PetRelocation Employee Profile: Sarah, Senior Pet Relocation Consultant
Our latest PetRelocation Employee Profile shines the spotlight on Sarah Rosales, one of our most experienced pet relocation consultants. Over the past few years Sarah has become an expert in shipping pets all over the world, and she is particularly knowledgeable when it comes to bringing pets safely to Asia and Africa.
Here's more about Sarah's journey -- find out how she arrived in this role and how she thinks the pet travel industry will continue to evolve.
Why did you decide to apply to PetRelocation initially?
I decided I wanted to have some sort of connection/involvement with animals while still selling a service that mattered. PetRelocation was the perfect mix!
What’s the best memory you have from your first year working here?
Being able to take my dogs, Duna and Jack, to work. I’ve never had that opportunity before and not a lot of people do either. I remember the first day I took my dogs, Duna and Jack, to our old building. They were both running around everywhere with excitement. It made me so happy!
What has been your favorite story to tell others about day to day life at PetRelocation?
We get to see so many pictures of family pets we’re moving every day. I often forward them to family and friends because they’re too cute not to share.
What’s one piece of advice you would give to people who are just starting to plan for their upcoming move?
Every country is classified into categories in reference to other countries' import requirements. Find out what category your country of origin is in.
You speak with a number of clients each week and handle some of the most complex requests that come to our doors. What’s one of the most challenging move inquiries you received and how did you solve the problem?
A CITES bird traveling from the US to Taiwan. I had to speak with the USDA, US Fish and Wildlife, and the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine in Taiwan to make sure all the export/import requirements were met and everyone was on the same page as far as what needs to be done and when. I had to find a USDA accredited vet in a port city that could house the bird for 21 days of mandatory export quarantine and perform the required tests to meet Taiwan import requirements. It was a lot of researching, back and forth emailing with the government authorities on both ends, and assurances to the pet owner. Everything worked out in the end and the bird landed safely in Taiwan.
Sarah and Jack
You are one of our resident experts when it comes to building a plan for travel to countries like Saudi Arabia, India and South Africa – if there was one thing a customer could do in advance to help you with getting their pet safely to that new home, what would that be?
Making sure the pets measurements are accurate so we have the appropriate size kennel for the pet.
What do you think will change about pet travel in the next five years?
There will be continued improvements in "pet safe" programs across the board with airlines, and more airlines will adopt pet programs.
What advice to you have for people who want to join the PetRelocation team?
Attention to detail is so important. We truly are putting pieces to a puzzle together and in order to do so, you need to make sure all the details to any particular move fit together.
What do you wish other people knew about the company?
For two years now, we’ve hosted a pet adoption event during SXSW. I know as the years go by and we gain more experience with the event, we’ll not only find new homes for pets in need but educate more and more people on the innovation of pet travel.
Duna
What’s your best hidden talent?
Indoor gardening – I have a green thumb for hydroponic growing systems.
If you could pick a famous animal, any famous animal, to be your family pet – which animal would that be and why?
Winnie the Pooh. I had a teddy bear growing up and I always imagined my teddy bear walking and talking, just like the teddy bear in the movie A.I.
Say you have friends coming into Austin for the weekend. What one thing do they absolutely need to do or see so they can get the “Keep Austin Weird” experience?
If they happen to be visiting during SXSW that would be a perfect event to show what Austin is all about. It’s a great mix of the tech, music and movie communities.
Jack
You’re trapped in your house during a snowstorm for five days. What do you do to pass the time?
Five days means five seasons of Game of Thrones!!!!
Hollywood wants to make a movie about your life. Who do they cast to play you?
Winona Ryder.