As temperatures rise, it's typical for airlines to adjust their pet travel policies. We've updated you about a few summer embargoes thus far from British Airways and United, and Delta has just announced a detailed summer pet program, as well.
Here's what they have to say:
"At Delta Cargo we take great pride in safely transporting live animals throughout the world. We don’t just ship dogs and cats; we transport everything from hamsters to snakes to chinchillas. We realize pets are considered family members and it is important for us to provide the same level of care and respect for them as we do their owners."
Beginning May 14, Delta Cargo will launch its 2012 Summer Live Animal Program, which entails allowing them to accept animals for transport even when temperatures exceed 85F/29C. At participating hubs, one or more air conditioned vehicles will be available to bring pets to and from the airplanes in support of their safety.
There are a few exceptions:
-If the station does not have air conditioned vehicles, animals cannot be transported if the temperature exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
-Regardless of whether or not a hub is part of the Summer Program, snub-nosed dogs and cats will not be transported if the the temperature is greater than 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Check out the list below to find out which airports are participating in the program, and remember that things can always change, so be sure to check with the airline/airport ahead of time if you'll be traveling with your pet this summer.
The beginning of a pet move can be pretty confusing and there are many things to consider, including your pet's safety, the legwork (and paperwork) involved, and how much it's all going to cost.
Some people choose to handle their moves on their own (and we're happy to offer tips for how to keep pet moves affordable, etc.), but ultimately many pet owners realize they'd rather have someone else handle everything. Whether due to stress, time, or basic logistics, hiring professional pet transportation services will bring some relief to the situation.
Here are a few reasons that many pet owners, including our own PetRelocation.com customers, choose to seek assistance with their moves.
Conflicting Information
"We had no idea how to go about organizing the move ourselves, and for a dog we loved so much, we felt secure in paying someone to do things correctly." -Michelle, who moved her dog Chunk to Australia
Thanks to the internet this has become a very DIY world, but that doesn't mean it's easy to pull off something like a pet move. Unfortunately it's the case that many government websites don't keep up-to-date information regarding animal imports, and a lot of the advice you'll find out there is just plain wrong. When your pet's safety is at stake, it's better to trust the experts who do this every day.
Time
"The list of things to do before a move is a long one. Having assistance with Cole took a huge burden away from us and allowed us to spend more time on preparing ourselves and getting our travel arrangements in order." -Mike, who moved from California to Brazil
Whether moving for work or for pleasure, the effort of relocating all your belongings, organizing the details and trying to make a home in a new place can call for huge time demands. Adding another set of concerns just isn't possible for some travelers, so that's why they call pet relocation companies like us.
Special Conditions
"Large dogs present more difficult travel scenarios, so getting assistance was very important for us.The overall safety and well-being of our pet outweighed our ability to handle the move on our own." - Mike, Cole's owner
Flying with an older pet, an especially large one, a snub-nosed breed or an exotic animal can all present special challenges. Again, the rules can be confusing and the internet can be a jumble of misinformation, so passing the reins to a relocation specialist who knows how things work is often the best choice for many pet owners.
Military Moves/PCS
"I had enough stress just trying to get me, my daughters and my house ready all while worrying about my husband, who was still gone (overseas in the military). Once I decided to hire Pet Relocation.com it was like a huge stress filled ball was lifted off me." -Tarnna, featured as our most recent Pet Move of the Month, moved from the US to the UK
Families serving our country who have to move frequently, often without as much notice or time as they'd like, can find themselves feeling particularly overwhelmed.
As you can see, there's nothing wrong with seeking some help! For more information about how to relocate your pets, check out MyPetTravel, our blog, or take a look at our Facebook page to connect with other travelers who have done it all before.
You can also contact PetRelocation.com directly to speak to a Pet Relocation Specialist about what your options may be. No matter how you go about it, here's wishing everyone many safe travels!
Name: Kathy Pets' Names: Dolce' and Mollie From: Rhode Island To: California
Our family (pets included of course) was being relocated from Rhode Island to Southern California, a 3,000 mile trip to take place at the end of Aug. 2011. After checking several animal-friendly airlines (most of which only accept smaller animals that can be in the cabin under a seat.), we decided to fly Continental.
The animals had to be dropped off at a special holding area, and from there they are driven in a van to the plane. We were able to watch them being loaded into the air-regulated cargo area and a stewardess assured us they were on board. At the end of the flight our transportation was delayed. The people at the animal section made a call to our cell phone to let us know the animals arrived safely and were waiting to be picked up. After all the worry of having to have the animals on such a long flight, we picked up Dolce' and Mollie at the animal pick-up area.
They were well cared for throughout the whole process. We made it a point to put tags on their crates indicating live animals inside, along with their names on the crates in several places so that the handlers could call them by name. A big shout out for PetRelocation.com for getting our family from one side of the U.S. to the other!
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.
We've been following the news and developments accompanying the United/Continental Airline merger, and over the past few weeks United has been following a path of general expansion.
Beginning on May 1, Manchester will become the 15th transatlantic destination served from the hub of Dulles International Airport (IAD). Also on May 1, Doha will become the fourth Middle East destination served by United Airlines.
In terms of pet travel, Manchester will be open to pet shipments immediately and Doha is expected to be animal-accessible at a later date.
We'll keep you updated with all the latest pet transportation news, so keep in touch!
Pet transportation services aren't just limited to moving a dog or cat across the country when work or military duty calls the family to a new place. Along with technological advances and emerging international developments, transporting animals is a service in demand, leaving airlines and freight companies in the position of stepping up to the challenge or being left behind.
This recently published Bloomberg article goes into greater detail about Lufthansa, KLM, and the other companies who deal with shipping animals. It's pretty fascinating to see how trends have been changing recently and how these businesses are learning to handle exotic moves.
Want to know more? Here are a few details from the article, and you can read the whole thing here.
-Last year Lufthansa's Frankfurt facility handled 110 animals of various kinds (including 80 million tropical fish and 300 tons of worms).
-Lufthansa usually transports around 14,000 dogs and cats and 2,000 horses in a year.
-Animal freight makes up about one to two percent of Lufthansa's total cargo revenue.
-One of the most unconventional cargo shipments on record was a plane filled with dogs and cats evacuated from Lebanon following a missile strike.
-Before they fly out of Frankfurt, animals are inspected by up to 24 different vets.
-Some freighters are equipped with up to four different temperature zones, meaning that one flight can safely and comfortably carry warm-blooded and cold-blooded animals (think horses and penguins, for example).
-Large fish, dolphins and poisonous reptiles are not accepted for shipment by Lufthansa due to safety concerns.
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!
Name: Pauline Pet's Name: Stella From: Los Angeles To: London
I did a lot of research with all types of animal transport companies before choosing PetRelocation.com, and at first I was nervous, as we didn't know what to expect, but we are SO glad that we chose PetRelocation.com and are very impressed and happy with their services.
We chose PetRelocation.com because of their experience with handling long distance pet transporting. We were won over by specialist Sarah Rosales' detailed descriptions of what our dog, Stella, would be going through during the long flight as well as the hours before and after.
Specialist Abbey Steidensticker was also amazingly helpful and patiently answered all of our questions and addressed our concerns with a warm and timely professionalism. With her help, we did not have to worry much about anything! She prepared all documents, contacted the two vets we had for Stella, and arranged all correspondence between agents.
And the absolute best part about PetRelocation.com is their pick-up and drop-off services - we only had to crate train Stella, and on the day of her flight she was simply handed over to an experienced agent. The timing was perfect! - I flew out of Los Angeles two hours after her flight, and arrived home in London to wait for her to clear Customs. Abbey kept us very well informed about Stella's status, from the moment she checked into her flight, to when she landed, cleared Customs, and when she was on her way over to us!
Just an hour or two after I arrived, she was delivered to our door by a friendly London transport agent, which Abbey had coordinated as well. When we saw her, we were so thrilled to be reunited again!
Stella is adjusting nicely to London (although the weather here leaves something to be desired), and she is enjoying long walks in the park near our home and finally spending some quality time with both her "mom" and "dad".
Thanks so much to PetRelocation.com for an amazing job! :)
Since moving pets can be pretty complicated and will most likely coincide with a busy, stressful time in life, we're not surprised that we receive a lot of questions from overwhelmed pet owners about the logistics, the details and the costs of pet travel.
We've been shipping pets for a while now and have pretty much heard it all... Here are a few of the most frequently asked pet travel questions (along with our basic answers). Remember, no one is alone in this!
How do I know what the requirements are for the country I'm moving to?
Making sure that a pet's journey runs smoothly begins with research. Many countries have detailed import instructions on their own official websites; stringent countries like Australia outline almost everything while other places may not be so forthcoming, so you may need to check another source -- like IATA or the country pages on the PetRelocation.com -- to find out about health documents, vaccines, and possible quarantines.
Which airline should I fly with?
This is perhaps the most important decision you can make related to pet travel. It's key that you choose an airline that has established pet policies and solid safety measures in place to ensure that your pet is properly cared for, not left to sit on the tarmac, and respectfully transported overall. We have a short list of trusted airlines that include KLM, Lufthansa, Qantas and United, but check with us if you have any questions about this.
How do I know my pet will be safe?
This is probably the most common question requiring the most nuanced answer. Again, safety primarily depends on selecting trustworthy airlines and transport agents, but you can also do your best to prepare your pet physically by keeping them in good shape, acclimating them to their travel crates and setting a good example for them by remaining calm and upbeat in the days before the trip.
Remember that sedatives are strongly discouraged (and generally not even permitted). With so many moving parts it's impossible to guarantee a journey 100% free of hiccups, but by following these basic guidelines you're putting your pet in the best position possible.
Why does it cost so much to ship a pet?
We've addressed the question of pet moving costs in greater depth in the past, but essentially it comes down to the details. By the time you add up import permits, health certificates, customs clearance, delivery fees, plane tickets and a few other considerations, it simply isn't going to be a cheap endeavor. Does it end up being worth it, though? Most pet owners would say "of course".
Should I move my pet at all?
This is a tough one, and for certain people it's a question that must be asked. Air travel is taxing for humans and for animals, and older pets or those in delicate health simply may not be up for it. Also, many people don't realize how much is involved with air travel and crossing borders, so if this is just a vacation (rather than a permanent move), it will probably be better to find a trusted pet sitter rather than jump through so many hoops unnecessarily.
Ultimately it is the safety of the pet that's the most important thing to consider, so often a conversation with your vet, your family, and your pet relocation specialist will help you figure this one out.
Still have questions? We're happy to help! Give our office a call and be sure to check out our Facebook page to connect with other pet travelers who probably have the same questions as you. Happy traveling, everyone!
Anyone who has planned a pet relocation knows that there are many moving parts to attend to. We can do a lot from our home base (make phone calls, arrange vet visits, order custom crates, etc.), but bringing pets to and from the airport, to and from boarding facilities, and ultimately home to your front door requires the services of someone trustworthy and adept at the more physical, location-specific tasks associated with moving pets.
PetRelocation.com entrusts this job to various pet transportation professionals around the world, and we thought it was about time to introduce you to a few of them.
First up is John Kernan of Pawsitively Dogs, who started out as a businessman in California. Family matters brought him back to his hometown of Rochester, NY, and he ended up staying there when he realized he'd rather run a pet-sitting business than return to the world of suits and ties.
We're glad this animal-lover made the career switch, as he's helped us with several moves in the upper New York region. John has even crossed the border into Canada to move a pet, so he can call himself an international pet mover!
To give all of us a better idea of what goes on during every part of the pet move, we recently asked John a few questions about his experiences. Here's more about moving pets from a driver's point of view...
How did you get started as a pet transporter?
I've come to the pet transportation business by way of the pet sitting business. Prior to that, I was in corporate America in the information technology sales world.
I've been involved in volunteer rescue for 10 or more years, walking dogs at shelters and ASPCA centers. I left the corporate world after my Dad passed and Mom wasn't doing so well. As the single sibling (I have seven others), it was easiest for me to take a break, leave California, and return to Rochester for what I thought would be a year or so.
While here, I indulged my passion for animals through work as a volunteer dog walker and trainer at the local ASPCA. I work with another rescue group here called Nuts for Mutts as well. As Mom improved I decided to start a pet sitting business rather than return to corporate America.
I began assisting with local ASPCA events, continued transporting on occasion as part of my pet taxi service, and more recently began transporting for PetRelocation.com in the New York and southern Ontario, Canada regions.
Is there anything else that inspired you to embrace this line of work?
I have a rescue dog named Bobby whose story I tell under the My Inspiration section of my website. He's been my best pal for over 8 years now...makes me laugh every single day.
Here's an excerpt from John's website:
I met him during my volunteer work as a dog walker at a No-Kill shelter in Nevada. He’d been deposited there by animal control after spending the first few months of his life on the street. After finding out that the poor guy never got walked and had been there almost a year (a positive example of this shelter’s commitment to its residents), I needed another volunteer to assist me in cornering Bobby so I could put a leash on him for a walk.
After several walks it became apparent that he was totally overwhelmed and confused… his head remained down, tail low, always hunching down as he slinked along beside me. I later learned that he’d been there almost a year and they were concerned that he might not be adoptable. I could hear no more and decided to take him home. He lay in the bed I bought him for over a week without once barking; only venturing out with me for potty breaks. Gradually, he improved as he learned to trust me and his new surroundings.
It took time and patience but he is now a shining example of what trust and affection can do for a wounded animal. His loyalty continues to astound me and he makes me laugh every single day!
What is the best part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is my initial meeting with the dogs at airport pick-ups. This potty break is often the first time they get out of their crates for hours, and they can be confused. It's nice to see the subtle changes as you talk to them and reassure them that everything is going to be OK. They're just dying for a reassuring voice and touch after a long flight, and will often nuzzle right up to you for comfort. Final delivery to the customer is also great as the animal first recognizes his "long-lost" owner.
What has been your longest trip, and do you have any interesting transport stories?
The longest transport to date was from Rochester, NY to Mississauga, Ontario, a distance of over 300 miles.
It was interesting crossing the border with the two pups I had in two separate cages. It was all I could do to convince the customs rep that I was NOT transporting illegal aliens but instead legal canines! He also found it difficult to understand that I did not own the dogs, but instead was transporting them on behalf of a pet transportation company.
After several rounds of questions and perusals at my paperwork, he finally waved me through. I do believe this was a first for him!
What advice do you have for pet owners that may help put their minds at ease during a relocation?
I think that it helps the owners to have a contact telephone number with the drivers. I always call the owner prior to pick-up at their location or from the airport prior to delivering their pet to them. It is certainly reassuring to know that the transport person is also another pet lover and understands what you're going through. I've found that customers really do appreciate the call.
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We thank John for speaking with us and look forward to working with him to move many more pets!
Name: Sally From: Kailua, Kona, HI To: Washington, DC Pet: Oreo, mixed breed, 50 lbs
Is it possible to fly our dog to DC from Hawaii? How are animals transported over long distances without stops to go to the bathroom? I would hate to leave our dog behind, but I can't imagine her being in a crate for 12+ hours. One time our flight was delayed and we were traveling for 24 hours. How do people do it?
Thanks, Sally
Hi Sally,
Thanks for the question! We've moved many dogs in and out of Hawaii, and while it is a long trip, it's possible to carry out safely. (We find that pets are generally surprisingly resilient). Here is some information about the pet import requirements for the United States, and for long trips we do recommend putting something absorbent into the bottom of the crate (an old towel or bathmat, shredded newspaper, etc.). If you'd like an estimate for our door-to-door services, here is the link to our free quote form.
Good luck with your pet travels, and please let us know if you have any more questions!
Name: Will From: Fairbanks, Alaska, USA To: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Pets: One bird, one Savannah Monitor
I have two pets that I would like to relocate with me as I change jobs. One is a Cockatiel and the other is a Savannah Monitor. I am hoping for a bit of direction with transporting my pets from the US to Canada during the winter season. Would like to know of specific companies that that provide the service, my requirements, approx costs, any concerns, etc.
Thanks, Will
Hi Will,
We'd be happy to help you sort this out. Transporting exotic pets can take a little more prep work, but we've moved all kinds of animals and have plenty of tips to share. Here's a discussion about shipping birds that should give you a few good ideas, and we also have a general guide for moving exotic pets. Luckily Canada isn't the strictest country around, but you will have to take into consideration travel receptacles, heat pads, etc.
To find out how much it would cost to engage our door-to-door services, please fill out our free online quote form, and if you have any questions you're welcome to contact us anytime. Hope to hear from you soon!
Name: Noelle From: Gibraltar To: London Pets: Two cats
I would like to know the estimated cost of transporting my animals from Gibraltar to London, and then onto the USA. Due to it being a military move, we will be flying British Airways from Gibraltar to London, and then on American Airlines from London to Seattle, Washington. I am looking for the most cost effective way to do this.
Thanks, Noelle
Hello Noelle,
Thanks for contacting us! Since this is a multi-part move you'll need to meet the pet import requirements for both the UK and for the US. Luckily the requirements for the UK are set to become less restrictive Jan. 1 2012 (read more about the new UK pet import rules). The cost of all of this will depend on your time frame and a few other details, so check out these links and feel free to fill out our free PetRelocation.com quote form. (Please note that we also offer a 10% Military Discount.)
Good luck with everything, and please let us know how we can be of further service!
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.
Last year we published a pet-friendly airport series that took a look at a few facilities, and we found that some airports had better relief areas than others. Airports are required by law to provide amenities for service animals (and by extension, all traveling pets), but a uniform set of requirements has yet to be put in place.
Currently it's being proposed that one animal relief area exist per terminal, which most people would agree isn't enough, and the placement of the relief areas is also a topic of debate. John Ensminger, a lawyer, writer and dog advocate, has created a comprehensive rundown of the current situation on his blog, Dog Law Reporter, and you can check out PetRelocation.com's full Pet-Friendly Airport Series on our blog.
Have you traveled through an airport with a dog lately? Do you have some ideas about the availability of pet relief areas and where they should be located? Well, now is the time make your voices heard. Take a look at the official report and then submit your input sometime before November 28, 2011.
Congratulations to Fluffy and Mittens (and their owner Fariha) for being named our Pet Move of the Month! Exporting pets from Pakistan isn't the easiest thing to do, but after plenty of careful planning these Persian kitties made it safely to Seattle. Thanks to Fariha for sharing this great pet travel story with us.
Is this the first time you’ve ever moved your pets? Yes!
What were some of your concerns going into the move? The distance between Pakistan and the USA. It's a journey that we dread and leaves us exhausted for days. For two delicate Persian cats, we were afraid they may not make it. Did anything surprise you about the international pet moving process? Only the fact that it was so difficult to find a transporter. If there are other services available (besides PetRelocation.com), they are not known about in Pakistan and/or don't show up on a google search.
How are the cats adjusting to the new location? The cats seem quite well-adjusted. However, there are certain things they are still not used to but unfortunately are part of their new life. For one thing, in Pakistan we have huge concrete houses; here, the ground shakes every time someone walks & it seems to unnerve them.
What is life like in Seattle compared to Pakistan? Is it a pet-friendly place to be? Seattle is hugely pet-friendly! But our cats are strictly indoors... We're afraid of the other cats on the street, and also of them getting lost. They go out onto the patio with us and love rolling around in the sun. It'll be interesting to see them when it gets colder, as the coldest it gets in Karachi is 55-60 degrees.
For us, it's comforting to know we're in a place that welcomes and loves animals. Also, that we have a choice when it comes to health care, facilities and products. All our neighbors have pets, and it seems that here not having one would be an unusual circumstance. Unlike back home, where pets are very unwelcome! What advice do you have for people who might be planning a move? If their pet is part of their family -- like ours are -- they should seriously consider moving them too! I think it's helped us all settle in better and made the new house a home, just having them here.
Just as pet travel isn't confined to moving dogs and cats, pet-friendly colleges allow more than just these "traditional" companions on campuses. In the pet-friendly university spotlights we've published so far, we've seen that Stephens College and Eckerd College open their doors to various furry, fuzzy and feathery friends, but what about those larger animals that can be just as important in the lives of students?
Because of all the training, riding, grooming and competing that goes along with owning a horse, it's easy to understand why high school students would have trouble leaving theirs behind once it's time to head off to college. Luckily there are a few horse-friendly colleges out there that allow these young equestrians to continue their favorite hobby as they begin their higher education.
First up is Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR. Students interested in enrolling in the Equine Science Program may apply to board their horse at the school's facilities, and acceptance is based on the students' previous involvement in equine activities as well as letters of recommendation and level of skill.
Students must possess "intermediate or better" equestrian skills, and horses must have the demonstrated skills to pass the CHA-certified Horsemanship test level 3. The OSU Horse Center is open to the public and hosts a number of teaching activities throughout the year; check out a tour of the facility in the video below.
Another school that opens its doors to horses is Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar, VA. Not only does this women's college offer riding classes for newbies, fun riding events and opportunities for competition, they accept horses for boarding as well. Sounds like a great place to be for students wanting to stay connected to a beloved horse or who want to have the option to try something new when it's time for a study break.
There are several more horse-friendly schools out there, which makes the issue of horse travel an important one. Take a look at our tips for transporting horses, and feel free to share any related stories or photos with us here or on Facebook. Happy trails, everyone!
As we mentioned yesterday, more and more colleges are offering students pet-friendly on-campus housing options. Pets provide comfort, stress-relief, and companionship, and especially for first-year students and those coming from out of state, their friendly presence can make a daunting transition much easier to handle.
At the forefront of the pet-friendly university movement is Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL. Think of them as being like the Continental Airlines of colleges -- they have a solid pet program in place that has inspired the formulation of others across the nation, and they make pets' (and people's) well-being a priority.
Recently we interviewed Tonya Womack, the Staff Adviser to the Pet Council at Eckerd, who gave us the run-down on the school's policies, history and pet-friendly future. Thanks for sharing with us, Tonya, and have a great school year!
When and why did Eckerd begin allowing pets on campus?
According to our archives, in the 1972/73 academic year a pet policy was created. The reason we started a pet council and created a pet policy was because we noticed that students were bringing their little creatures to campus and there were no policies or procedures to deal with issues that we might come up against. How did you draft your pet policy?
Our policy was drafted by creating what would work best for the college. Because there are only a handful of colleges or universities that have a pet policy, it was hard to turn to others for help. Staff and students have generated this policy, and we feel it represents what is best for us.
I don't believe the rules have changed. They have more or less been adapted to fit the population as well as maintain the welfare of the animals. We have separated animals into two categories: pets, which are cats, dogs (under 40 pounds), rabbits, ducks, and ferrets, and domestic animals, which are fish, small birds, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, amphibians, and reptiles.
We have adapted our policy so that students cannot bring animals to campus that the Pet Council would feel would not be sufficient for college life. We do only have five houses on campus where a student can have a "pet." In all the remaining houses on campus, students can have a "domestic animal." How has Eckerd been a model for other college pet programs?
Eckerd has been a model for other colleges and universities because we have been able to share our policies and procedures as well as given insight into what works and what doesn't work. Schools are contacting us now with questions on how to propose the idea of having pets/animals on campus to the upper administration.
Do you know of any instances where a student has specifically chosen to attend Eckerd because it is pet-friendly?
There are several stories where students have chosen Eckerd because it is pet-friendly. We recently filmed an episode of Must Love Cats on Animal Planet and the student stated that she chose Eckerd because we allowed pets. She was able to be thousands miles away from home and bring her cat with her. I believe that is typical of a lot of the stories that we hear.
Do you have any memorable stories about pets on campus that you’d like to share?
I believe my favorite story to tell is the story of one student that had two ducks as pets. Those ducks would follow her around everywhere she went. The student was also a Resident Advisor and a member of the Softball team. The ducks were well known and brought a sense of pride to the community because you could not go to any other college or university and say that there was a student that had a duck there.
Do most students transport their pets to campus by car or by air?
Most students transport their pets by car. There is a small majority that will transport them by air. Some students will purchase the domestic animals (like fish and turtles) once they arrive to campus if they choose.
Do you see this as growing trend or one that has leveled off? Do you have any changes or expansions in mind for the future?
This is definitely a growing trend. We have seen an increase in the number of students that have requested pet housing on campus. The Housing Department also increased the number of pet houses from four to five. We have also been receiving a lot of national recognition about our pet policy that has assisted. Our Admissions Department also does a great job in letting prospective students know about this amazing feature of our campus life.
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Be sure to check in with us tomorrow, when we'll be back with more information about the rising trend of pet-friendly college life.
Name: Fariha Pets' Names: Fluffy & Mittens From: Karachi, Pakistan To: Issaquah, WA
Our two Persian cats are like family, so when we had to move to the USA, we couldn't leave them behind. The challenge was figuring out how to take them! Most airlines have restrictions against taking Persians, and then there's the length of the journey from Pakistan.
We found PetRelocation.com online and I mailed them for a quote, half expecting a reply saying they couldn't transport from Pakistan. Pakistan is extremely unfriendly towards pets, and even locals struggle with the system! But we promptly received a positive reply, and our agent worked with us through our indecisiveness and chaos that surrounds a big move!
I think the best part was that our agent understood our anxiety completely. What surprised us was the selection of agents at each port! Even the local agent in Pakistan was pet-friendly, sending us constant detailed updates and showing genuine concern for the cats. Initially we had reservations because of the cost associated with such a move, but this turned out to be a great decision!
The cats arrived in Issaquah in good condition and spirits, and immediately began exploring their new home. We had expected to receive stressed animals that would need days to recuperate from the trip, but the cats seem better than fine & have settled right in! In fact, they can't stop looking out the windows at their beautiful new Washington surroundings! We are so excited to have them and are grateful to all the PetRelocation.com agents who helped them get here! :)
The beginning of a pet move can be pretty confusing and there are many things to consider, including your pet's safety, the legwork (and paperwork) involved, and how much it's all going to cost.
Here's an excerpt from John's website: 
Last week the 
Congratulations to Fluffy and Mittens (and their owner Fariha) for being named our Pet Move of the Month! Exporting pets from 
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