Pet Transport

As temperatures rise, it's typical for airlines to adjust their pet travel policies. We've updated you about a few summer embargoes thus far from British Airways and United, and Delta has just announced a detailed summer pet program, as well.

Here's what they have to say:

"At Delta Cargo we take great pride in safely transporting live animals throughout the world.  We don’t just ship dogs and cats; we transport everything from hamsters to snakes to chinchillas.  We realize pets are considered family members and it is important for us to provide the same level of care and respect for them as we do their owners."

Beginning May 14, Delta Cargo will launch its 2012 Summer Live Animal Program, which entails allowing them to accept animals for transport even when temperatures exceed 85F/29C. At participating hubs, one or more air conditioned vehicles will be available to bring pets to and from the airplanes in support of their safety.

There are a few exceptions:

-If the station does not have air conditioned vehicles, animals cannot be transported if the temperature exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

-Regardless of whether or not a hub is part of the Summer Program, snub-nosed dogs and cats will not be transported if the the temperature is greater than 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Check out the list below to find out which airports are participating in the program, and remember that things can always change, so be sure to check with the airline/airport ahead of time if you'll be traveling with your pet this summer.

As always, don't hesitate to contact PetRelocation.com if you have any pet travel questions.

Delta Cargo 2012 Summer Live Animal Program

Name: 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!

 

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: 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!

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: 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!

Great news for pet travelers of a certain breed...

United Airlines has announced that they will now accept several dog breeds that have previously not been permitted, including American Staffordshire Terriers and Pit Bull Terriers. Effective immediately, dogs six months or older and weighing more than 20 pounds who meet the proper kennel requirements (kennels meeting Container Requirement #82) and show no signs of aggressiveness will be allowed to fly.

We previously reported that United's banned breed policy was being protested against by pet owners and various dog advocacy groups, and the IPATA Board of Directors also requested that United modify their policy. United is still in the process of updating their website to reflect this change, but you can take a look at the bulletin below to find out all the details.

As always, please contact PetRelocation.com with any pet travel questions.

United Airlines Acceptable Animal Breeds for Transport (Revised 4/2012)

Name: Joe
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: Canine
Pet Breed: Shih-tzu
From: Philippines
To: Oklahoma

What do I need to do to get my pets to the US from the Philippines???

Thanks,

Joe

Hi Joe,

Thank you for contacting us. Here are the pet import requirements for the US. In addition to following these guidelines, our advice is to start preparing well in advance and also choose a pet-friendly airline.

Please contact PetRelocation.com if you have any questions or if you'd like a free quote. Good luck!

 

We've been following the news and developments accompanying the United/Continental Airline merger, and over the past few weeks United has been following a path of general expansion.

Beginning on May 1, Manchester will become the 15th transatlantic destination served from the hub of Dulles International Airport (IAD). Also on May 1, Doha will become the fourth Middle East destination served by United Airlines.

In terms of pet travel, Manchester will be open to pet shipments immediately and Doha is expected to be animal-accessible at a later date.

We'll keep you updated with all the latest pet transportation news, so keep in touch!

(via TripAdvisor.com)

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

Name: Jimmy
Pet's Name: Tori
From: Florida
To: California
 

I own a tea-cup Yorkshire Terrier. I wanted to have him transported from Florida for my girlfriend who is the true owner.

We were both concerned about the move, as it was our first experience transporting a pet across the country.

However, from the moment that we sought out PetRelocation.com, the representative on the phone (Lee) was extremely professional and caring. Moreover, the person that he delegated responsibility to (Amber) was also very professional and kind. Both Amber and Lee took all of our concerns into account. Finally, Lin and Lisa, the agents who brought Tori, our dog, to the airport and to our home, were very caring, kind and diligent.

What both I and my girlfriend took away from this experience was that PetRelocation.com has employees that love their job and take a vested interest in seeing that their clients are satisfied and that their pets are safely transported.

This was the first and most memorable experience for us.

While there are many contingencies that come into play -- some outside human control -- I would highly recommend that PetRelocation.com be given the opportunity to carry out this responsibility.

Sincerely,
Jimmy and M.Y.

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: Pauline
Pet's Name: Stella
From: Los Angeles
To: London
 

I did a lot of research with all types of animal transport companies before choosing PetRelocation.com, and at first I was nervous, as we didn't know what to expect, but we are SO glad that we chose PetRelocation.com and are very impressed and happy with their services.

We chose PetRelocation.com because of their experience with handling long distance pet transporting. We were won over by specialist Sarah Rosales' detailed descriptions of what our dog, Stella, would be going through during the long flight as well as the hours before and after.

Specialist Abbey Steidensticker was also amazingly helpful and patiently answered all of our questions and addressed our concerns with a warm and timely professionalism. With her help, we did not have to worry much about anything! She prepared all documents, contacted the two vets we had for Stella, and arranged all correspondence between agents.

And the absolute best part about PetRelocation.com is their pick-up and drop-off services - we only had to crate train Stella, and on the day of her flight she was simply handed over to an experienced agent. The timing was perfect! - I flew out of Los Angeles two hours after her flight, and arrived home in London to wait for her to clear Customs. Abbey kept us very well informed about Stella's status, from the moment she checked into her flight, to when she landed, cleared Customs, and when she was on her way over to us!

Just an hour or two after I arrived, she was delivered to our door by a friendly London transport agent, which Abbey had coordinated as well. When we saw her, we were so thrilled to be reunited again!

Stella is adjusting nicely to London (although the weather here leaves something to be desired), and she is enjoying long walks in the park near our home and finally spending some quality time with both her "mom" and "dad".

Thanks so much to PetRelocation.com for an amazing job! :)

Name: Stacy
Pet's Name: Neely
From: Connecticut
To: England

When I found out we were moving to England I was so excited and overwhelmed all at the same time! My biggest concern with the move was being able to bring my dog with me. The thought of leaving Neely behind was not an option, and the thought of transporting her overseas terrified me. At first, I was determined to get all of Neely's travel documentation and flight plans in order myself. However, with all the other stresses of moving and the possibility of me not being able to fly out with her, my husband decided it was time that I get some help.

My husband's employer had given me Cara's contact information so that I could talk to her to see what PetRelocation.com could do to help me. After the first phone conversation I instantly felt comfortable. Cara and Ashley had both walked me through every single step that I needed to take in order to get my dog over to England. They checked and double checked every piece of paperwork and answered any questions that I may have had. They kept on top of all the changes that were being made by DEFRA, and notified me immediately as to what those changes were. They made sure that Neely's crate was appropriate for travel, and even mailed us out a welcome pack!

When I found out that I needed to go over to England before I could get Neely out there, Ashley worked with my father to complete her travel requirements. On the day of Neely's travel, she was picked up at my parent's home and brought to the airport. Ashley had notified me when Neely was up in the air and gave me a confirmation number so that I could track her. They also kept in touch with my father to let him know the same. During her travel they made sure she had a pre and post- flight potty break as well as water and clean bedding. Once Neely cleared customs they called me to let me know that she would be delivered to me shortly.

When Neely arrived she acted as though she had been on one big adventure! She was so excited to be at her new home, and most importantly she arrived safely, clean, and happy!

It's now been close to three weeks since she arrived and she has settled in without a hitch! PetRelocation.com has made this moving experience stress and worry free. Cara and Ashley always took the extra step to make sure that everything was done right and that Neely would arrive home safely. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone who has to transport a beloved pet and I would certainly use their services again in the future!

Thanks again Cara and Ashley!!!

Name: Claire
Pet's Name: Simon
From: Los Angeles, CA
To: Wilmington, NC
 

After learning that we could not easily fly with our snubbed nose breed Boston Terrier named Simon for our temporary work relocation to North Carolina, we searched online and discovered PetRelocation.com. We were very nervous to fly our baby in cargo and separate his travels from our own, but Pet Relocation had so many wonderful stories of past successful trips, and the information requests and quote process was so easily and professionally handled by our rep, Joe, that we were quickly put at ease.

Our baby was picked up and transported on two flights with a pet hotel rest in between, and we recuperated him the next day. He wasn't phased by the trip at all and seemed completely relaxed on arrival. His crate was well marked and you could tell he had been closely handled.

We will not hesitate to use PetRelocation.com for our return home! Thank you!!

Name: Rosa
Number of Pets: Two
Pet Type: Dogs
Pet Breed: Dachshund
From: Italy
To: California

Because of their weight they cannot travel in the cabin. What do you suggest? Is it better to send them on a cargo trip or to take them on our same trip, but below, in the dedicated area?

Thank you,

Rosa

Hi Rosa,

Thanks for the question! The most important thing you can do is choose a pet-friendly airline so that your dogs will be safely transported in the cargo area. Take a look at our blog for more information about pets traveling in cargo if you have any concerns about it.

Please contact us if you have any more questions about importing your pets to the United States, and good luck with everything!
 

Relocating pets is a team effort, and we employ the help of agents and drivers all around the world to help transport your furry family members safe and sound.

Last month we introduced you to John Kernan of Pawsitively Dogs in our first Driver Spotlight, and today we'd like you to meet another trusted collaborator: Rebeca Berni of Dog Gone Taxi based near Seattle, WA.

We've worked with Rebeca many times and now we're taking a moment to shine the spotlight on her. Read on to find out more about one of our top pet agents!

How long have been in the pet transportation business?

I've been in this business since 2005.
 
How did you get started? 

I was the owner/operator of a physical therapy center for dogs (doing warm water hydrotherapy).  Many clients had difficulty getting their pets to and from their appointments, as the dogs were disabled or had injuries that made it difficult for them to walk. 

That's when I started Dog Gone Taxi.  Soon after that - about six months later - a dog transportation company in Seattle that did daycare & boarding drop-off and pickups went out of business. They kept their website but changed their phone number to our number without letting me know. We grew our local business rapidly after that. A year later we got a call from a pet broker service to do an airport delivery. They helped educate us on the industry and told us how to get fully licensed with USDA. 

Year after year we have added more pet brokers and gotten more experience in the industry. In 2010 we started providing private (one families' pets at a time) cross-country pet relocation. As the pet transportation business grew, I became unable to do the water therapy clients and changed that business into pet boarding and daycare. We now offer pet boarding (dogs & cats) and doggie daycare in our Seattle office, as well as the transportation business in WA, OR, and CA, and we now have several employees.

Rebeca Berni (and dog pals) on a cross-country trip.

What’s your average day like? 

There is no average day. Some days we have check-ins at 4 a.m. and pickups at 11 p.m. Typically in the AM we have our local business daycare/boarding drop-offs and again for a few hours in the afternoon. The airport check-ins and drop-offs are fit in between.
 
What’s your most memorable pet move experience?

We recently moved 12 roosters & chickens from Victoria, BC to Fargo, ND. They were family pets, kept in the home and in a coop. Fresh eggs in the AM meant that the chickens were happy!

 Do you have pets of your own? 

Yes, I have two dogs. A Bichon and 17-year-old blind Beagle.
 
What’s your favorite part of this job?

Seeing the happy owners face when their pet has been delivered all safe and sound. And of course, playing with the puppies!!
 
Do people find what you do unusual?

Yes, but once I explain what it is we do, they usually say, '"Oh, I wondered how people moved with their pets, I just never thought about it."
 

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Stay tuned for another Driver Spotlight to appear on the blog soon... There are many more interesting pet agents to meet!