Pet Travel Expert

While companies may be cutting back in other areas, relocation benefits are still an important part of an international corporation's budget.  Over on Relocation Next Practices, Weichert Relocation's blog that tracks industry trends and topics, Jennfier Connell writes about the various ways pets can be affected by a relocation policy:

Although nearly one-third of all companies offer some sort of pet relocation assistance, most companies consider this to be covered by the miscellaneous relocation allowance.

Among companies that provide assistance, the vast majority implement a maximum amount; for example, $500 per pet, up to two pets or $750 maximum for any/all pets. This is considered a best practice and minimizes risk to the company for extensive costs associated with pets that would be considered "exotic," such as snakes, goats, emus--don't laugh; we've seen it all.

According to Atlas Van Lines' 41st Corporate Relocation Survey, 29% of companies now reimburse/pay to ship pets, which is up from 24% a year earlier.  We get calls every day from people who are considering accepting a job overseas but won't even consider making the leap without their pets.  Pets are not only part of most people's family but also help with stressful situations (like moving to a foreign country and taking a new job).  Relocations are more successful over the long run if pets get to make the journey as well, which ultimately saves money in lowering the amount of failed relocations.

We try to work closely with relocation companies to make sure that communication is clear and that everyone is staying satisfied with our services.  Our corporate pet relocation services offer everything from a direct service request system and free corporate pet relocation seminars to preferred provider discounts.  We've also written extensively about this topic for ERC's Mobility Magazine.

One time I spoke with a woman whose company was paying for everything -- but not her pet.  She kept saying that she could care less about whether they covered her household goods -- that they could easily be sold and replaced or stored -- but that she just wanted to make sure her pet made the trip safely. 

It's an interesting thought.  Would you move overseas without your pet?  What about your couch?