How to help pets in the aftermath of the Moore, OK tornado.

Part of being a responsible pet owner is having a natural disaster preparedness plan in place.

Pets on Amtrak trains? It could happen.

United adjusts some of its pet travel rates.

Guess what? Americans spend more on their pets than they do on beer or movies.

Excellent photo: Billy Joel and his pug, Sabrina.

Just in time for summer, a doggie frozen yogurt cart.

We're excited to share that we were recognized on the Inner City 100 list for the second year in a row.

Please take our Pet Travel Survey!

 

Evidence that the world is becoming more and more pet friendly, Washington lawmakers have introduced a bill that would allow dogs and cats to travel on trains. Currently non-service animals are not allowed to travel by Amtrak, and this bill would designate that at least one car per train to be pet friendly.

Rep. Jeff Denham is the bill's main sponsor, and he introduced it for personal reasons. “My dog, Lily, is part of our family and travels with us to and from California all the time. If I can take her on a plane, why can’t I travel with her on Amtrak, too?” he said.

If the Pets on Trains Act of 2013 is approved, traveling pets would need to be kept in a kennel and they wouldn't be able to go more than 750 miles. Passengers would pay a fee for each dog or cat they want to transport.

We'll see how it goes, but as an overall trend we like that this issue is even being discussed. By the way, are you traveling with a pet anytime soon? Take our Pet Travel Survey and tell us about it!

 

Name: Nathan
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: American Bulldog
From: China
To: San Francisco, USA

Do you know if it would be okay to fly via Air China from Beijing to San Francisco in June? They have no breed restrictions, but many airlines don't fly American Bulldogs during summer months. Does the temperature really fluctuate that much on a trans-pacific flight during summer or winter?

Thanks,

Nathan

 

Hi Nathan,

Bulldogs and other snub-nosed breeds are more susceptible to having stress and breathing problems when flying, so many airlines try to minimize risks by imposing restrictions and embargoes. Before deciding if you should fly with a Bulldog, you should have an honest conversation with your vet and have your dog undergo a health screening to identify any underlying issues that may come into play.

If you decide to go forward, choose an extra-large travel crate that will allow plenty of good airflow and -- most importantly -- choose a pet-friendly airline. We generally select United, KLM, Lufthansa and a few others for the pets we relocate, as it's well worth it to go with a carrier with established pet policies in place. With United, for example, they use temperature-controlled vehicles to transport pets out to the plane, so temperatures outside shouldn't really be a factor. That being said, with breeds susceptible to stress, extra caution is never a bad idea.

Please contact us if you'd like to speak to a specialist about your move. We're well-practiced in finding the best routes for pets and can advise you about your options. Thanks for the questions!
 

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

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

Thanks!
Karine
 

Hi Karine,

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

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

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

 

 

Every year the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City names 100 top American companies whose annual growth rates and urban locations make them impressive as case studies and positive business examples. This year ICIC received over 2,000 nominations from those hoping to make the list, so we're thrilled to be recognized and ranked #39 overall.

Last year we ranked #38, so it looks like our growth is holding strong. We're also proud to be one of 11 Texas businesses on the list, proving that you don't have to be huge to be successful. Our CEO, Kevin O'Brien, attended the 2013 Inner City 100 Symposium earlier this week in Boston (he even appeared on a panel featuring fellow Inner City 100 CEOs), and this has been a great learning experience and opportunity all around.

Thanks to all of our incredible customers and business partners for helping us achieve this recognition. We plan to continue to grow and improve, not only by participating in the exciting pet travel market, but serving as one of its leaders. We very much look forward to the challenge!

 

 

Meet 100 fast-growing companies making it work in the inner city: #innercity100 cnnmon.ie/12srCgy via @fortunemagazine

— PetRelocation (@PetRelocation) May 22, 2013

 

 

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

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

Thanks,

Dawn

 

Hi Dawn,

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

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

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

Name: Yekaterina
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
Pet Breed: Domestic Short Hair
From: Michigan
To: Caribbean

Hello,

I am thinking about applying to a medical school in the Caribbean, but a huge deciding factor for me is whether or not my cat has to be quarantined. I cannot seem to find anything solid online, so I was wondering if you could help me.

Thank you so much!
Yekaterina

P.S. My cat is up to date with all her vaccines and spends all of mosquito season on heartworm meds.
 

 

Hi Yekaterina,

Though it's doubtful your cat will face a quarantine as long as you fulfill all basic requirements, the answer to your question will depend on exactly where you're going. Please consult our country-specific list of import requirements for pets as well as the information available from IATA and IPATA.org. The fact that you're up to date on vaccines is good, and you'll need a vet health certificate as well.

Please let us know if you have more questions. You're always welcome to give our office a call or fill out our free quote form. Thanks for the question, and good luck with your decision and your travels!

Some pet travelers will see new air travel rates beginning June 15, United Cargo has announced, so travelers planning to use PetSafe animal transportation services (United's specialized pet program) should check with the airline ahead of time to find out how much they should expect to pay.

Rates for some routes (including those going from the United States to Japan and other Pacific destinations) will decrease, while routes from the U.S. to Guam and Micronesia will increase. According to United, the changes are a result of "recent market evaluations" and the desire to offer competitive pricing.

Says United: "A key benefit of United Cargo's PetSafe is the use of climate-controlled vans to transport our four-legged customers between their flight and our facility safely and comfortably. United Cargo employs more of these specially-designed vans than any other carrier. Also, we recently opened our newest on-site PetSafe kennel facility at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. United operates similar kennels at our airport facilities in Houston and Newark, and these kennels provide the ultimate in care and comfort for animals traveling on United Airlines."

Visit United.com for more information about PetSafe routes and fees, feel free to contact PetRelocation with any questions about pet travel, and keep in touch for more pet travel updates.

 

A service dog at college graduation.

Do pets help or hurt home listing photos?

Good news: owning a dog is linked to a reduced risk of  heart disease.

General travel: is everything you know about air travel wrong?

How pet lovers use social media to keep in touch.

Keeping up to date on summer air pet travel schedules and embargoes.

 

 

Happy Friday, y'all.

It's hard work moving pets around the world, but it's what we love to do. What makes it all especially worthwhile is hearing from our happy clients after they've been reunited with their four-legged friends and seeing pictures of smiling faces settling into a new home, so we encourage the pet families we've served to share their stories with us.

Not only can globetrotters recount their experiences on our blog, we also enjoy connecting on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and all the other fun social media available today. We have so many outlets to choose from, so don't be shy about saying hello!

If you need further inspiration, meet "Stone" and Toby. We helped get Toby the cat to his new home in Ohio a few months ago, and his family has been great about sending us photos and updates. Check out the latest message below, and whether you moved last week or last year, feel free to follow their example as well as that of the other social pet owners we've told you about before.

As always, please contact us if you have questions about pet travel or simply want to check in. Talk soon, pet lovers!

 

@petrelocation Just wanted to remind y'all that y'all... #AbsolutelyROCK and Toby says HEYA! twitter.com/metalodyssey/s…

— Stone (@metalodyssey) May 16, 2013

 

Name: Michael
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
Pet Breed: Tortoise-shell short-hair
From: London, United Kingdom
To: Delhi, India

Do you have an adequate international network to coordinate this move?

Thanks,

Michael

 

Hi Michael,

Yes, we've arranged several moves to India and would be happy to discuss your options and a relocation plan with you. We've noticed an upward trend when it comes to moving pets to India -- it seems like an ever more pet friendly place to be.

To start, take a look at the pet import requirements for India. Your cat will need a microchip and a few health documents, and you'll want to make sure she's familiar and comfortable with her travel crate.

Please fill out our free quote form if you'd like to find out more about our door-to-door services, or you can give our office a call. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Name: Amanda
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
From: New York
To: Arizona

I am driving my car with a trailer to Arizona. Will I be pulled over because I have my cat with me, and will I need certification of some sort with shot records?

Thanks,

Amanda

 

Hi Amanda,

Thanks for the question! Driving across the country with a pet will not require the same kinds of documentation as flying would, however it's a good idea to have your cat up-to-date on all vaccines (especially rabies) and have proof to go along with it. It's doubtful you'd be pulled over and questioned about your cat, but it's smart to follow the laws of responsible pet ownership.

Many states have different requirements for pets, so take a look at what Arizona specifies in terms of cat vaccines and rabies rules, in particular. Other than that, we recommend having a microchip as well (just in case), and here are some tips for road trips with pets as well as how to crate train your cat.

Good luck, and let us know if you have more questions!

 

 

Name: Chandrika
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: 1 dog, 1 cat
Pet Breed: Labrador Retriever, Persian Cat
From: New Delhi, India
To: Singapore, Singapore

Is microchipping essential for the relocation of pets from India to Singapore? Do we need to prepare pet passports?

Thanks,

Chandrika

 

Hi Chandrika,

Here is an overview of the pet import requirements for Singapore. As for your question, yes, microchips are required for dogs and cats and you'll need a veterinary health certificate, among other things. Since you're coming from India, which is classified as a "Category D" country, there will be additional regulations to adhere to. Here is the official link from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore explaining these.

It's understandable that this process might seem overwhelming at first glance, so please contact us if you have questions about anything or if you'd like to find out more about our door-to-door services.

Good luck, and we hope to hear from you soon.

 

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

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

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

Waiting for your response.

Regards,

Sujin

 

Hi Sujin,

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

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

Thanks for the question, and good luck with everything!

 

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

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

Regards,

Jody

 

Hi Jody,

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

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

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

 

Continuing our coverage of summer pet air travel embargoes and restrictions, today we have news that Delta Cargo has begun its Summer Live Animal Program. This means that during the summer months (specifically May 13 through Sept. 29, 2013) select stations will provide "additional care and protection" for pets and will fly certain breeds during warmer temperatures. Normally Delta will not fly pets if the temperature exceeds 85F/29C.

Please contact us to find out about the qualifying airports, and note that Delta Cargo will not accept any snub-nosed dog or cat if the temperature exceeds 75F/24C for any city. To qualify for these special summer allowances, all cities the pet is being routed through must qualify.

Delta may end up being the best choice for some people, but based on our experience, it's preferable to fly with an airline that operates with pet safe procedures all year (United Airlines drives pets out to the airplane in a temperature-controlled vehicle, for example, so the weather outside is not as big a factor). That being said, because English Bulldogs, Olde English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and mixed varieties of these breeds are especially susceptible to the stress of travel, United has released some breed-specific adjustments recently. See the full Bulldog update here.

Also regarding United, Boston Terrier puppies, American Bulldog puppies and Pug puppies may fly any time of the year without restriction, but adults of these breeds are completely embargoed from May 15 to Sept. 15. To provide extra safety, snub-nosed breeds should use travel kennels that are one size larger than normally required.

All these rules can certainly sound confusing and this is just a quick overview, so don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions about the specifics of these summer regulations for pet travel. It's our job to see pets transported safely, and our team of specialists is happy to discuss your options and concerns.

Please stay in touch for more summer pet travel news, and travel safely everyone!

 

 

 

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

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

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

Thanks,

Kartik

 

Hi Kartik,

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

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

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

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

Pets by the numbers from CNN.

The states with the healthiest, happiest pets.

Safe pet car travel.

Dog video: take a look at what Sydney pet quarantine is like.

Our Pet Move of the Month is Mahalo, a former show cat from Japan who can sit and shake.

Flying with a pet this summer? Time to start thinking about airline embargoes.

Tips for going to the beach with your dog.

 

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

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

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

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

Thanks,

Chris
 

Hi Chris,

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

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

Meeting the pet import requirements for Australia means fulfilling a minimum 30-day quarantine, a prospect that initially sounds less-than-ideal to many pet owners but in the long run ends up being not such a big deal. We receive plenty of photos, feedback, and even videos from clients that show us what the quarantine stay is all about, and we're happy to share that information with people thinking about a pet move.

Here's a great example below. Tilly the Labradoodle arrived in Sydney a few days ago after traveling from the United States, and she'll be ready to go home on June 1. As you can see, she looks good and her owners are able to visit her (a fact she's tail-waggingly happy about, of course).

Please contact PetRelocation with your questions about moving pets to Australia, and stay in touch for more pet travel updates from our clients!