced the launch of its Summer Live Animal Program, which will be in effect from May 15 through October 15, 2011. This program is dedicated to safely shipping animals in select cities during the hottest months of the year.

Specifically, this  means that extra attention will be paid to pets flying this summer. Climate-controlled vans operated by specially-trained employees will pick up and deliver all warm-blooded animals when they're traveling to and from the aircraft, the animal holding areas and the cargo facilities. Exceptions to this pet program apply to snub-nosed dogs and cats, which will not be accepted when temperatures exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Travelers interested in flying their pets with Delta Cargo this summer should pre-book their pets with the Delta Cargo Call Center, who can be reached at 1.888.736.3738 or 1.800.352.2746.

Find out more about flying pets with Delta, and be sure to post your questions in the comments section!

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!