Pet Travel Kennel

 

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)

 

Here are a few pet travel news links for you. Happy Friday, pet lovers!

 

Pet travelers flying with Alaska Airlines should be pleasantly surprised at this news.

Pet business news: Rover.com has raised $3.4 million with the goal of being the Airbnb for dogs.

National Pet Day + The New York International Auto Show = Pet safety tips and fun for everyone.

A kennel cough vaccine for dogs can now be administered orally.

The Mighty Texas Dog Walk was a great success!

Foreign Service officers aren't too happy about United's new pet policies.

A loose bat on an airplane inspired officials to track down passengers due to rabies fears.

More luxury hotels are going pet-friendly these days.

 

Karma wishes everyone a happy weekend

 

 

 

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!

 

 

Countries vary when it comes to pet import requirements and vaccines, but many do require vaccinations against Bordetella, or kennel cough.

This is interesting news, then: there's a new product on the market that allows the vaccine to be administered orally. Bronchi-Shield ORAL has recently been approved by the USDA and is the first vaccine of its kind.

Check out their website for more information, and if this is an issue that interests you then be sure to ask your vet about Bronchi-Shield ORAL at your next appointment. Pet travel is tricky sometimes, so anything that might make the process easier is welcome news!

 

Name: George
Pets Names: Quinn & Shadow
From: Atlanta, Georgia
To: Shanghai, China


About a year ago we found out we would be moving to China. During a discussion with some people that had gone before us, PetRelocation.com was mentioned. We needed to move with two dogs, one of which was a rescue with severe epilepsy. His condition requires medication every 12 hours to prevent cluster seizures, which would kill him. Ashley worked with us to research what would be the best way to get there. We settled on flying from Atlanta to Detroit, stay overnight there, and start fresh the next day on a direct flight to Shanghai. As it turns out, this was a very good choice. Detroit had a snowstorm that day and our connection would most likely have been missed. When traveling in the winter, it is always a good idea to choose a direct flight or leave enough time between connections.

During our house hunting trip to Shanghai, James, with Pet Relocation in China, came over to our hotel to go over our special needs for Shadow. This was apparently about a two hour drive each way from the kennel. Having the chance to meet who would be responsible for our dogs in quarantine and go over the requirements really gave us peace of mind and allowed both of us to better prepare for the upcoming trip.

Our pets traveled on Delta as accompanied luggage. Delta went out of their way to allow us to stay with Shadow and give him his medicine at the last minute. Thankfully the first officer of the 747 let us know that our pets were on board. Had they not we would have disembarked prior to closing the boarding door.

Upon arrival in Shanghai, by the time we had gotten through immigration there was James with our two pets in customs. Once reunited we were able to feed, water, and medicate our pets, however I am not sure which they were more interested in, the food or us.

It wasn't long after quarantine that James was able to deliver our dogs to their new home in Shanghai! Overall we would highly recommend PetRelocation.com. Without their support and advice, this move would have been nearly impossible.

Name: Kristin
Pets Names: Isis and Sheba
From: Charlotte, NC
To: Seattle, WA


I was in a little bit of a bind given that I had to relocate to Seattle in approximately one week. I didn't have any idea how my kitties were going to get there, as I could have only carried one of them on my flight with me.

I contacted PetRelocation.com and Marissa was so prompt in providing me with the options and information that I needed! She was helpful and efficient and coordinated everything for me, down to helping me purchase the right size kennels for my kitties to travel in.

My kitties had to ride 2 1/2 hours, board, ride to the airport, fly to Seattle, ride to the kennel, board and then be picked up by me two days later. It was quite the logistical nightmare, but PetRelocation.com handled it all!!! :)

Thanks again!

Many of us will be loading our pets into the car and hitting the road within the next few days, so in addition to the holiday pet tips we've already offered, we thought we'd throw a few more gift ideas and travel advice your way (because when it comes to your pets' well-being, you can never be too prepared).

-Avoid decorations that are tempting, hazardous and possibly in reach of your pet (tinsel, for example, can be very dangerous if ingested). Breakable ornaments are also risky, so make sure they're up high if you have any at all.

-If you have a Christmas tree, be sure it can't be toppled over easily by anchoring it down. Hide all electrical cords away, too, as they can be very attractive to cats and puppies who like to chew.

-If you bring your pets with you to visit friends or family, remember the importance of identification. Tags, microchips, up-to-date pictures and copies of health records are all good to have.

-If you decide to leave your pets behind when you travel (let's face it, most cats and many dogs would prefer not to have to hit the road at all), be sure to check out the kennel facility carefully or leave plenty of detailed information for your pet sitters.

-Travel safely! Pets that roam loose through the car can be a dangerous distraction. Whether you put up a gate or buy a harness, be sure to restrain your furry friend while you drive.

-Do you have a worrier on your hands? Thundershirts can supposedly help calm a pet's nerves, and we recently heard about these CDs that help dogs get over their fear of loud noises. Might be worth checking into!

Happy Friday, pet lovers!

It's a tough time of year to stay healthy (that goes for both people and pets), but remember that it's important to keep your pet's weight under control.

Your choices are choosing a kennel, finding a pet sitter, or bringing your pets along with you. What do celebrities do with their pets when they travel?

Here's a behind the scenes look at a pet facility in Sri Lanka.

A baby seal sneaks into someone's house, takes a nap on the couch.

This cat is a traveling pro -- his owners found out he takes the bus on a regular basis.

In search of the tech-savvy airport.

Ready for next year? Top Eight Luxury Travel and Consumer Trends for 2012.

President Obama says that Bo has the easiest job in the White House (and what a great Christmas photo!).

And because it's Friday, the perfect time to watch a cute video, check out this adorable Yorkie/baby match-up.

The holidays are quickly approaching, which means pet owners everywhere are making important decisions about how to fit their furry family members into the mix. Are you bringing your pup along to any family get-togethers? Do you have a car ride ahead of you? Here are a few pet-focused tips to help you navigate the upcoming season of celebration.

1. Plan Ahead
It's already too late for some things (people choosing to board their pets know that most kennels are probably booked by now), but it's still wise -- not to mention polite -- to double check with all hosts, family and friends you'll be seeing to make sure that they're okay with your four-legged tagalong. It's easy to assume that everyone is a pet lover like you, but in reality this simply isn't the case. 

2. Get Your Vehicle Ready
In honor of Pet Travel Safety Awareness Month (and also because it's always smart), be sure that your car is ready to safely transport your pet. Take a practice run with the safety harness you've selected to make sure it's going to work, and don't forget to pack extra leashes and water dishes in the trunk just in case you need them.

3. Think About Food
The holiday season could also be known as "table scrap season," and it's up to you to establish some boundaries. A few bits of turkey might not hurt, but don't overdo it when it comes to treating your pet to rich, fatty food. If you're traveling somewhere else or entertaining guests, it's also important to educate your fellow animal lovers about what's okay and what's not okay (remember that grapes, chocolate, alcohol, etc. are all big no-no's for dogs). 

4. Organize Your Info
When leaving your home base, it's especially important to have all rabies and ID tags properly displayed, and in the event of a separation (fingers crossed that doesn't happen), keep a current photo of your pet in your wallet or on your smart phone. 

5. Have Fun!
All too often, stress can creep into a holiday setting and make things more complicated than they need to be. Pets easily pick up on your anxiety, so do them a favor by keeping cool. A few simple techniques, like heading out for a brisk walk after being stuck in traffic all day or teaching your nieces and nephews to play Frisbee with Fido, can help remind you what the holidays are really all about. 


Read more holiday pet travel tips, and feel free to share your own with us here or on Facebook!

Name: Shelley
Number of Pets: 6
Pet Type: 4 cats, 2 dogs
Pet Breed: German Shepherd, Golden, 3 Domestic short hair, 2 Domestic longhair
From: Arizona
To: NY



Should we use our kennels and litter pans for our cats, or are cat carriers a better choice? Two are used to kennels and two used to be in them but haven't been for quite a while. I want to make this as stress free as possible for them. It's going to be at least 12 hours a day driving for four days. Any advice would be appreciated. I have never traveled with cats before, I take them to the vet in the carrier but that is it.

Thanks,
Shelley


Hi Shelley,

Thanks for your question! It sounds like you have quite an endeavor ahead of you. Luckily there are a few things you can do to make this cross-country pet move a little bit easier.

Since you're in control of this trip (and don't have to meet any airline requirements, for example) it's really up to you to decide what kind of travel carrier you use. For long journeys we suggest roomy travel crates with an absorbent material in the bottom, and to prepare the cats who haven't spent much time in the car, try going on a few short trips in the weeks preceding the move.

Be sure to bring plenty of food and water as well as any necessary medications, and it's smart to have current vet records and recent pictures of the pets, as well. Finally, your demeanor will rub off on them, so do your best to breathe deeply and stay calm.

Good luck with this trip, and please contact us if you have any more questions!

We primarily transport our client's pets by booking flights on pet-friendly airlines, but sometimes other options present themselves -- making for a good story and a good chance to learn even more about pet travel.

We've discussed how pet train travel isn't really an option most of the time, and many trips are either fully or partly carried out through plain old-fashioned driving. Every once in a while water travel is a possibility so a ferry comes into play, or in the case of Allie and Billie's upcoming move, a transatlantic oceanliner.


These two cats are starting in Austin, TX, flying to New York, and then hopping aboard the Queen Mary 2, which travels from New York to Southampton. This mega-ship holds over 3,000 passengers and contains 15 restaurants and bars, five swimming pools, a planetarium and yes, a kennel area that accommodates pets.

The kennels are overseen by a kennel master, who takes care of feeding, walking, etc. The trip takes a week to complete, and reservations for the Queen Mary 2 must be made well in advance (sometimes the waiting list almost a year long).


Upon arrival, the cats must meet the standard pet import requirements for the UK, and then they'll be free to settle into their new lives abroad. Allie and Billie don't depart until October, so we'll plan to provide some updates in a few weeks regarding this unconventional -- and pretty cool -- move.

Name: Allyson
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Mixed
From: Tel Aviv
To: Houston


Hi Allyson,

I will be returning to the US with my dog later this summer. Based on what I have read on your site will probably use KLM or LH and transport him as checked baggage since I will be on the same flights. Will he be taken to the pet hotel with a transit time of approximately two hours? Will he require special docs since this is the EU, or are the US entry docs enough?

Thanks for an awesome website,

Allyson



Hi Allyson,

Unless you're changing airlines, you won't have to obtain any other paperwork besides what's necessary to enter the United States. It's hard to say what options you'll face if you haven't chosen an airline or a route yet, but as an example, the Frankfurt Animal Lounge offers a chance for transiting pets who are traveling via cargo to have a break from their travel kennels. In our experience it's often better to allow a longer layover or even an overnight so that pets can have a chance to stretch their legs, etc.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about this. Thanks for the question (and for the kind words)!

Many people who use the services of PetRelocation.com are making a one-time only move that satisfies a lifetime goal to to live abroad. Many others (those moving for a job or military relocation, for example) have plans to someday return home. For these pet owners, it's a good idea to look into the travel requirements for their returning country well in advance, as they're often trickier than expected.

It's a pretty straightforward process to leave Australia, for example, but returning is another story. It takes a few months to prepare for entry into this rabies-free country, and even if your dog or cat was born and raised here, once you leave, your pet is treated no differently than any other.

According to the Australia Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS), "safeguarding Australia's favourable animal health status is a high priority... When your cat or dog is exported from Australia they immediately relinquish their Australian health status." Depending on the country from which you're returning, pets will have to undergo either a 30 day or six month quarantine, so it's a good idea to know what lies ahead.

That's just one example, but no matter what, if you plan to move back to your home country it's a good idea to research the situation ahead of time. Here are our tips for preparing for an eventual return to your home country:

-Talk to your specialist. The easiest way to get the scoop is, during the first move, to tell your pet relocation specialist that you're planning to move home someday and ask them for some tips. Rules may change between now and then, but we're happy to outline the current process for you and offer our advice.

-Stay up to date on all vaccinations. This is a good idea for all pets, of course, but you may need to meet certain specifications regarding rabies shots if you're planning to enter a rabies-free zone like Australia or the UK.

-Double check the rules. Pet travel rules can be altered overnight (see our recent posts about summer pet travel policy adjustments and bringing pets into the UK after Jan. 1 2012). Check now but check later, too, because you never know what changes time will bring.

-Don't put the crate away. If it was a battle to get your dog or cat accustomed to the travel crate, don't let your previous training go to waste. Instead of putting the kennel in the attic or garage, keep it around so that your pet will remain familiar with it.

The more you know, the easier your future moves will be, so keep in touch with us on Facebook and here on our blog!

Name: Karin
Pet's Name: Maggie
From: CT, USA
To: CA, USA

I am thankful for PetRelocation.com. I had no idea how to begin to send my dog to CA! They arranged everything, checked in, checked in again, and sent me a tracking site so I could watch Maggie fly across country! Then, upon arrival, they contacted me twice again just to make sure she arrived ok, and then to make sure she was settling in well in her new home!

I was so worried about Maggie traveling, and her being scared, but Abbey assured me all would be fine and she would be well looked after - and she was right! Not only was Maggie taken care of, but Abbey took care of me! The photo is Maggie after she arrived, and is sitting in her seat ready to head to her new home. (I didn't have the heart to put her back in her kennel!)

Thanks, PetRelocation!

Name: Fernanda
Number of Pets: Two
Pet Type: Cats
Pet Breed: Maine Coon
From: Las Vegas
To: Brazil

My flight to Brazil from Las Vegas is 13 hours, I have another flight that lasts about one hour, then it's about a three-hour drive to my final destination. Will my cats be ok? One is four years old and the other one is seven years old. what about food and water?

Thanks,
Fernanda



Hi Fernanda,

Thank you for submitting a question to us! Your concerns are certainly understandable, as international travel can definitely be taxing. It's important to go about it carefully to ensure that your cats have the safest experience possible.

We have flown many pets on long journeys like this with much success, and our pet travel tips include the following:

-Be sure to choose a pet-friendly airline that will take good care of your pet before they board and after the plane has landed. We often use KLM, Continental and Lufthansa.

-Your pets should be accustomed to their travel crates, and the kennels should be affixed with water dishes (you can freeze water in them overnight to make sure your cats have something to drink later on).

-Place something absorbent in the bottom of the crate (an old towel or some shredded newspaper) to take care of any possible messes.

-Stay calm! Your pets pick up on your vibes, so if you're cool and collected your cats will be more likely to avoid feeling too much anxiety themselves.


Please contact us if you have any more questions or if you'd like some help with your move. Good luck with everything!

As pet travel becomes increasingly popular (just check the results of our recent 2011 Summer Pet Travel Survey), it makes sense that businesses of all kinds are stepping up to provide an array of pet-friendly amenities. This trend has also inspired us to take a look at some of the top pet-friendly airlines, and today we continue our examination of Continental.

Continental Airlines has become a popular service provider for pet travelers, as they advertise a more comprehensive menu of offerings than many other airlines. Check out a Behind the Scenes look at Continental's pet program, and boost your knowledge with these quick facts:

-Continental was originally founded in 1934 in Pueblo, CO.

-The airline has a fleet size of 346 (excluding subsidiaries) and flies to 140 mainline destinations.

-Continental was named the #1 Pet-Friendly Airline in 2009 by PetFinder.org.

-If pets are older than 7.5 years, Continental recommends they receive a more extensive than normal health examination before flying.

-For pets traveling as cargo, a 24-hour Live Animal Desk is available for assistance.

-If a pet runs the chance of being exposed to temperatures exceeding 85 degrees for more than 45 minutes, a climate-controlled vehicle and personal handler will be used to transport the pet.

-"Comfort Stops" are mandated for pets traveling more than 18 hours.

-The in-cabin pet fee is $125 USD each way ($250 USD round trip).

-If you follow airline news you've seen that Continental recently merged with United Airlines. They're working on aligning their rules and regulations into one cohesive set of standards, and full integration is expected to be complete by the middle of 2012.

-Comparing the two airlines has revealed over 700 differences in procedure that must be reconciled; as far as pets are concerned, the only major change involves how the pets are boarded. Continental loads kennels facing the plane, and United sends them up the belt loader facing away from the plane. The United method will now take effect.

-In-cabin pet kennels may be available at the check-in counter for $60. Dimensions for these are 18" L x 11" W x 11" H (46 cm L x 28 cm W x 28 cm H).

As always, please contact us with any questions or comments, and we wish you all the safest of travels!

(Photo by Kossy@FINEDAYS via Flickr)

--


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!

Pet travel isn't just an afterthought for Continental Airlines. They put forth plenty of effort to ensure that our furry friends are taken care of when flying becomes necessary.

Whether you're prepping for a long-distance move or taking advantage of the fact that you have an easygoing mini-pup who loves to take vacations with you, here are a few facts about Continental that could help you decide if they're the airline for you.

Which animals can travel in the cabin?
Cats, dogs, rabbits and birds can fly in the cabin if they meet prescribed size requirements. Only one pet per person is allowed in the cabin, and these pets must be carried in an approved carrier that fits completely beneath the seat in front of you. Pets under eight weeks old are not permitted on board.

How much does it cost to fly a pet on Continental?
For in-cabin pets, the fee is $125 each way (per kennel). Contact Continental for pet cargo travel rates.

Are there any restrictions or embargoes to be aware of?
Hot temperatures can be dangerous for pets generally and certain breeds specifically, so be aware that from May 15 - Sept. 15 no adult Boston Terriers, Pugs or Bulldogs will be accepted to fly. Certain breeds are restricted all year, including Pit Bulls and American Staffordshire Terriers. Country rules apply as well; for example, pets cannot fly into the Dominican Republic due to space constraints, and many countries (such as Greece and Mexico) require a customs broker. See Continental's website for the full list of restrictions.

Can Continental fly pets to the UK?
Since the UK is rabies-free, it's a tough country to fly into with pets, however Continental is the first airline to be approved under the Pet Travel Scheme. This makes it possible to avoid the six month quarantine for dogs, cats and ferrets if all guidelines are met.

What "extras" does Continental offer?
For pets traveling as cargo, a dedicated 24-hour Live Animal Desk serves as a point of contact, and a frequent flier program is available. For safety and comfort, rest stops are mandated for animals traveling longer than 18 hours. Find out more about the perks of the PetSafe program.

Take a look at this Behind the Scenes video outlining Continental's pet-friendly features, and check back later this week for more info!


(Photo by smemon87 via Flickr)

--


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!

We've almost made it to the weekend! Take a look at the most interesting pet news we ran across this week, and enjoy your Friday!

-Did you see that we launched a PetRelocation.com Pet Friendly Airline Series? This first week we explored JetBlue Airways. Check out 10 things we learned about JetBlue and take a look at the pet photo contest they're running.

-The elites of the American military have been put into the spotlight following the events of last Sunday, and it turns out there was a dog involved in the big terrorist raid, as well. Take a look at this amazing slideshow that explores the role of specially-trained military dogs.

-Sometimes we can't bring our pets with us when we travel, and a lucky few are able to afford top-notch lodgings for their furry friends. Resort-style kennels equipped with webcams and posh amenities are becoming more and more common, as chronicled in this NYTimes article about pet stay facilities.

-An Oklahoma woman has won the right to keep a kangaroo as a pet after demonstrating that the partially-paralyzed animal alleviates her depression and is no danger to the community. Read more about Irwin the therapy kangaroo.

-Here are some pictures of Basset Hounds running. Clearly this link needs no further explanation.

Name: Amanda
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: dog
Pet Breed: Corgis (21 lbs, 26 lbs)
From: Dallas, TX
To: Alaska

I am having trouble finding what kind of travel bag to get to transport my fur kids in the cabin with me. It will be too hot in Dallas for the Airline to allow us to ship the pets in cargo, meaning that they will have to go in the cabin with me. Do you have suggestions on what type of bag to get and where? Also, what should I do to prepare them? Is there anything we can do to help calm them down too? Our youngest one likes to bark a lot. I am afraid they will remove him because of barking. Suggestions? Anything you can help with would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Amanda


Hi Amanda!

Thank you for your question. First, it's important to check with the airline you'll be using to find out about their particular requirements for in-cabin pet transport. Unfortunately you'll be encountering weight limits (JetBlue, for example, doesn't allow the dog and carrier to exceed 20 pounds), so review each possible airline to find out if this trip can be carried out as you imagine it.

As for purchasing a pet travel carrier, again, check with the airline to see what they allow. Continental permits both hard-cased and soft kennels that can be placed under the seat in front of you, and they allow one pet per passenger. Many airlines sell the travel carriers at the ticket desk and JetBlue sells them online. If you end up flying your dogs in cargo, you'll also need to meet specific travel crate requirements.

For behavior, it's important to be sure that your dogs are comfortable being in a carrier, so work on getting them used to it during the weeks before you go. We do not recommend sedating pets during air travel (sedatives may interfere with regular breathing).

One of our Pet Relocation Specialists would be happy to speak with you if you have further questions, Amanda, so contact us if you need anything! Good luck with everything and keep in touch!

March 15th marked a new beginning for me when I started my job as a Pet Relocation Specialist here at PetRelocation.com.  Upon first hearing of my new gig, people typically had a few different reactions.

“What will you be doing?”

“I have a cat I want to get rid of. Can you find him a new home for me?”

“What is PetRelocation.com?”

It turns out I will be relocating “Any pet, Anywhere, Anytime” (that’s the company motto). I will not be able to “get rid” of your cat for you. And what is PetRelocation.com? It’s a company with amazing owners, amazing employees, and a big heart. 

We relocate pets across the United States and across the world. If you’re moving and you think your cats will scratch and claw in the car all the way from San Diego to Miami, send them via air, shipped specially by PetRelocation.com!  If your company tells you you’re moving to China, Germany or South Africa, we can make sure your pets make it there safely, as well. 

When asked why I wanted to work at PetRelocation.com, I had a few things to say.  I have a passion for animals, and since I would never leave my dog in the hands of strangers, I wanted to find out more about this niche in the market. I wanted to find out how this company shipped pets. Were they just tossing them in with the luggage? Do they get left in a warehouse? What in the world does ‘quarantine’ mean?

After working here for a week, I found my answers:

How does the company ship pets?

It’s literally a door-to-door service. Our agent picks up your pet from your home and takes him to the airport. He flies to your new home and another agent picks him up and hand delivers him to your door. The day of the move, the pet owner literally doesn’t have to lift a finger. 

Were they just tossing the pets in with the luggage?

No way! PetRelocation.com works with pet-friendly airlines, such as Continental, KLM and Lufthansa. These airlines have policies and procedures in place to ensure your pet is the last to board the airplane and first to be taken off. They are not left on the tarmac while staff rearranges luggage. They are never “tossed” anywhere. They all travel with name tags, water and blankets. Airline personnel can say hi personally to “Buddy” or “Elvis.” Imagine if your dog left you, was unsure of what was happening, and then as he was getting on the plane a stranger called him by his name and gave him some water.  The last thing he hears is something we all love to hear: our own name! It’s those little personal touches that make the difference.

Do they leave pets in a warehouse?

Not a chance! PetRelocation.com works with agents and airlines who treat your pets as they would their own. They are never left on a tarmac or in a warehouse unattended. In fact, some airports are set up to let pets out of their crate during a layover to stretch their legs and run around a bit!

What does ‘quarantine’ mean?

Quarantine sounds like a scary word. Webster has many definitions, including "a state of enforced isolation." So my dog has to be locked up? Like solitary confinement? Not exactly! Everyone here reassured me that quarantine just means making sure an animal isn’t going to transport rabies or another disease from one country to another. Sometimes it means they have to enter a facility (kennel), but most times the quarantine period can be completed at the owner’s home. Nothing changes except they get their rabies shot and they can’t leave the country for a short period. They can still go to the park, the lake, the vet, etc…

So now I’ve worked here at PetRelocation.com for a little while. In our office, as I type this, we have a Labradoodle named Aussie, a Golden Retriever named Charlie, and an Airedale/lab mix named Draper. It’s obvious we are a bunch of animal lovers, and just about everyone who works here has a pet of their own. That’s why we’re so good at what we do. We treat your pets as if they were our own, we’re friendly, we thrive on our great customer service, and there is no move too big or small.

We have pictures all over the office of pets that have been to Spain, Italy, India, China, the Caribbean and more! At the end of a move, there’s a little sense of joy when you get that phone call saying the pet owner and pet have been reunited in their new home, and you know you made it happen. It almost gives you goose bumps.