Shipping Dogs From Mexico: Koko’s Adventure!

Have questions or concerns about your pet's move down under? Our Australia team is here for you! Read what Pretzel's owner had to say about her experience working with PetRelocation on her pup's recent relocation from Michigan to Victoria, Australia. 

shipping dogs to Australia Meagan Covelli and Linda have been helping me. Maegan responded to every concern I had for the months leading up to my contract signing. It was her kindness that convinced me that PetRelocation was the service I needed.

Linda was very kind, prompt, and understanding of my fears and anxieties. While in Australia and Pretzel in the US, Linda was an absolute gem in coordinating communications between me and our vet. She kept in contact the entire journey, I’m convinced she didn’t sleep until Pretzel arrived in Melbourne.

Absolutely incredible team, I appreciate everyone’s kindness and expertise.

 

shipping dogs to Australia   bringing pets to Australia

Pet Travel Details:

Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Dachshund
Pet Name: Pretzel
From: Michigan, USA
To: Australia

Planning to relocate your pets to Australia (or anywhere else in the world?). Contact us for a complimentary consultation to see how we can help!

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Incredible Experiences, Quarantine

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

Australia

Even if all the details are planned with care, travel plans can change instantly. When pet owners face the unexpected, our team works hard to make sure those hiccups are handled and plans modified in the best possible way.

Here's what Mary had to say about her experience moving her cat, Merlin, to Australia from the United States.

 

Cat has relocated from the United States to AustraliaLinda was no less than amazing!  She calmly and confidently walked us through last-minute changes we had to make to our plans due to two serious medical situations and a death in the family which all occurred during the time our cat was to depart for Australia.

Within a very short period, she rescheduled everything and even helped us find a place to kennel our cat should we not be able to depart when planned.  She was rock steady for us when we couldn't be.  We had one slight issue when Merlin's papers slipped through a gap in the elevator at the airport.  Linda immediately got involved in locating her papers and started a "plan B" should they be unable to be recovered.  

Fortunately, a security guard recovered the documents and the trip proceeded as scheduled.  I was glad we had put our contact information on the kennel with a Sharpie. Linda faithfully sent updates along the way, and the staff at Mickleham sent us pictures, which was quite comforting.

Merlin the cat moved to Australia

The new plan she put together worked out perfectly and our cat, Merlin, arrived in Australia on schedule and in very good condition. She was in need of some grooming but otherwise was quite undisturbed about her 10-day stay at Mickleham and her flights from the US to Melbourne and from Melbourne to Brisbane. We were surprised to see her act quite at home within a few hours! Of course, her litter box and food/water areas were set up and waiting for her arrival.


We are so pleased to have her with us and so grateful to Linda at PetRelocation for making it happen!  We will definitely use their services to get her back to the States when the time comes.

Pet Travel Details:

Name: Mary
Pet Type: Cat
Pet Breed: Maine Coon
Pet Name: Merlin
From: USA
To: Australia

Moving with your cat (or other pets) soon? Contact us to learn about your pet's move plan options.

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Incredible Experiences, Quarantine

Pet:

Cats

Country:

Australia

In every interaction with an employee of PetRelocation, people can write to our CEO about their experience. Here's a recent note that made us smile -- congratulations to Oliver and his family on their successful move to Australia! shipping dogs to australia

Dear CEO of PetRelocation,

We are writing to you in praise of your entire team, particularly the few employees we had the pleasure of directly communicating with via e-mail.

Sara initially contacted my partner, Patricia, and me in April. Shortly after, we were handed over to Maegan Covelli. In June, we were handed over to Nina Faber, who took care of Oliver and us until delivery.

Nina was extraordinarily organized and attentive during this six-month period. She would keep us updated on progress and approaching deadlines, making every reasonable effort to stay on schedule.

Oliver’s move from Puerto Rico was particularly difficult due to Hurricane Irma and, more significantly, Hurricane Maria. Communications were limited, our vet was barely reachable, Patricia’s mum’s movements were unpredictable, and delivery of temperature-sensitive vaccinations was unreliable.

Nina’s genuine concern about Oliver’s safety and comfort significantly calmed Patricia and me. Personally, this part of your service is what we consider the most valuable and rare. It was lovely having Oliver with us for Christmas. It was remarkable that during one of our most stressful and helpless periods, we were still made to feel confident everything would be just fine.

Despite all uncontrollable hiccups, Nina and your team ensured Oliver was delivered to our door the same day as planned 8 months prior.

moving to australia with pets

Patricia and I will keep an eye out for any of our friends or colleagues planning on moving one of their beloved smaller family members. PetRelocation will be receiving our unreserved recommendation.

We hope this praise reaches all who played a part in uniting our family for the first of our many more Happy Christmas’ together. They must each know that they are amazing, appreciated, and we hope they continue to spread the same happiness they have given to Oliver, Patricia, and me.

Sincerely,

Oliver, Patricia, and Michael

 

Looking for help with your move to Australia (or elsewhere)? Contact us to discuss your safe pet transport options.

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Incredible Experiences, Quarantine

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

Australia

Moving to Australia from a "non-approved" country like Brazil can seem daunting, but one family turned it into an adventure. While fulfilling the import requirements for transiting through the United States, Deco and Sprite toured the country in an RV, and then PetRelocation helped them finish the journey to Australia. Here are some words from their mom about the experience!

moving with multiple pets to australia

I’m very satisfied with PetRelocation and recommend it to everyone! Maegan Covelli did an awesome job. We felt very secure in every step of the process.

My dogs arrived safe and sound in Australia. I could not be any happier. We are in a small flat but already found a nice place to call home. We’re moving to this house in the first week of January and I think the dogs will love it since it has a nice backyard!

Thank you for the amazing job!

 

Pet Travel Details:

Name: Juliana
Pet Type: Dogs
Pet Breed: Mixed breed
Pet Names: Deco and Sprite
From: Brazil
To: Australia

Moving with your dogs (or other pets) soon? Contact us to learn about your pet's move plan options.

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Incredible Experiences, Quarantine

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

Australia

Moving abroad is always a challenge, but when it includes moving your beloved pets as well, the logistics can become overwhelming. Today, we're sharing a heartwarming and inspiring story from one of our pet transport clients. They reached out to PetRelocation to help move their two Weimaraners from the US to Portugal. Despite initial doubts about the cost and ensuing unexpected challenges, our team's dedication and commitment made all the difference. This story beautifully highlights how our expertise, compassion, and exceptional service can turn even the most complicated relocation into a successful journey. Join us as we delve into this remarkable pet relocation story that truly 'took a village' to achieve.

We needed help moving our 2 Weimaraners abroad because moving the two of us, many pieces of luggage, and all the logistics of adding our dogs to the mix was too much.  Initially, I was shocked at the price of this undertaking, but the service was every bit with the cost.  We worked with Natalia in the US and Gel in Portugal.  Both were extremely compassionate, supportive and communicative.  

Our situation ended up being rather unique and it “took a village” to make it all work out.  We arrived from the US on a Tuesday and our dogs were to fly out the following day after a night in a hotel. When we landed in Lisbon we were informed that our female dog started a fight with the male and tore up his ear, causing him to have to go to the vet for sedation and stitches.  The rest of the week was a logistics challenge for Natalia and team, trying to schedule flights and make sure all of our required documentation was still legitimate.  

In the end, the dogs arrived a week after us, but there was so much anxiety and stress on our part, very much relieved by Natalia and Gel.  I honestly can’t say enough about them and this company.  It was worth every penny and they all did exceptional work to get our family members here to Portugal.  It is now 2 days past arrival and the dogs have settled in nicely.  Thank you Pet Relocation.  *****

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

Moving overseas during a pandemic is no joke! The stress is real, but if pets are involved, we can help alleviate that stress! Here's Vinny's story while moving across the pond! 

The stress of relocating during a global pandemic is not to be underestimated, and we were so nervous about Vinnie's experience flying to the UK and how he would cope. Jill's expertise with what was required from a paperwork perspective, helping liaise with our vet & answering my numerous and relentless questions on Vinnie's behalf helped with my anxiety. In the end, the move went without a hitch, and Vin is settling into his new routine. I do not doubt that we would not have been able to do this without PetRelocation, and I would recommend them in a heartbeat to anyone needing to relocate their furry family members. 

Thank you so much for entrusting us with Vinny's safety and comfort. We're so happy to see his beautiful face happy in his new home! If you're moving abroad, let us know how we can help

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

UK

Pet Transport Across the US/Canada Border

Hello PetRelocation,

Please confirm that the only documentation we require to move our dog from Canada to the USA to live is a valid rabies vaccination.

We will drive from Calgary to North Carolina and take our dog with us, so she will not be flying.

Many thanks,
Mandy
 

Hi Mandy,

Great question. Transporting a dog into the United States via car may not require as much attention to detail as flying, but you're right; you will need some basic paperwork. Here is more information about importing pets to the US.

As we've discussed before, crossing the Canada/US border with a pet is an experience that can vary from person to person (some border agents will ask for more information than others). Still, you should have proof from your vet that your dog is up to date on her rabies vaccine.

Further, here are a few general tips for safe road travel with a dog. We recommend microchips even though they're not required, and it's a good idea to carry extra supplies, water bowls, a comfortable travel crate, etc. (you probably know all of this, but it might not hurt to revisit the list before you hit the road).

Please let us know if you have any more questions, Mandy. Thanks for reaching out, and have a great trip to North Carolina!

Pet Travel Question Details:

Name: Mandy
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Chocolate Labrador
From: Calgary, Canada
To: Charlotte, North Carolina

Need assistance arranging your pet's move? Contact us to discuss your safe pet transport options.

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Ground Transport Stories

Pet:


Country:

United States, Canada

Microchips can be an understandably confusing part of pet travel, so we've compiled a few frequently asked questions to help clear up the most misunderstood aspects of this requirement.

Does my pet need an ISO Compatible Microchip to enter the European Union?

If you've looked into pet import regulations for a country within the EU, chances are you've heard the term "ISO compatible" alongside microchip rules. Does that mean you need one if you're moving your pet to Europe? The answer is a little complicated.

ISO (International Standards Organization) regulations tend to mean different things for different countries, making it even more confusing to determine if your pet's chip is compliant. While we always recommend double-checking your destination country's specific rules and regulations, we know a thing or two that may help with some of the confusion surrounding microchips.

Which microchips will allow entry into the EU?

The technical rule for entry into the EU is to have an ISO-compatible chip. Two reasonably common microchip brands are compatible with ISO regulations for the EU: HomeAgain and the AVID Euro chip (10 digits instead of the standard US 9-digit chip). Look at our previous blog posts covering AVID and HomeAgain chips in more detail. 

What if my pet’s pet'sis not considered ISO-compatible?

We have found that when routing through a large Border Inspection Post, such as the Lufthansa Animal Lounge in Frankfurt or the KLM Pet Hotel in Amsterdam, all types of microchips are acceptable. Even if the final stop is not in Amsterdam or Frankfurt, this is where vet inspections and microchip scans occur for entry into the EU. Both locations have universal scanners readily available to read any US-implanted chip (not just ISO compatible).

With that, remember that the vet clinic at your new destination may not have a universal scanner to read a non-ISO-compatible chip. In that case, you may be asked to get a new chip implanted when looking to move again or obtain an EU Pet Passport.

Should I get another Microchip implanted just to be safe?

While implanting a microchip is typically painless for pets, we do not recommend getting another chip (just to be ISO compatible) if you can avoid it. Here are a few reasons why two chips are not always better than one:

  • Both numbers must be listed on all vet documentation if one microchip is no longer readable (due to malfunction or moving location).

  • The EU requires a microchip to be implanted and scanned before a rabies vaccination. With a new microchip, your pet would also need a recent rabies vaccination to meet import requirements. Again, this is just in case the original microchip is no longer readable.

  • The two chips must also be updated with your contact information. People probably won’t won'te that found pets have two microchips, so it’s iit'stant to keep contact information up-to-date on both chips to ensure your pet is easily traceable back to you.

In the end, the decision about whether or not to get another chip implanted to meet ISO regulations is up to you. We have worked with many pets that have two microchips!

Either way, it’s ait'ss a good idea to have your pet’s pet'sscanned by your vet well in advance to ensure that the chip is working properly, is easy to locate, and the number is recorded correctly for travel.

Ready to discuss your pet's Transportation with a pet travel expert? Contact PetRelocation to set up a consultation today.

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:


Pet:

Cats, Dogs, Snub-Nosed Breeds

Country:

Moving across the globe can be a complex task, especially when our beloved pets are involved. For one family, deciding to move back to Australia also meant ensuring the safe relocation of their elderly cat, Joey. Dealing with multiple time zones and stringent Australian quarantine regulations was no easy feat, but at PetRelocation, we were up for the challenge.

Our journey began in July 2022 after making the difficult decision to move back to Australia. Our elderly cat Joey (16 years) has been with us for 12 years, so there was no question about bringing him along with us! Due to complications with moving, travel and Australian quarantine regulations, we had to leave Joey at a cattery for a few months in Amsterdam before we could be reunited with him in Adelaide in February 2023. 
During that time, Nina Faber at Pet Relocations helped us every step of the way. The coordination between 3 different timezones seemed like an almost impossible task, but Nina managed it all. Her clear communication and ongoing contact with us about Joey's travel requirements, paperwork and flight itinerary, along with her cheerful updates and photos of Joey's journey, put us at complete ease. Nina went above and beyond to make sure everything went smoothly. Joey arrived safely and in good spirits considering his long migration! We highly recommend Pet Relocation. They really care about the well-being of your pet. 

Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Adelaide, Australia

Every pet has a story, and every journey is unique. We're dedicated to making these stories have happy endings, just like Joey's. At PetRelocation, we're driven by our commitment to the well-being of your pets. We go above and beyond to ensure every detail is handled with precision, care, and compassion, because we understand your pets are not just pets – they're family.

Author:

trademarkmedia

Topic:

Ask the Experts

Pet:


Country:

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Ask the Experts

Pet:


Country:

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Ask the Experts

Pet:


Country:

A myriad of unforeseen circumstances can challenge the bond between a pet owner and their loyal companion, especially in these unprecedented times. For one individual, the journey with their dog, Aubie, from Shanghai to Detroit and back was filled with joy, challenges, and, ultimately, a triumphant reunion. Here's their heartwarming story with PetRelocation at the helm.

I was fortunate enough to take my dog, Aubie home with me on the flight from Shanghai to Detroit as a certified service dog this past summer for holiday. I haven’t been able to return back home for 2 years because of Covid restrictions. It was a wonderful reunion. When it was time after a month to go back to Shanghai, I reached out to Pet Relocation to help Aubie get back to Shanghai. I couldn’t bring him back with me since I would have to undergo 10 days of quarantine in a hotel in Shanghai. Tayler was awesome with the arrangements. However, his flight was delayed because China imposed an embargo on all pets entering China. His flight back was delayed over a month. Aubie stayed with my parents and was spoiled. He finally was able to return to Shanghai in September. His flight and transport to my home went smoothly! I was so happy for him to be home. All of his dog friends at the Dog Park were happy to see him too. I threw a welcome home party! I highly recommend Pet Relocation! I will use them again next summer for sure!

Stories like Aubie's encapsulate the essence of why we do what we do. It's not just about the logistics or the paperwork. At PetRelocation, it's about those joyful reunions, the wagging tails, and the undeniable bond between pets and their families. We're committed to being there every step of the way, especially when challenges arise. We're thrilled to be a part of Aubie's journey and look forward to serving more pets and their families in the future.

Author:

trademarkmedia

Topic:

Ask the Experts

Pet:


Country:

Our family was relocated to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on May 2021. Due the pandemic, our beautiful dog has left in Houston under family care. We tried everything in our power to bring it but with no success.  Finally, we found Kelcey and this amazing team, and after 3 days of travel, our 4 leg baby is with us. Thanks to all the people who made this travel easy as possible for Simba. - Jose P

 7B670B40-A86C-4F03-AE01-801E2BF5F01C.jpeg556CA17C-5D66-45EA-9F5E-8FE1DBA1B41D.jpeg

Author:

trademarkmedia

Topic:

Ask the Experts

Pet:


Country:

Jill Rush and her colleagues in NYC, Frankfurt and Copenhagen took utmost professional care of our pet Netherland Dwarf bunny during his transatlantic flights from the US to Europe.  Despite a last-minute embargo on pet travel via Lufthansa out of Newark, NJ, Jill swiftly rebooked him onto another flight the next day.  Her NYC team kindly boarded our rabbit that night and secured his veterinary travel certificate.  We received a photo of our bunny when he landed in Frankfurt and were thrilled to see him delivered safe and sound to our hotel in Copenhagen.  Our three children, my husband, and I are very grateful for PetRelocation's compassionate care and are looking forward to working with Jill and her team again on our trip home.         

Author:

trademarkmedia

Topic:

Ask the Experts

Pet:


Country:

When I left the US, I had to leave my fur baby behind for unforeseeable issues. I didn't know how to bring her to Korea with me, already having left the country. Shoot down the line with more unforeseeable events and a rush to bring my dog. I reached out to Pet Relocation as they had the best reviews and credibility. I was so nervous about this as it was quite a large investment and a solo move for my dog. Pet Relocation was so helpful and held my hand throughout the entire move. It was a lot of work, and I'm not going to lie, I wasn't sure if I could do it. Now my dog lives with me here in South Korea, and she's adjusting well. She especially loves getting 3 walks daily since I live in a small apartment. If there's anything I'd tell future pet travelers, is to remain calm and trust in yourself!

El Paso, Texas to Yangsan, South Korea

Author:

trademarkmedia

Topic:

Ask the Experts

Pet:


Country:

While Hawaii is part of the United States, you may be surprised to know it's a somewhat complicated destination to take your pets! That's what pet mom Jen found, but after hiring PetRelocation she had peace of mind. Here's their story!

We were VERY nervous about moving our pets to Hawaii as the preparation and quarantine rules are so strict and convoluted. We hired  PetRelocation to handle just the paperwork portion for our two cats and one dog. 

Katie was AMAZING at untangling the web of documents and vet visits required to have our animals released directly to us at the airport when we landed. Word to the wise...choose to send your pet's FAVN blood work to Auburn University as it is almost half the price of the others (no one tells you this as the fees are not posted anywhere). Katie made the insane process of moving our animals to the middle of the Pacific Ocean a breeze! Thank you!

Thanks so much for entrusting us with your pets! If you're ready to get started with your pet's move let us know

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel

Pet:

Cats, Dogs

Country:

United States

Thunder's family decided to move abroad, but then the pandemic hit! Things weren't easy, but with PetRelocation on the case, Thunder is now reunited with his family. 

PetRelocation was amazing from our first consultation over the phone. Everyone we spoke to over the whole process explained everything so clearly and answered all of our questions promptly. Due to unforeseeable circumstances, Thunder's flight was delayed by a week but PetRelocation made all of the rearrangements and reassured us with regular updates about Thunder's unexpected vacation in the kennels. We honestly couldn't recommend this company enough, especially considering how they navigated the extra complications caused by the pandemic. Thunder is back home safely and we are so grateful! Thank you!

If you're planning an international move, let PetRelocation help you navigate the process! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

UK

When living with a military family, you travel a lot. And this goes for pets, too! When this big boy's family was planning their move to Japan, his parents called PetRelocation. Moving to Asia during a pandemic wasn't easy, but now everyone is reunited. See what they said about working with us in this month's spotlight! 

Tell us about your pup, Metgot. What’s his personality like & how did he join your family?

Metgot is our 5-year-old American Bulldog who thinks he’s a teacup. He is a sweet boy who loves people but forgets how big he is. He hates the sound of a doorbell but will keep you safe if you ever get attacked by a vacuum. We adopted him in 2015, and we love him so much! 


Metgot, the gentle giant.
 

Metgot is a unique name. What does it mean, and where did it come from?

Metgot in our language is a Chamorro word that means strong, powerful. If you met him in person, you would say it suits him well.

How did you hear about PetRelocation, and what made you decide to hire a professional pet shipping company?

I came across PetRelocation on the military spouse's page. After doing my research through your website I immediately sent an email and got a response the next day. Metgot was bumped off the patriot express last minute, so we had to scramble to find someone to assist us with this Oconus PCS.

 

COVID-19 has turned the whole world upside down, and pet travel is no exception. Did COVID-19 make you need to rearrange any of Metgot’s plans?

This pandemic has made us change our plans a few times.  We had to leave earlier than expected, and finding a boarding facility & pet relocating company while pressed for time was challenging.

Regarding paperwork and import requirements, Japan is not the simplest country to move a pet to. Did the PetRelocation team help put your mind at ease in making this complicated process a little less stressful?

YES! Evelyn was hands down such a pleasure to work with! PetRelocation kept us updated with even the smallest details and always answered any questions or concerns we had. The PetRelocation Team definitely made this process smooth sailing. I would without a doubt recommend them to our strangers, family, and friends!

You had to travel ahead of your pet—did you feel that your furbaby was in safe hands? How long were you separated?

Not only did we have to travel ahead of Metgot but due to the pandemic, I was stuck stateside for over a month while the husband went ahead before me. We found a safe boarding facility to help care for Metgot for over two months until the time arrived for him to travel through the services of PetRelocation. With all three of us in different places, PetRelocation took great care of Metgot and kept us updated through phone calls, emails, and pictures!

Anything else you’d like to add?

We want to convey our utmost appreciation to the amazing PetRelocation team from Dallas to Tokyo.  We could not have done this without you, and thank you for reuniting us with our baby!

 

If your family is planning a big trip and need assistance, let us know how we can help! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Military Moves

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

Japan

Shelby moved to the UK with her pets in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. Sounds pretty stressful, right? Luckily PetRelocation was there to help. Here's her story. 

Using PetRelocation was amazing from start to finish, and took so much stress off of my move to the UK. Alexis was an incredibly helpful and sweet person. She kept me in the loop at all stages of the process.

I honestly can’t begin to fathom orchestrating this part of our move on my own with the unpredictability of this pandemic on top of traveling overseas being as complicated as it is on its own. Once we were finally to our home in Bristol, I couldn’t help but get a little emotional because all of the pieces fell together so perfectly, and so much of that was due to how helpful you guys were throughout the whole process. 

If you're planning your big move, let us know how we can help! And make sure to follow us on Instagram to see our daily dose of cuties! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel

Pet:

Cats

Country:

UK

Petunia the French Bulldog made the nearly impossible move from the US to South Africa during a pandemic. It wasn't an easy move, but that's what we do! Here's the story of her amazing adventure!  

Moving around the world with a French Bulldog is no easy feat, but add in a global pandemic and it really ups the stress load. PetRelocation was amazing from the get-go, but our story really showed what an incredible service and incredible people work there.

This was our family’s first international move and having the 5th member of our family, our 6-year-old French Bulldog Petunia, join us was imperative. From the first conversation, they set me at ease. Our travel plans were very hectic since the borders of the country had been closed for several months and then it took some time for our arrival dates to be set. They were very patient with me as we tried to narrow down our travel window since we couldn’t have the dog arrive before us. As it were, she would stay behind with a dear friend for about 6 weeks. They were always clear about the communication and what was going to be needed from our vet for Petunia to have her paperwork set before her travel date. It is not an understatement that I was very stressed about this process and at times that came through in my communication with Rebecca and her team. She was always patient and kind as she walked me through again that our beloved dog would be well cared for and fine during her travel.

Things got very interesting about 10 days before she was about to travel. Flights to and from South Africa were getting canceled left and right because of COVID-19 issues. Our relocation specialist, Rebecca, was amazing, she let me know that it looked like Petunia’s flight would be canceled and then she somehow moved heaven and earth to get her on the LAST flight to Cape Town. I was given updates and photos every step of the way. I hadn’t told my children she would be arriving early since I was worried flights might get canceled again, so it was the best surprise when she was delivered to our door.

We will never use any other relocation service. This company was absolutely amazing. They care so much about the pets and clients. I would highly recommend them to anyone. If they can handle the drama around our move they can handle anything.

Thank you so much for entrusting us with Petunia's safety and comfort. We're so happy to see her beautiful face happy in her new home! If you're moving abroad, let us know how we can help! 
 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Ask the Experts

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

South Africa

While the majority of the pets we move are cats and dogs, that doesn't mean we aren't prepared to help with pets of all species. Cesario, the guinea pig, moved from New York to the United Kingdom with our help! Here's what his parents had to say about working with PetRelocation.

We hired PetRelocation to help with my guinea pig's move to the UK, and this proved SUCH a great decision!

We had unexpected flight cancellations due to a snow storm on Cesario's day of travel. This would have added immense stress to an already stressful process, but the rebookings were handled seamlessly and efficiently by our coordinator Jill. It's often difficult to find pet services that give the same amount of care to a little guinea pig as they do to dogs and cats, but I felt that Cesario was well cared for every step of the way. 

What a great story! Make sure to follow us on Instagram to see new pictures of our furry friends every day. And if you're planning a move and need help, let us know

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:


Pet:

Hamsters

Country:

UK

Moving during a pandemic isn't ideal, but it's not impossible! Zoey and her family are proof. Here's their story! 

I decided to take a new position in another country. Previously, we had managed everything with a prior pet move. But with COVID, we didn't want to risk anything going wrong. Our dog, Zoey, means the world to us. PetRelocation was very helpful in navigating what flights she could be on. and what was needed. The support given was very helpful. They provided check-ins to make sure everything was on track every step of the way. When Zoey arrived in the UK - the point person contacted us about the delays in Zoey clearing customs and what else to expect. We never had to wonder what was happening with Zoey's travels. 

 

We were very grateful to have this support in moving as it was one less thing to think about with everything going on in the pandemic. Zoey now gets to enjoy the UK once we get out of quarantine.  Thank you so much for all your support! 

 If you're planning your big move, let us know how we can help! And make sure to follow us on Instagram to see our daily dose of cuties! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Ask the Experts

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

UK

Marty the cat moved to the UK from the US and everything went just purrfectly! Here's what his mom had to say about working with PetRelocation! 

I had the pleasure of working with Jill Rush. She did an incredible job and was extremely friendly, kind, and efficient. My cat’s travels had to be adjusted due to COVID and she was able to come up with alternativeMary the cat moved from the US to England solutions before I even was aware of a problem! 

I had confidence that my cat, Marty, would be just fine in PetRelocation’s hands. This was so important to me as moving a pet to a foreign country is challenging, and I consider my cat part of the family! It would have been impossible for me to do it on my own. Jill was especially helpful with the veterinarian paperwork. She called during the vet appointment and was able to help the staff complete and submit the forms. I would’ve been lost without her! My cat and I have settled into England well and it is all thanks to PetRelocation. All I can really say is that I am grateful! Thank you and a huge thank you to Jill!

So happy we could help put your mind at ease! 
Make sure to follow us on Instagram for your daily dose of cuties! And if you're ready to get your move started, let us know

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Cats

Country:

UK

China has always been one of the more complicated destinations to move pets to, but when you add in new regulations due to a global pandemic it can be overwhelming! Luckily for cute kitty Gigi and her family, PetRelocation was on the case! Here's what her pawrents had to say about working with us. 

I couldn't be more happy with PetRelocation's services. From the first phone call to the post-delivery check-up, the China team were fantastic every step of the way.

Gigi eats a laptopCat gigi moved to Chinal

Considering the incredibly hectic and complicated situation that is relocating pets abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic, and especially to China, whose regulatory system is difficult on the best days, PetRelocation's role in reuniting us with our cat after months apart really meant the world to us. As a member of the Foreign Service, I seriously doubt this will be the last time we work with PetRelocation. To quote Casablanca: "I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship." 

And we agree! 

If you want to see more pictures of adorable Gigi, head to our Instagram! And if you're ready to learn more about taking your pet with you on your next big adventure, contact us today!
  

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Cats

Country:

China

If you've ever moved with pets to Australia, you know it's no simple task— even when there isn't a global pandemic working against you! Dacey and Radar, this adorable doggie duo, made the trip in style. It wasn't all smooth sailing due to COVID disruptions, but in the end, everyone was happily reunited. Now, this pair are telling us their story as the Pet Move of the Month! Enjoy!

Tell us about Dacey and Radar! What are they like and how did they join your family?Two dogs flew to Australia

Dacey is a 7 or 8-year-old Border Collie. She's my "discount dog" as the shelter was offering half off dogs for Woof Wednesday. She's the best bad dog ever! She loves a chat and to go for walks and hikes but mostly she just loves being around her people. She's also my goggle dog! She wears RexSpecs for an eye issue but mostly just looks like a little robot. 

Radar is my Golden Retriever, he's an absolute sweetheart. He loves going for a swim and pretending he's a lap dog. He's also my working dog, here in Australia we've joined up with Search Dogs Sydney here and when he's certified he'd help search for missing people. 

What brought about your move to Australia?

My whole family lives in Australia, It was really hard to live apart from them, especially when COVID hit and all I wanted was to just check in on my family and make sure everything was going to be okay. 

Have your pets done much traveling before this trip?

Both dogs have are my best road tripping companions. They've hiked in Idaho, Wyoming, New Mexico, Nevada, California, and a bunch of other places! They don't get left behind if I can help it. Radar's first road trip was at 8 weeks old getting picked up from his breeder in Oregon and driving with me and Dacey back to Utah. 

What were you most worried about when you learned you’d be moving across the world with Dacey and Radar?

At first, I was most worried about the flight, 13hrs in cargo? No thanks! But then I reminded myself that's only 13hrs of their life, not even a day. They've been in crates for longer on road trips.

The fears of the flight were quickly overshadowed by everything else. The will-they-won't-they of booking flights during COVID. We were dealing with fears that they'd close the quarantine facility due to lockdown, concerns I wouldn't be able to get a flight for the human portion of the move, Australia tightening their borders... so much to worry about! 

In the end, the dogs ended up with a much longer journey, flying from LAX to Auckland, NZ, and then onto Melbourne after a layover.  While they arrived in good health and spirits, I'm not sure if I would have been able to handle all of that on my own! 

How did you hear about PetRelocation and what made you decide to entrust us with your furbabies?

I found PetRelocation after doing a quick Google search. I choose PetRelocation after reading reviews of others who have used PetRelocation. I'm happy to be one of those reviews that might ease someone else's fears surrounding an international move and assure them that PetRelocation is going to be the absolute best choice to make. 

The COVID-19 pandemic affected your move plan. Did you sign up with us knowing the possibilities of COVID disruptions or was that a total surprise? 

I signed up right at the start of COVID when it didn't look like it was going to be a big deal (wishful thinking, I know). We set a date in June because that was super far out and we thought any COVID disruptions would have long since passed. 

 

Can you tell us a little about how COVID-related disruptions affected your move?

Well, our planned June exit didn't happen...At all!  We ended up traveling in October! We proceeded like normal up to our scheduled June departure, got everything that needed to be done, and then had to cancel. At the time the thought of rerouting their flight plans seemed extreme. What I didn't know was how complicated it was going to be by the time we traveled! 

By the time of our trip, Qantas (our first choice to fly our dogs on) had stopped flying pets! Ideas were thrown around throughout the months between June and October. Finally, it was settled on going through Auckland in New Zealand. 

That wasn't the only thing. With my vet only doing no-contact appointments it left me feeling disconnected (not to say the vet wasn't great. Big shout out to the University of Utah Veterinary Hospital and Dr. Bybee for staying open and doing everything that they did). 
 

Your move coordinator was Katie Harris. What was the best part of having a professional pet shipper like Katie on standby to help you? What words would you use to describe Katie’s help?

I cannot say enough good things about Katie Harris. She kept me updated the whole time, I'm sure I wasn't her only case either but she made me feel like mine were the only dogs she was moving. She was absolutely vital. Between no-contact vet appointments, flight changes, lockdowns, and everything else Katie made sure nothing was missed and my dogs could get into Australia. Plus, she did this all while working out of the office! Thanks again, Katie. 
 

We love to remind pet parents how important crate training is for dogs. Do you have any tips for other dog moms on acclimating pets to their crates? 

Dacey was pretty much easy to crate train. She loves food, I fed her every meal in her crate and gave her chews and puzzle toys. She's also pretty fearless, nothing phases her. Even now, she's totally cool going in and out of her crate. Radar was a bit harder. He's not as food motivated (yes he's a Golden, yes I find it very strange) but he understood that he needed to be in his crate for mealtimes. Some nights I have them sleep in their crates. Other times I'd put them into their crates and cover them up so they got used to it being dark. One afternoon I put them in their crates and played three hours of plane take-off noises. The biggest thing was consistency. 

Since getting back to Australia I've had to get Radar used to going in his crate again, he was a little fearful of going in. That's fair enough, it was a long trip. 


When the day of travel finally came, how did that go? Did Katie provide you with updates and give you peace of mind that your pets were in good hands?

Honestly, it was a little anticlimactic. I dropped the dogs off at the Kennel Club in Los Angeles and that was that. I wasn't flying for another couple of days, driving away without my dogs was such a strange feeling. Katie kept me updated throughout. I got an update about them at the kennel, an update before they got on their flights, an update when they landed in New Zealand, an update when they left New Zealand, an update when they arrived in Australia, and an update when they finally made it to the quarantine facility. 

Right before they took off things shifted again! Thankfully Katie was there and made sure they made their connection to Australia. 


 

If you could go back and give yourself some advice before you started planning your pet’s trip… what piece of advice would you give?

Get started early and be flexible. And of course, use PetRelocation. I genuinely do not believe that I could have moved my dogs in the middle of COVID without PetRelocation, I would have missed something or done something wrong, I don't want to imagine what could have happened if all their paperwork wasn't totally perfect. 


You’re reunited with your four-legged friends in Australia now. How are they adjusting? Do they like their new home down under?

They LOVE it here in Australia! They have beaches and swimming and parks and other dogs to play with and people to meet! Radar is loving training at Search Dogs Sydney and even getting to work on rubble piles. Hopefully, one-day he'll be able to give back to his new home of Australia. 


Anything else you’d like to add?

Another huge THANK YOU to Katie Harris and all the amazing people at PetRelocation. I'm on Instagram as @seachange_dogs , come meet my two happy PetRelocation clients! 

Do you think your pet's move would be a pawfect Move of the Month? Tell us about it

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Move of the Month, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

Australia

Lulu the pup had no idea, but her parents were going to have to leave her behind for a little while in the United States while they traveled on to set up their new home in Singapore. So, while her pawrents focused on getting settled in, PetRelocation got to work on handling all things Lulu on our end. Here's her story! 

There are a lot more regulations for moving Lulu back to Singapore and it is a challenging time to travel for humans and pets alike. We were glad we involved PetRelocation. Kelcey, who was helping us, was really helpful and great!

dog travels to Singapore quarantine

 

The thing we appreciated the most was the constant updates from the team while Lulu was on her way back. It totally put our minds at ease. Once again, I will really wish to thank Kelcey and the team for making Lulu's trip back home a smooth and pleasant one!

If you recently moved and had to leave your pets behind, we can help! Send us your questions today. And to keep up with all of these incredible stories and furry faces, follow us on Instagram.

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

Each year PetRelocation moves hundreds of four-legged friends, and while we usually hear canines referred to as "man's best friend," we cannot forget about our feline pals who warm the hearts of their pet parents each day. So, move over pups. Today is all about the kitties! 

We have seen cats travel to just about every destination. We've sent them on crazy cross country drives and all the way to the land down under and beyond! Here are five absolutely purrfect stories of cats we've shipped all over the world! 

5) Scout, Sammy Joe, and Elsa Move to Scotland

Moving to the UK can be an adventure, but it can also be a bit daunting. Kimberlie, cat-mom of three, had the exact same thought when she began to plan her trip across the pond, "As excited as I was to move from LA to the UK to be with my fiance, my first thought was 'How on earth am I going to get the cats there?'" After extensive research, she decided PetRelocation was the team that could help her stress less! 

But don't take our word for it. Kimberlie explains: "I bombarded my extremely patient coordinator with endless questions and “What if?” scenarios. She calmed my fears and assured me that my cats were going to do just fine, and she even put me in touch with another American who had recently relocated to Aberdeen with her own three pets. My first friend in Scotland!"

You can read their full story here

4) 12 Cats (and 2 dogs!) Move Overseas 

Big families mean more to love. So, when the big-hearted pet parent Nicole decided to move to Europe, she was determined to not leave a single soul behind. And that was a bit of an undertaking, considering she had 14 pets! 

Nicole brought tears to our eyes when she explained, "I would never leave any of them behind. When I took them in over the years (they are all rescues and several of them had a rough life before we found each other), I promised them that I would always be there for them. Pets are family!" 

You can read their full story here

3) Miss Kiki and Her Dad are Reunited in New Zealand

New Zealand can be a really complicated place to move pets to. There are blood tests and permits and quarantine— OH MY! But cat dad David had done his due diligence and he knew that he was going to need some help!

"Trying to relocate with a pet can be a minefield of paperwork and anxiety, but...If I had to do it all again, I would not hesitate for a second to contact PetRelocation and put my animals in their very capable care". 

Our team, headed by relocation coordinator Katie Harris, navigated David and Miss Kiki through the six months-long process which ended in smiles! 

"I am so thankful and grateful for all the hard work and effort that Katie and everyone involved in the process put into a smooth relocation. It is clear that the people at PetRelocation love animals and are passionate about the work they do to make pets and pet parents are reunited happily."- Cat dad, David. 

David and Miss Kiki were a pleasure to work with. You can read their full story here

 

2) A Cross-Country Journey to Save a Life! 

Pet lover Alex had previously fostered a beautiful kitty named Tiny. After finding Tiny a great home, she and her family moved 2,400 miles away. So, you can imagine her distress when she finds out that their former foster had been dropped off at a high-kill animal shelter. "We immediately wanted to rescue him but had since moved out of state!" To make things even more complicated, this was all at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when flights were being canceled hourly. 

Alex and her family were at a total loss. Luckily for Tiny and the team, the creative crew at PetRelocation pounced at the opportunity to help! Now, Tiny is living a happy life in his real furrever home! 

 

You can read Tiny's big adventure here

1) The Pandemic and a Move Two Years in the Making! 

Meesh and Molly's parents started to put the wheels in motion for their move "down under" over two years ago. They knew that moving pets to Australia is complicated and they thought they had given themselves plenty of time. And then... the pandemic hit and despair kicked in! 

"COVID-19 put a halt to our cat transportation plans in March," kitty-mom, Kristen, details the many roadblocks that popped up as more and more airlines canceled their pet programs, mid-pandemic. "However, PetRelocation found us a very sacred flight for the cats which allowed us to finally move at the end of May!"

"In all honesty, there really are no words, just the utmost sincere gratitude, and relief that our pets were looked after as well as they were by your team over the last 2 years. Our relocation coordinator Nina is a superstar and a saint."- cat mom, Kristen. 

You can read their full story here

So, as you can see if you're moving with your pet, PetRelocation may be the purrfect companion for your furry friend.

Have questions, but don't know where to get started? Contact us today! And don't forget to follow us on Instagram for your daily dose of adorable pets! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Ground Transport Stories, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Cats

Country:

Cat mom Amy had her hands full and needed help getting her two adorable kitties, Marv and Maggie, from San Francisco to the United Kingdom. Luckily, PetRelocation takes furbabies of all shapes and sizes to the UK each week! Maggie and Marv arrived safe and sound and their mom couldn't be happier. Here's their story! Black cat Maggie flew from the US to the UK

Initially, I worked with Kathy Wimer. Kathy was absolutely brilliant at getting everything started for me. She explained every step of the move and made sure I was comfortable with the plan before moving forward. Then, I was assigned Jill Rush as my Relocation Coordinator. Jill was absolutely amazing, she was able to adapt my cats’ travel plans when everything was changing and kept me updated every step of the way. Due to COVID, our initial plan to fly directly from San Francisco to London was impossible. I was very anxious about the move but Jill assured me that the cats would be in great hands (which they were).

She kept in contact with me throughout and answered all my questions as they arose. Everyone who dealt with my cats was great and sent me updates whenever possible. When they arrived at our destination they settled in almost immediately which I take as a sign that they were treated incredibly well throughout their journey. I will absolutely recommend PetRelocation to any friends who are moving with pets in the future!

Maggie and Marv flew from the US to the UK

 

We're so happy we could help and offer Amy some piece of mind. If you're planning your move and running into roadblocks, we're here to offer guidance! Let us know what questions you have! Drop us a note and we'll get right back to you! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Cats

Country:

UK

Toffee and Truffle made a big move last year and their mom entrusted PetRelocation with their care. We're so happy we had the chance to be part of their journey. Here's their story! 

I am extremely happy and satisfied with PetRelocation! I first started researching pet relocation agencies more than 5 years ago because I knew that I would not permanently live in the US. I came across PetRelocation's website and was impressed that they have experience with moving pets to Singapore. It was a very important criterion for me when searching for pet relocation services. I needed someone who has experience in moving pets to Singapore especially given how strict Singapore can be.


Fast forward 5 years later, after a couple of moves within the US, I am ready to move my dogs to Singapore. The process was extremely smooth. I love how I can do most of the communication via email as I do not have a fixed work schedule. My relocation coordinator, Kelcey, was extremely communicative!  This was 2020, the year of the pandemic, so I was very nervous about the lack of flights, but Kelcey ensured that I felt safe with the entire process. I started crate-training my dogs 3 months prior to the actual move. Kelcey updated me every step of the way and resolved problems that we had, including a non-communicative vet clinic. I am so so so glad and relieved that PetRelocation has helped me with this move, it has alleviated a lot of stress from me and allowed me to focus on the logistics for my own move.

Thank you very much again! I will definitely recommend PetRelocation to anyone who needs help in moving their pets!

If you're planning a move to Singapore, get started early! Quarantine fills up quickly. Learn more here. And if you're looking for advice, contact us! We'd love to be part of your journey. 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

Singapore

cocker spaniel moved from Turkey to the UAE

COVID-19 continues to affect travel plans, but luckily PetRelocation is here to help!  When Zeytin's family realized they needed to move from Turkey to the UAE, they realized they had NO IDEA how to get started. So, they gave us a call. We're so happy they did. Here's their story.

Our move to Dubai came right on top of the most chaotic time of our lives, the COVID-19 pandemic. It was not only stressful but also messy. During organizing our own moving, it was an additional responsibility to move our dog, Zeytin.  We knew nothing about moving a dog to Dubai and didn't know where to start! 

Luckily, my company introduced us to PetRelocation and at that moment we didn't know we were blessed. I got a personal representative, Kelcey. She handled the whole process from A to Z with very little need of our help. Everything was so organized, I was surprised by how well she handled the entire move! For instance, Zeytin was not located in the city of departure (Istanbul), PetRelocation arranged the transfer, care, and handling of our pet all the way to Istanbul before the rest of the journey even began. 

Of course, there were some unexpected situations such as countries changing their export requirements and customs processes due to the pandemic.  Even then, PetRelocation found a way to make things quicker by directly contacting the governmental departments on my behalf. Then, Zeytin arrived even earlier than we expected! Thanks to Kelcey and her international team, we celebrated our new year with our most precious Zeytin. I thank you with all my heart and will trust you whenever we need our pets to be relocated.

Zeytin tired after a long journey

If you're planning a move with your pets and don't know where to start, we can help! Send us your questions today. And to keep up with all of these incredible stories and furry faces, follow us on Instagram.

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Ask the Experts, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

UAE

Moving across the world? You may find that you have your hands full and need a little more help than you expected. That's what Elise, cat mom of two, discovered when planning a move from the United States to the Netherlands with her furbabies. She was relieved to find just how hands-on PetRelocation could be! Here's their story. 

The two PetRelocation representatives helping me, Rachel and Rebecca, were friendly, funny and both obviously pet lovers! I really appreciated that they have been straight with me from the very start. They were honest with me that their services were not the most three cats shipped from US to Netherlandscost-effective way to travel with your pets because they are more involved than alternative pet professionals. But, I must say, it was worth every penny.

They handle all the paperwork, check your pets into their flights and get them through customs. I hardly had to do a thing. It gave me such ease of mind. When I picked the two beasties up from the airport in Amsterdam, they were happy to see me and not very stressed. They adapted to their new home extremely fast and became friends (maybe frenemies!) with the house cat, Woody, right away. It was a great experience. Amazing! 

If you're planning a move with your pets and don't know where to start, we can help! Send us your questions today. And to keep up with all of these incredible stories and furry faces, follow us on Instagram.

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Ask the Experts

Pet:

Cats

Country:

Netherlands

Big pet families are great! Lots of love and cuddles for everyone. However, when you're trying to move internationally, it can also mean lots of stress. That's okay! You can always rely on PetRelocation to help. Here's the story of five pets we had the pleasure to move to the UK much to their fur-mom's relief! 

Moving my 5 pets to the UK from Mexico is the most stressful and worrying thing I ever thought I'd have to go through. I had so many questions, so many doubts, so many times asking myself, "is it worth moving at all?!" Should I even take them with me? A cat on a plane? Will she be okay?

4 dogs shipped to United Kingdom one cat and four dogs traveled to the United Kingdom
 

Then, Rebecca from PetRelocation came along and answered all my questions (and trust me, there were a lot) in the kindest and most supportive way.  Her answers were opportune, clear, and actually calming like the one I asked about the characteristics of the cargo space in the plane. All the team that supported PetRelocation locally sent continued updates and photos where my pets looked calmed and even smiling which made the days easier until I met them again.

five pets in their travel crates to fly to the UK
 

I'm extremely thankful and if I move again I'll definitely use PetRelocation!

Need help with an international move? Not sure where to start? Contact us today! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Ask the Experts

Pet:

Cats, Dogs

Country:

UK

Tell us about Dutch! How did he end up joining your family? What kind of dog is he, and what’s his personality like?

He joined our family on a wet and snowy February morning in 2018. Maybe it was a bit of foreshadowing but he traveled from Florida to Washington state before he was even four months old. We were specifically looking for a Rhodesian Ridgeback and we were having a hard time finding a pup closer to home. He was the only boy in a litter of eight puppies. We’re so happy we found him.

From the start, he was a pretty shy dog and that hasn’t changed. It’s quite funny to see him cower away from dogs 1/10th his size. A little surprising, especially a dog coming from a line of lion hunters. Instead, he’s just a dog that wants to curl up on your lap. That’s his preference and we love it!

Seattle to Zanzibar is a long trip! What brought along your move?

We had decided that we wanted to leave our 9-5 jobs and move overseas and invest in a dive business. We had everything ready to go for a move to Indonesia on April 10th, but the coronavirus had other plans. We decided to wait it out. One month turned into two, then 5 months. After being quarantined at home, without jobs, we decided we would wait out COVID somewhere warm and sunny. Enter Zanzibar. After all, they have great diving there! 

Our trip included almost every form of transportation: a car ride from Seattle to San Francisco, an airplane ride to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, a two-hour ferry boat ride to Zanzibar, and a final 1.5-hour taxi ride to our home in Zanzibar. He was was happy to get out and he wouldn’t leave our sides for a week.

He’s not a small dog! What advice would you have to other pet parents planning to travel a long distance with a large dog?

For starters, get your dog ready to travel in a crate. For the two months preceding our move we put treats in his crate and rewarded him with attention whenever he “wondered” into it voluntarily. This made the final days of travel much easier.  By the time we moved, we actually caught him just hanging out in the crate. Not sure why, but we saw it as a sign that he was comfortable with it.

Also, for big guys like Dutch, be prepared to be conspicuous. Like, stop in the street like you just saw Brad Pitt, conspicuous.  We had people trying to look in and see what we had in our huge crate. Once they saw, we heard a lot of "Mbwa Kubwa" (big dog in Swahili) or “Simba” comparing him to a lion.

Large dog before he travels to Africa
Dutch, preparing for his flight! 

 

Andrea and Sarah were your pet shipping team! What was the best part of working with our team and how were they able to help?

Andrea and Sarah were incredibly helpful. Really great! Our trip had so many twists-and-turns but Andrea just took them in stride. As mentioned, we were originally going to Indonesia, but COVID had different plans for us. Andrea probably had bi-weekly emails and calls from me over the course of five months, asking, "what if we decided to move to Malaysia/Thailand/Egypt/Belize/Tanzania…” whatever country was open at the time. She would take it in stride and give me a quick response with enough information to help me make a decision. Between vaccinations, vet visits, USDA approvals, travel, government restrictions, transportation in far-off countries, desperate owners, and more desperate owners being more desperate, there was a lot to consider!


Sarah and Andrea, Dutch's pet travel experts! 
 

The biggest and most priceless service Andrea offered was peace of mind. There are so many variables at play in a move of this size. We had plenty to worry about for our human-moving concerns; adding the complexity of relocating a family pet would have pushed us over the edge.

How did travel day go? How did Dutch do?large dog moved to Africa

Dutch did really well considering his day of travel was actually about a week and included a two-day road trip from Seattle to San Francisco, two-days of flights, with an overnight in Amsterdam and Dar es Salaam, a ferry ride to Zanzibar, and a final 1.5 taxi transport with us to our new home. 

He kept his cool and was able to relax with very little whining.

How’s life for Dutch in Zanzibar? Has he settled in?

We’ve now been in Zanzibar for about two months and are loving it! We still plan to move on to Indonesia, but for now, Dutch is becoming a beach dog and maybe someday he’ll even like swimming. 

In fact, there is a village cat that visits - often around Dutch’s dinner time - and lets itself in. The cat pops right in as if he lives there. If we weren’t there, I imagine the cat would bully Dutch away from his food and Dutch would wait in anticipation of a playtime that would never happen.

The only drawback for us is that with all the sand, he needs a lot more baths.


 

Wow, what an exciting story! We're so happy Dutch is enjoying his new beachy (albeit, sandy) life! 

As you can see, pet travel in 2020 was anything but predictable, but PetRelocation is here to help you take the whole family on the adventure, even when you're not sure where that destination may be. If you're starting to plan your move, let us know how we can help! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Move of the Month, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

Some breeds are just harder to travel with. That's what dog mom, Sarah, found out when she first set out to move her pet pug in 2014. So, six years and one new furbaby later, she called PetRelocation when it was time for a new adventure. Then, the pandemic hit and the family was separated. Luckily, with PetRelocation on her side, the whole family is now happily reunited. Here's their story! 

When we first decided to return to the UK after 20 years of living overseas, we knew it would not be easy to move with our two pugs, Rolo and Peppa. When we moved from Buenos Aires to Kuala Lumpur 6 years ago with Rolo, it was a challenging move due to Malaysia's high temperatures and Rolo being a snub-nosed dog. PetRelocation managed his move brilliantly so it was only natural that we got in touch about our latest move. 

We had everything planned, and then COVID hit. If moving with pugs was hard before, moving them in the middle of a pandemic seemed impossible. We were heartbroken having to leave them with friends when we left in July even though we knew they were being loved and well cared for. 

Rebecca, our relocation coordinator, was just amazing from start to finish. She kept us informed and was so kind and caring. She worked tirelessly behind the scenes with multiple re-routings, flight cancellations, and a never-ending barrage of complications. Rolo and Peppa even made it to the airport with everything booked on one occasion but were sent back home as the second flight was cancelled by the airline. Rebecca took this in her stride, was there for us through our tears, and worked to rearrange everything all over again.


Relocation coordinator, Rebecca
 

Finally, after 4 months apart, our babies arrived on British soil and were brought up north to us. They ran out of their crates and into our arms, unfazed by their almost 50-hour journey from door to door. They've been with us for 2 weeks now and have settled in so well, although they're not too sure about the cold weather.

Thank you Rebecca and the PetRelocation team for bringing our babies home. We will be forever grateful. 

If you're planning a move with your pets and don't know where to start, we can help! Send us your questions today. And to keep up with all of these incredible stories and furry faces, follow us on Instagram.

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Ask the Experts, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

UK

You never know where life might take you. In this case, Tula and Gizmo's family moved to New Zealand. Worried about the process, their pawrents called PetRelocation! Here's their story. 

Nina Faber was the relocation coordinator entrusted with handling our pets' move from the United States to New Zealand. She was amazing. Every question we had she answered in the most timely manner. She was personal, very helpful, and made sure everything got submitted at the exact right time. She was also the intermediate with our local vet, following up with them and us before and after each appointment. Since our cats were at a local boarding facility before their departure she was the intermediary between them and the agent who picked them up to transfer them to the airport. It was reassuring for us to get pictures and updates along their way.

 

Once the cats were in New Zealand, she kept in touch and helped as an intermediary between us and the local quarantine facility. We really appreciate her organizational skills, while being very personal and friendly.

Our cats arrived safe and sound in New Zealand and now settling into their new home. When you pay that much for relocating your pets, you want to have everything go smoothly. Thankfully, despite all the uncertainty during the pandemic, everything worked out great.

If you're planning a move with your pets and don't know where to start, we can help! Send us your questions today. And to keep up with all of these incredible stories and furry faces, follow us on Instagram.

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Cats

Country:

New Zealand

Even the most seasoned traveler may be a little overwhelmed when handling the many moving pieces of relocating overseas. When you add in the extra elements of a global pandemic, it can seem impossible. We're here to help! That's what Taiga's family found. Read his story here! 

My husband works for the US State Department, and when we got orders to move to Ukraine we searched State message boards for tips on moving with a puppy. PetRelocation was mentioned enthusiastically and positively by diplomats who’ve moved all over the world with their pets. Reading their comments convinced us that PetRelocation could tackle getting our puppy, Taïga, to Kyiv.

Unfortunately, we had a few hurdles, first and biggest, the pandemic. Flights were few and of the ones that were flying some were getting canceled. Second, Taïga needed to wait in the US until 90 days after his rabies titer was taken.

small white dog moved overseaspoodle mix dog moves overseas

From the start, Kelcey was amazing. She reached out with carrier tips, pet move explanations, and guidance regularly. She also included my sister who was watching Taïga in the US. At one point the Ukrainian customs team said Taïga’s final vet exam had to be certified no less than 24 hours before his flight. With USDA offices changing hours due to the pandemic this felt like an unusually difficult requirement. But Kelsey took it in stride and figured out how to manage without stressing us out at all. She was warm, calm, and amazing each step of the way. I knew I could always call her—even from Kyiv—if there were a problem.

Something difficult to describe but that stands out is that I felt like Kelsey loved knowing that Taïga made it to us, she really understands pets and their people. 

Do you have questions about moving with your pets? Let us know! We'd love to assist you. And make sure to follow us on Instagram to see all the adorable pets, like Taiga here, that are always on the move with #PetRelocation! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Airlines, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

The pandemic has been a scary time for many. We have encountered so many loving pet parents who have no idea when or how they'll be able to reunite with their beloved animals. Take Luna, for example. Her parents had to leave China when COVID-19 started to spread without their pup. It took a lot of hard work, but the PetRelo team got them back together! Here's her story.  

In February of 2020, my husband and I were unable to return to our home in China due to COVID-19. We were separated from our chihuahua Luna was stuck in China due to the pandemicdog, Luna. When it became clear we would not be able to return, I asked for recommendations from everyone I knew for ways to get her to us. Of the places that we contacted, PetRelocation, specifically Sarah and Kelcey, were responsive, realistic, and empathetic. They were upfront about the challenges of reuniting Luna with us during the pandemic, where other companies were not.  They addressed all my concerns promptly and pivoted when we needed to change our move plan from one country to another. 


Throughout it all, Kelcey provided me with weekly updates with the latest news about the possibility of moving Luna. That effort did not go unnoticed over the nearly half-a-year it took to get everything moving. When the time finally came to move Luna, everything went smoothly. Kelcey communicated with me throughout each leg of her journey, and I felt confident I had made the right decision. Luna arrived happy, clean, and clearly well cared for. The person who met Luna at the airport had obviously made a connection with her, and it was nice to know that she was in the care of people who so clearly loved animals. I hope that I will never have to move under such trying circumstances again; if I do, I will happily use PetRelocation’s services. 

Thanks for trusting us with your furbaby! It was our pleasure to see her home safely. 
If you're planning a move with your pet and need some help, let us know! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Ask the Experts, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

China

COVID-19 continues to affect travel plans, but luckily PetRelocation is here to help! When Michele needed to relocate to Germany, she had to temporarily leave her pups behind. But, since she called PetRelocation we made sure they were reunited with their pawrents as quickly as possible. Here's what Michele had to say.

We were moving our two sweet but large dogs from San Antonio to Germany. Freyja and OdiTwo large dogs, Freya and Odin, reunited with their family in Germanyn, the German shepherd and Catahoula mix. Both had to be in a kennel for four weeks before being delivered to Germany. So, PetRelocation worked with the kennel to get them situated. This was October 2020 so COVID-19 was impacting all the flights badly.

Natalie at PetRelocation kept us informed at every step and was very responsive to any questions had. Natalie had to rebook the flights and USDA requirements and also extended the kennel stay. Natalie did an amazing job and provided superior customer service with all the changes. We got our sweet doggies delivered all healthy, safe, and happy. Thank you, Natalie!

We're so happy you called! 
Keeping families together is our main goal. Follow us on Instagram to see all the happy families we move each week. And if you're ready to start your move, let us help

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

Germany

There are so many logistics to consider when moving your pets internationally. You want to make sure your furry friends are in the right hands and that those you've hired to help really care. When Ben, dad to Elmer, Piglet, and Lady Cooper, found out they were moving to Amsterdam he shopped around. "I really put you through the mill before hiring you," he admitted after his move was completed. And that's okay! We want to make sure we're the right fit and you feel comfortable trusting us.

After bringing on PetRelocation, the COVID-19 pandemic turned this family's move plans upside-down. Their move was derailed by four months, but every step of the way, PetRelocation was there. Now, the whole family is together in their new home. It took a lot of work, but it was worth it! That's why their incredible journey is our move of the month!  

Tells us about your pets. How did they join your family/ what are their personalities like?

We adopted Elmer in 2008 when he was just a few months old. He’s an important part of our family. He’s a very sweet dog. We fell in love with him the moment we saw him. He’s now 12 years old and while he’s lost some of his youthful energy, in some ways for the better, he’s still young at heart and just as goofy as ever.

We adopted Piglet and Lady Cooper a few months after losing a cat who’d been with us for a decade. We wanted a cat again and were advised to two cats that moved to Amsterdam consider two kittens because it’s a very different experience than raising one kitten. So we did. While Piglet and Cooper aren’t related, they were raised together since before we adopted them at just a couple of months old. We had some difficulties raising them at first since they were found in a kill shelter and Lady Cooper in particular seemed to have a serious deep trust of people. Piglet, being a bit younger, took his cues from Cooper but he came around much faster and has a much more extroverted disposition.

When you found out you were moving abroad, did you initially have concerns about moving your pets? 

Yes, of course, we had concerns! Just the initial thought of putting your dog and cats on an airplane, in the cargo hold, and flying them to another continent is enough to cause a panic attack.

What made you decide to hire a professional pet shipping company?

Of the various reasons, chief among them was the complexity involved. Most notably, we were concerned about the veterinary requirements, US State Department requirements, the EU requirements. All of it was daunting. And the more research we did the more we realized how delicate that entire process really is - how one missed deadline, or one missing document can end up putting your animals in a sort of diplomatic pet limbo. That seemed like a nightmare scenario. Moving overseas is hard work —very hard work! We wanted to minimize potential risks and problems. So choosing to use a professional pet shipping company was an easy decision and one that paid off much later.

Cats famously are not fans of their travel crates! Do you have any tips for crate acclimations for your kitties?

Yes, indeed!  This was one of my biggest worries, frankly. For me, crating the cats even for a quick trip to the vet causes anxiety. I know it's stressful for them, but I swear it's more challenging for me! I worry about it for days —weeks even!  The event of crating them is in and of itself like a scene from a Quentin Tarrantino movie. 

Piglet moved to Amsterdam
Piglet
 

That being said, our relocation was planned for April 2020 and for at least the prior 6 months we had their crates set up like luxury homes for them: cozy blankets, catnip, toys, whatever it took to get them comfortable with their crates. Turns out they loved the crates! We'd find them sleeping in them in the middle of the night or day. We also would move the crates on occasion, just put them in different rooms, closer to louder noises sometimes, just anything to keep them “comfortable” with change and to think of the crates as safe places.

Then our relocation was delayed for 5 months due to COVID-19. That gave us even more time to prepare them. While I don't think 11 months was necessary, it was certainly effective! The very night it came time to crate them for their big trip, at 4 am, the crating process was far less traumatic than it surely would have otherwise been. In fact, that night, when it came time to crate Lady Cooper, she immediately retreated to her crate - her safe place. Piglet was a bit more challenging but even he went, on his own, to his safe place when it came time.

You did some shopping around before you decided to hire PetRelocation. That’s very smart! What made the difference for you?

 We spoke to a couple of other companies but PetRelocation was the only company that seemed to focus on helping us feel good about the process instead of just trying to close a deal! One company in particular just sort of treated our quote process with such haste that it simply turned us off from them altogether. Still, though, we wanted to be sure that PetRelocation was the best option for us. So, we pressed PetRelocation foElmer moved to Amsterdamr the opportunity to speak to a couple of customers. That, ultimately, is what made the difference — speaking to a couple of actual customers who’ve been through the process, twice, in the case of one customer we spoke with. 

Your move was scheduled for late March, but then the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything.  How was PetRelocation able to assist you in this crazy time?

Yes and I'm getting panic attacks just remember how our plans went off the rails! The PetRelocation team was outstanding through all of it. First, we had to wait for the airlines to start flying again. Then we had to wait for the borders to open up to our class of visas. Then, there was an embargo on live animals to navigate too. It was one complexity after another. This resulted in three very frustrating false-starts. Each time, PetRelocation was fast, communicative, and (most of all) patient. When we finally got the green light and were spurred to action, the team at PetRelocation was able to move just as quickly and accommodate our plans in what might have been the only opportunity we’d have.

Alexis was your move coordinator. What did you find to be the most valuable part of her handling your pets move?

When everything went off the rails, due to the pandemic, Alexis was proactive with us at a time when everyone was in something of an information void. No one really knew what was going on with flights, borders, or really much of anything! Not having to chase Alexis down for information and not having to follow up with her because of radio silence went a really long way for us. 

relocation coordinator Alexis and her dog
Relocation coordinator, Alexis (and Marty) 
 

The other thing was her patience. We were high-strung at that time (as everyone was!) but she was easy-going while also being sensitive about our situation. PetRelocation had already earned my respect and the pets hadn't even seen an airport yet! Our decision to use PetRelocation felt validated already. We knew our pets were in good hands and that when it came time to get to show on the road were going to be taken care of. 

When it was finally moving day for your pets, how did you feel?

To make a long story short, when that morning came, and I was up at 4:30, I had everything in order. The cats went right into their crates, on their own. It wasn’t as seamless as that sounds, but suffice it to say I didn’t have to handle them at all. I was prepared, but ultimately Cooper just went right into her crate, and Piglet made his way into his crate eventually, thanks to a small squirt gun I had handy.

Once they were loaded into the van, and I had a moment to chat with the driver, I felt a tremendous weight lifted from my shoulders. When they drove off, in the chill of that early morning air, I felt proud of them. I don’t know why, but it was as if they too had been through a lot to get this moment, a moment I’d envisioned with equal parts excitement and dread. Here it was, the moment at hand, and all that worry seemed so pointless.

The move took about 24 hours door to door. My wife had traveled ahead of us. Elmer was delighted to see her upon delivery and he made quite a scene with his barking and howling when they were reunited. The cats were exploring their new flat a couple of hours after the arrival. It was amazing! 

Now your pets are with you in your new home! How long did it take them to adjust after their long journey?

Yes, as we speak Elmer is next to me on the couch, Lady Cooper is contemplating a nap in the same room and Piglet is already napping. The cats really surprised me. All they knew was a shelter and our home in North Carolina, surrounded by wildlife. I was worried they might not take to this environment, but I couldn't have been more wrong! And with Elmer, he loved the country in our old home with three acres to call his own. I thought he was going to be sad here in an apartment in Amsterdam, but he is the happiest we've seen him in a long time! 

Animals are so much more resilient than we realize. My wife and I agree— this experience seemed to have bonded the animals to each other as if they'd all been through something together. Do you know what the frustrating part about that is? We'll never know their secrets! We often ask them "did you meet other cats on the plane? What were they like?" We never get any answers. Elmer the dog moved to Europe in 2020

What advice would you give pet parents beginning to plan their move with their pets?

The most important thing is to prepare the animals as soon as you possibly can. The entire experience was flawless, in part because of PetRelocation of course, but also due in large part to our preparing them. The animals, especially the cats, had several months to get comfortable with their crates. To consider their crates as their safe place.

The other thing would be to just keep them to their routine until the last moment. Even though we were delayed for 5 months, we kept their environment as static as possible, which is hard to do when you’re selling your possessions and otherwise packing others. Their food bowls, water bowls, sleeping and napping spots, their routines, all of it — just keep it the same until it’s not possible.

Your pets don’t understand what’s going on but they take their cues from you — your energy is what informs their behavior. The tone and the pitch of your voice, the speed at which you walk through a room, all of these things communicate something to your pets so the most important thing, I believe, while you manage your own anxieties and dread and excitement and thrill, is to be mindful of how that rubs off on them. But the most important thing, in the swirl of everything going on in a major relocation, since it’s so easy to, is to continue showing your pets attention, affection, and love.

Well, we have to agree with that last piece of advice! Thanks so much for sharing your story. PetRelocation is thrilled we were able to provide you with peace of mind during a stressful time. We hope you'll keep up updated! 

If you're planning your move and have lots of questions (who doesn't?) let us know! We'd love to help you feel more comfortable on your family's upcoming journey. 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Move of the Month, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Cats, Dogs

Country:

EU

We love it when old friends come back for new adventures! Even though this adventure was under a slightly different circumstance than last time, we were so happy to help Felix, Nero and Sylvio again. Here's what their pawrents had to say about working with us! 

Natalie Garinger and the entire team at PetRelocation did a fantastic job getting our cats moved from Dublin, Ireland to Massachusetts. We moved from Massachusetts to Dublin in November of 2019. Natalie and the team helped us with that move, too. The events that followed with the COVID-19 pandemic brought us back to the US. The first company we called was Pet Relocation once we made the decision to return to Massachusetts. We could not be happier with the service provided.   

Felix moved to Boston

We're so happy you called! 
Keeping families together is our main goal. Follow us on Instagram to see all the happy families we move each week. And if you're ready to start your move, let us help! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Cats

Country:

Ireland

One of the most complicated destinations in the world of pet shipping is Australia. Import permits, blood work, and quarantine alone is a lot to juggle. Every day PetRelocation helps overwhelmed pet parents just like Laura, who allowed us to help move her pup Peach down under! Read their story here! 

Katie Harris provided the overall best experience that we could have hoped for. She was responsive, genuine, and knowledgeable. Like any pet parent, we were very nervous for Peach (our German shepherd) to move from New York to Sydney but Katie walked us through every step of the process.

Large dog moves to Australia

When the pandemic hit and more unknowns were thrown into the equation as we faced flight cancellations and limitations, Katie constantly answered our questions and provided feasible options to still move forward with the move. During the flights, we were kept up to date and knew where Peach was at every minute of the journey. We most definitely could not have done this alone and couldn't have asked for a more caring person to work with than Katie.

If you're moving your pet internationally, you don't have to go at it alone. Reach out to us today to get started! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

Australia

Life doesn't always go according to plan. That's what Alex found out when a kitty she'd once cared for was now in need. However, they weren't sure how to get Tiny to their new home many miles away. After some research, they found PetRelocation. Here's their story. 

We used your service during a very difficult time for us. A foster kitty we had taken care of at 3 weeks old was dropped off at a kill shelter almost two years after being adopted. We immediately wanted to rescue him but had since moved out of state. After we got the kitty out of the shelter, we needed to find a way to bring him to our home 2,400 miles away. We connected with Allie and she was absolutely amazing. She was very empathetic and addressed all of our ongoing concerns. She walked us through the process and the pricing. The service was worth EVERY penny.

Tiny the cat was rescued

After Allie took us through the initial process, we were assigned our relocation coordinator, Mandy. Mandy was also amazing. She was very responsive and kept us to date on every step of our kitty's relocation. Our kitty is now home and thriving and we owe it all to these two amazing ladies.

Thank you for all your help! Your service truly changes lives.

Do you have questions about moving with your pets? Let us know! We'd love to assist you. And make sure to follow us on Instagram to see all the adorable pets, like Tiny here, that are always on the move with #PetRelocation! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Cats

Country:

United States

When planning to move your pet's across the world, it's important to be prepared for anything. No matter how many times you've done this, there can always be new challenges. That's what veteran pet traveler, Tracy, found when it was time to move her two boxers, Odin and Freya. COVID-19 and heat embargoes and a long separation kept our team busy, but it was all worth it to see this happy family reunited. Now, they're the story of the month! Read on to hear all about their amazing journey. 

Tell us about your pets! What are their personalities like and how did they come to join your family?

Odin came to us first, as a pup. Freya came to us a year later. Odin was very unsure of her at first, but within 24 hours had accepted her, and they have been inseparable ever since. Freya is quite clearly in charge, which is fortunate, as at 40kg (88 lbs), Odin is more than 12Kg (26 lb) heavier than she is! They are both very cuddly, family-centered dogs, who love to snuggle up on the sofa. Freya likes her tuggy toys, and Odin is ball-obsessed!!

Did you have any experience in moving pets across the world before, or was this your first time?

This is Odin and Freya's first move.  Prior to this we moved our previous dog, Chloe, a number of times with PetRelocation. She certainly was a worldwide traveller, moving 5 times internationally in 12 years!

Due to their breed, extra precautions had to be taken. What advice would you give to someone whose fur-baby is a snub-nosed pet?

We were already aware of the problems brachycephalic dogs might encounter on long haul flights. Their short noses can make breathing difficult, and flight options are very limited, since many carriers will not accept them. That is why I would advise anyone with such dogs to choose a reputable shipping company, who are aware of the issues the dogs might face.

two snub-nosed dogs by their custom crate

What value was PetRelocation able to provide to your pet’s journey?

PetRelocation are quite clearly on top of their game. They can organize, change, and adapt to extreme circumstances, which I do not think we could have managed, and particularly not in the current climate. The dogs should have been shipped in April before the heat embargo at Houston International airport came into effect. Their flight was canceled due to the pandemic. Then we had problems in transferring ourselves due to COVID-19 restrictions. We ordered the crates and everything was then put on hold, until we could be sure that we were actually moving at all. 

Your relocation coordinator was Jill Rush. Was she able to give you some peace of mind during this stressful time?

Jill Rush, our coordinator, kept calm and in control of the process, through innumerable heat embargoes and flight changes. Odin and Freya were collected by a very kind and gentle person at 4am from our home in Louth, and eventually shipped from London Heathrow into Atlanta. Then from Atlanta, they were actually driven to Katy, Texas, in the middle of the night, because the driver knew a storm was coming and wanted to avoid it. The little things make a big difference to both owners and pets. 

Your pets were separated from your family for some time. Were they happy to be reunited with you again? What was the reunion like?

Odin and Freya stayed at a kennel for a number of weeks, but we did visit them. I’m sure they were confused, but they were remarkably well on landing. In fact, we wasted a lot of energy stressing where none was needed! They were perfectly healthy and happy after their trip. 

You’re all now reunited in Katy, Texas. How are Freya and Odin enjoying their new hometown? Are there any great parks or other pet-friendly places you can take them during this time?

They have now settled happily into their new home, and are very much the same as ever, asking for biscuits, taking up all the space on the sofa, and charging after squirrels! They are getting used to the warm weather but neither of them has ventured more than ankle-deep into our pool! 

What an incredible story! Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey. Do you have questions about moving with your pets? Let us know! We'd love to assist you.

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Move of the Month, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

UK

Wherever life takes you, we understand the importance of keeping the entire family together. We also understand how scary it can be to trust your most vulnerable family members (your pets) to strangers. We strive to build your trust, so we love to hear updates and happy tails like the following! 

We decided to go for early retirement in Thailand. Of course, our 5 cats had to be part of the move! After an intense internet search and lengthy comparison, we chose PetRelocation because they were rock solid with answers on how to do this from the start. Other companies were not able to offer us much information, especially on the Thailand part. That's where PetRelocation made the difference.

We decided to go with the door to door move plan, meaning our kitties were picked up from our home and delivered to our new home in Thailand. I would highly recommend this because it will take a lot of stress off your plate. The journey was divided into three parts. They traveled from Dallas to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to Bangkok. Bangkok to Bahn Pak Nam by car. Our cats were collected on a Monday morning at 7 AM. The pickup crew consisted of 3 people, and the whole team was very professional. They took care of everything. The best part is they all love pets! They talk to them all the time to calm them down. Their first flight was from Dallas to Frankfurt.  In Frankfurt, the cats were able to recover in a pet hotel and get ready for the next flight to Bangkok. Once in Bangkok, we decided to have them stay another night with PetRelocation so they could rest before their next long day of travel.  Then, the next day, they took a car ride to Bahn Pak Nam. Everything went flawlessly. They kept us updated during the whole operation and got us pictures of our kitties along the way. Our cats are happy in Thailand now.

The whole thing went perfect from the start. Everything was clear from the start and the support was great. Thank you, PetRelocation, and the whole team involved. Special thanks to Andrea for arranging everything and taking care of our pets so well! 

Do you have a #HappyTail from your time with PetRelocation you'd love to share? Let us know! Tell your story today. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram to keep with all our furry friends all over the world! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Ask the Experts

Pet:

Cats

Country:

When military veteran, Ryan, found he needed to move across the country he was skeptical he'd be able to find the assistance he needed. His pets mean the world to him and he was worried that a regular moving company wouldn't understand that. Luckily, PetRelocation is no regular company. Read his story below! orange cat moved to Spokane

I’ll be honest, I was very skeptical of PetRelocation. I had never had anyone, but myself, move or house my two cats. I live alone, I’m a 16-year veteran that suffers from severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). My two cats calm me. I would be lost without them. I need them as much as they need me. 

I couldn’t move them from Spokane, Washington to Denver, Colorado after the stress I endured when moving them to Spokane on my own a few years ago. So, I started searching and found PetRelocation. I was impressed with them every step of the way. Mandy was my coordinator. She was awesome. Any question I had, she answered immediately. If not, she got me an answer within a day or two. It was seamless the entire time. It was very hard for me to watch them drive away to fly to Denver. It was also hard for me to tell Mandy to extend their boarding one day because my new apartment wasn’t set up all the way for them. When they arrived I expected them to be upset and traumatized, but they were not at all! They were ecstatic to see me and I was overjoyed. Thank you PetRelocation, thank you, Mandy. In a time of uncertainty throughout the world, your company is a diamond in the rough. 

Fia and max cuddling

Moving live animals is a challenge, but we understand that pets are family and the family needs to stay together! If you're starting to consider a move with your pet, let us know what questions you have

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Cats

Country:

United States

Moving a pet internationally without COVID-19 is tricky, so trying to get our dog out of a country that had closed borders (Botswana) back to the USA took a village. Kelcey was helpful and honest about what she could and couldn’t do. We had to tap into our local resources to get our dog out of Botswana and to South Africa. Once in South Africa, the logistics and move for our sweet boy were smooth. We had a great experience using your service three years ago just like now. We absolutely recommend your company to everyone we know needing help moving with their pets. Thank you for being a professional and friendly service!

And thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey. 
Do you have questions about moving with your pets? Let us know! We'd love to assist you. And make sure to follow us on Instagram to see all the adorable pets, like Elvis here, that are always on the move with #PetRelocation! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

South Africa

Planning your pet's move in the middle of a pandemic is no time to feel like you're not getting the absolute best help you can receive. So, when other pet services failed, Knight's family called PetRelocation to help them move this handsome guy to the UK. Here's their story! 

We had an absolutely stellar experience working with PetRelocation!  Happy dog Knight

We were among many affected by the global pandemic, resulting in numerous delays in receiving our visas, which continually pushed our best guesses at a timeline. It was messy, stressful, and compounded by the lack of details, communication, and clarity we experienced with the first pet travel company we contracted with.  After preventing a costly mistake, our veterinarian recommended we switch to PetRelocation as the first company was not communicating with them either. 

WE ARE SO HAPPY WE SWITCHED!  PetRelocation truly came to our rescue!  

Kathy gave us clear information, and then Natalie expertly took over.  Natalie worked seamlessly with our vet and Bbarding place where our 85 lb. GSD, Knight, was boarding.  She proved to be a thorough coordinator as she provided important details and answered questions promptly.  That alleviated much of our stress.  She successfully navigated obstacles, coordinating transportation to and from the vet as we had already departed, and she creatively and proactively problem solved our air travel kennel issue.  She listened to our concerns about our dog’s easily over-excited personality, and she made us feel heard as she kept in mind his special needs when coordinating his health visits.  She nipped potential issues in the bud, was easy to work with, communicated promptly and thoroughly, and was unfailingly courteous and professional. Natalie made us feel valued and reassured throughout this whole process. We had been separated from our Knight for over 2 months, and I literally cried with relief and happiness when he arrived home healthy and happy. 

We will be forever grateful to PetRelocation for their exemplary team effort to reunite us, especially during these unprecedented times.  
If you're planning a move with your pets and don't know where to start, we can help! Send us your questions today. And to keep up with all of these incredible stories and furry faces, follow us on Instagram.

If you're planning a move with your pets and don't know where to start, we can help! Send us your questions today. And to keep up with all of these incredible stories and furry faces, follow us on Instagram.

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Ask the Experts, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

UK

When pet mom, Christine, was told that her move from Thailand to Ecuador with her pets was nearly impossible, she was not deterred. So, she called PetRelocation, and we're so happy she did! Moving this fur family was a challenge, but a treat. This amazing journey consisted of five pets, four countries, four flights, one long road trip, and lots of love and wagging tails! You don't want to miss this amazing story. Read on to learn more! 

Last night, I sat in my new home in Ballenita, Ecuador. My cat Dobbey was snuggled in my arms, his sister Shadow, sound asleep in her new bed. My three dogs, Puu Ying, Pii Mai, and Buddy all peacefully sleeping at my feet. My family was finally reunited, safely and in great shape, settled in their new home. Only two months ago all of us were living in Koh Samui, an island in the Gulf of Thailand. I was putting plans into action for our move to Ecuador.

dogs on the beach
 

My pets were my main concern as I had to relocate my three dogs and two cats across two continents to Ecuador. As if that wasn’t hard enough, it was in the midst of a pandemic. 

I approached a couple of pet relocation companies, who only pointed out the problems they faced moving all my animals such a distance. They pointing out all the restrictions and obstacles that they would encounter, which didn’t inspire confidence at all! Then I contacted PetRelocation and it was like a breath of fresh air. Straight away, they offered me a plan of action and solutions to the problems. PetRelocation offered assurances in their ability to cope with any obstacles that they might encounter in the relocation of my pets. What a relief!

"I approached a couple of pet relocation companies who only pointed out the problems... PetRelocation offered me a plan of action and solutions"- Christine (Mom of  Buddy, Dobbey, Pii Mai, Puui Ying and Shadow)

I initially spoke with Evelyn Pearl, who put my mind at ease. Evelyn was calm, confident, and reassured me that they could certainly relocate my pets.  At the beginning of August, we started the booking procedure, and by the last week of September, I took my beloved Puu Ying, Pii Mai, Buddy, Dobbey, and Shadow to Koh Samui airport, to board their first flights as cargo headed to Bangkok. Here the PetRelocation team waited for them and took over for the rest of their long journey.

Kelcey Shafer was my coordinator, dealing with the planning and organization, keeping me abreast of every detail of their journey from then on. My pets were in great hands throughout!

Senior Sales Consultant, Evelyn, and Senior Relocation Coordinator, Kelcey

Unfortunately, because of flight restrictions, they had a longer stay than anticipated in Bangkok. Great care was taken of my animals during this time and I was kept informed constantly of their condition. I was also sent photos and video of them which was unbelievably reassuring, 

By now in I was in Ecuador and totally dependent on PetRelocation to do what they promised they could. I was not disappointed! Alternative plans were made and a flight was found to get my animals to two dogs moved from vietnam to ecuadorFrankfurt, where they spent a day and night resting at the Animal Lounge at the airport before their next long haul flight to Miami. I was able to track both flights and was immediately told of their arrival and when they had cleared customs and eventually housed at a pet resort!

Their transportation, to and from the airport, vet checks, paperwork, accommodation, and general care was all organized in great detail. Not to mention keeping the anxious owner (that's me!) informed and reassured at all times. 

After a week they were on their last flight from Miami to Quito! Again I was kept informed of their safe arrival, the customs clearance, and was sent photos! The accommodation was organized so they had a night's rest and then a road trip was organized for them in a brand new minibus from Quito to Ballenita.

In exactly one month to the day, PetRelocation safely transported my three dogs and two cats on four flights from Koh Samui to Bangkok, Thailand, through Germany, USA, and finally Ecuador. Then, a thirteen-hour drive across the country to arrive at the gates of my home!! 

PetRelocation did an incredible job during adverse traveling conditions and archived what many would say was impossible! 

On behalf of myself, Puu Ying, Pii Mai, Buddy, Shadow and Dobbey we would like to thank with all our hearts, Evelyn and Kelcey for your dedication to your clients and their pets and for your calmness and confidence which comes through on all your communications, and of course all the staff and teams involved in this unbelievable journey!
WE THANK YOU!

Wow! What an amazing story. We are so happy that we got the chance of a lifetime to keep this family together. We're overjoyed to hear everyone is happy and healthy in their new home. Keep us updated! 

If you're planning a move with your pets and don't know where to start, we can help! Send us your questions today. And to keep up with all of these incredible stories and furry faces, follow us on Instagram.

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Ground Transport Stories, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Cats, Dogs

Country:

Moving pets internationally is hard. Moving pets internationally during a pandemic is even harder! But, when you have PetRelocation on your side, you have a helping hand there to give you a little peace of mind. That's what Duncan and Pandora's family found out when they moved with us this year. Here's their story! 

Due to unavoidable circumstances, we were forced to move from Dublin, Ireland back home to South Carolina with our two elderly pets during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Everything was chaotic and difficult to plan for and constantly changing. However,  the two people we worked with —Rachel Reed and Rebecca Galvan— were incredibly helpful and reassuring the entire way through. In the weeks preceding the move, I felt confident everything was being handled on the logistical end. During the actual move, I always knew exactly where my pets were & how they were faring. Rebecca went above and beyond to make sure I felt comfortable with the move plan. 

Pandora the black cat moved to IrelandDuncan the Scottish terrier moved to Ireland


Moving with pets is not easy. Moving internationally with pets is really not easy! Moving internationally with pets in the midst of a global pandemic is even harder, but thanks to Rachel and Rebecca, we were as comfortable with the process as we could possibly be, and we even got a little sleep during the 48-hour period when the pets were out of our care & out there in the big, scary world. Thank you SO much to the team at PetRelocation. 

You are so, so welcome! 
Moving live animals is a challenge, but we understand that pets are family and the family needs to stay together! If you're starting to consider a move with your pet, let us know what questions you have. 

 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Cats, Dogs

Country:

UK

During the COVID-19 pandemic we have had the honor to reunite pets with their families when the pet parents weren't sure if it could be done. One of such family is Anne and Izzy. Izzy was stuck in Mexico and when it looked like no one could help, dog mom Anne called PetRelocation. 

I adopted my dog Izzy when I was serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in rural Mexico. When I was evacuated from Mexico due to COVID-19, I had four hours to pack all my things and leave my home, leaving me no time to arrange for Izzy to come with me. When it became clear that I was not going to be able to return to Mexico any time soon, I was determined to get Izzy to the US. After doing some research, I reached out to PetRelocation. I had read good reviews of their service, and they were one of the only pet relocation services still working on international pet travel during the pandemic.

My experience with PetRelocation was wonderful from start to finish. Every employee I interacted with was caring and competent. My relocation coordinator took care of every detail of Izzy's move and was extremely proactive in managing everything. I had issues with the vet in Mexico and with Izzy's vaccine information, and she was patient and helped sort everything out. During Izzy's move, I got updates throughout the process and plenty of photos of Izzy. This really put my mind at ease during such a stressful time. Izzy was treated super well during transport, and is now happily adjusting to life in Massachusetts! She's been exploring, chasing squirrels, and napping in her new bed. I can't thank PetRelocation enough for helping to reunite me with my best friend.

We're so happy we could put your mind at ease during this time. 

If you're separated from your pet, we can help! Let us know what questions you have and we'll get started today! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Ask the Experts, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

United States

Moving to Hawaii sounds like a dream! Until you try to move a pet and realize the logistics are less dreamy. That's what dog mom, Victoria, discovered while trying to get her precious pup to join her in paradise. So, she called PetRelocation! Here's their story. 

PetRelocation is the most professional company I have ever encountered. Allie was my initial contact and she was fantastic! After that, I worked with Katie Harris. Katie was detailed, caring, compassionate, and professional. What I loved the most is that they actually answer their phones when I called! 

Hunter moved to Hawaii
 

They became like family as my German Shepard's journey became a reality. I was so excited to learn he was actually coming to join me in Hawaii! We are reunited and it feels so good! The entire company, and most specifically Katie and Ally, are the most incredible individuals ever. I highly recommend PetRelocation. They are worth every penny.

Thank you so much!

Victoria and Hunter.  Aloha!

If you have questions about moving your pet across the country or the world, let us know! And if you're ready to hire a pawfessional to move your pet, get started here.

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

United States, Hawaii

Moving domestically, especially during a pandemic that has caused many airlines to cancel their pet programs, has been a challenge. That's what this cat mom found when moving cross country. So, she called PetRelocation to assist in Obsidian and Moon's relocation! Here's their story. 

We had a lovely experience working with Jill & Allie. We moved our two cats from Indianapolis to Seattle and it went off without a hitch. I was quite stressed about the idea of moving them with a service and didn't know what to expect about flying them as manifest cargo without us actually flying with them, but Jill worked with me to give me thorough details on their travel and peace of mind in the process. We're very pleased with the experience. 

Obsidian and Moon moved with PetRelocatoin

Are you considering hiring a pawfessional pet shipper? Here are a few reasons we think that's a good idea. 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Ask the Experts

Pet:


Country:

We love it when old friends come back for new adventures. Two years ago we moved sweet Lydia from the United States to Pakistan with her human, Shari. However, Lydia's time there had to be cut short when the Coronavirus pandemic hit. Her mom had to hurry home and Lydia's own travel plans seemed uncertain. So, Shari called PetRelocation! We were able to piece together a complicated plan to get this loving dog home to her mom. This dynamic move and very good girl are at the center of our latest Pet Move of the Month! 

Tells us about Lydia. What’s her personality like?

I adopted Lydia when she was four months old, from our local shelter in North Carolina. She has been a part of our family for 7 years now. Lydia is the most chill dog I've ever known! She is very loyal and can be very shy around others, including other dogs. 

This was your second time using PetRelocation. What brought upon your move to Lydia the dog moved from Pakistan to the US during the coronavirus pandemicPakistan?

I was originally recruited to go to Pakistan as a Spanish teacher at the Karachi American school in Karachi, Pakistan. I never considered leaving Lydia, as she is part of my family! When I first started planning that move, I realized how complicated the paperwork was. I was also traveling ahead of her and needed a little help with that, too. So, I hired PetRelocation. 

Lydia’s relocation back to the US was impacted by COVID-19 and this resulted in you being separated from her. How long were you separated?

We were apart for nearly 3 months! I left Pakistan on April 23, on one of the last government-contracted planes out of the country (all airports were closed due to COVID-19). I couldn't bring Lydia with me at the time, so I had to leave her with friends until I could figure out how to get her out. She finally made it home in mid-July. 

Being apart from her for that long was really challenging. I really missed her quiet presence in the house and our daily walks around the neighborhood. I'm so grateful to have her home. 

What would you say was the most valuable part of having Evelyn and Kelcey assist you with Lydia’s relocation?

It was good to get updates on a frequent basis while Lydia was traveling. Her journey was so long and through so many different drivers and airlines, it was hard to keep up with it myself. So, having the PetRelocation team keep me in the loop of where Lydia was at all times was a huge relief.  I also liked knowing that all of the paperwork was being handled by people who knew what they were doing.


Kelsey and Evelyn ensured Lydia made it home safe and sound.

 

How long did it take for Lydia to get from her temporary home in Pakistan to your home in the United States?

All told, it took 9 days. She was picked up in Karachi and driven 3 days to the airport in Islamabad. Then, after a flight plan spanning multiple days, she arrived in New York. Since the airlines were flying at limited capacity, this was the closest flight we could get to our home in New Mexico. The PetRelocation team then drove her across the country! We received great picture updates from her driver. We are thankful that she was well cared for at every step in the process.

Dog Lydia entering her home state of new mexico

 

Does Lydia have any travel plans once travel restrictions are lifted?

Lydia has no travel plans... as of now! We are settling into our new digs and enjoying our new routine.

What advice would you give someone trying to plan an international move with your pets?

Make sure you know what paperwork is required if you plan to do it yourself, but I would highly recommend PetRelocation!

What an incredible story! Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey. Do you have questions about moving with your pets? Let us know! We'd love to assist you. 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Ground Transport Stories, Move of the Month, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

We all know that the pandemic caused by COVID-19 has made everyone rethink their plans. But for some, the virus put their plans on hold. That was the case when we were planning Boop's move to the UK. His family had to go ahead of him, but luckily our fast working team was on the case! Here's his story. 

My dog, Boop, was meant to accompany me in March on my move to Scotland. Jill was there every step of the way, reassuring me and making sure all the paperwork and vet visits were in order. And then our plans came to a halt because of COVID-19.

Boop's flight was canceled, but mine wasn't. So, we were separated which was really stressful during a pandemic. Jill worked for months, diligently, and dedicatedly to reunite us. Jill had to deliver bad news to me, repeatedly, as things and travel were always shifting. I was so emotional. Jill did a great job holding my hand through this experience. She and the PetRelocation team explored every option and left no stone unturned.

Boop moved to the UK during the pandemic

 

They eventually figured out a way to get Boop home to me. Then, days before his rescheduled flight, there were problems with paperwork that the veterinarian had issued. Jill fought tooth and nail to make sure that everything went through. She made herself available, and never gave up. And she did it. I'm getting emotional now writing this. There were so many ups and downs, but I am so incredibly grateful to Jill and everyone at PetRelocaiton. It's been nearly one week since my baby and I were reunited and I am just beyond the moon happy. I am so appreciative. So grateful. I don't know what I would have done if I had had to do it without them. Thank you, thank you, thank you a million times!

You are so, so welcome! 
Moving live animals is a challenge, but we understand that pets are family and the family needs to stay together! If you're starting to consider a move with your pet, let us know what questions you have. 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

UK

Cat mom Jessica had enough on her plate while planning her family's move to Australia. Just like everyone else, she wasn't expecting the extreme effects of COVID-19 and the toll it would take on her months of planning. Luckily, she had PetRelocation on her side to safely move her kitty, Kirei. Here's their story! 

Relocating to Australia in the middle of a pandemic while pregnant was not part of our initial plans. Moving my precious kitty to a country known for the most stringent arrival requirements was definitely an added stressor. From the first emails I received from PetRelocation, followed by Nina’s takeover of my move, I felt confident that I found the best people to help me through this process.Kieri the cat moved to Australia

Nina was in touch with me regularly, providing updates on the flight routes and potential changes. She had great connections with airlines and agents, which enabled us to get answers quickly. When flights taking pets to Australia were canceled (and the alternative was leaving my kitty in the US for months of uncertainty), she was able to find an alternate route for my cat to arrive within a week of my arrival in Australia. When Melbourne closed its borders due to a spike in COVID-19 cases, she was still providing updates, despite the time difference, to reassure me of my kitty’s impending arrival.

Every step of the way, PetRelocation was making sure I knew what was going to happen and that I had all the information I needed. I especially appreciated her honesty about potential risks due to the flight uncertainties and also her willingness to jump on a call whenever I had concerns about anything.

I hope to never have to move my kitty in such a situation ever again, but if I have to, I will 100% go with PetRelocation and would recommend anyone else to do the same!

We're so happy that you and Kirei are reunited! 
If you're planning a move across the world and have questions about what to expect, let us know. We're happy to help.

Are you considering hiring a pawfessional pet shipper, here are a few reasons we think that's a good idea. 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Cats

Country:

Australia

Earlier this year, we moved from Montreal to Edmonton.  From the beginning, our initial concern was our chocolate labrador, Bailey. We contacted PetRelocation for assistance and they took it from there! They took care of everything for my Bailey boy. We were not worried at all for his safety. All of our concerns were met with reassuring solutions and care. 


The staff is amazing. They really care about and love animals. Bailey had a great experience and now that he is home with us again. We are so relieved to have him back home with us. Thank you PetRelocation and all the staff around the world who helped us get Bailey to his new home! 

If you have questions about moving your pet, ask us here! Make sure to follow us on Instagram for all our tips for moving your pets and plenty of adorable pictures.

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Ask the Experts

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

Canada

PetRelocation is so thankful for all of the men and women who serve our country in the US military. That's why it's such a joy when we get the chance to assist them in their moves. However, as many military families may tell you, sometimes those moves are very short notice. That's what Ashley found when she needed to move her furbabies, Chi Chi, Skyle and Turbo, to Hawaii. Here's their story!

Let me start out by saying Katie is amazing. We had last-minute military orders to Hawaii and were on a pretty short timeline to prepare our dogs to fly. I received my quote from our sales consultant very fast and she then put me in touch with my coordinator, Katie. 

I was so worried I wouldn’t get everything done in time but Katie made sure I had everything squared away and kept me in the loop at all times on what came next. She really took so much stress off my shoulders. 

Shortly before we traveled I had a really hard time accepting that my dogs would be alone for a while without us. I opened up to Katie about my worries and expressed how important my dogs were to me and my family. Katie understood and her willingness to keep me calm as best she could really helped me through the process. I’m sure she is excellent with other clients but I really felt like she went above and beyond for my family. I truly appreciate her.

PetRelocation, thank you for your amazing service, and thank you for having people on staff who genuinely care about pets. I will be using your service again when we leave the island in a few years!

Thank you, Ashley Turbo, Skyle and Chi Chi for allowing us to be part of your journey! 
If you have questions about moving to Hawaii, ask us here! Make sure to follow us on Instagram for all our tips for moving your pets and plenty of adorable pictures. 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Airlines, Military Moves, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

Hawaii

If 2020 has taught us anything, it's the importance of being flexible. This is especially true when it comes to international travel and your pets. When Olivia discovered that she would need to relocate quickly, she was worried about her three pet guinea pigs. So, after doing some research, she entrusted PetRelocation with her precious piggies. It took a lot of creativity and patience, but the family is finally reunited. And now they are our pet move of the month! 

Tell us about your pets! What are their personalities like & how did they join your family?

My little guinea-girls joined me back in January 2019 while I was in my final year of University in England. My ex-boyfriend took me to the pet store to pick them out for a Christmas present. When I got to the pet store I only wanted to take home two, but when I arrived there were three girls and I couldn’t leave one by herself! So I took all guinea pigs moved from Europe to the USthree ladies home!

Penelope is the queen of the coup! She has a huge personality and will chat your ear off. She loves to be held and cuddled. She keeps the other two girls in line and always starts a ‘wheeking’ symphony when she wants food. A pig is an understatement. She is big, chunky and loves her spinach! Margaret is Penelope’s sidekick. She loves snuggling with her as well as her humans. She’s quieter but has just as big a personality as her sister. She’s a big lady with an attitude, and a big belly to match! Hazel is the quiet and cautious one. She’s very demure and slender but puts up a fight when her chunky sisters try to take her bed or food. She is a little angel and loves to be admired but not touched, making her an elegant little thing. 

They’ve done some traveling before, right?

They have had some travel adventures before their big flights over to America. I moved from the UK in the summer of 2019 and could not take them right away, so I left them with family for a few months until I returned. In November, I came back to the UK for training for the month. I am currently training and raising sponsorship for Ice Warrior’s Last Pole arctic expedition to the Northern Pole of Inaccessibility in February 2021. I picked up the girlies and transported them to my amazing friends in Belgium by bus. In the course of a day, they traveled from Bath, UK to Paris, France, and then on to Brussels, Belgium. They were so cute and happy on the bus, but super talkative which made keeping their presence low key very difficult. They are well traveled little ladies indeed!

When you realized you were moving back to the United States, what were your initial concerns?

Having to move back to the U.S. came as a shock to me actually. My life plans ended up changing drastically and I had to make a quick decision to move. I haven’t lived in the U.S. for 17 years due to my father being in the Army. We moved all over Europe when I was a kid and then I branched off to the UK and Taiwan for University. So, coming back was exciting but also very stressful. Now I had to somehow get my babies over the ocean. I was initially very worried there wasn’t an option to get them over because when I called the airline they told me they could not put them on the plane. But I was determined, there was no way that I could leave my girls behind!

What made you decide to hire PetRelocation to help with their move?

I actually looked for months after learning I had to go through a pet shipping company. My dad was actually the one who found PetRelocation. I went through a lot of the testimonials and did a lot of research before deciding to hire PetRelocation, I wanted to make sure my babies were going to be safe. I chose to go with PetRelocation because I saw all of the success they have had, as well as reading all the great feedback from previous customers.

 

Your move was in the middle of the height of the coronavirus pandemic. Did this affect your move plan?

This was definitely a crazy time to try and fly guinea pigs! Rebecca was my personal coordinator for the move, and she and I began this journey before COVID-19 really exploded. This global pandemic really affected our move plan and made new coordination really hard. I remember having a call from Rebecca, amidst crazy news everywhere, and her telling me that the flights had been suspended in all major airlines all over the world so, sadly, my babies would have to wait to come home. There was no telling when any flight would be able to get them over. It was a very stressful situation!

One thing that was unexpected was that our agents in Amsterdam ended up picking up your pets in Belgium and taking them on a long drive to the airport. Were you concerned at all about long ground transport for your pets and how did PetRelocation help in that situation?

This was a huge blessing that PetRelocation's agents were able to pick up the girls from my friends in Belgium! All aspects of Rebecca’s master plan to get the piggies back home to me depended on very unknown variables. It was a very high-stress situation when it came down to the wire of getting them to the airport in Amsterdam. Originally, my incredible friends were going to drive them to the airport, but the Belgian/Dutch border was only open to ‘essential crossings’, nonessential travel could be punished with a fine of over €500. So after a lot of deliberating and idea popping, we decided it was best if we didn’t risk that. I was not worried at any point during their crossing, because I really trusted Rebecca and knew her team was the best of the best! Rebecca was so gracious to update me at all points of transport and even had the transit agents to take pictures. I felt very at peace.

What did you find to be the most valuable part of hiring PetRelocation and having Rebecca to assist with your pets’ move?

I think the most valuable thing to me with working the Rebecca and PetRelocation was the reliability and trust.  Through my time of working with Rebecca I really found a friend. She was so helpful, kind, fun and went above and beyond to help get my babies home to me during one of the most challenging times of the century! I really trusted her with my pets’ safely and she never let me down. I was informed of any updates and price changes. Even in the month during quarantine, when the piggies were stuck overseas and nothing could be done, she called me ever so often to update me on the situation and the progress. I really appreciated the level of trust and peace I had with Rebecca and PetRelocation during the whole process!

What advice would you give someone beginning to plan an international move with their pet?

I would suggest that they carefully consider who they go through to ship them. Having a good team is really the key to a successful and stress-free move! Also, it helps to have close friends that are willing to help you out on their end. I wouldn’t have been able to make this move a reality if it weren’t for my amazing friend and family network.

Guinea pigs moved to the United States during a pandemic

 

How have the piggies settled into their new home?

They are loving their new piggy palace! At my house, there are three cats and a dog, and they have all got on very well. They were a little scared when they arrived, understandably as they had just flown to another continent! But after a few days, they were running around and ‘wheeking’ with happiness (and for food)! They are really happy, and I am so happy to have them home with me!

What an incredible story! Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey. 
Do you have questions about moving with your pets? Let us know! We'd love to assist you. And once you're ready to really start planning your move, let us help. 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Ground Transport Stories, Move of the Month

Pet:


Country:

United States, EU

Beautiful kitty, Rasmus, had a big move to New Zealand coming up, but then the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. Luckily for Rasmus, PetRelocation was on the case. Here's their story! 

Katie and Katy were great right from our very first contact with them. Katie Harris, our relocation coordinator, was very attentive and super helpful and understanding. 


 

When our move was delayed and everything was completely unknown due to Covid-19, she kept us updated when any changes or announcements were made regarding our move. Katie was always interested in how Rasmus was doing leading up to and throughout the move process, she also offered helpful info along the way to help us with his crate acclimation. I was so impressed with the service, that I've already recommended the team to a few other people looking to make the move back to New Zealand with pets!

If you have questions about moving your pets to New Zealand, let us know! And if you're ready to get started arranging your move to New Zealand, or anywhere, you can start here

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Cats

Country:

Since the spread of COVID-19 began, we have seen many families having to change their travel plans as restrictions were arising every day. This is what Boba's family experienced when they were preparing for their international move. Luckily, they had PetRelocation on their side. Here's Boba's story! black lab moved to Asia

Boba recently relocated from the USA to Taiwan. It was a very long trip and we had a lot on our minds. Ananda walked us through this entire process. She was extremely responsive, organized, and simply amazing. Due to the COVID-19, there were additional changes but Ananda did an excellent job to manage them.

We also appreciate the handler in Taiwan. They did a video call with us when they picked up Boba from the airport to assure us that he had arrived okay. Like many fur parents, Boba is our family and we are so glad he is finally in his new home, healthy and happy. We cannot think of a better company to handle Boba's relocation. 

Thank you for your kind words! Boba sure is a cutie. 
If you have questions about moving your pets internationally, let us know! We're happy to help. And if you're ready to build a plan with PetRelocation, click here to get started! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

When you travel before your pets, it can be stressful not knowing how they're being looked after. But, when you leave your pets in the care of PetRelocation you don't have to worry! We will keep you informed every step of the way. That's what Tracy, mom of Boris and Henderson, found when she had to leave her pets behind. Here's their story! 

Our animals were due to fly at the same time as us but from different airports (Chicago for the animals and Atlanta for us ) but it didn't turn out like that. Unfortunately, our dog Boris had an upset stomach as he was being loaded onto the plane and was deemed unfit to fly. Jill quickly arranged a boarding facility for Boris and kept us informed about every detail. British Airways stopped all passenger flights after this, so Jill worked closely with BA to arrange the next cargo flight ( a week later).

Boris moved to the UK black cat moved internationally

We were on one side of the Atlantic and our pets were on the other, but we knew they were well looked after. Jill was professional at all times and kept us informed in what was a constantly changing environment. She knew how much Boris and Henderson meant to us and gave 100%.

Thank goodness for PetRelocation is all I can say. From beginning to end they were fantastic.

If you and your pet need assistance traveling across the world, or across the country, we can help! Send us your questions, or arrange a free consultation with one of our specialists.  We'd love to be part of your adventure. While you're at it, make sure to tag us on Instagram to share your journey with the hashtag #MyPetRelocation! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Cats, Dogs

Country:

UK

Molly and Meesh's family started planning their move down under with us over 2 years ago. Just when the plan was coming together, the COVID-19 pandemic changed all of their plans. But that's OK! PetRelocation was able to help get the family to their new home together. Here's their incredible story!  

There really is no way to describe how impactful PetRelocaiton was for us for our epic move to Australia during COVID-19. It is because of Nina that we actually got to move to Australia. Two years ago we started working with the team because we thought we were moving sooner, and every single time I emailed with annoying questions, Katie and Nina consistently and happily answered all of my worried cat mom questions. Their services were above and beyond what I expected. We also didn’t have a move date for the majority of the time because we were waiting for my husband's migration visa to be approved for about 16 months.

He was approved for his visa in February and we finally started getting the cats ready. However, COVID-19 put a halt to our cat transportation plans in March. Nina worked around the clock to find a flight where the cats could fly directly into Australia. Imported animals need to be quarantined upon arrival to Australia, and can only fly direct flights from their origin country and cannot transit once in Australia (this has always been the rule even pre COVID-19). This made things a little bit more complicated. However, Nina found us a very sacred flight for the cats which allowed my husband and I to finally move at the end of May.

Relocation coordinator, Nina!
 

I cannot even imagine what was happening on the backend with getting all of the cats‘ specific needs met for their multiple flights and kennel stays. However, all along the way, Nina kept me up-to-date on every single move the cats made. She answered even more specific questions to help calm my nerves.


 

By the time the cats were released into our custody, we expected them to be very skittish and terrified. However, they adapted almost instantly. It has been almost 2 weeks now that they have been in Australia with us, and they are completely fine and back to normal. This leads me to believe their handlers selected by PetRelocation were very professional and kind to the girls and loved on them as best they could. The only change is that they meow differently, which is so funny that they might have an Australian accent!

I have already recommended Nina to a friend of mine who’s trying to move her dogs to Australia. In all honesty, there really are no words, just the utmost sincere gratitude, and relief that I was looked after as well as I was with your team over the last 2 years. Nina is a superstar and a saint.

Thank you so very much,
Love from Down Unda,

Kristin, Ronaldo, Meesh and Molly Tamale

Wow, what an amazing story. Thank you so much for allowing us to be part of your journey—even if it did include a couple of bumps in the road. 
Are you planning a move to Australia, or anywhere in the world? Well, we can help! Get started today with one of our experienced consultants. 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Airlines, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Cats

Country:

Australia

With COVID-19 dictating all aspects of international travel, it can be tricky to try to navigate moving across the world, especially with pets. That's what Arnold's family found while planning their move to the UK. So, instead of worrying, they let PetRelocation arrange it for them. Here's what they had to say about working with us! 

We could not have asked for a more thoughtful, caring and compassionate service. They made completing an international move during a pandemic a breeze!  Our initial consult with Kathy was excellent and after reviewing many different companies, we chose PetRelocation for their exceptional communication, especially in regards to the Covid-19 situation. They were incredibly well informed and were the only company to provide us with information about how this would affect our travel plans. large dog moved to the UK

Thereafter, we had Nick as our relocation coordinator who oversaw the whole move. Nick's meticulous attention to detail and incredible communication throughout was second to none. At every step, Nick was available to answer all of our questions and was incredibly empathetic providing support at every step of the way. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic Arnold, our large dog, had to fly out of a different airport. This understandably set our nerves on edge. Nick was incredibly patient at discussing all of our options. We were so fortunate to have an incredible agent who accompanied Arnold on our behalf to New York. Terri, our transporter, reached out ahead of time to introduce herself to us and to understand our boy a little better. He is a nervous rescue dog and Terri took her time to get to know him and had such fantastic, calm energy that he took to her immediately.

Both Terri and Nick kept us well informed of Arnold's progress by sending us pictures along the way and ensuring that we were updated at every opportunity. They both followed up with us to ensure that Arnold was settling into his new home. Gemma, the agent in the UK, was on hand to answer questions and to facilitate Arnold's release from quarantine. 

Special thanks to Nick, Terri, Kathy and Gemma, and to the rest of the team at Pet Relocation. We are so incredibly happy to have our boy with us in the UK and can't thank you enough for looking after him as if he were your own!

Do you have questions about moving your pets to the UK, or anywhere? Let us know! And if you're ready to talk to a consultant and get a quote, get started here

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

UK

When you're moving to another country, you have a lot to worry about. However, when you hire PetRelocation, you won't have to worry about your pet being taken care of. Plans change, especially when the world is in the midst of a pandemic, but your PetRelocation coordinator is there to pivot and make a plan B. That's what happened when little Norton was preparing to move to the UK. Here's his story! 

We honestly could not have asked for a better experience than working with Nick and the PetRelocation team! We are so thankful for all they did for us and our grumpy old Shih-Tzu, Norton.

Not only were they able to expertly guide us through the relocation process and provide us with a million answers to our myriad of questions, but they managed this flawlessly during a PANDEMIC! As soon as we started working with Nick, all our travel plans went up in the air, but he touched base with us almost daily. Nick provided updates on our Plan A, and options for Plan B through F. Our stress levels were through the roof as we tried to complete giant repairs on our house in order to sell it, deal with visa issues, canceled flights, and moving companies. Nick took our worries in stride and was constantly calm and reassuring. We really can not recommend Nick and PetRelocation enough for helping us through the chaos. Five stars, two thumbs up, A+

We are so happy we could help! 
If you had an incredible experience moving your pet with PetRelocation, tell us about it! And if you're ready to start planning your own journey, we can help. Arrange your consultation today. 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

UK

In 2020, everyone has had to be a little more flexible. That's especially true for those planning to move pets this year. For many, having to relocate in the middle of a pandemic came as a surprise. That was the case for Maria, who had adopted a dog while living in Mozambique. When she was unexpectedly evacuated, she called PetRelocation. It was a bit of a rollercoaster, but we got Maria and her dog, Xima, reunited as quickly as possible. It took a lot of faith and planning, and that's why it's our Story of the Month! Read on to learn all about their journey. 

Tell us about Xima. How did she come to join your family and what’s her personality like?

Xima was adopted by me when I was serving in the Peace Corps as a health volunteer in Mozambique. She was my way of making life in another county a little bit normal. Honestly, I wasn’t planning on getting a dog there, but the two-year commitment can get lonely so she was perfect! 

Funnily enough, I didn't get her from a shelter or a store. She was actually sold to me by a man on the street! She is such an attention-loving dog and she fits in perfectly with my random bursts of energy followed by a nice nap.

Xima taking a nap

What brought about your move back to the US?

We were meant to be there for another year. However, COVID-19 had other plans. Because of the virus we actually got evacuated out of the country. So that was a very sudden move for both of us. 

Why did you decide to hire PetRelocation?

I always knew that getting Xima home (whenever that would have been) was going to be a challenge. Mozambique is quite far away! But I had looked into relocation services when I first got her and PetRelocation seemed like the perfect group of people to help me with this challenge. I saw you had moved pets all over the world, and the accreditation and reviews from other people really reassured me.

What were your initial concerns when you found out you’d be moving with Xima?

Honesty, I was scared that she wouldn’t be able to come home with me at all. Everything happened so fast during my evacuation that I got scared that she wouldn’t have time to make it home, or that things would get worse before they got better. But PetRelocation was truly amazing! You walked me through the process, helping me and Xima's caretaker with all the confusing paperwork! It was amazing. 

Your journey was affected by COVID-19? Can you tell us about that?

Xima and I were still supposed to be in Mozambique right now (July 2020). But due to COVID-19 all Peace Corps volunteers around the world got evacuated. We had about 24 hours to leave!  That meant I had 24 hours to figure out a plan to get Xima taken care of and have a plan to get her out. That was really stressful. Lucky for me I had already contacted PetRelocation to come up with a plan for moving Xima one day. We just didn't know "one day" would be so soon! So, when I told my PetRelocation consultant, Evelyn, what was happening she went right to work on helping me get her home!

What did you find to be the most valuable part of working with PetRelocation?

The constant updates were the best! My coordinator, Kelcey, made sure I always knew where she was. The friendly attitude and help were definitely a close second! 


Kelcey and Evelyn assisted Xima with her move
 

You traveled before Xima. Were you worried about being without her? How did you cope with that?

Oh my gosh, I was so worried! My whole world got turned upside when the pandemic hit. Not having her as my constant companion drove me nuts! I was constantly worried about her, but I knew the family she was with would spoil her as I would! I honestly would check my emails almost every hour looking for my updates from small dog moved from Africa to the USA during COVID Kelcey! You gave me hope that she would come home safely.

Finally, Xima’s big day arrived! Did PetRelocation’s tracking give you any peace of mind?

Her move went perfectly and the tracking was AMAZING. It really put me at ease knowing that there was a plan! Having her back in my arms was the greatest thing that has happened since coming home!

How has Xima settled into life in the USA? Does she have any favorite local dog-friendly spots?

Since she’s new to the USA things have been really exciting! She loves air conditioning, which we never had before. There are so many other dogs who want to be friends with her and she gets all the treats! She also loves rolling in the grass (we only had sand where we lived). She loves going to the park and running around with her dog cousins! She loves walking in the woods and trying to pick up every stick and stone to bring home as souvenirs! She is really loving being in her new home! Thank you all so much again!

Dog moved during COVID-19
Xima and her new friends
 

We are so happy that Xima made it safe and sound to her new home despite everything. Stories like this are exactly why we do what we do! Thanks for sharing your journey with us! If you have a story you'd like to share, you can do so here. And if you're ready to start planning your own pet's move, we can help. Get started today

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Move of the Month, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

Cat dad, David, knew that moving his beloved pet, Ms. Kiki, was going to be the hardest part about his upcoming move to New Zealand. He wanted to make sure she was taken care of like the precious cargo that she is. So, David called PetRelocation! Here's Ms. Kiki's story! 

Relocating to a new country is incredibly stressful, but moving to a new country and trying to relocate with a pet can be a minefield of paperwork and anxiety especially to a country with very strict animal importation and quarantine laws. 

Kiki the cat moved to New Zealand

My experience with PetRelocation could not have been better. My expectations were exceeded at every step of the process starting with my initial inquiry all the way through to when I had my cat at our new home. Katie and her team were amazing through it all! I couldn't imagine having to do everything to successfully get my cat here with the bare minimum of disruption on my own.

I am so thankful and grateful for all the hard work and effort that Katie and everyone involved in the process put into a smooth relocation. It is clear that the people at PetRelocation love animals and are passionate about the work they do to make pets and pet parents are reunited happily.

If I had to do it all again I would not hesitate for a second to contact PetRelocation and put my animals in their very capable care knowing that all hurtles will be easily surmounted and that my pet will be happy and safe until we could be reunited.

 

Thank you, PetRelocation for everything that you did for my cat and me!


If you and your pet are traveling around the world and have questions, we're happy to provide guidance. And, if you're ready to start building a move plan, arrange a consultation with our team today.
We'd love to be part of your adventure. While you're at it, make sure to tag us on Instagram to share your journey with the hashtag #MyPetRelocation! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Cats

Country:

New Zealand

Moving your family overseas is a lot of work, but we can help! When Stuart's family moved to the United Kingdom, they called PetRelocation. Now Stuart is reunited with his pack. Here's what they had to say about working with PetRelocation! 

My husband was offered a job in London in October of 2017 and in December 2017 we were packing up our house to move. The time from the initial interview to the actual move was very, very fast!  At the time our boys were 18 months and 3.5 years old and our Golden Retriever, Stuart, was 5.

Golden retriever moved to the UK from the United States

There is a lot of paperwork and a very set protocol to follow when moving an animal internationally. I was beyond overwhelmed Stuart, yellow lab, at his new home in the UKwith it and was so happy to be referred to Natalie at PetRelocation. From our first conversation, she was positive, reassuring, and SO on top of all the details - from sending vet appointment reminders to advising on the right kennel size, to helping book his ticket and anything else Stuart needed. She made the process of getting Stuart to London seamless. The courier who picked up Stuart to take him to the airport on the day of his flight was kind, professional, and clearly an animal lover. Stuart arrived happy, healthy, and was able to come home to us without any delays at customs. We can't thank Natalie and the PetRelocation team enough!

If you and your pet need assistance traveling across the world, or across the country, reach out today! We'd love to be part of your adventure. While you're at it, make sure to tag us on Instagram to share your journey with the hashtag #MyPetRelocation! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

UK

Moving during a pandemic is a lot of work, especially when you have pets to consider. Do you know if your pet meets the requirements for import? Will you have time to research the new regulations? This may be a good time to hire a professional! That's what Cynthia did when planning Leto's move. Here's what she had to say about working with PetRelocation! 

Moving to the US from Denmark in the middle of COVID was always going to be a stressful situation. I was practically panicking black cat, Leto, moved to the United states during Covid-19thinking about how we could get our cat, Leto, moved with us. All of my worries were completely alleviated when I started working with PetRelocation. They gave us clear guidance on what we needed to do in preparation and were with us every step of the way. Throughout the process, they showed honest caring and compassion for both Leto and myself. I highly recommend their services!

If you and your pet need assistance traveling across the world, or across the country, reach out today! We'd love to be part of your adventure. While you're at it, make sure to tag us on Instagram to share your journey with the hashtag #MyPetRelocation! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Ask the Experts

Pet:

Cats

Country:

United States

Moving pets to Australia can be complicated, but lucky for Ralph and Milo's family our team is incredibly experienced in moves down under. Here's their story! 

Our relocation specialist, Katie Harris, was absolutely exceptional. My wife and I cannot thank her enough for the beautiful, detailed updates she sent about Milo and Ralph's travels from Detroit to Melbourne. Her emails were a highlight of each of our travel days.

Milo and Ralph moved to Australia with the help of PetRelocation

Being kept aware of their safe status, knowing how well taken care of, and seeing pictures of our fur babies truly made all the difference in beginning this adventure and major life’s transition for our family. Katie is very gifted at what she does and she's truly impacting many peoples and pets lives in such a pawsitive way!

Milo moved from the US to Australia Ralph enjoying a cat nap after his move to Australia

On a grander scale, I'd like to say how much we appreciated the detailed precision executed in the company's daily operations. It was evident throughout this whole process that Pet Relocation is capable, competent and compassionate. Thank you!

Thanks for sharing your story with us! 
If you have a story you'd like to share, let us know by submitting your story here. And if you're ready to start planning your own pet's move, let us help! Get started today

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel

Pet:

Cats

Country:

United States, Australia

Sometimes getting from point A to point B isn't as simple as you may think. If your pet falls under certain categories, such as a snub-nose breed, it may be a bit of a logistical puzzle to figure out how to get your pet to their new home. That's what Heidi, dog mom of adorable Zoey, found out. Heidi called PetRelocation to see if we could help her put the pieces together—and we did! Here's Zoey's story. 

My family recently moved from Maine to Puerto Rico! We have a 5-year-old boxer, Zoey. Being that Zoey is a “snub-nose” breed, we couldn’t find boxer dog named zoey moved to puerto rico an airline who would fly her. In researching all of our options, I stumbled upon PetRelocation.  After reading the reviews, we prayed it wasn’t a scam (you never know these days)!

We took the leap of faith and booked Zoey’s travel arrangements! She was driven from Boston to Miami. We were provided with updates and pictures every two hours! It was wonderful that they captured her journey in such a way! Once she made it to Miami, she was flown to San Juan.

All of her needs had been met. PetRelocation has exceeded all of our expectations! We can’t thank you enough for ensuring that Zoey was well taken care of throughout her journey! We’d definitely utilize your company again in the future!


Just about any move is possible! It just takes a leap of faith. Thank you for trusting us with sweet Zoey.

Are you planning your upcoming move and feeling stuck? Let PetRelocation help! Set up your consultation today

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Ground Transport Stories

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

Puerto Rico

When moving your pets to Singapore, there is a lot to consider. The veterinary work alone is a large undertaking. When Marley's family realized how complicated this process was going to be, they called PetRelocation! Then, just as Marley was getting ready to start his journey, a global coronavirus pandemic began to take hold in the United States. The extra stress on Marley and his family was unexpected, but PetRelocation was there to help! Marley's very unique story is our Pet Move of the Month!  Read on to learn more about the experience. 

Tell us about Marley! What’s his personality like? How did he come to join your family?

Marley is a sweet and affectionate Bassett Hound- German Shepherd mix. He is extremely smart, expressive, and loyal. He loves humans and (almost) all other dogs. Ryan, my partner, adopted Marley from the San Francisco SPCA in 2007 when he was six months old. We met six months later and he has been a part of our lives ever since!  large dog in travel crate
 

What brought about your move to Singapore?

We moved to Singapore for an amazing career opportunity for Ryan. We were also very excited to live in Southeast Asia.


Had Marley ever traveled much before?

The flight to Singapore was Marley’s first plane ride! Although he made two cross country trips in a car across the United States when we moved to New York from San Francisco.
 

What were some of your immediate concerns about moving Marley?

We were very concerned that he had to travel such a long distance. We were also worried about completing all the paperwork and vet requirements correctly. We knew almost right away that we should hire a pet relocation company.
 

The veterinary requirements for Singapore are extensive. Would you say PetRelocation was an asset in helping you keep that straight?

Definitely. There is no way we could have kept all the requirements straight without the support from Andrea. She caught several very small corrections on the final paperwork that could have caused delays if they were not updated in time. Andrea also was incredibly helpful with last-minute questions and making sure we were on target with the timeline.


Relocation coordinator, Andrea Gold. 


What initially surprised you about the process of moving pets to Singapore?

The requirement for all the rabies titer tests! We had never even heard of a rabies titer. We were pleasantly surprised that the quarantine for animals arriving from the US to Singapore is only 10 days.


Marley’s move was affected by COVID-19. How did this change Marley’s travel plans and your own?

Unfortunately, Marley’s original flight was canceled while he was en route to the airport due to airline cancellations related to COVID-19. It was truly a terrible and scary experience. We didn’t know when and if he would be able to leave the US. We also had to change our travel plans and were worried that all air travel would be shut down. At the time, Ryan was already in Singapore and I had to change my flight after Marley’s flight was canceled. We were worried that we would all be separated for weeks.

marley on a walk with her family in singapore


Was it a scary experience trying to manage your own move, along with Marley’s move, during a worldwide pandemic?

It was a scary and intense time. As I mentioned, it was very uncertain for several days and we did not know when and if Marley would be able to leave the US.

Would you say PetRelocation was helpful in navigating the relocation during this crazy time?

PetRelocation was incredibly helpful!! We can’t emphasize this enough. I truly cannot imagine what would have happened to us if we had not hired PetRelocation and had to handle rescheduling Marley’s flight on our own. I know that Andrea spent hours on the phone with multiple airlines to find a flight for Marley and she was working practically around the clock to get him on a plane! It would have been incredibly challenging for us to do that on our own. As I mentioned, Ryan was in Singapore already and I was frantically trying to clean out our house and prepare for my own travel.


How did Marley’s move day go? Were there any surprises?

The main surprise, as mentioned above, was that his flight was canceled the day of. He had to come back home and we had to wait to find out when he would be able to get on another flight. When he actually flew out two days later, there were no surprises thankfully!

Marley a large dog that moved from US to Singapore during COVID 19 pandemicLarge dog Marley moved to Singapore
Marley, relaxing in his new home in Singapore. 


How did Marley do in quarantine? What advice would you have for “pawrents” who are nervous about the quarantine process?

Marley did great in quarantine. We were very impressed with how clean and well maintained the quarantine facility was. The staff was amazing and we felt that he was well taken care of. We were lucky we could visit him during his stay, so that also gave us some additional comfort with his wellbeing. dog Marley and his family after they moved during coronavirus pandemic


Now that Marley is home with you in your new home, how is he adjusting?

He has adjusted very well, just a little warm! Lots of water and belly rubs.

 

What advice would you give pet parents who are planning a move with their pets?

I would strongly recommend hiring a pet relocation company. Especially in lieu of the situation with COVID-19, it seems like the best decision we ever made. That said, air travel is unpredictable even in the best of times, and having someone experienced to deal with any hiccups is really worth it. Not to mention the extensive preparation Andrea completed in preparation for the move day. You could never be prepared for something like COVID-19. That said, another piece of advice we would give to pet parents is- expect the unexpected! There are so many moving parts to this process and many things that are out of everyone’s control. Again, that is one of the reasons why having a pet relocation company is extremely helpful in the event that something does not go as planned.

We are so happy that Marley made it safe and sound to his new home despite everything. Seeing you all reunited in your new home is why we do what we do. Thanks for sharing your story with us! If you have a story you'd like to share, you can do so here. And if you're ready to start planning your own pet's move, we can help. Get started today

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Move of the Month

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

Singapore

Sometimes, even with the most careful planning, things don't go as planned. In December 2019 "COVID-19" became a common phrase in households around the world. For the clients of PetRelocation, this resulted in a lot of regrouping and replanning. This is what happened in the case of Enzo and his family's move to the United Kingdom. It was a stressful time, but eventually, Enzo made it back home. Here's his story! 

Being the worrywart that I am, I did A LOT of research on pet shipping companies. I got several quotes and spoke to several agencies on the phone.  None of them, and I mean NONE, really gave me the sincere feeling that they truly cared about my Enzo and his well-being.

I initially spoke to a UK specialist, and she was wonderful. The team was sweet, reassuring, and all-around a class act! Their service was only amplified when we were assigned our coordinator, Nick Stegall. Since he was in charge of the move, he REALLY caught the brunt of my anxiety and flawlessly talked me off the edge every single time my anxiety kicked up. Every. Single. Time.

Enzo the pug moved to the UK

 

Enzo was initially supposed to leave on March 31, 2020. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Lufthansa had suspended all pet travel. I was devastated. I was supposed to leave on April 1st, but had to move my flight up to March 26, leaving my boy behind with my parents. That really crushed me. Nick stayed in contact with me regarding updates from Lufthansa and constantly reassured me that he would do all he could to make sure Enzo gets home to me ASAP.

Pug with toy

 

He did just that! Yesterday, I finally got to pick up my boy from Heathrow after 2 months of missing him so badly. Enzo is normally pretty nervous, but he was returned to me at the Animal Reception Center happy, energetic and NOT nervous at all only proved to me that everything Nick had assured me would happen- happened. He was taken care of to the absolute highest standard. We’re now at home in Lincoln and Enzo is LOVING his new house and giving his mama & daddy so much love. I will absolutely use PetRelocation for any future needs! 

We are so happy to hear that Enzo has settled into his new home. We know that this was a stressful time, so PetRelocation is so thankful that we were able to help! Are you planning a move with your pets and don't know how to getting started? See how PetRelocation help! Contact us today! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, News, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

UK

Moving to a new country takes a lot of work. Why not get help? When Janis and Glenn started to plan their move to Canada, they decided it was time to call a professional, and we're so happy they did! Here's the story of their move with their two sweet oriental cats. 

PetRelocation was referred to us by several people and, in the end, we're so happy we chose them!  The best part of our move was knowing that our oriental cats were cared for. 


Raven and Rocket moved to Canada. 

 

At every turn, the PetRelocation team made sure that we were aware of our cats' location. Communication was open and clear throughout the whole process. Brittany and Ciara were wonderful to work with.  Our cats have settled in very quickly and are happy to be in their new environment.  I would highly recommend PetRelocation.

If you and your pet need assistance traveling across the world, or across the country, reach out today! We'd love to be part of your adventure. While you're at it, make sure to tag us on Instagram to share your journey with the hashtag #MyPetRelocation! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Ask the Experts, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Cats

Country:

Canada

We love it when old friends come back for their next adventure. Take Aya and Shiori, for example! We moved this duo to Taiwan previously, so when they were ready for their next journey we were so excited to help again! Read their story now! 

I have used PetRelocation before when my cats traveled from New York to Taiwan. It was a great experience.  Then we had the chance to work with PetRelocation again! 

Cat in bed after moving to Korea Pet moved to Korea
 

I was offered a job in South Korea recently, so of course, my two cats, Aya and Shiori, would be coming with me! We were excited for the chance to work with the PetRelocation team for another move. 

Move day couldn't have gone smoother! Now, we're here in South Korea.  My girls are here with me now and settled in. Thank you so much PetRelocation for helping bring my fur babies here to me! 

You're so welcome! If you and your pet need assistance traveling across the world, or across the country, reach out today! We'd love to be part of your adventure. While you're at it, make sure to tag us on Instagram to share your journey with the hashtag #MyPetRelocation! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Airlines, Ask the Experts, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Cats

Country:

South Korea

Moving across the world isn't easy and your pet's move is no exception. Luckily, PetRelocation has a team of experienced pet lovers who are here to help. We had the joy of helping Tyson move from the United States to Switzerland. Here's his story! 

When we first learned we would be moving to Switzerland for my husband's job, we were so excited. We also knew there would be a lot of research involved in figuring out how to move our dog, Tyson, with us. Fortunately, our relocation company put us in touch with PetRelocation, and everything became so smooth after we made a connection with them! Because of their help guiding us through all the steps and timing for Tyson's move, it allowed us to enjoy the process of preparing to move and of arriving so much more. 

large dog relocated with PetRelocation

We had an unusual situation where my husband moved to Switzerland three months before I moved with Tyson, due to me needing to finish up my job in the United States. As a result, the reunion in Switzerland with all three of us together was long-awaited! 

A few of the things that were extraordinarily helpful from PetRelocation are: 

  • Their knowledge of which airlines and which routes are best for a pet's air travel. It's a long flight, and we've all heard horror stories about pets on airlines. So, their advice about the airlines and ways to keep the flights short were very helpful.
  • Confirmation that the documentation I had for his microchip, vaccinations, and ownership. He was a stray dog who then had a different owner before we adopted him, so I wanted to be sure that wouldn't be a problem.
  • Managing all the documentation with our vet and USDA for the actual travel and entry into Switzerland. So helpful!
  • Taking such good care of Tyson through all his travel from Minnesota to Chicago to Frankfurt to Switzerland and giving updates all along the way.
    large dog Tyson traveled in a custom crate Tyson in his new home

I arrived in Switzerland a few hours before Tyson did. His arrival was definitely the best part of the move. We were so happy to see him safe and sound and loving his new home!

We're so happy we could keep Tyson with his family. 
If you're planning a move to Switzerland, or anywhere in the world, we'd love to help! Arrange your free consultation today. 

And if you've already begun your relocation journey, make sure to share your experience with us on social media! You can tag us on Instagram @PetRelocation and using the hashtag #MyPetRelocation. 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Ask the Experts

Pet:


Country:

COVID-19  has affected all aspects of our lives, there's no doubt of that. It impacted international travel in a big way, especially for those planning a move with pets. That's what Buddy's family discovered while they were arranging for the whole family to move from China to Switzerland. When the entire move plan had to be altered, Buddy had to be left temporarily behind. Buddy's mom, Mary Ellen, and the rest of the family relied on PetRelocation to get Buddy safely delivered to his new home. This amazing journey is our story of the month! 

Tell us about Buddy! What’s his personality like and how long has he been part of your family?  

Buddy became a part of our family in August of 2017. He was 6 months old and had been purchased from a pet store when he was a tiny pup. The family left him home while they were at work and he overheated so they took him back. He also already had dysplasia in his hips. So when our daughter, who was 11 at the time, declared that this puppy had smiled at her, we couldn’t resist him. 

Buddy is now 3 years old and he loves people! He loves cuddles and chasing tiny, bouncy balls. 

What brought about your move from China to Switzerland?  

We moved from China to Switzerland because of a job transfer with my husband’s company. 

Poodle Buddy moved to Switzerland

Had Buddy traveled much prior to this move? 

Buddy had NEVER traveled before this move!  We always traveled to other countries and didn’t have the opportunity to take him. He usually stayed with our housekeeper who also spoiled him. 

When you first found out that you would be moving with Buddy, what were your initial concerns?

We wanted him to fly in-cabin with us because he’s so tiny. We thought it would be best because he is always most comfortable when he’s with one of our family members. However, we ended up having to leave quite suddenly, so we had to come up with a plan B! 

Buddy’s move was affected by COVID-19. Can you tell us what that was like?

We had planned for him to go with us and fly in-cabin. However, my husband’s company felt that we needed to leave China immediately. We were given a 48-hour notice and had to leave without him!  Fortunately, PetRelocation had an agent in Shanghai who partners with them in such emergencies. Michael helped to arrange boarding with a local company, which we had actually used before as well as making sure that we had everything arranged for him to join us at a later time. 

Poodle Buddy takes a nap with his momPoodle Buddy doing yoga with his mom

 

How was PetRelocation able to help you keep Buddy’s relocation on track?

Rebecca was our contact in the US and she did an amazing job with communication. We did most of our communication through emails, which included checklists and pertinent information. We did have to have several calls, especially when the emergency evacuations came into play. She was very flexible and SO helpful! 

What did you find to be the most valuable part of having Rebecca & the PetRelocation team helping with Buddy’s move?

We had never moved a pet internationally so we had no idea where to start or what would occur. Rebecca helped every step of the way and really helped me to understand not only what was needed but when it would be needed and how to get it. 

How did move day go? 

Our move was quite difficult. On the day we left, there were many tears because we had to leave Buddy behind and we didn’t know when he would be able to join us. 

What advice would you give to pet parents who are just starting to plan their own pet’s move?

Make sure to ask questions. Your pet’s safety and care is important!  PetRelocation knows this and wants you to be comfortable with their service. 

How has Buddy settled into life in Switzerland? Have you found any favorite pet-friendly spots to take Buddy to?

Buddy settled in faster than we expected! He watches out the front window and keeps an eye on the neighbors, making sure to let us know when anyone goes up or down the street and when there is a cat close by.  In Switzerland, you can take your dog anywhere you go!  So he has been shopping with us and everyone loves on him. He is usually in a purse or a backpack (of course specially made for pups) and he gets right in when we pull it out of the cabinet. He knows that it means ‘let’s go!’  His favorite errand is going pick our daughter up from school. All of the kids love him too!

 

We are so happy to hear that Buddy has settled into his new home and is reunited with you and your family. We know that this was a stressful time, so PetRelocation is so thankful that we were able to help! 
Are you planning a move with your pets and need help getting started? See how PetRelocation help! Get started today. 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Move of the Month

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

China, Switzerland

When Micheal and Rachel found out they were moving to Amsterdam, they were so excited! But then, the reality of moving their two dogs, Taco and Ruby, set in. There was a lot to do and it got confusing quickly. So, they decided to hire a professional. From the moment they started talking to PetRelocation, they felt a little more at ease. Here's their story! 

When we decided that we would be moving to Amsterdam from the U.S., our first thoughts were "how will we get our dogs over there safely? Will we be able to afford to get them there?" After spending large amounts of time researching travel options, we realized that trying to move them without professional assistance would be altogether not a realistic option. Between the flight booking, the foreign health certificate, and the different regulations and laws around the world for importing pets, we realized we could not do this alone.

A quick search brought us to PetRelocation, and after reading their website and reviews (plus a ton of independent research), we decided to set up a consultation and see if we could trust PetRelocation with our fur babies. Our sales consultant was Rachel Reed, and after patiently answering all of the myriads of questions we had (Rachel spent almost two hours on the phone with me, answering questions and providing information about the moving process), we felt very good about the level of care and service PetRelocation would provide for us. She gave us a quote right then and there during the initial consultation, which was surprisingly reasonable considering the task at hand. She even spent another hour on the phone with my wife who had a battery of additional questions.

 

Once we decided to move forward, the communication between PetRelocation and us was superb. All of our concerns were addressed right away. The communication was great! They worked with us and our veterinarian to get all of the necessary vaccinations and health inspections completed properly and promptly. They were able to provide us with tracking info for the pups during their transit and updated us with photos of them during their layover in Frankfurt. Finally, they contacted us to ensure that Ruby and Taco arrived at our new home safely and in good health. The staff and crew at PetRelocation really seemed to care about our pets, which is something to be said in this age of poor customer service and profit at all costs.


Taco at his layover in Frankfurt
 

If you are a pet owner that treats your pets like you would treat your children, as we are, I believe you will be very happy with the excellent service PetRelocation provides. Ruby and Taco are now settling in and getting accustomed to life in Amsterdam! 

If you and your pet need assistance traveling across the world, or across the country, reach out today! We'd love to be part of your adventure. While you're at it, make sure to tag us on Instagram to share your journey with the hashtag #MyPetRelocation! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Ask the Experts

Pet:


Country:

Keeping your family together is our mission, but it's not always the easiest mission. Especially when your pet's breed has special considerations. When Sparky's family realized they needed help with bringing him from Saudi Arabia to the United States, they called PetRelocation! We were happy to help. Here's their story. 

My family and I have a 3-year-old pug named Sparky Anderson, and he was brought to Saudi Arabia when he was just a puppy. Our family adopted Sparky when his family left the country and struggled with relocating Sparky due to his breed. After a few attempts at arranging his travel on our own, I knew I needed help and in swooped PetRelocation. They took care of Sparky and his travel arrangements every step of the way. It gave us a tremendous peace of mind knowing Sparky was being well taken care of during his travels.

 

Thank you PetRelocation! Sparky is loving the USA!

You're welcome! And the USA is loving Sparky. 
If you and your pet need assistance traveling across the world, or across the country, reach out today! We'd love to be part of your adventure. While you're at it, make sure to tag us on Instagram to share your journey with the hashtag #MyPetRelocation! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

Saudi Arabia

We love it when friends come back! Charlie, the adorable Jack Russell terrier, has moved with us not just once, but twice! We were so happy we got to be part of his journey both times. Here's what his pawrents had to say about working with PetRelocation! 

We want to thank each and every member of the PetRelocation team for Charlie's smooth journey from the US to India and back to the US. Charlie the dog traveling in the car

The PetRelocation team was exceptional throughout. Reliable, transparent, easy to work with, honest and supportive are just a few words that come to our mind. Above all, the team made all the efforts to make sure Charlie's journey was safe and hassle-free and kept us posted at each step.

PetRelocation is such a great relief for pet parents like us! We sincerely appreciate your services and were thankful to partner with you for our baby's smooth travel. We knew Charlie was in good hands!!

We wish PetRelocation ever-growing success and will recommend you to every pet parent we come across in a need of your services.  


We're so happy we could keep you and Charlie together. 
If you're planning a move to India, or anywhere in the world, we'd love to help! Arrange your free consultation today

And if you've already begun your relocation journey, make sure to share your experience with us on social media! You can tag us on Instagram @PetRelocation and using the hashtag #MyPetRelocation. 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

India

Pets are family and we think it's so important to keep them together. Kendall, cat mom to beautiful Finley, couldn't agree more. But when it came time to pack up and move to Australia, they realized they could use some help. So, they reached out to PetRelocation and let us take the reigns when it came to all things, Finley. We enjoyed working with them so much that they are the move of the month! Here's their story. 

Tell us about Finley. When did she join your family and what is her personality like?

My husband and I adopted Finley when she was a tiny kitten from our local rescue shelter in Seattle in the summer of 2014. Her litter had been found abandoned in a field in eastern Washington, brought to West Seattle, and Finley was one of the last kittens remaining who hadn’t found a home. My husband and I went to the shelter one weekend as we walked by it frequently, just to have a look. We already had one cat at home, and we thought, maybe we should find him a friend since my husband and I were both gone all day at work.

We saw Finley right away, but she was being held and passed around by a mother and her three daughters. After about fifteen minutes, the mother asked the manager of the rescue if they could hold Finley for them, as they had to leave for her daughter’s softball game. The manager apologized and said they couldn’t hold any cats—if you wanted her, you needed to take her now. The girls were bummed but left for their game and hoped Finley would be there when they got back later that afternoon.

She wasn’t, because we took her. And yes, we still sort of feel bad about that almost six years later. But from the second we saw her we knew she was ours. The manager did try to dissuade us a bit from adopting her, as she wasn’t eating and was generally just “failing to thrive”. And she was so, so tiny. I could hold her in just one hand. She weighed about a pound.

Finley is super attached to both my husband and I. Because we’ve had her since she was so tiny, she thinks I’m her mom and that my husband is her dad. She follows me everywhere. She loves to watch birds, play fetch with long grocery store receipts, eat tuna, and sleep either in our arms or draped across my neck or face every night. She is shy and suspicious of new people, but once she is comfortable around you she won’t leave you alone. She is kind and gentle, never bites or scratches, but loves to play. She’s a funny girl. She hisses all the time (at us, at new people in the house who try to pet her, etc.) but I tell everyone she has no follow-through. She’s just a sassy lady with a lot to say.

Finley the cat relocated to Australia Moving with cats to Australia


What brought about your move to Australia? Had you ever been before?

I am a dual citizen between the US and Australia, so I had been back and forth between Seattle and Sydney all my life. My husband and I visited together once in 2015. An opportunity basically came up for us to move and after many, many sleepless nights we decided if not now, when? 

Had Finley ever done much traveling before?

No! Our vet in West Seattle was about a twenty-minute drive and she hated it. Hated. It. Hated being in the crate, hated being in the car, hated it all. Much screaming and sad meowing each time we had to take her to the vet (which wasn’t often, thankfully). So you can only imagine where this is going.

Cats, famously, do not like travel crates. Did you practice crate training and do you have any tips for other “pawrents” out there?

Look, each cat is different, right? I’ve seen news articles of cats who go hiking with their human parents and videos of cats sleeping peacefully in a hammock suction-cupped to a car window. Cats are weird. Our cat was no exception to the weirdness, but she hated the crate. When we got her big travel crate for the move, we had to send a photo of her inside of it to PetRelocation so they could make sure it was the correct size. Her face in the photo describes better than anything I could ever write about her feelings towards the crate.

I think because cats are all so different, different things will work for different cat parents facing a move. What worked for us might not be the right choice for you.

We did not crate train her. She hated the crate. We did leave the top off of it for a couple of months and set her blankets up in there and tried to get her to just lay in it while we were watching a movie at night. And she did, for a bit, until she didn’t anymore. She showed random, vague interest in it every now and then but ultimately did not lay in it nearly enough as we wanted her to.

We did send along a blanket in her crate for the long flight that smelled like us. I knew her and knew she’d want to burrow or bury herself in it. She’s like an ostrich sometimes – if she can’t see you, she thinks she’s safe and that you can’t see her. We received a few photos of her in transit where she had the blanket wrapped around her head. So, I think that was one of the best things we could have done for her – send along a blanket that smelled like us in her crate.

Did anything surprise you about the process?

Nothing surprised us about the process other than how insanely complex it is. In the beginning, we thought we’d be able to arrange everything for Finley’s move on our own to try and save money, but in the end, it was so clear that PetRelocation knew what they were doing exponentially better than we ever would have. There are so many loops and hoops to jump through, especially moving an animal to Australia, that we both slept better at night knowing that it was in the hands of the professionals.

What, would you say, was the most valuable part of having Katie and the PetRelocation team assist you?

Oh my gosh, Katie feels like part of our family now. My husband and I had to go ahead of Finley by three months so that we could secure a place to stay before she got there, so Finley stayed with my mom and her partner for three months after we left Seattle. I had looped my mom into all correspondence with Katie, as it was going to be her who ultimately got her out the door for us.Katie Harris relocation coordinator holding her cat

As her move approached, Katie kept us updated with her flight schedules, her vet visit requirements – everything. We always knew where we were at in the process.

A few weeks before her big move date, Katie sent us her flight itinerary via email. My mom, my husband, and I all read the email from different places and all texted each other immediately – was this right? Are we reading this right? The itinerary had Finley flying from Seattle to San Francisco, then San Francisco to Los Angeles (before going on to Melbourne, as planned).

The thought of Finley having to make two flights just to get to LA instead of one was panic-inducing for all three of us. Katie got back to us right away and said she would see what she can do, and not to worry.

Within hours, her schedule had been changed and she was flying nonstop to LA. This is just one example of many that showed how amazing Katie was at one – communicating with us quickly, and two – an advocate for Finley and a problem solver. We felt like (throughout the entire process, but especially during Finley’s actual move) that Katie actually cared. We felt like she was just as invested as we were.

The email thread during Finley’s Pacific Ocean traverse between my mom and Katie is actually funny to look back on and read now, because my mom was emailing Katie in a panic, and Katie was emailing my mom back calming her, telling her to breathe, assuring her it would all be okay.

We couldn’t have done it without Katie.

How did move day go? Any surprises?

Move day was stressful for all of us. I think my biggest initial worry was that first flight to LA. I knew she didn’t do well in the car. I could only imagine what a plane would be like. So, waiting to get that e-mail from Katie that she was successfully at the Kennel Club in LA was excruciating. It felt like I was holding my breath for hours.

My mom had texted me after Finley was picked up from their house in West Seattle and it was so heartbreaking. I could tell my mom felt awful about being “the bad guy” for putting her in the crate and getting her out the door. Much hissing.

Once we knew that Finley had safely made it to LA, I felt relief. I was still worried about the fifteen-hour flight ahead of her the following evening, but I thought, if she was able to do that first flight, she can do the long one. She can do it.

We received photos of Finley at Kennel Club LAX looking very disgruntled, but it was so nice to receive photos of her and know she was okay. And she nailed the long flight, and she did so well on her final flight from Melbourne to Sydney after her quarantine. We are so proud of her!

Many pet-parents are really nervous about quarantine. How would you say Finley did in the Australian quarantine facility?

She did great. My advice to other pet parents about quarantine would be don’t stress. We knew no news was good news, so each day that went by that we didn’t get a phone call or an email, we knew she was fine. The flights were way more stressful and nerve-inducing for us than the quarantine stay!

What advice would you give other pet parents who are just starting to plan their move?

My biggest piece of advice would be that you won’t regret hiring professionals to handle this for you. The logistics and paperwork are astounding. One missed form or missed vet visit and it could end your pet’s travel before it even begins. We joke now that we have the world’s most expensive cat, not just because of the cost of moving her to Australia, but also the fact that she needed laser eye surgery last summer before the move. But it’s worth it —worth everything to know that your furry family member is being taken care of while you plan all the logistics of the rest of your move.

Finley the cat moved to Australia pictured with her dad after quarantine
Finley's first day home! 
 

How is Finley settling into her new surroundings?

She is doing so well. The first night we brought her home, she was extremely stressed and was panting for about ninety minutes before she settled down. To be fair, she was in a brand-new house with new smells and new rooms and new places to hide in a new country. She was pretty overwhelmed.

She calmed very quickly though and before we knew it, it was like nothing had changed (other than we lived on the other side of the world). She loves watching the big white birdies (cockatoos) from our bedroom window, has been fascinated by Sydney’s weather systems (thunderstorms were really, really not a thing in Seattle), and is happy to report that the tuna in Australia is just as good as the tuna in Seattle.

Anything else you’d like to add?

We will always be so thankful to Katie for helping us through this lengthy process. The nerves and anxiety and anticipation are so real, and retrospectively, it couldn’t have gone any better than it did. We are so happy to have our cat here with us, healthy and happy. 

Thanks, Kendall! We are so excited to see you and your whole family reunited in your new home. Thanks for sharing your story with us! If you have a story you'd like to share, let us know by submitting your story here. And if you're ready to start planning your own pet's move, let us help! Get started today! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Move of the Month, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Cats

Country:

Australia

Moving to a new country should be fun. It's an adventure! However, that new chapter in your life can be a little scary when you realize how confusing the process can be. That's what Christopher, cat dad to adorable Lucy, found. So, he was relieved when he found out that PetRelocation could help with all his cat's needs for her journey! Here's their story! 

When I learned at the beginning of 2019 that I was appointed to a job at a university in Australia I was really excited, but that soon turned to anxiety when I realized all of the steps that would be required to relocate my family and our beloved cat Lucy to Australia.

Cats relocating to Australia  Lucy the cat relocated to Australia

I realized pretty quickly that I would need help. After I saw all of the positive reviews online for PetRelocation, I figured that I would reach out. From the get-go, PetRelocation was responsive and adaptable to the changing nature of my plans. They worked with my new employer in Australia to receive direct payment as part of my relocation package. This helped tremendously. From there, the steps from the very first vet visit to the day we picked her up from the airport in Canberra, our relocation coordinator, Ellen, assured us that the logistics were taken care of an more importantly that Lucy was safe and looked after. In the end, we're so happy to have worked with the PetRelocation team and would definitely recommend your services to anyone that requires them.

Thanks, Christopher! We're so happy we could keep you and Lucy together. 
If you're planning a move to Australia, or anywhere in the world, we'd love to help! Arrange your free consultation today

And if you've already begun your relocation journey, make sure to share your experience with us on social media! You can tag us on Instagram @PetRelocation and using the hashtag #MyPetRelocation. 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Cats

Country:

Australia

Sometimes life takes you to a faraway destination and then back again! That's what happened with Marie, a cat that we've helped relocate between the United Kingdom and the United States three times! Here's her story! 

PetRelocation moved Marie 3 times between 2016 and 2019. Each time, they handled Marie with the utmost care and diligence. I am very thankful to them for making sure she was taken care of at all stages during her journeys and she always arrived home to us safe and sound. Having been a well-traveled cat, she is happily settled in London. I am very grateful to all the staff at PetRelocation. They are the best!

We look forward to working with Marie again! 
If you and your pet need assistance traveling across the world, or across the country, reach out today! We'd love to be part of your adventure. 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Cats

Country:

UK

It's not every day you plan a move to another country, so going it alone may be stressful—especially when it comes to moving your pets. That's what Melissa found when she started planning her move from the United States to the UK. So, she got help from PetRelocation. Here's her story! golden doodle in a bow tie. dog moved from united state to united kingdom

Nick and the rest of the team were incredible.  This was a major move for us and I was very anxious about flying Nigel, our goldendoodle, but Nick and the team made everything seamless. San Francisco to London was a huge journey and your team was instrumental in our ability to do it with a minimum of fuss and a maximum of success.

I simply cannot say enough about PetRelocation and your team. It was money so well spent and we really felt like the team cared about Nigel and his journey across the world!
I would be more than happy to recommend PetRelocation to anyone.   

Thank you, Melissa! We are so happy we could help your move go more smoothly. 
If you're planning a relocation, let us help! Get started with one of our experts today. 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

UK

There is so much love in a big family. Especially when that family includes lots of pets! However, if you're planning to move to another country it can be a challenge to arrange it all yourself. That's what Erin found when she started planning her retirement with her six pets. Here's what she had to say about her move! 

I could go on and on about the professionalism and warmth with which the PetRelocation team treated us. I moved 4 cats and 2 dogs from the Hudson Valley, New York to Ireland. My cats were scheduled to go one day and my dogs the next because of a heat travel ban.

black cat shipped to Ireland from the US

cat at desk in Ireland Orange tabby cat relocated

Rebecca made miracles happen and got my dogs on the same flight as the cats! This was no small feat, as it meant getting space on the Lufthansa flight for an Irish wolfhound and his “small” 86-pound giant schnauzer buddy. I was amazed at everything the team managed to do for us! From getting the custom-built crate to JFK in time and transporting the two dogs from Saugerties to the airport a day early, to then coordinating pick-up at the Dublin airport and delivering to my door! I was impressed before all this happened, but Rebecca and her team really went above and beyond anything I could have expected, There are no words to express my gratitude.

Thanks, Erin! We're so happy we could help to keep this larger than life family together! 

Are you working on your own relocation, but don't know where to begin? Let us help! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Cats, Dogs

Country:

Ireland

Pets are family. That's why trusting someone with them can be so hard to do. That's what Missy, mom of Jo Jo and Carly, found while she was planning her move to the Philippines. Luckily, PetRelocation stepped and was able to help her feel at ease. Now, they are reunited with their family and are our pet move of the month! Read more about their journey below. 

Tell us about Carly and Jo Jo! What are their personalities like? How long have they been part of your family?

Jo Jo is a nine-year-old Staffie boxer mix.  We adopted her at nine months old from the Humane Society. She had been confiscated by the county from an abusive/neglectful owner situation. She is the sweetest pup, with lots of personality. She makes friends very easily and has tons of energy. She is always up for a new adventure.

Carly is a five-year-old chihuahua dachshund mix. We also adopted her from the Humane Society shortly after she had been weaned. She was the tiniest pup. Her mother and littermates had been abandoned by their owner. She is a timid little cuddler, that isn't quite as adventurous as her big sister. She loves quiet nights at home curled up next to, or in her mom's or dad's lap. 

What brought about your relocation to the Philippines? Had you ever been before? 

My husband's career brought us to the Philippines. He has worked for the same company for almost 30 years. He had been traveling back and forth from California to Asia for approximately five years before his company offered to relocate us. It was a tough decision, as all of our family lives in the States, but being empty-nesters we decided to take the plunge, and consider it an adventure. My only stipulation regarding the move was that our fur-girls had to come with us. This was my only non-negotiable deal-breaker. I had only visited the Philippines once in early 2019 for a week. It's a beautiful place, and the local population are some of the friendliest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.


Carly and Jo Jo relaxing in their new home.
 

When you found out you’d be moving your pets across the world, what were you most concerned about?

I was most concerned about their safety and stress levels. Neither pup was crate trained, and neither had ever traveled by airplane. Due to JoJo's size, they were not able to fly on the same flight that I would be on. Not all airlines will accept larger dogs. This really worried me because rather than flying from California to Hong Kong, to the Philippines with me, they would be on a completely separate flight going from California to Amsterdam, to Taipei, to Manila. Once in Manila, they would then be driven to Subic Bay, where I would already be waiting on them. Theirs was a very long flight. Although they left one day before I did, they didn't arrive until the day after I landed. I had never left them with strangers or in a kennel situation, so needless to say I was extremely nervous.  These girls mean everything to me. They are my companions, my support system, and the center of my world. 

Did anything about the process of moving pets surprise you? 

I didn't realize all of the medical certificates, government endorsements, and the hoops that one had to jump through to move pups internationally. This was a brand new experience. I am so thankful that PetRelocation and their knowledgeable staff were with me every step of the way to help with the navigation of all of the red tape and difficult logistics.

Boxer mix dog Jojo in travel crate
Jojo practicing crate training
 

What did you find to be the most valuable part of having PetRelocation assist with you? 

My coordinator Kelsey, was the best. She walked me through every step. I'm sure she could sense that I was a "neurotic dog mom" and she was extremely supportive. She even offered crate training advice and was extremely supportive with the thousands of questions that I had. On the day that we were getting the last phase of the health certificates issued, she remained on stand by for the entire appointment, which lasted several hours. Both the vet and I had to call her direct no less than five or six times. She was able to answer every single question, and I never once had to leave a message, she picked up on the first ring every, single time. 

How did move day go? Did having PetRelocation keep you informed of their progress on their journey help to ease your mind?

Move day was great. My coordinator already knew that both pups are more comfortable meeting women rather than men. The handler that came to pick them up at my home was a lovely, sweet woman that both of my pups took to immediately. Her calm, loving demeanor, really set my mind at ease, because I was still a bit of a mess with regard to handing them over to fly around the world without me.

She sent me constant updates, photos, and videos via text, as did my coordinator. It was much easier to relax, knowing they were in good hands.

How have Jo Jo & Carly settled in? What do they think of their new home?

Both girls are doing great. They still don't know quite what to think about the monkeys that occasionally visit our yard, or a lot of the other new critters they have met (huge snails, frogs, birds that make noises they've never heard) but they love our long walks through our little village that is surrounded by the jungle and meeting all of the new friends we have made. I think they are much like my husband and I are.  As long as we are all together, they are happy.


Carly and Jojo back with mom! 
 

Anything else you’d like to add?

I could never have navigated this portion of the move without PetRelocation. The medical requirements and logistics would have been EXTREMELY overwhelming and stressful without the expertise of your wonderful staff. Many thanks for getting my fur-babies over here safely.  

And thank YOU for trusting them with us! 
Are you thinking of moving with your pets to the Philippines, or anywhere? Let PetRelocaion help! Get started today. 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Move of the Month

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

Australia is an exciting place to move to, but it's not the easiest place to bring a pet. That's what John found out when planning his dog, Norbert's move. That's where PetRelocation came in to provide guidance and support. Here's what he had to say about working with us! 

Bill and Katie were exceptionally helpful and knowledgeable about our move.  They were so organized and accessible that I said multiple times that I wish they were coordinating our entire move and not just the pet relocation. 

In addition, our veterinarian was very impressed and grateful for the clear instructions and guidance Katie provided.  I would not hesitate to recommend PetRelocation to others and we plan on using you again in a few tears when we relocate back to the United States.

Did you know that PetRelocation has a dedicated team just for Australia moves (and a dedicated team for wherever you're moving)? If you're moving to Australia, or anywhere, let us help

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

Australia

Sometimes things don't go according to plan. That's what dog mom, Rebecca, found out when her pup Russell's international flight was canceled last minute. But that's okay! She had hired PetRelocation to help with Russell's move to the United Kingdom. The PetRelocation team made sure he made it safe and sound. But don't take our word for it. Here's what Rebecca had to say about working with us! 

Nick really went above and beyond in his work to make Russell's transit to London seamless and straightforward.  He made himself available at any key juncture in case questions arose (and each time, they did).  He was incredibly responsive— to the point where my veterinarian asked for PetRelocation's information so she could refer other clients to the service! 


 

He was highly organized, thorough in his explanations and communications, and was quick and thoughtful in his responses to questions I posed.  When Russell's flight was canceled on the move date, he worked quickly to present options and get him set up with alternate travel plans.  My experience was excellent! I cannot imagine a better experience and will absolutely be using PetRelocation for any future needs.

Thanks, Rebecca! You and Russell were both great to work with and we wish you both the very best. If you and your best friend are planning your upcoming move, we can help! Get started today

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

UK

Australia is an exciting place to move to but can be a challenge if you are coming with pets from an unlisted country. That's what Larissa realized when she started to prepare her dog, Luke, for his move. So, she called PetRelocation. Here's her story! 

After my husband and I got approved for an Australian Visa, we were excited and worried about how we would take our dog, Luke, with us. We tried reading about it on the Australian and the Brazilian Government's website but everything was very confusing. Even when talking to some other animal parents that went through the process, it seemed like every story had different steps. 

It was not until we reached out to Bill Condry with PetRelocation that we felt secure. Finally! All of my questions were answered properly. Bill was patient and helped us in a courteous manner— even after my 100th email in a week! That showed us that Luke was in for a ride where he would be safe and taken care of by good people.

small dog moves to Australia
 

Eventually, we were introduced to our relocation coordinator, Nina Farber.  She helped us by holding my hand through the whole process. She was fantastic and so patient. Thanks to her Luke is here with us having a blast in Australia! 
Luke arrived safe and healthy. PetRelocation gave us peace of mind in the most respectful way. 

We were so excited to be part of Luke's adventure. Planning a trip with your own pet? Let us help

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

Australia

Arranging a pet move to India can get really complicated. That's what pet parent, Matt, found when arranging his family's move Mumbai. While Matt wasn't worried about his own organization, the plan for his pets was a different story. He wanted to make sure that Cleo, an 11-year-old black lab, and Frisco, an 11-year-old domestic shorthair, were taken care of. Luckily, PetRelocation was able to help! 
Matt and his family were such a pleasure to work with. You can read all about their experience on their journey across the world in our story of the month below! 

 

Tell us a little about Cleo & Frisco! What are their personalities like? How long have they been in your family?

My wife and I met in graduate school in London. Immediately after graduation, we moved to Enterprise, Alabama. The same week of getting married, we decided that we needed pets to keep us company! I grew up with dogs and my wife grew up with cats. One day, we saw a litter of Labrador puppies being sold out of the back of a pick-up truck in the Walmart parking lot in Enterprise!

As soon as I saw the puppies  I was dying to get one. Chizuru, my wife, was nervous about the idea of a dog, but she studied them for a long time while they played in the back of the pickup (there were 7 puppies wrestling around). I told Chizuru she had to pick one while I ran inside Walmart to pick up puppy food. When I came back out, she had picked Cleo. When I asked why, she said because she was bashful, shy, and polite (unlike her boisterous and rough brothers and sisters).

We brought Cleo home. She was a nervous little thing, but the sweetest dog and she has had that same personality her whole life. She loves to meet strangers but is a bit shy until she gets to know someone well. She is well-behaved and polite.  She has the sweetest bashful personality. 

When Cleo was about five months old, she dug out of the back yard. It was about dusk and I was nervous, so Chizuru and I started walking around the neighborhood looking for her. We heard some girls nervously screaming at the end of the street and I figured Cleo had popped out and scared them. So, we headed that way. When we got there, I called for Cleo a few times, but only a tiny little kitty stumbled out of the bushes. I clapped my hands and he came running over. He was so skinny that his ribs were protruding and his hair was matted and mangy. But he was very sweet. I carried him around until we found Cleo and then took him home. We gave him a bath, which he hated, and then fed him some milk. He nestled down on my chest and we slept all night. I swear, the next morning that cat had doubled in size! We decided to name him Frisco. He grew up to be a very large and handsome cat. 

We decided to keep him but told him he was going to be an outdoor cat. He decided he didn’t want to be an outdoor cat and rarely leaves our bedroom. He is a sweet cat to the family and even lets my 6-year-old daughter carry him around. He avoids strangers, like a typical cat. He meows a lot like he is carrying on a conversation with you and he knows quite a few words. But like any cat, he is only going to do what he wants to do.

Cleo and Frisco came everywhere with us while I was in the Army and after I got out 4 years ago. They’ve lived in Alaska, Hawaii, South Korea, North Carolina and now India. Each place seemed to suit their particular stages in life well, and while they don’t love the move, they always have a good time once we are settled.

shipping medium size dogs to India
Cleo, relaxing at home.

What brought about your move to India?

One of the fastest-growing divisions in the company I work for is in India.  I am coming over as the Business Development Manager to lead the team who decides which products and business to pursue and which to pass to the competition. 

Did anything about the process really surprise you?

I am the first true ex-pat for my business to India.  The biggest surprise to me, and my whole company, was how difficult it has been to obtain work visas. It took four months for my family to get all the paperwork necessary to move to India. 

The other thing that surprised me was that my company covered the pet move and approved hiring PetRelocation! I really appreciated this, because it can be super stressful to figure out how to move pets. It was not in my original contract but was the biggest additional thing I asked for, and I was extremely grateful when they approved.

What did you find to be the most valuable part of having Kelcey & PetRelocation assist you?

Looking back, I think the pet move was one of the only things that happened on-time, with great communication, explanations of what was happening, and the pets were very well taken care of in the US, along the way, and in India. I even got a photo of them on their layover in Germany. That was such a relief to see them healthy and in good spirits on their long journey. The India team that PetRelocation hired was prompt and communicated well. None of that communication and accuracy would have been there had I not had Kelcey and PetRelocation.
Cleo and Frisco are old now, and really, they were the only family members I was worried about not handling the move well. But they seem very happy in their new home! 

How did move day go?

Leaving our apartment in North Carolina went very smoothly. Brent, PetRelocation's partner for the area, came to pick up Cleo and Frisco the day before we flew to India. There are a lot of logistics in moving pets to India. They have to get a special No-Objection Certificate which requires a vet visit at a very specific time before the pets fly out, and the airlines have to see them as well. It takes about a total of ten days to get them to the airport, get their proper documents, get them on the actual flight to India, and then receive them and get their post-arrival check-up in India. PetRelocation handled all of that, which was amazing! And they communicated with me at each step. Brent told me when they arrived in Atlanta and went to see the vet. I talked to the vet about a couple of things. I got a photo of them in transit. And the team on arrival texted with me through WhatsApp every few hours on the day of their arrival and the next day, which was the day of their post-arrival check-up. It would have been almost impossible to move my family and handle all of these things at the same time.


Frisco. Pictures courtesy the Frankfurt Animal Lounge

 

How long did it take Cleo & Frisco to settle into their new home?

The great thing about our nomadic family is that home is anywhere where we can all be together. It felt like home for us the moment Cleo and Frisco arrived. When I moved to Korea 7 years ago, it took me 5 months to get Cleo over, and that made Korea not feel like home for that whole time. But this time, they arrived just a week after we did, and it was perfect timing. Frisco explored the house for a few minutes, ate and used the litter box, and then found my pillow and went to sleep. Cleo was happy to be with us and loves the hotel room because it’s carpeted. It took her a few days to get her stomach settled, but after a few days, it was like she had always lived here!

What advice would you give other paw-rents who are planning their own move?

Start early on your planning but be patient at the same time. Put a date in the future that you’d like to move and plan backward, but know that for most countries, especially India, all documents must be ready before any moves are actually made.
My biggest mistake in this move was shipping my household goods and pets (the first time) before my visa was finalized. I had heard from the embassy that my visa would be approved any day, and then they told me it was approved and being shipped to my house. I was rushing to get my kids in school in India, so I shipped my household items and pets, thinking I would be just a few days behind. When my passport came back to my house, it didn’t have a visa. There was no explanation or request. Just no visa. It took me over two months from that date to get my visa and another month after that to get my family’s visas. But I had already moved my pets to Atlanta. Thankfully, PetRelocation brought the pets back to my house while I was re-sorting out the paperwork. So don’t ship anything, especially not your pets, before all documents are in your hands.

Anything else you’d like to add?

A big thanks to PetRelocation. We are very grateful for getting two of our family members across the world safely!

 

Wow, what a journey! We're so happy we got to be part of their journey! 
If you're planning a move let us help! Contact us today. 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Move of the Month, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Cats, Dogs

Country:

India

We love it when old friends come back to embark on another journey. That's what happened with Louise. We moved this sweet kitty seven years ago. When her family was ready for another adventure, they called PetRelocation! Here's Louise's story. 

Working with Ciara was not only a pleasure but a relief. When it comes to our pet's wellbeing, peace of mind is essential. 
Seven and a half years ago, we used PetRelocation to transfer our then cats from New Jersey to California and were thrilled by the quality of the service.  When we realized we were going to be making the move back to New Jersey, we immediately called PetRelocation without any hesitation. We wanted to be sure that Louise (our little girl) was going to be in very good hands!
Once again, this experience proved to be excellent!

white cat relocated from west to east coats of the US cat shipped domestically

From start to finish, I have been dealing with outstanding people. Everyone is very caring, understanding of my worries, attentive to my questions and requests, very efficient and always gracious.
I have already recommended PetRelocation to several friends. Thank you, PetRelocation, for your outstanding service! 

What a great story! We're so happy we got to be part of Louise's ongoing adventures. If you're planning your move and want the same peace of mind, let us know! We'd love to help. 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Cats

Country:

United States

Expat cat dad, Jonathan, was planning his move from Austin, Texas back to the United Kingdom when he realized that he needed a little help with Lily's journey. So, he reached out to PetRelocation. His dedicated coordinator helped him every step of the way. Here's Jonathan and Lily's story! 

The entire experience with PetRelocation has been incredible. We started with an initial consultation with Catie Cox.  She explained the process and provided us with a quote.

After we signed up, we were then introduced to Nick Stegall, our coordinator. Nick was the star of the show. He was on top of absolutely everything. I couldn’t have asked for more. He was so helpful and informative about the whole process and guided me through every step.

black cat moves to the uk

The service from all the PetRelocation agents was brilliant as well. The team in Austin was great as was the staff at the Lufthansa pet hotel.  We couldn’t have asked for a better experience.  The service is not cheap but our pets are as important as our family and I wouldn’t hesitate to use PetRelocation again and recommend Catie, Nick and their whole team to any friends that I know need help in relocating their pets. Thank you so, so much! Lily is now settling back into UK life and loving it (despite it being much colder here!).

If you're planning a relocation and want to ensure your pet is taken care of, let us help! Contact us today

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Cats

Country:

UK

When you're taking your pets to a new country, there is so much to consider. It can be especially stressful when your pets are older. That's why Jessica, dog mom to Freya and Sonny, made sure she had PetRelocation on her side. Here's what she had to say about working with us! 

I was very anxious to move my two senior dogs from the US to Hong Kong, but Katy at PetRelocation held my hand and helped us all the way. I was incredibly impressed with their professionalism, as was the vet we were working with. Our dogs are now completely settled into their new home and as happy and healthy as ever. Thank you, PetRelocation, for making our move so easy!

elderly dogs move to Hong Kong two elderly dogs move to Hong Kong

And thank you, Jessica, for trusting us with your pets! If you're planning your trip to Hong Kong, or anywhere, we can help! Set up your consultation today. 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Airlines, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

Hong Kong

Moving is emotional, especially when you have pets to think of. That's what Lauren, dog mom of Olly and Maxwell, discovered during her not one, but two relocations with us! We had the joy to assist in relocating these two wonderful pups to Thailand in 2018 and then back again a year and a half later. See what Lauren had to say about her experience traveling the world with her dogs! 

You’ve now done two moves with PetRelocation. What brought about your move to Thailand? What brought you back stateside? Maxwell the Dachshund relocated from Thailand to the United States

My husband’s job took us to Thailand. Now it’s taking us back to California. We’ll be living in or around San Francisco in a few months. 

Did you find either move more challenging than the other one? If so, why?

Both moves were challenging but the relocation coordinators we were paired with were amazing at dealing with all of our anxieties. Katy helped me so much on the first move when we faced an unexpected delay and Andrea had great advice for getting the dogs ready. Any time I felt nervous they were there reassuring me that everything was going to be ok. 

How did you hear about PetRelocation?

Honestly, I googled “the best pet relocation service” and PetRelocation had the best reviews!  

How did your pets handle the move day?

On the first move, they didn’t seem phased on moving day. Just confused. But the second time around was harder for all of us. I didn’t cry when they got picked up on the way to Thailand but I cried on the second move. It’s just so hard to be away from them, but I knew they were in great hands. 

What would you say surprised you the most about relocating pets internationally?

My husband and I were surprised that there was no quarantine to get them in or out of Thailand. That was a great surprise!

How long did it take Maxwell and Olly to settle into their new routine in Thailand? Are they settled in their US home yet?

They took about two weeks to get used to Bangkok. After that, it was sort of business as usual. However, I think they're happier in the States. They have more room to move around and the weather seems to agree with them more. It’s really nice to get them out of the big city and back home! 

Small dogs move from Thailand to the United StatesBichon Frise and Dachshund shipped internationally
 

What did you find to be the most valuable part of having PetRelocation assisting with your move?

The constant support and encouragement from the coordinators was the best. I was such a nervous wreck but always felt like Katy and Andrea were there if I needed them. 

What advice would you give other pet parents who are starting to plan their own move?

Try not to worry! Trust your relocation coordinator. 

Thanks, Lauren! We're so happy to hear they are settling in and are safe and sound with their family! What an incredible experience. If you're planning your move to Thailand, or anywhere, let us help

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Airlines

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

Thailand

When dog-mom Kathryn started to plan her move to Australia, she realized she could use some help when it came to the relocation of her dog, Bridger. So, she called PetRelocation! Working with Bridger and Kathryn was a joy. Here's what she had to say about the experience. 

I could not have asked for a better experience working with Nina as my dog made the long journey from the US to Australia. Nina was beyond attentive and responsive to my dog's needs for his journey. She took care of every step needed without missing a detail. She was transparent, communicative, empathetic and kind. She was an absolute pleasure to work with. Nina was more than a coordinator,  she was a consultant, an adviser, and a friend. You could tell she truly cared about the comfort and ease of the transition for my dog, as well as myself (as transporting a pet can be emotionally exhausting for the owner, too.). She was on the journey with us and made it a seamless and pleasant one.

Black lab moved to Australia shipping dogs to Australia. Bridger's story!


For anyone who is considering transporting a pet overseas, put faith in PetRelocation. The transport can be a difficult process for the pet and the owners. However, it can be seamless and pleasant with the trust of the coordination of PetRelocation.
Thank you, Nina. Bridger couldn't be happier in his new life in Sydney! We are so grateful! 

 

And thank you for letting us be part of your adventure! If you're considering a move to Australia, or anywhere, let PetRelocation help! Arrange your move today. 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Airlines

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

Australia

When you're relocating across the world, you may need a helping hand from time to time. That's what Chelsea found out when she started to plan a move to the UK. So, she called PetRelocation to help with her dog Albus. Here's what she had to say! German Shepherd dog moves to England

I am so grateful to Natalie and the entire PetRelocation team for helping our dog relocate from the US to the UK. There were many moving parts and logistical challenges with our relocation.  I can't imagine tackling this process without the expertise of folks who do this for a living. Natalie was even supportive of our veterinarian who was a little rusty on the specifics of the paperwork needed to move a dog to England.  Natalie was able to check paperwork during every vet appointment.

It all paid off and Albus is here now. He was so happy to be reunited with us in our new flat across the pond!

That's so nice to hear that we could help ease your mind about your dog's journey. You have enough to deal with when you're moving. Let us help with your furry friend! Start building your move plan today! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Airlines

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

UK

Moving from across the world can be stressful, and it helps to have someone to talk to that knows about the process. That's what dog mom, Suzie, found out when trying to get help with moving their dog, Theodore. However, when she called PetRelocation she really saw a difference. Here's what she had to say about working with our team! 

The PetRelocation team was such a tremendous help in getting our pup, Theodore, to Australia. We are so thankful for their services.shipping dogs to Australia
We initially chose them versus competitors because our sales representative, Bill, was one of the only people I spoke to who actually got me on the phone to explain the process and how Theo would get here. Everyone else was a bit more transactional. I would simply receive an email stating a quote for services. The process was more personal with PetRelocation. I was provided with next steps, how PetRelocation handles the move, and a few tips from Bill. This made a huge difference. 

Our relocation coordinator was just as helpful as Bill. I asked a slew of questions, but they were answered without hesitation or judgment. They were also swift to respond when we had a hiccup in Theo's travel plans and ensured he got on the soonest plane possible.

I cannot imagine how the process would go if I were to handle it myself and I'm very thankful I did not have to.  Thanks again to the team at PetRelocation!
 

What a great story! We're so glad we could help in making the move less stressful for you. If you're planning a relocation to Australia, or anywhere, we can help! Let us arrange a move for you today! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Airlines

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

Australia

When it comes to moving your pets, you don't have to go it alone! If you feel overwhelmed, you can call PetRelocation! That's what Sally, mom to Owen and Piper, did. Here's what she had to say about their experience. 

From my initial contact with Catie Cox, who answered all my questions helpfully, knowledgeably and on a very timely basis, I knew that I'd chosen the right company to work with. I've done corporate moves before (without animals) and I know how easy it is to relocate between countries with a company at your side. Doing it alone with 2 dogs is a very different matter. My dogs mean the world to me, and I wanted peace of mind that they would be safe and as comfortable as possible traveling from California to the UK. That's why I called PetRelocation. 

relocating dogs from the US to the UK moving pet to the uk
 

Nick Stegall was a fantastic coordinator. He really knows his stuff. He kept everything on track with paperwork and vet appointments. He checked in with me on everything very regularly and was always there if I needed something. He acknowledged my fears about the whole process while putting me at ease that my dogs were in great hands. Thanks for everything, Nick and Catie! 

And thank you for sharing your experience with us! If you're starting to plan your relocation with your pets and not sure where to begin, let us help

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Airlines, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

UK

Coco the Maltipoo is not only cute, but also very well-traveled! This sweet dog made the big move from the United States all the way to the United Kingdom earlier this year. Her parents took the time to let us know how she's doing and share their experience working with PetRelocation. Here's what they had to say! 

My entire experience with PetRelocation was great! I relocated from the US to the UK for a long-term work assignment and there was absolutely no way I would leave my dog behind. PetRelocation was well rated so I decided to give them a shot. I was impressed from small dog moving to the UK the beginning! I filled out the online form and shortly received an automated e-mail stating a team member would be in touch within 24 hours. The automated e-mail was unnecessary because I received an e-mail from a real person, Catie Cox, before I received it! Catie was very helpful and accommodating. She answered all of my many questions and stayed in touch without being overwhelming.

Once the contract was finalized, the handoff to my particular relocation specialist, Lindsey Rose, was very smooth. I can't say enough good things about Lindsey. She was fantastic! She handled everything from scheduling vet appointments to following up with the USDA about some final paperwork. If I sent an e-mail, Lindsey always provided a quick response (within a few hours).

On the day of the move, Lindsey was a rock star. She checked in with the airport, checked in with us, checked in with customs. She was always just a phone call or e-mail away to make sure everything was moving smoothly. Thanks to all of her efforts, there were no hiccups whatsoever. Relocating is difficult and there are a lot of moving parts. It was really, really great to know that someone was handling a big part of that and have complete trust that they were on top of things. While I don't think my dog was thrilled about flying and being in a cargo hold she was no worse for wear, and after a long nap, she was right as rain.dog with family after relocating to the uk

Their customer service and concern for Coco's wellbeing in-transit were excellent. When it comes time to repatriate, I'll look no further than PetRelocation to get Coco stateside again!

Thanks for sharing your experience! We are so happy we could alleviate some of your stress. If you're needing to relocate for work, make sure you bring your best friend with you! Contact us today to get started! 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Airlines, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

UK

Families come in all shapes and sizes. Our move of the month for December 2019 definitely focuses more on the large end of the scale. When pet mom, Nicole, decided she wanted to move closer to home, she knew leaving two dogs and twelve cats was not an option! However, she soon realized that with bigger fur families comes more work. So, she called PetRelocation to help her lighten the load. Here's their story! 

 

What brought about your move to Austria?

I lived in Michigan for around 16 years and decided to move back to my home country of Germany. I had already found a house I wanted to buy in a small town in Southern Germany, but something stopped me from signing the purchase contract. Germany does not allow the import of certain dog breeds like American Pit Bull Terriers or American Staffordshire Terriers. I was very careful and did my homework. One of my dogs, Spartacus, is a blockhead. I did a DNA test on him and even got an assessment from a publicly appointed and sworn dog assessor in Germany that he is an American Bulldog Mix, but in the end, he was still considered by the authorities "a potentially dangerous breed". Thankfully, I hadn't bought the house yet! Knowing that I needed to be out of the house in the US soon, I only saw one way out. We had to choose another country to move to. So, now we live in Austria! A completely new beginning with Spartacus and all my other pets. I would never leave any of them behind. When I took them in over the years (they are all rescues and several of them had a rough life before we found each other), I promised them that I would always be there for them. Pets are family!


 

How did your pets handle move day?

I was worried about not being able to catch some of my cats. I have a few who are very shy or semi-feral. I was also worried about my dogs refusing to go in the van when PetRelocation's agents came to pick them up from our home. But it all went surprisingly well. I had all the cats in their crates quickly and without any problems. And both dogs climbed in the van and in their crates as if it was the most normal thing for them to do. 

14 pets traveling to Austria
 

How are your pets settling into your new home?

We've been in our new home for 2 1/2 weeks now and I can't believe how comfortable and relaxed they are here. All of them! It feels like this house was just meant to be our home. It's like they have lived here their entire lives. And the cats absolutely love the heated floors throughout the house. I keep tripping over them because they are warming their bellies wherever they feel like lying down. On the day of delivery, the dogs had to check out everything right away and then took a long nap on the couches. 

What did you find to be the most valuable part of having Natalie and PetRelocation assist with your move?

Their patience! In the beginning, I had thousands of questions. And when I found out that Germany was not going to be an option, I completely panicked. They stayed calm, were very understanding. Their calmness helped me calm down. Also, I didn't really have to arrange anything except making sure to time microchips and vaccinations correctly. Everything else was handled by PetRelocation. With everything else I had to organize and plan, it was a huge relief for me that I found PetRelocation. I am not sure what I would have done otherwise.
 

What advice would you give other pet parents who are thinking about moving with their pets?

As crazy as it might sound, talk to your pets. Explain everything about the move in a calm way. Explain why you are moving, why they might be separated from you for a few days but only so that you can ultimately all stay together in your new home. I told them that they would have to board in Chicago for three nights for their final health exams, health certificates, and USDA endorsements. I told them about the flight and the noise the plane would make. I just kept talking to them and telling them that they would need to be really strong, that I would be waiting for them in our new home, and that everything would be okay.

I also set up their crates throughout the house weeks before the move. One of the things I sold first was my coffee table. Instead, I used several cat crates pushed together as a makeshift table. Interestingly, as much as they disliked their regular carriers, they saw the bigger travel crates as pieces of furniture and beds and started napping, sleeping and hanging out in them as soon as I set them up. Amia in her new backyard in Austria

I also put out their crate beds as soon as I got them to make sure that they smelled like home. The last week leading up to the move, I actually slept on a big pile of 14 crate beds and just kept rotating the pile every night to make sure they smelled like me! 

Have you found any pet-friendly spots in your new town that you like to take your dogs to yet?

One of the best things about our new home is that I walk out of my backyard and there's a small river running right behind it. The dogs and I can walk along the river and through fields and woods for hours. This town is very dog-friendly. Dogs are allowed in many places, even restaurants. But we prefer adventures outside, exploring the trails, spending time in nature. 

Anything else you’d like to add?

I was extremely worried about my cat, Banana. I rescued her and her kittens from a busy road in 2018. Banana was the most traumatized cat I have ever seen. For a very long time, she "functioned" but didn't trust me. Then, one day, she opened up. After her kittens finally found forever homes, I thought that she was stable enough to also get adopted. It would have been a really great home. But Banana was heartbroken. She stopped eating. I took her back but her trust in me was gone because I gave her away. She slowly regained her appetite and her zest for life. I wasn't sure how she'd handle the move and being separated from me for a few days. I'm happy and relieved to report that she's been eating like a little piggy from the day she arrived in our new home and is the queen of the house.

And there's my semi-feral cat, Pumpkin. I've had her for about 10 years and she never allowed me to pet her. Something amazing happened. She let me pet her! All it took was a move across the ocean. 

Thank you PetRelocation for moving my whole fur tribe safely to Austria! I am so glad that I found you and highly recommend you to anyone who needs to move with their pets!

nervous cat moved from US to Europe

Wow, what a story. This is one move that the PetRelocation team isn't going to forget soon! Thanks for allowing us to be part of your journey home. 

 
If you're thinking of moving your family, no matter how big or small, let PetRelocation help! Arrange your move today!

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Move of the Month

Pet:

Cats, Dogs

Country:

EU

Koko's family hired PetRelocation to assist with moving their sweet miniature Schnauzer from Mexico to the United States. When things did not go exactly as planned, they were so relieved to have our team of relocation coordinators on their side! Koko's mom took the time to let us know about their experience. Here's what she said: 

minature schnauzer travels to the United States from Mexico

All the attention we received from PetRelocation was great! We started with Evelyn and then we continued with Ananda
First, we had issues finding the correct travel kennel and then we had to change the move date, but Ananda was always willing to help and provide solutions. She was so nice and knowledgable about the process! 

We really felt very satisfied with how our pet arrived and the care the whole team provided which ended with Koko arriving safely. 
Honestly, I was expecting him to arrive a little bit upset, but he was so great and looked happy. Dogs never lie! Thank you to the whole team.

And thank you for allowing us to be part of Koko's big adventure! If you need some assistance relocating your own pet, we can help! Arrange your move today. 

Author:

PetRelocation Team

Topic:

Air Travel, Incredible Experiences

Pet:

Dogs

Country:

United States, Mexico
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