A service dog at college graduation.

Do pets help or hurt home listing photos?

Good news: owning a dog is linked to a reduced risk of  heart disease.

General travel: is everything you know about air travel wrong?

How pet lovers use social media to keep in touch.

Keeping up to date on summer air pet travel schedules and embargoes.

 

 

Happy Friday, y'all.

It's hard work moving pets around the world, but it's what we love to do. What makes it all especially worthwhile is hearing from our happy clients after they've been reunited with their four-legged friends and seeing pictures of smiling faces settling into a new home, so we encourage the pet families we've served to share their stories with us.

Not only can globetrotters recount their experiences on our blog, we also enjoy connecting on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and all the other fun social media available today. We have so many outlets to choose from, so don't be shy about saying hello!

If you need further inspiration, meet "Stone" and Toby. We helped get Toby the cat to his new home in Ohio a few months ago, and his family has been great about sending us photos and updates. Check out the latest message below, and whether you moved last week or last year, feel free to follow their example as well as that of the other social pet owners we've told you about before.

As always, please contact us if you have questions about pet travel or simply want to check in. Talk soon, pet lovers!

 

@petrelocation Just wanted to remind y'all that y'all... #AbsolutelyROCK and Toby says HEYA! twitter.com/metalodyssey/s…

— Stone (@metalodyssey) May 16, 2013

 

Name: Michael
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
Pet Breed: Tortoise-shell short-hair
From: London, United Kingdom
To: Delhi, India

Do you have an adequate international network to coordinate this move?

Thanks,

Michael

 

Hi Michael,

Yes, we've arranged several moves to India and would be happy to discuss your options and a relocation plan with you. We've noticed an upward trend when it comes to moving pets to India -- it seems like an ever more pet friendly place to be.

To start, take a look at the pet import requirements for India. Your cat will need a microchip and a few health documents, and you'll want to make sure she's familiar and comfortable with her travel crate.

Please fill out our free quote form if you'd like to find out more about our door-to-door services, or you can give our office a call. We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Name: Amanda
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
From: New York
To: Arizona

I am driving my car with a trailer to Arizona. Will I be pulled over because I have my cat with me, and will I need certification of some sort with shot records?

Thanks,

Amanda

 

Hi Amanda,

Thanks for the question! Driving across the country with a pet will not require the same kinds of documentation as flying would, however it's a good idea to have your cat up-to-date on all vaccines (especially rabies) and have proof to go along with it. It's doubtful you'd be pulled over and questioned about your cat, but it's smart to follow the laws of responsible pet ownership.

Many states have different requirements for pets, so take a look at what Arizona specifies in terms of cat vaccines and rabies rules, in particular. Other than that, we recommend having a microchip as well (just in case), and here are some tips for road trips with pets as well as how to crate train your cat.

Good luck, and let us know if you have more questions!

 

 

Name: Chandrika
Number of Pets: 2
Pet Type: 1 dog, 1 cat
Pet Breed: Labrador Retriever, Persian Cat
From: New Delhi, India
To: Singapore, Singapore

Is microchipping essential for the relocation of pets from India to Singapore? Do we need to prepare pet passports?

Thanks,

Chandrika

 

Hi Chandrika,

Here is an overview of the pet import requirements for Singapore. As for your question, yes, microchips are required for dogs and cats and you'll need a veterinary health certificate, among other things. Since you're coming from India, which is classified as a "Category D" country, there will be additional regulations to adhere to. Here is the official link from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore explaining these.

It's understandable that this process might seem overwhelming at first glance, so please contact us if you have questions about anything or if you'd like to find out more about our door-to-door services.

Good luck, and we hope to hear from you soon.

 

Name: Sujin
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Yorkshire
From: Kuwait
To: Canada

Please tell me all the formalities which I need to fulfill before taking my pet to Canada. He is fully vaccinated and up-to date but has not been embedded with the chip which bears the owner's information.

I'm permanently moving to Canada and am scheduled to move out of Kuwait by August 10-15.

Waiting for your response.

Regards,

Sujin

 

Hi Sujin,

Canada does not require that pets have a microchip, however we do recommend them. In our experience they offer pet owners peace of mind (even if microchips are never needed it's nice to know they're there -- just in case).

Here are the complete pet import requirements for Canada. Take a look and then please let us know if you have any questions. There are many decisions to make when planning a pet move (choosing an airline, picking out the right travel crate, etc), and we're happy to help if you find you need assistance.

Thanks for the question, and good luck with everything!

 

Name: Jody
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Small Chinese dog, 10 to 12 pounds
From: Nanning, China
To: Houston, Texas

Can you assist me with getting my dog from China to Houston, Texas? I will need assistance with the regulations and paperwork. My wife is currently in China until the end of June and we would like to bring the dog with her back to the United States.

Regards,

Jody

 

Hi Jody,

Sure, we'd be happy to help you move your pet. For quicker service you can call our office: +001-512-362-6100, or you can fill out our free quote form which will allow a specialist to look over the details of your move and offer you an estimate and overview of our services.

For your information, here are the pet import requirements for the United States. Your dog will need an international health certificate issued within 10 days of departure as well as an updated rabies vaccine. We recommend choosing a pet-friendly airline and making sure your dog is comfortable spending time in the travel crate, as well.

We look forward to hearing from  you -- please let us know if you have any questions!

 

Continuing our coverage of summer pet air travel embargoes and restrictions, today we have news that Delta Cargo has begun its Summer Live Animal Program. This means that during the summer months (specifically May 13 through Sept. 29, 2013) select stations will provide "additional care and protection" for pets and will fly certain breeds during warmer temperatures. Normally Delta will not fly pets if the temperature exceeds 85F/29C.

Please contact us to find out about the qualifying airports, and note that Delta Cargo will not accept any snub-nosed dog or cat if the temperature exceeds 75F/24C for any city. To qualify for these special summer allowances, all cities the pet is being routed through must qualify.

Delta may end up being the best choice for some people, but based on our experience, it's preferable to fly with an airline that operates with pet safe procedures all year (United Airlines drives pets out to the airplane in a temperature-controlled vehicle, for example, so the weather outside is not as big a factor). That being said, because English Bulldogs, Olde English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and mixed varieties of these breeds are especially susceptible to the stress of travel, United has released some breed-specific adjustments recently. See the full Bulldog update here.

Also regarding United, Boston Terrier puppies, American Bulldog puppies and Pug puppies may fly any time of the year without restriction, but adults of these breeds are completely embargoed from May 15 to Sept. 15. To provide extra safety, snub-nosed breeds should use travel kennels that are one size larger than normally required.

All these rules can certainly sound confusing and this is just a quick overview, so don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions about the specifics of these summer regulations for pet travel. It's our job to see pets transported safely, and our team of specialists is happy to discuss your options and concerns.

Please stay in touch for more summer pet travel news, and travel safely everyone!

 

 

 

Name: Kartik
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Labrador
From: Delhi, India
To: Toronto, Canada

My 8-year-old Labrador has never traveled by air and I am hesitating to fly with her. I am planning to relocate to Canada, preferably Toronto. I am little afraid and would like to understand the whole procedure, as its a very long journey.

Is it possible that I can travel with my pet? My decision to relocate hinges on this.

Thanks,

Kartik

 

Hi Kartik,

Thanks for the question, we'd be happy to walk you through the steps of a pet move. First, you'll want to take a look at the pet import requirements for Canada for an idea of what you'll need to do to bring your dog to Canada.

As far as your air travel concerns, the most important things to do include talking with your vet about the health of your dog (identify any possible risk factors, etc.) and also choose a pet-friendly airline. Airlines with established pet procedures who make sure pets are carefully loaded on and off the plane in a timely way are the ones to look for (we often fly with United, Lufthansa and KLM). Here are a few frequently asked pet travel questions that may help you, as well.

It's not necessary for you to be on the same flight as your dog, in fact most of our clients fly separately while we handle the details of their pet move.

Please let us know if you have more questions or if you'd like a free quote for our services. We'd be happy to help you find a solution and bring your dog to Canada safely!

Pets by the numbers from CNN.

The states with the healthiest, happiest pets.

Safe pet car travel.

Dog video: take a look at what Sydney pet quarantine is like.

Our Pet Move of the Month is Mahalo, a former show cat from Japan who can sit and shake.

Flying with a pet this summer? Time to start thinking about airline embargoes.

Tips for going to the beach with your dog.

 

Name: Kathryn

Pet's Name: Lucy

Moved From: Placentia, CA

Moved To: Shanghai, China

 

A friend of ours recommended PetRelocation when they heard we were moving to China, as they had used their services and were quite pleased. 

I was so nervous about transporting my yellow lab Lucy, and I called and emailed PetRelocation to ask questions for almost a year. Both Sarah and Tyler were very patient and were great about addressing each and every concern that I had. They provided great support and guidance as we worked through the details of Lucy's trip.

I felt very confident that Lucy was in the best possible hands to get her safely to Shanghai. Lucy is doing quite well. We established a great routine after she was delivered to us -- regular walks and play time have helped her settle in her new surroundings. She has even made friends with the doorman of our building!

 

 

Name: Chris
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Mixed but predominately Australian Shepard
From: Brazil
To: USA

I cannot find firm requirements on what documentation is required to transport my dog from Brazil to the USA as checked baggage.

I know that i need a health certificate from my Brazilian vet, but have also been told that I need approval from the Ministerío of Agricultura. I can not find this requirement on the MoA website so I am unclear on the accuracy of that requirement.

Can anyone help to point me in the direction of the requirements?

Thanks,

Chris
 

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the question. Take a look at the pet import requirements for the United States for an overview of what you'll need to do. The most important things to have for entry into the US are an updated rabies vaccine and the international health certificate, as you stated. We also recommend carefully choosing a pet friendly airline.

Please let us know if you have more questions, and if you'd like a free quote for our services you can fill out this form. Good luck, and we'd be happy to hear from you again!

Meeting the pet import requirements for Australia means fulfilling a minimum 30-day quarantine, a prospect that initially sounds less-than-ideal to many pet owners but in the long run ends up being not such a big deal. We receive plenty of photos, feedback, and even videos from clients that show us what the quarantine stay is all about, and we're happy to share that information with people thinking about a pet move.

Here's a great example below. Tilly the Labradoodle arrived in Sydney a few days ago after traveling from the United States, and she'll be ready to go home on June 1. As you can see, she looks good and her owners are able to visit her (a fact she's tail-waggingly happy about, of course).

Please contact PetRelocation with your questions about moving pets to Australia, and stay in touch for more pet travel updates from our clients!

 

Name: Eddie
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Collie
From: Ireland
To: Canada

What do I have to do to get my dog from Ireland to Canada? Will the dog travel with me or alone, and how much does it cost?

Thanks,

Eddie

 

Hi Eddie,

Thanks so much for the question, we'd be glad to help. First, take a look at the pet import requirements for Canada. You'll need to take care of a few things, including the rabies vaccine and a vet health certificate. We also recommend a microchip if you don't have one, and it'll be important to choose a pet-friendly airline.

Most of the pets we ship are on separate flights from their owners, as we take care of getting them checked in and then going through customs on the other end. Let us know if you're interested in our services and we'll tell you more about how it works and what the cost breakdown is. If you'd like to organize it yourself, Ipata.org is a good resource for finding pet shipping agents.

Good luck with the trip!
 

Name: Dora
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Pug
From: Sydney
To: Singapore

Hi There,

My husband, my kids and I are relocating to Singapore in the next couple of months and we are taking our beloved pug with us. I wanted to know what the procedure and the costs involved are. Do pets need to be in quarantine once in Singapore? If so, for how long?

Many thanks,

Dora

 

Hi Dora,

Thanks for the question -- we certainly understand that you'd like some advice for such a long-distance move. Here are the pet import requirements for Singapore for your reference. Singapore does impose specific rabies vaccine regulations and a quarantine (often 10 days long), so you'll want to tend to those arrangements well in advance of your departure to make sure you can find space somewhere.

Take a look at our blog for more pet stories about moving to Singapore -- we've helped many dogs and cats go there, and we'd be happy to offer you some information or a quote for our services. Good luck, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Though there's something special about each and every pet move we carry out, some stories are especially memorable. Meet Mahalo the cat, our featured pet move this month. After enduring a natural disaster (the 2011 tsunami and earthquake in Japan), Mahalo's owner Marian sent her beloved cat to live with friends in Colorado while she left Japan and searched for a new place to live. When she was able to get settled in a cat friendly condo in Hawaii she knew it was time to bring him home, and of course we were happy to help arrange their reunion.

Read more about Mahalo, a one-of-a-kind cat with a very dedicated owner.

Thank you for speaking with us, Marian! When was the last time you saw Mahalo before this relocation? You surely missed him...

The last time I saw Mahalo was last year around August 2012 during a visit to Boulder, where my friend was taking care of him. We had our high school reunion in Boulder so I stayed with her. The timing was great -- I attended the reunion and visited my friend and Mahalo.

What I missed most about him is hard to say because he just IS. He has a presence. He has a matter-of-fact way of getting on with life no matter what the circumstances! I guess if I had to pick, it was his inquisitive nature, his friendliness, and how he would come running when called by name. He also has a sit and shake routine! When I say sit, he would do it and then lift up his right paw for a snack!

Did anything concern you about the idea of moving Mahalo?

For the move from Boulder to Hawaii, I was most concerned about there being a hiccup with quarantine -- although I KNEW I had faxed all the paperwork and documents to Mandy. Still, windows of dates create anxiety. I have had pets experience Hawaii quarantine back in the day when there were NO shortcuts, and even with shortcuts you hear of horror stories. I have also shipped cats from Oregon to Hawaii in 2002 so I should be used to it, but in reality everything has worked out and the quarantine people are fantastic. Not sure why I was so anxious!

How has Mahalo been adjusting to life in Hawaii?

Interestingly there have been some changes. Back in Japan, he used to love dark tight corners, like underneath my bed frame, between the bottom of the bed and a futon I stored underneath. Tight! But back in Boulder he loved the crate they put out to get him acclimated, and also slept in the closet with the little girl of the house. He also licked my face to wake me up like an alarm clock back in Japan and did that with the little girl. But once he got back here, he jumps into my bed to wake me up, rolls around, etc... but no alarm clock licks of the face. He also does NOT like the crate at all, even though he did back in Boulder before leaving. In fact, when I put him in there with the fleece he loves, he growled! Gee! But he still sits and shakes on cue!

 

 

Is Hawaii a pet friendly place to be?

I am a resident owner of my condo and it is a pet friendly complex -- a new one, and I wouldn't have bought in if it wasn't. That was a condition when I started looking two years ago; while pet friendly is growing in Hawaii, it is not easy (especially for large dogs or multiple pets). I am planning to get a second cat, but I have to check out the rules.

Homeowner rules are pretty strict in Hawaii even in condos -- dogs have a weight restriction of about 25 pounds I think, and one pet is generally the rule. However, some condos have been known to grandfather in long time residents and change rules for new buyers. There are lots of vets in the city and in suburbs so you have to wonder where do these owners live? Small animal vet services are very lucrative and busy. Boarding starts at about $25 a day and there are plenty of pet sitters, but again I always advise folks to get personal referrals only. Many pet owners want people to come to their homes, and the going price is $25-$35 a day. Finally, there is a Petco in the city of Honolulu and the suburbs as well as Walmart, Walgreens and other stores that support pets, so there is certainly nothing to worry about.

The one piece of advice I would give to pet owners moving to Hawaii is to nail down a place to live first. Be sure it allows pets. Dog runs (mostly in suburbs) and parks I think are available in the city and the beach, but people must pick up after their pet. Of course that doesn't apply to cats; my cats are strictly indoors. I am not a fan of letting cats run amok outside, as Hawaii has a lot of birds and they are tame, which means they are fodder for cats. Also, living in a condo means there is no good way cats can be let outdoors.

You've moved Mahalo by yourself before, so what made you decide to hire the services of PetRelocation this time?

I found about PetRelocation through a friend in Japan who used your services from Florida to Japan back to Florida. Also, I saw you on Facebook after the friend told me about your services. I decided to use your services because I was not planning to go to Boulder to meet Mahalo, as some other issues came up precluding my doing the arranging. Also, after talking to my friend from Florida, I realized I did not want the hassle of taking him to the airport in Denver, yaddah yaddah.... Also that he would be delivered to me in Honolulu was the best part. I did not want to do the send off and pick up I have done too many times.

I liked the prompt response emails from Mandy. She went into detail about every concern I had. I also liked that you have local vendors and that you start the process early on, which was good for a planner like me. I couldn't have done without the hand-holding on the communications regarding departure, arrival, and quarantine. For me, just firing off emails and getting an answer was the best!

Thanks again, and we're looking forward to Mahalo becoming famous. Just as an FYI - he was a show cat in Japan and has won his share of ribbons, although he is now retired. He placed in his class of neutered short hair cats.

 

Thanks to Marian for sharing this wonderful story with us. We're glad Mahalo is home safe and sound at last! Please contact us for more information about moving pets to Hawaii, and travel safely, everyone.

 

Name: Lisa
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: German Shepherd
From: Virginia, USA
To: Abuja, Nigeria

I am thinking about relocating to Nigeria for my job, but I am very worried about safely transporting my dog.

My dog is about 75 lbs and is 12 years old. Provided the vet gives her a clean bill of health to travel, is it safe? How would PetRelocation assure her safety?

Thanks,

Lisa

 

Hi Lisa,

Your concerns are certainly understandable. Moving a dog to faraway Africa isn't exactly a common occurrence, but the good news is that we've handled a few such moves and would be happy to talk to you about the procedure and the details.

Here are the pet import requirements for Nigeria, as well as a few tips for moving an older dog. If you and your vet decide to go forward with the relocation, you'll want to choose a pet-friendly airline and make sure your dog is well-acclimated to the travel crate if she isn't already.

To find out more about what we do and how we do it, please give our office a call or fill out our free quote form. Also, take a look at couple of customer stories that may help put your mind at ease. We moved Bear to Kenya and Hugo to South Africa recently -- in these instances the pet owners were a little nervous to start, but as you can see the moves went well. Every relocation is different, but it's our job to work towards the best arrangement possible and move pets safely.

Good luck with your decision and your plans, Lisa. We hope to hear from you soon!

 

As summer approaches it's once again time to keep our ears and ears open for news of summer airline embargoes and altered operations that may affect pet travel.

Take a look at last year's summer embargo information for an idea of what to expect, and remember to talk to a pet relocation specialist or do plenty of careful research ahead of time if you're planning to travel with a pet this summer.

We'll keep you updated as we go forward, but here it is: your first official summer pet travel news flash from United Airlines.

 

-Phoenix (PHX) will only accept pet arrivals before 9 a.m. and after 9 p.m. (this is the same procedure they followed last year).

-Palm Springs (PSP) will have an embargo in place through Sept. 15.

-Dubai (DXB) will have restrictions on brachycephalic breeds all year long.

-The new on-site kennel facility at O'Hare is in development and more news of it should be announced soon.

 

Keep in touch, pet travelers!

 

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Driving with pets in the car is not safe, says this (not surprising) study.

Dog training is really mostly about people training.

Monkey helpers.

Rules for dog train travel in India.

 

 

Name: Joyce
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Pomeranian
From: Dublin, UK
To: Brazil

Hi,

I'm moving to Brazil next month (June), but I'm doing an eight-hour connection in Switzerland. Do I need a passport or just a Health Certificate (APHIS 7001) and the vaccines?

Thank You,

Joyce

 

Hello Joyce,

Thanks for your questions; here are the pet import requirements for Brazil. Unless you are planning to leave the airport or switch airlines, you will not need to complete any additional steps for your time in Switzerland. You will need the APHIS 7001 issued within 10 days of departure as well as the required vaccines.

Please contact us if you have any more questions or if you're interested in our door-to-door services. We'd be happy to assist with your move.

Good luck!