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: 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: 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!

 

Though there's something special about each and every pet move we carry out, some stories are especially memorable. Meet Mahalo the cat, our featured pet move this month. After enduring a natural disaster (the 2011 tsunami and earthquake in Japan), Mahalo's owner Marian sent her beloved cat to live with friends in Colorado while she left Japan and searched for a new place to live. When she was able to get settled in a cat friendly condo in Hawaii she knew it was time to bring him home, and of course we were happy to help arrange their reunion.

Read more about Mahalo, a one-of-a-kind cat with a very dedicated owner.

Thank you for speaking with us, Marian! When was the last time you saw Mahalo before this relocation? You surely missed him...

The last time I saw Mahalo was last year around August 2012 during a visit to Boulder, where my friend was taking care of him. We had our high school reunion in Boulder so I stayed with her. The timing was great -- I attended the reunion and visited my friend and Mahalo.

What I missed most about him is hard to say because he just IS. He has a presence. He has a matter-of-fact way of getting on with life no matter what the circumstances! I guess if I had to pick, it was his inquisitive nature, his friendliness, and how he would come running when called by name. He also has a sit and shake routine! When I say sit, he would do it and then lift up his right paw for a snack!

Did anything concern you about the idea of moving Mahalo?

For the move from Boulder to Hawaii, I was most concerned about there being a hiccup with quarantine -- although I KNEW I had faxed all the paperwork and documents to Mandy. Still, windows of dates create anxiety. I have had pets experience Hawaii quarantine back in the day when there were NO shortcuts, and even with shortcuts you hear of horror stories. I have also shipped cats from Oregon to Hawaii in 2002 so I should be used to it, but in reality everything has worked out and the quarantine people are fantastic. Not sure why I was so anxious!

How has Mahalo been adjusting to life in Hawaii?

Interestingly there have been some changes. Back in Japan, he used to love dark tight corners, like underneath my bed frame, between the bottom of the bed and a futon I stored underneath. Tight! But back in Boulder he loved the crate they put out to get him acclimated, and also slept in the closet with the little girl of the house. He also licked my face to wake me up like an alarm clock back in Japan and did that with the little girl. But once he got back here, he jumps into my bed to wake me up, rolls around, etc... but no alarm clock licks of the face. He also does NOT like the crate at all, even though he did back in Boulder before leaving. In fact, when I put him in there with the fleece he loves, he growled! Gee! But he still sits and shakes on cue!

Is Hawaii a pet friendly place to be?

I am a resident owner of my condo and it is a pet friendly complex -- a new one, and I wouldn't have bought in if it wasn't. That was a condition when I started looking two years ago; while pet friendly is growing in Hawaii, it is not easy (especially for large dogs or multiple pets). I am planning to get a second cat, but I have to check out the rules.

Homeowner rules are pretty strict in Hawaii even in condos -- dogs have a weight restriction of about 25 pounds I think, and one pet is generally the rule. However, some condos have been known to grandfather in long time residents and change rules for new buyers. There are lots of vets in the city and in suburbs so you have to wonder where do these owners live? Small animal vet services are very lucrative and busy. Boarding starts at about $25 a day and there are plenty of pet sitters, but again I always advise folks to get personal referrals only. Many pet owners want people to come to their homes, and the going price is $25-$35 a day. Finally, there is a Petco in the city of Honolulu and the suburbs as well as Walmart, Walgreens and other stores that support pets, so there is certainly nothing to worry about.

The one piece of advice I would give to pet owners moving to Hawaii is to nail down a place to live first. Be sure it allows pets. Dog runs (mostly in suburbs) and parks I think are available in the city and the beach, but people must pick up after their pet. Of course that doesn't apply to cats; my cats are strictly indoors. I am not a fan of letting cats run amok outside, as Hawaii has a lot of birds and they are tame, which means they are fodder for cats. Also, living in a condo means there is no good way cats can be let outdoors.

You've moved Mahalo by yourself before, so what made you decide to hire the services of PetRelocation this time?

I found about PetRelocation through a friend in Japan who used your services from Florida to Japan back to Florida. Also, I saw you on Facebook after the friend told me about your services. I decided to use your services because I was not planning to go to Boulder to meet Mahalo, as some other issues came up precluding my doing the arranging. Also, after talking to my friend from Florida, I realized I did not want the hassle of taking him to the airport in Denver, yaddah yaddah.... Also that he would be delivered to me in Honolulu was the best part. I did not want to do the send off and pick up I have done too many times.

I liked the prompt response emails from Mandy. She went into detail about every concern I had. I also liked that you have local vendors and that you start the process early on, which was good for a planner like me. I couldn't have done without the hand-holding on the communications regarding departure, arrival, and quarantine. For me, just firing off emails and getting an answer was the best!

Thanks again, and we're looking forward to Mahalo becoming famous. Just as an FYI - he was a show cat in Japan and has won his share of ribbons, although he is now retired. He placed in his class of neutered short hair cats.

Thanks to Marian for sharing this wonderful story with us. We're glad Mahalo is home safe and sound at last! Please contact us for more information about moving pets to Hawaii, and travel safely, everyone.

Name: Lisa
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: German Shepherd
From: Virginia, USA
To: Abuja, Nigeria

I am thinking about relocating to Nigeria for my job, but I am very worried about safely transporting my dog.

My dog is about 75 lbs and is 12 years old. Provided the vet gives her a clean bill of health to travel, is it safe? How would PetRelocation assure her safety?

Thanks,

Lisa

Hi Lisa,

Your concerns are certainly understandable. Moving a dog to faraway Africa isn't exactly a common occurrence, but the good news is that we've handled a few such moves and would be happy to talk to you about the procedure and the details.

Here are the pet import requirements for Nigeria, as well as a few tips for moving an older dog. If you and your vet decide to go forward with the relocation, you'll want to choose a pet-friendly airline and make sure your dog is well-acclimated to the travel crate if she isn't already.

To find out more about what we do and how we do it, please give our office a call or fill out our free quote form. Also, take a look at couple of customer stories that may help put your mind at ease. We moved Bear to Kenya and Hugo to South Africa recently -- in these instances the pet owners were a little nervous to start, but as you can see the moves went well. Every relocation is different, but it's our job to work towards the best arrangement possible and move pets safely.

Good luck with your decision and your plans, Lisa. We hope to hear from you soon!

 

Name: Darcy
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
From: New York City, NY
To: Fortaleza, Brazil

How long would my cat have to be in quarantine? She is a very nervous cat and I'm worried about this.

Thank you,

Darcy

Hi Darcy,

Thanks for the question. A few countries do require a quarantine period for entering pets, but Brazil is not one of them. Take a look at the Brazil pet import requirements to see the list of steps you'll need to take to bring your cat into the country.

In addition to these basic vaccine and health certificate requirements, we also advise choosing a pet-friendly airline and working to help your cat get used to her travel crate. Nervous pets are often ones that have never had the chance to grow accustomed to their crates, so leaving the kennel out in the open, placing toys and treats in it, and generally helping her to see it as "no big deal" will help her be less stressed on travel day.

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

Name: Christie
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
Pet Breed: Moggie
From: London
To: Los Angeles

My cat is 19, and although she's in good health she does get stressed. I am very worried about moving her on an 11-hour flight to Los Angeles. Do you have any suggestions? She has been with me for 19 years and I cannot leave her behind.

Also, what paperwork does California want?

Thanks,

Christie

 

Hi Christie,

Thanks so much for the question, your concerns are certainly natural. Before moving older pets, we do advise talking to your veterinarian to discuss the possible risk factors. When moving internationally, we understand that it's never a great option to leave a pet behind, so it's important to talk to a trusted doctor about how you might be able to prepare your cat.

Take a look at our blog for a few ideas about how to minimize the risks of pet travel, how to travel safely with an older pet, and how to crate train a cat. For cats who tend to get stressed during travel, helping them get as comfortable as possible with the travel crate can make a huge difference.

Finally, if/when you decide to go forward, here are the pet import requirements for the United States. You'll need updated vaccines and an International Health Certificate issued within 10 days of departure. Please contact us if you have any more questions, and good luck with your travels!

Name: Mahmooda
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
From: Bangalore, India
To: Dammam, Saudi Arabia

What are the requirements for taking a pet cat abroad? Kindly list me all the formalities and the process required.

Thanks,

Mahmooda

Hi Mahmooda,

Sure, we're happy to offer some information. Here are the pet import requirements for Saudi Arabia, along with some tips for how to crate train a cat.

As you can see, you'll need to follow Saudi Arabia's rules (which include a microchip, vaccines, and the international health certificate: Aphis 7001). You'll also want to choose a pet-friendly airline and find out what their particular procedures are for bringing your cat along.

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

 

Name: Kerry
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed:  Labrador Mix
From: Spain
To: USA

What injections and tests does my dog need to enter the United States?

Thanks,

Kerry

Hi Kerry,

Thanks for contacting us, we'd be happy to help. These are the pet import requirements for the United States. Though not strictly required, we recommend a microchip for your dog. Aside from that, you'll need an up to date rabies vaccine as well as the correct documentation (including an international health certificate issued within 10 days of departure).

Please let us know if you have more questions about choosing the right travel crate, picking a pet-friendly airline, or anything else involved with pet travel. We're also happy to tell you more about our door-to-door services if you're interested.

Good luck!

 

Name: Nicola
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Miniature King Charles
From: Glasgow, UK
To: Snowtown, South Australia

Hi,

I have no idea how to start or where to start collecting all the documents to transport my dog. I'm looking forward to hearing your advice and expertise.

Regards and thanks,

Nicola
 

Hi Nicola,

We've moved many pets to Australia and would be happy to guide you with some information. Here are the pet import requirements for Australia. Your dog will need to follow a specific timeline in order to prepare for the trip, as Australia is a rabies-free country.

If your dog doesn't have a microchip, you'll want to start with that and then follow the steps as outlined. Also, you'll want to work on crate-training if your dog isn't comfortable in a travel crate yet.

Please contact us if you have any questions or if you're interested in our door-to-door services.

Good luck!

Before making pet travel plans, it's important to research your airline options and any restrictions that may exist in order to avoid getting into an inconvenient situation on your day of departure. Do you have the right travel crate? Do you have the correct paperwork from your vet? Wait, is your breed of pet even accepted by this airline?

These are all questions certainly worth looking into well in advance, and most can be answered by perusing the airline's website or giving them a call. Here at PetRelocation we do our best to stay on top of airline policy changes and announcements, too, so check with us if you have questions.

For example, here's a recent update from United, a pet-friendly airline we often book pet flights with. They are fine tuning their breed restrictions to help keep pets as safe as possible, so beginning April 15, United will begin including French Bulldogs and French Bulldog mixes in their year-round embargo policy.

Here's the announcement from United:

United Airlines DOES NOT accept English Bulldogs, Olde English Bulldogge, French Bulldogs or “mixed” varieties of this breed after they have reached 20lbs. or 6 months of age (whichever comes first) at any time of the year. The adults of this breed are completely embargoed.

Note that United is also expanding its pet services; they recently announced additional PetSafe routes and PetSafe Product enhancements. Their complete set of pet policies can be found here.

Please contact PetRelocation with any questions about air travel with pets, and fly safely, everyone!

Name: Diane
Pet's Name: Abby
From: South Florida
To: San Francisco
 

When we looked ahead to our move from South Florida to San Francisco, the most daunting thing about it was moving our dog, Abby.

We had rescued her only a couple months earlier and we thought the trip would be traumatic for her. We were referred to PetRelocation from our relocation company. From their first phone call to me, I was made to feel confident that Abby's trip would be safe and smooth.

They took care of all details, picked her up from our vet's office, advised me on her travel crate, and contacted me throughout the whole process to assure me that every detail was taken care of. When Abby met us in San Francisco, she came out of her travel crate wagging her tail, happy and calm as can be!

Thank you, Claire, Cara, Matt and Craig, as well as the team who cared for Abby from door to door.

Name: Romy
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: German Pointer
From: Malta, Europe
To: Pau, France

Could you please advise what is required to relocate my dog from Malta to France? Is there a quarantine period necessary?

Thanks & Regards,
Romy

 

Hi Romy,

Thanks for the question. These are the pet import requirements for France; there is no quarantine, but you'll need to satisfy a few requirements, including having an updated rabies vaccine, getting a microchip if you don't have one, and you'll need to secure a vet health certificate.

Please contact us if you have any questions about choosing a pet-friendly airline, purchasing the right travel crate, or anything else related to pet travel. Thanks again, and good luck!

Name: Courtney
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Weimaraner
From: California
To: Texas

What airlines allow dogs to fly in the cargo area? When looking online many only outline rules for pets traveling in the cabin, but my 100lb dog is obviously too big. How do I find out if/what airlines will fly a dog that size?

Thanks,

Courtney

Hi Courtney,

Thanks for your question, it's a great one -- deciding on the right airline is one of the most important parts of planning a safe journey for your pet.

Some airlines are definitely  more pet-friendly than others, and we have a few that we regularly book flights with. United is who we typically choose when flying domestically (for international flights we often go with KLM and Lufthansa). United's PetSafe program entails certain procedures, such as making sure pets are the last to board the plane and the first to be removed. And, contrary to what many people assume, the cargo area is pressure and temperature controlled and pets are not simply "treated like luggage."

Because not all airplanes are equipped to hold large pet crates (which your dog will need), it's important to call the airline and check ahead of time to make sure you'll be accommodated. We have flown large dogs with United, but again, check with them before booking your flight because it all depends on the size of the plane they're using for your chosen route.

It's worth mentioning that you don't necessarily need to be on the same flight as your dog. Most of our customers end up flying separately from their pets, which just means you might need to enlist some help on one or both ends of your trip. (If you're interested in our services, here's a link to our free quote form.)

Please contact us if you have any questions about choosing a pet-friendly airline, crate-training your dog, or anything else related to pet travel. Good luck!

Name: Ewelina
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
From: Poland
To: United States

Hi,
We love our cat so much that we decided to take her with us to the USA for our six month holiday. We will have her in a travel crate under my chair, but I know she will not like it.

Like other cats, she hates to be closed in a small space. My question is, what we could do to make her travel easier and less stressful? Please give me some advice.

Thanks,
Ewelina
 

Hi Ewelina,

Thanks for your question, we'd be happy to advise. Cats can definitely be anxious about air travel, and the best thing you can do is work to get your cat used to the travel crate well in advance of your trip. This means keeping the kennel out in a visible place, placing toys and treats in it to encourage exploration, and practicing with short rides. Here's a post on our blog with tips for crate-training cats.

Note that we do not recommend sedation, and in fact strongly advise against it. Sedating pets during air travel can be dangerous and airlines will most likely not even allow your cat to board if they think she has been sedated.

As for your trip itself, here are the pet import requirements for Poland and the pet import requirements for the United States. In addition to following airline procedures you'll also need updated an updated rabies vaccine and a health certificate.

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

Name: Taw
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
Pet Breed: Female
From: Malaysia
To: Buffalo, New York

I want to take my cat from Malaysia to the United States. What do I have to do?

Thanks,

Taw

Hi Taw,

Thanks for your question, we'd be happy to provide some information. To start, here are the pet import requirements for the United States.

Your cat will need an up-to-date rabies vaccine, a microchip, health certificate, and we recommend choosing a pet-friendly airline. (We often use United, KLM and Lufthansa, for example.) In case your cat has never traveled or been in a travel crate before, here are some cat crate-training tips.

Please contact us if you have any questions about moving, and have a great trip!
 

Name: Betty
Number of Pets: Two
Pet Type: Dogs
Pet Breed: Bulldog, Mixed Breed
From: Charlottesville, VA, USA
To: Auckland, NZ

I'm very worried about flying our Bulldog because of temperature extremes, etc. for the exceptionally long flights and layovers to New Zealand. Are there any options? Cruise ships? Please help!

Thanks,

Betty

Hi Betty,

Thanks for your questions, and please know that your concerns are totally understandable. Flying internationally with pets, particularly snub-nosed breeds, can be stressful, but starting the process early and doing some research will help ease your anxiety.

We've moved many Bulldogs long-distance, and there are a few important things to do to help the trip go well. First, talk to your vet and consider doing a full health-diagnostic on your dog to reveal any underlying issues. If you decide to proceed from there, choose a travel crate that's nice and big so as to promote good air flow, and be sure your dog is comfortable spending time in the crate (you may need to start training several weeks in advance of the trip). Another crucial element is the airline you choose. Be sure to go with a pet-friendly airline, one that has established pet policies and well-trained employees so that temperature issues do not come into play.

This is just a quick overview (here's another link with some smart pet travel tips), and we'd be happy to talk with you further. Feel free to give our office a call or fill out our free quote form if you're interested in finding out more about our services. Either way, we hope this helps and wish you a great trip!