It's both exciting and challenging to work in the global pet shipping industry. Though located in Austin, TX, PetRelocation is able to safely move pets door-to-door, to and from far-flung cities all over the world. We get to talk to a variety of people and learn about dozens of different cultures every day, and much of our success is based on being excellent communicators well-versed in all available technologies.

Not only do we use phone calls, text messages, emails and social media like Twitter and Facebook to keep in touch with our clients, when possible we also arrange Skype conversations for an even more personalized experience. We love that more and more people are making themselves available online through implements like video chat, and hope that we continue to see this develop and expand as a tool for communicating with the pet owners we serve.

Missy and Val - Our client's cats in Sri Lanka

Recently Pet Relocation Specialist Bethany was able to sit down with one of her clients for a Skype chat. "It was so nice to put a face to a name," says Bethany. This particular client (her name is Melissa and she is moving her dog and two cats), lives in Sri Lanka, so the time difference sometimes makes it a challenge when it's time to check in directly.

Melissa tells us that, though email is still her preferred form of communication, being able to "meet" her Pet Relocation Specialist via Skype was "the icing on the cake." She goes on to say that, though she doesn't really consider herself a very tech-savvy person, "Living in a remote village in Sri Lanka as I do, email and Skype have become indispensable to me as a way of communicating."

Of course we'd love to meet every person and pet face to face, but when distance separates us we're happy to be available through video, voice, and text. It's all about keeping in touch to answer questions that arise and address the normal concerns that go along with shipping a pet from one place to another—we know that it's a stressful time, and it's our job to help!

Do you use Skype and Facetime to talk to faraway relatives and friends? Have you ever brought your pet into the conversation, too? Feel free to share your stories and tips with us!

Sri Lanka is just a Skype or email away

Thanks,

Maya

Hi Maya,

Thanks for contacting us, these are great questions. First, here are the pet import requirements for Taiwan. The costs will depend on a few factors, but if you're interested in finding out an estimate for our services, you can fill out our free quote form.

Many people decide to handle their pet moves themselves, however it does require a fair amount of research and logistics planning. Leaving it to the experts indeed costs more, however many pet owners find that it's well worth it (especially when moving to a country with complicated requirements and/or a quarantine). We'd be happy to discuss your options further, and for reference here is an overview of why people often choose to hire professionals to help with pet moves.

Please contact us if you have any more questions, and good luck with your upcoming pet move!

Beginning Feb. 1, many pets brought to Germany from outside of the European Union may be required to pay a new pet import fee.

Previously for military members, the EU fees applied towards making sure animals with rabies are not introduced to the country have been covered by Ramstein Air Force Base officials, but a new law requires that pet owners must pay the inspection fee themselves. According to Military.com News, the fee will apply for military pets entering Frankfurt International Airport (FRA), as well.

The fee will range from 35 Euro (about $47) to 55 Euro (about $74) depending on the airport and whether or not the pet is accompanied. The fee must be paid by credit card, and at this time FRA and Ramstein Air Base are the only airports slated to implement this change.

Service members moving to Germany with pets should take note of this news and contact the relevant German authorities with any questions. Please contact PetRelocation if you have any questions about moving pets to Germany or about pet travel in general.

photo by || UggBoy♥UggGirl || PHOTO || WORLD || TRAVEL ||'s via Flickr

Name: Kendra
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: English Bulldog
From: Amsterdam
To: Utah

I've been in contact with someone who has an English bulldog puppy for adoption but they say they live in Amsterdam and are willing to ship her to me for free, but I was wondering what requirements or paperwork I would be needing to fill out to have the dog shipped.

Are there any special forms or requirements by Amsterdam or by the US that I might not be aware of? Is it even safe to fly a puppy this far?

Thank you so much for your help!

Thanks,

Kendra
 

Hi Kendra,

Thanks for contacting us. Shipping puppies is generally safe after the dog has reached 16 weeks of age, and these are the pet import requirements for the United States.

That being said, based on the details you've provided and our own experiences, we must warn you about the prevalence of puppy scams. Sometimes people offer to give you a dog for free and then they attempt to add transportation costs and ask that you wire them money, when in reality there is no dog.

Because there are so many scammers out there, we advise to never do business with someone you don't know, and instead of buying a dog from afar, try to find one locally (at a rescue shelter in your town, for example). Pet lovers are unfortunately taken in by puppy scams quite frequently, so please proceed carefully and never wire money to an unknown source. Here is more information about how to avoid puppy scams.

Please contact us if you have any questions, Kendra. We'd be happy to speak to you further!
 

Name: Daniel
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Manchester Terrier
From: California
To: Ecuador

Does my dog really need a microchip? Do any forms need to be approved by the Ecuadorian consulate here before traveling to Ecuador?

Thanks,

Daniel

 

Hi Daniel,

Thanks for your inquiry. For an overview of the steps you'll need to take, here are the pet import requirements for Ecuador (yes, a microchip is needed). If you have concerns about microchips, please read more about getting a microchip and ISO compatible microchips on our blog—hopefully you'll see that they are well worth having and entail a very minior insertion procedure.

If the links above do not fully answer your questions, feel free to contact the USDA, the Ecuador Ministry of Agriculture, or give us a call for assistance. Good luck with everything!

Name: Julia
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: Dogs
Pet Breed: Mixed
From: India, Mumbai; alternatively Germany, Frankfurt
To: China, Beijing

Hi!
Is there any way to avoid the 30-days quarantine that has been implemented lately? I'm very worried about bringing my two dogs into China given the circumstances. What are your experiences?

I greatly appreciate any info/ advice! Thank you.

Kind regards,
Julia

Hi Julia,

Shipping pets to China is one of the tougher pet travel undertakings to attempt by yourself, which is why we advise that you seek as much assistance as possible. Our team of specialists has helped many pets move to China safely, and we'd be happy to help.

Here is some more information about moving pets to China.  Again, we'd be happy to talk to you in more detail, so feel free to contact us!

Name: Shirley
Number of Pets: 3
Pet Type: Horse, Dog, Cat
From: France
To: US

This inquiry is on behalf of a family we are helping in their relocation to the US. What are the rules for quarantine for their three animals? Where do they need to be held?

Thanks,

Shirley

Hi Shirley,

There is actually no quarantine for dogs and cats coming into the United States provided you meet these requirements, and these are the United States horse import requirements per the USDA.

Please take a look at this information and contact us if you have more questions or if you need some assistance. Thanks for the question, and good luck!

 

Name: Laura
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Potcake
From: Nassau Bahamas
To: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

I am looking into moving my 2-year-old potcake (mutt) from the Bahamas where I am currently working to my home in Toronto, Ontario. Can you please tell what I need to do in order to start this process? Also, would you have any idea of what the cost of this might be?

Thanks so much for your help, I look forward to hearing from you.

Laura

Hi Laura,

Great questions, and we'd be happy to help! Take a look at the pet import requirements for Canada to get an idea of what you'll need to do to prepare for your dog's move to Toronto. Our door-to-door services generally start at around $2,000, but for a more accurate estimate you can fill out our free quote form here.

If your dog isn't currently crate-trained you will want to start working on that, as well. Hopefully this helps to start you off on the right foot, Laura. We look forward to hearing back from you soon!
 

Name: DaNeil
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Dachshund/ Jack Russell cross
From: Lakenheath, Suffollk, England
To: St Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.

I plan on moving back to the States later on in the year and I want to take my dog with me. I have no idea of how to go about it. Any information you can give me, including an approximate cost, would be appreciated. Thank you,

DaNeil

Hi DaNeil,

Shipping dogs to the United States requires a bit of preparation, but ultimately it's not as complicated a process as going to many other countries would be. You'll need to follow a few basic procedures (here are the full pet import requirements for the United States), book a flight with a pet-friendly airline, and buy an airline-approved travel crate if you don't already have one.

Many pet owners choose to enlist help with arranging all of this, and if you're interested in our services we'd be happy to offer a price estimate. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Can you believe that 2012 is almost over? As the new year approaches it's natural to reflect on the events of the last few months, lingering on the highlights and also calculating what lessons have been learned.

The world of pet travel has certainly offered plenty of opportunities for better understanding and growth, as things are always moving and changing.

Read on to find some of the top stories from our year—they should come in handy for pet travelers moving forward into 2013.

1. Pet safety Tips Inspired by Hurricane Sandy

2. Seeking Safety in the Skies: How to Minimize the Risks of Pet Travel

3. The PetRelocation.com Third Annual Summer Pet Travel Survey

4. Don't Rush It: Why It's Smart to Allow at least 30 Days to Plan a Pet Move

5. How to Mentally Prepare for Pet Travel: Be Flexible

6. Quick Tips for Safe Summer Pet Shipping

7. Seeking Help with a Pet Move: The Top Reasons People Hire Pet Transport Services

8. How to Prepare for an International Pet Move: Official USDA Information

9. The Five Most Frequently Asked Pet Travel Questions

10. Relocating Pets in a Digital World: Making Good Use of Social Media

Name: Ann
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: Dogs
Pet Breed: Finnish Lapphund & Mixed Breed
From: Denmark
To: Minneapolis, United States

What do my dogs need in order to be able to travel to Minneapolis, Minnesota? They both are up to date with rabies vaccines, and the Finnish Lapphund has also has the blood work papers regarding rabies (but the mixed breed doesn't).

Kind regards,
Ann
 

Hi Ann,

Thanks for your question. Please take a look at the pet import requirements for the United States as you continue your planning. It sounds like you're off to a great start, but you will still need to obtain health certificates for both of the dogs and also make sure they have airline-approved travel crates, among other things.

If you have more questions after perusing this information, please contact us. Happy traveling!

Name: Leslie
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: Cats
Pet Breed: Unknown
From: AZ
To: NY

Will I need a health certificate for the cats to fly them into New York?

Thanks,

Leslie

Hi Leslie,

Yes, for domestic travel you should have a health certificate stating your cats are up-to-date on vaccines and fit to fly. Additionally, it's a good idea to check with the airline you're using to find out about any other rules or preferences they may have. (We often use pet-friendly United Airlines.)

Good luck with your travels, and please let us know if you have any more questions!

Anyone who has ever tried to relocate a pet has learned that each country has its own way of doing things, and just to make things even more challenging, nations often change their import requirements from year to year, as well.

Recently we've heard some questions about shipping pets to Colombia, a country that in the past has followed breed restrictions and has not allowed cats to be brought in from certain countries. Unfortunately doing a quick internet search might reveal outdated information, so we wanted to share the latest Colombia pet import rules as we know them.

Here is some updated information regarding importing pets to Colombia:

• Cats are allowed entry into Colombia, and must meet the standard requirements as followed.
• Pets need to have a health certificate (the original and a copy in Spanish) issued by a veterinarian 48 hours before shipment. This must certify that the pet does not have any infectious or parasitic diseases. The certificate must include race, sex and age of the animal.
• Dogs need to be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parvovirus.
• Restricted dog breeds include the following, as well as any mixes of these breeds: Staffordshire Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier , Pit Bull Terrier and American Pit Bull Terrier.

More information about bringing pets to Colombia can be found on the USDA website, and you're always welcome to contact PetRelocation.com for assistance.

Name: Katrina
Number of Pets: Tasha
Pet Type: Cat
Pet Breed: Domestic Short Hair
From: Melbourne, Australia
To: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Just wondering what I need to do to send my cat to Kuala Lumpur.

Thanks,

Katrina

 

Hi Katrina,

Shipping pets to Malaysia is a multi-step process that will take some careful planning, and you'll want to take a look at the rules here. If you're feeling overwhelmed and would like to enlist our help, you can fill out our free quote form or contact us with your questions.

Thanks for reaching out, and good luck!

Name: João
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Siberian Husky
From: South Africa
To: Portugal

I'm thinking of buying a Siberian husky puppy from a breeder in South Africa. Can you please tell me what I need to do for this? How old should the dog be before being shipped to Portugal?

Thanks,
João
 

Hi João,

Thanks for your question. These are the pet import requirements for Portugal, and we recommend waiting until your puppy is at least four months old before flying.

However: because of the unfortunately common incidence of puppy scams (many of which are based out of Africa), we advise that you avoid obtaining a puppy in this way. It's risky to send money to unknown individuals, and we've heard from many pet lovers who have been taken in by dishonest scammers. If you're looking to add a puppy to your life, the best way to find one is to deal locally and, if possible, adopt a dog from a shelter or other rescue organization.

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

Name: Martin
Number of Pets: Two
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: English Bulldog
From: Austria
To: New York

Hi There,

I will be moving to NY soon. What kind of vaccination/paperwork do I need to have ready for bringing my puppies to the US with me? My pups will not be older than 3 months.

Thanks for your help,
Martin
 

Hi Martin,

We're happy to offer some advice. These are the pet import requirements for the United States; along with reviewing these guidelines it's important to choose a pet-friendly airline. Also, we actually recommend that you wait until pets are at least four months old before traveling, as this allows time for them to gain the strength required for a safe and comfortable flight.

Good luck with everything, and please contact us if you have any more questions.

Name: Alex
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Mix
From: Republic of Georgia
To: United Kingdom

Hello,

I currently live in the Republic of Georgia. I have a four-month-old Georgian mix breed street pup that I adopted three months ago when her mother was killed by a car. I have a pet passport, my dog has been chipped, vaccinated against rabies in very early October, and has had a blood test taken five weeks later (currently pending the titer blood test results which should arrive around the 27th of Nov; the blood samples are sent from Georgia to Germany for analysis).

She has received her three vaccines against distemper, parvo, influenza and adeno virus type 2, has been vaccinated for kennel cough, and is under milbemax (de-worming and against heartworm) and cestal plus (another de-wormer).

What else do I need to do before I can get her back to the UK (or even France)? What additional paperwork will I need from the vet and will they be accepted? How long before I can travel with her?

Thank you so much for your help!

Best,

Alex

Hi Alex,

Thanks for your question, and congrats on rescuing a pup in need of a good home.

First, here's a link to the official requirements for bringing a dog to the UK. It sounds like you're in great shape so far with all the vaccines, etc., and now you'll need to allow three months to pass from the time the blood sample was taken before you can travel. Also, the vet certificate/passport must certify the microchip, vaccination and blood test result. You must also use an approved travel route (more info about that is available in the above link).

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

Name: Casey
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Australian Shepherd
From: USA
To: Turkey

If the dog is eight weeks old, which is too young for a rabies shot, will they be allowed into the country? Also, the puppy will be shipped unaccompanied. Is that allowed?

Thanks,

Casey

Hello Casey,

First, you'll want to review these pet import requirements for Turkey and then double check with the Turkey Ministry of Agriculture to find out what, if any, age exceptions exist. Generally pets do require a rabies shot, and we personally recommend that pets be at least four months old before they fly. At this point they're stronger and better equipped to withstand the rigors of travel. Finally, here is some more information about bringing pets to Turkey that may be helpful, and for questions about the pet flight, you'll want to double check with the pet-friendly airline you choose.

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

 

Most of the time our Pet Relocation Specialists are working hard to help individual families bring their pets along when they have to move, but sometimes larger organizations find themselves interested in our pet relocation services, too.

Recently we were contacted by Cindy Crawley, president of the Poodle Club of America Rescue Foundation and founder and president of the Mid-Atlantic Poodle Rescue, about an urgent situation. Over two dozen puppy and adult Poodles were found living in terrible conditions in Washington, and after being rescued and temporarily cared for by the Forget Me Not Animal Shelter, it was time to place them in their forever homes.

Cindy contacted us to see if we could help get the dogs from Washington to Las Vegas and Phoenix where they would be adopted, and we were happy to have the chance to be hired for such a noble cause. Read on as Cindy answers a few questions about what she does -- and what we can do ourselves -- when it comes to helping animals in need.

How did you first become involved in animal rescue? 

I was recruited to Poodle Club of America Rescue Foundation in 2007 to help the founding president, Sally Poindexter, with administrative work. I had never had anything to do with dog rescue prior to this. I had belonged to the local Poodle Club in Maryland where I live, but the Club really did not do much rescue work at all. I quickly realized that if I was going to gain the respect and trust of the Poodle Rescue community, I was going to have to start doing hands’ on rescue work myself. It has all fallen into place for me since then!

How did this particular Poodle rescue come about? 

The Poodle world is not very big, especially from a rescue standpoint. We sort of know where the breeders are and who may be in trouble -- not 100% of course, but it is not often that we are surprised when problems arise. Almost one year ago, I offered help to an individual in Washington. I had been informed by mutual friends that this person was having a hard time financially and possibly had too many dogs, so I had five Standard Poodles transported from Washington to Maryland to relieve her of this burden. 

I had pretty direct conversations with this individual and told them that Rescue is not a puppy broker for people who breed too much and cannot sell their puppies, and we are not a dumping ground for people’s broken-down breeding dogs. I checked in with this person over the past year and was told in no uncertain terms that no more help was needed. Imagine my surprise and disappointment when I discovered that this person was preparing to ship an older stud dog out to a property across the country. When I was not able to get a satisfactory answer to questions about the purpose of acquiring a stud dog, a wellness check was done on the property by local animal control. The animal control officers who saw the situation in which the Poodles were living immediately went back to town and got a search warrant and decree for seizure. It was that bad.

What is the most challenging part about what you do? 

We must fundraise constantly. Money is needed primarily for vet work and transportation. Poodles (for better or worse) have been among the top 10 breeds in the American Kennel Club for many decades.  There is a lot of indiscriminate breeding that goes on in people’s backyards in what are basically puppy mills. We try very hard to educate people searching for a Poodle to find the best breeder, one who cares about their dogs and insists on spay and neuter contracts for their pets.  

What’s the best way for people to get involved in helping animals in need? 

If people want a hands’ on experience, any Poodle Club of America Rescue organization would welcome help from the public, as would most local humane societies or SPCA’s. Poodle rescue organizations are always in need of foster homes. We need people to drive dogs from place to place.  If people cannot do hands’ on work, donating to a reputable rescue group is another way to help. Reputable rescue groups are 501c3 not for profit. The new social media has been a real benefit to rescue organizations, as information can be shared in a pretty timely way.

Do you have pets of your own? 

Like many members of Poodle Club of America Rescue, I also breed Poodles. We believe that as breeders, it is our obligation to rescue. We love the breed. We are here for them in their time of need. I breed and show Standard Poodles under the Beauciel prefix. I am very proud to say I have a homebred Best in Show winner.  
 

--

Thanks to Cindy for sharing this story with us! We helped move 10 adults and 12 puppy Poodles earlier this week, and it sounds like all are adjusting well.

Keep up with the Forget Me Not Shelter blog to find out how everyone is doing, like them on Facebook, and if you'd like to make a donation to help cover the costs of this endeavor, scroll to the bottom of this page.