Travel with Dogs

The results from our third annual Summer Pet Travel Survey are in! Pets -- especially dogs -- are traveling more than ever. Below is the complete breakdown of the data from this year's survey.

2012 Pet Travel Survey Results

What kind of pets do you travel with?

Dogs - 85%
Cats - 25%

How soon do you plan to travel with your pet?

Within the next 3 months - 47%
Within the next year - 40%
I do not travel with my pet - 12%

On average, how often do you travel with your pet?

Monthly - 15%
Annually - 42%
Every few years - 37%
I don’t - 5%

What is the most difficult part of traveling with pets?

Not enough selection of pet-friendly airlines - 17%   
Not enough selection of pet-friendly hotels - 40%
Not enough information on pet health requirements for travel - 12%
Airline pet travel fees are too expensive - 12%
Hotel pet fees are too expensive - 17%

What is most important to you when planning your pet's travel arrangements?

The safety of my pet. - 60%
Pricing and keeping the cost down. - 15%
Convenience to my own travel arrangements. - 25%

Have you ever traveled internationally with your pet?

Yes - 30%
No - 70%

In the next year, do you plan on traveling internationally with your pet?

Yes - 22%
No - 72%
Maybe - 5%

Choose to fly on an airline because they allowed pets or were "pet-friendly?"

Yes - 27%
No - 72%

Choose to stay at a hotel because they allowed pets or were "pet-friendly?"

Yes - 57%
No - 42%

Would you consider changing your original travel plans in order to better accommodate your pet?

Yes - 90%
No - 10%
 

Comments

Our survey also asked for general comments on pet travel from participants. Below are hand-picked comments which capture the most common concerns and observations participants made:

I would like more options for traveling via air with my pet - including purchasing a seat for my pet - at $250 round trip pet fees with less carry-on space. I'd rather spend more and have more room for both of us!
 

I would love a tracking system to know where they are and how they are doing.

I drive 15 hours to Delaware every year so I can bring my dog to the beach with the family. If flying with a dog were more convenient, safe, or less expensive I might not have to drive anymore.
 

The costs [of traveling with pets] will probably be painful, but leaving them back would be more painful.
 

I would never fly with my dog because he is too big to fit under the seat next to me. We've chosen to drive cross country on two occasions so we could take the dog with us. We set up the back of our sport wagon like his own home, and he loves it.

I LOVE my dog! I am however scared to death of putting her on a plane cargo hold. She is a large dog and it would frighten her terribly. I wish there was something better for flying with your big dog.

I love taking my dog with me everywhere. Right now there are not enough pet friendly hotels.

We are traveling a lot more [with our pet] and going further than ever thought.

We travel 5200km every 3 months by car with our Bull Mastiff. He is a part of the family. It is troubling to find a hotel that will allow our "family". Sometimes this leads to extra long times in the car to make it to the next "pet-friendly" hotel.

We find that a lot of hotels have weight restrictions on pets which is frustrating.

 

Want to Share? Tweet These Stats!

Dogs rule! Among people who travel with pets, 85% bring their dogs as companions. Tweet

Don’t forget the cat... One quarter of pet travelers include their feline companions. Tweet

In 2010, 1/3 of pet travelers said price of air travel was a roadblock. In 2012: only 12%. Tweet

Who needs a vacation? Nearly 1/2 of pet owners plan to travel with their pets this summer. Tweet

Attention hotel owners: 40% of people think there should be more pet-friendly hotels. Tweet

Safety first! Sixty percent of pet travelers name “safety” as their top priority. Tweet

More than 1/2 of people would choose a hotel based on its pet-friendliness. Tweet

90% of pet owners would change their travel plans to better accommodate their pets. Tweet

40% of pet travelers think there aren’t enough pet-friendly hotels (up 8% from 2011). Tweet

Pet travel can be newsy and serious but sometimes fun and creative, too, and we like to share the cool things we come across from time to time. Here's another dog video from Keith Hopkin, the video artist who made Dogs In Cars, which we posted here a few months ago.

This follow-up is called Dogs in Cars: California, and it's pretty adorable. Find out more about Keith's work through Twitter and Facebook, and remember to have some fun as you travel safely, everyone!

Ready for the weekend? Before you go, take a look at the top pet news stories of the week!

Are you an organic, DIY kind of pet owner? Here are some homemade remedies for pet care from Whole Foods.

The Chicago Tribune discusses airlines, customer service and rule-changing based on traveler demands.

In Australia, a pet hotel business is launching PetSkype so owners can interact with their pets while they're away from home.

Cat hotel problems? Cats are welcome to compete at cat shows in Malta, but they don't always have a place to stay.

Is Neem oil a miracle herb for dogs (and people)?

What exactly do we do here at PetRelocation.com? Glad you asked!

A little shameless self-promotion: we won a cool business award last week!

Happy Friday! What are your plans with your pets this weekend? Before you head off to enjoy yourself, catch up with the top pet news stories of the week...

This couple paid big bucks to clone their beloved dog. Would you?

Find out more about summer pet travel embargoes and Delta's new summer pet program.

Should there be laws against letting dogs roam free in the car while you drive?

Remember: hydration is an important part of safe pet travel.

Too cute! This maternal dog adopted two kittens as her own.

A controversial issue -- A vet's view of pit bulls.

Pet preparation and dealing with the dog days of summer.

This blind dog has his own guide dog!

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.

As always, don't hesitate to contact PetRelocation.com if you have any pet travel questions.

Delta Cargo 2012 Summer Live Animal Program

Name: Camilla
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Mix Breed
From: Oslo
To: London

How can I arrange my dog's travel myself, which airline should I use, and how expensive is it?

Thanks,

Camilla

Hi Camilla,

Thanks for your question! It's definitely understandable that you're researching your options and working on planning your pet move yourself, as pet travel can certainly be expensive no matter how you go about it. First, here are the pet import requirements for the UK (they've recently been relaxed so that's good news). Choosing a pet-friendly airline is very important, and we often fly with British Airways when we go to London. 

Additionally, on our blog we've offered some advice that may help you: how to control the costs of a pet move and pet travel lessons from a DIY pet move. Hopefully these will help to get you started. Please contact us if you have any more questions, and good luck with everything!

 

Name: Krysta
Number of Pets: 5
Pet Type: Dogs
From: Puerto Rico
To: Northern Virginia/DC

My friend, who lives in Puerto Rico, has a dog that surprised her with puppies and I am working with a Rescue Organization trying to get them brought over to the US. What are the regulations and cost for bringing them over? Thank you!!!!

Krysta

Hi Krysta,

Wow, sounds like you have quite a situation on your hands. Well here are the pet import requirements for the United States (luckily it's not the toughest country when it comes to importing pets). As for costs, it will vary depending on a few factors.

For a free quote for our services you can fill out our online form, and if you'd like to speak to a Specialist you're welcome to give our office a call. Note that we recommend puppies be at least 12 weeks old before they fly.

Good luck with everything, Krysta! Just let us know if you need anything else...

 

Just as its becoming more common for people to fly with pets, more and more pet owners are driving with them, too. Whether for a vacation or a trip to the grocery store, many people have no qualms about bringing their pups along for the ride -- but a debate has arisen about what is safe and what isn't. (No, we're not going to dive into the whole Mitt Romney and Seamus situation.)

In Rhode Island, legislators are considering a ban on the practice of letting dogs roam freely in cars. It's been shown that wandering dogs can be a dangerous distraction to drivers (and can also be a safety hazard for the dogs themselves), and though some pet owners balk at the idea, many say the lap dog practice should be made illegal.

Here's the full article about the Rhode Island situation from The Wall Street Journal. A few other states have tried to instate similar laws and many places have bans on texting and talking on the phone while driving, but it seems that pet-related legislation is actually pretty tough to pass and no one has succeeded thus far. We'll see what happens this time around, and will do our best to keep up with all the latest pet travel news as it develops.

Do you restrain your pets when you drive or allow them to move around the car? Do other drivers' habits regarding pet travel make you feel unsafe? Let us know what you think!

Do you buckle up before you hit the road?

We've made it to another Friday! If your week was too busy to let you keep up with all the pet news, here are some links to the top stories. Enjoy...

Travel + Leisure names its Top Pet-Friendly Vacation Destinations. Spoiler alert: Denver does pretty well.

Check out these photos of Afghan rescue dogs, nicknamed 'battle buddies,' who are being brought to the United States.

Here's a slideshow of books "authored by" celebrity pets.

The Aggressive Breed debate never seems to end. A Maryland court examines Pit Bulls and finds them to be 'inherently dangerous.'

Sometimes it's possible to handle a pet move yourself, but most people think it's worth it to seek out a little help. Top Reasons Pet Owners Hire Pet Transport Services.

Did you meet Marshmallow, our Pet Move of the Month?

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: Barb
Number of Pets: Two
Pet Type: Dogs
Pet Breed: Golden Retrievers
From: Frisco, TX (Dallas suburb)
To: London, England

Hi! We may be moving overseas ( we will know in about 30 days). We know the rules have changed. Question is: Our one golden is 10 years old and hyper and in great shape. Is she too old to travel nine hours? (Our other golden is only 5 years old.) Thanks!

Will keep you informed....

Barb
 

Hi Barb,

Thanks for your question. You're right, the UK pet import rules have recently changed, but of course it's normal to still have questions about how to move your pets overseas.

Here at PetRelocation.com we have flown dogs that were ten years old and older. There may be greater risks associated with older pets, so it's great news that your pup is in good shape. The best you can do is keep her fit and healthy in the weeks before the flight, choose a large crate that will allow for plenty of airflow, and finally, talk to your vet about the trip to see what she/he advises.

Please contact us if you have any more questions, Barb. We'd be happy to help you with your move if you do end up going overseas!

Congratulations to Marshmallow for being named our Pet Move of the Month! This Dalmatian mix traveled from Maryland to the UK when her owners were called overseas, and we were happy to help them navigate the process during the hectic time that military families must so often face.

This was the family's first pet move and they had all the typical concerns (safety, paperwork, costs), but in the end everything turned out well and Marshmallow is enjoying life in the UK with all her favorite people. Her owner Tarnna, was kind enough to share the full story with us below. Read on to find out more about Marshmallow's military move!

What were some of your concerns going into the move?

We didn't want to put Marshmallow through the stress of a long flight only to arrive and have to be quarantined, that would have been devastating for her and our family.

Another big concern for me was how much is was going to cost. Moving internationally is not cheap, even if the military pays for some of it, so adding in this cost was a worry.

Did anything surprise you about the pet moving process?

I was shocked by the price to move a pet. Not just with this company, but every company I contacted and even trying to do it on my own. It is not an inexpensive thing to do and it made me change my thought process about military members who move around.

Most of the time military families will just give up their pets when they PCS, and I could never understand why until now. Luckily for us we had saved for emergencies and this seemed like a good time to use it.

Another thing that surprised me was how dismissive of my concerns some companies were -- luckily not this one -- but many that I contacted were and even the airlines directly. Getting these types of responses from other places is another reason I went with PetRelocation.com, everyone seemed genuine and like they actually cared that our animal got to us safe and sound.

How is Marshmallow adjusting to her new home?

Marshmallow loves our new home, just like we do! When she first arrived she was a bit scared and confused but she quickly settled in. The only thing that has changed is she has a bigger back yard to run around in, which keeps her happy. She has actually lost some weight from all the extra playtime she is getting. She was always a pretty laid back, good dog and nothing has seemed to change that.

How is life in the UK? Is it a dog-friendly place to be?

The UK seems to be a pretty dog-friendly place to be. We haven't searched out any dog parks yet, but we have taken her hiking, where she was loved on by everyone that passed us. Other than that we have only been here a little over a month so there aren't too many stories.

What advice do you have for people who might be planning a move?

To other people who are moving I would say that they need to understand that if they want their pet to arrive in good condition it will cost them, but in the end it is so worth it. I would also say to people to go with their gut feeling about a company who is moving their pet; if you get a not-so-good feeling there is probably a reason. They are your pet and they are a part of your family and they deserve to be as comfortable through the moving process as you do!

Anything else you'd care to share?

At first I was put off by the cost, but after dealing with other companies and the airlines I realized that I could not do this on my own and saw that PetRelocation.com was actually the best company to go with. Like I said earlier, everyone I dealt with from my first call to the gentlemen who brought her to our home in England seemed like they really cared about her and animals in general, and they didn't put my concerns on the back burner. There are good people working for this company!

Once I decided to hire Pet Relocation.com it was like a huge stress filled ball was lifted off me. 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. I felt defeated for awhile in the process and was feeling I could not get her here, but once I hired this company I knew it would be okay.

That may sound dramatic but this was the most stressful move I have had during my husband's military career, and we have moved a lot. Nothing was working out and everything seemed to be happening to hinder our move, so when the things with the dog worked out it brought some much needed sunshine. I enjoyed all the people who helped us through the process, everyone had their part, and they did it well. We are planning on using PetRelocation.com for our next move and I have referred my sister and brother-in-law to PetRelocation.com to move their dogs during their next move. They are also in the military and coming to the UK in November. 

Hopefully I didn't get too mushy, but we are very grateful for everything this company has done. We really feel like everyone went above and beyond and worked with us and their team to get us our dog!

Take a look at the top pet news stories of the week!

Interesting --  A Pet Owner's Bill of Rights for Airline Travel.

More about Foreign Services pet travel and how things have become a little easier lately.

Changing hearts and minds re: Pit Bulls and other banned breeds.

Speaking of Pitties, United has relaxed their dog breed policy effective immediately.

Big question: should your dog be watching TV?

Don't let your pet be overweight! Fit pets have better lives and make better travelers, too.

Pet travel info from Gadling.com. Oh look, it's us!

We also offered a few pet travel tips over on Trupanion.com's blog.

Have a lovely weekend!

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)

Happy Friday, everyone! Take a look at the pet news of the week to see if you missed anything...

Twenty politicians with their pets.

Wasn't expecting to type these words today: the secret lives of avalanche rescue cats.

This rescue pup ran a marathon with his owner.

Things modern pet owners do: turn to the internet to help find lost dogs.

Airline updates are important to keep track of: summer pet travel embargoes.

A few tips for how to prepare your pets for spring.

Did you know that United has expanded to include an IAD/Manchester flight that will even accommodate pets?