Pet Travel Advice

We do our best to keep you informed regarding the best pet travel tips and the newest trends, but it never hurts to check in with others in the field to see what they have to say. Today we're featuring a guest post from our friends at CheapOair, an online travel company that keeps your budget in mind.

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Air travel with pets requires lots of research to make the trip hassle-free. If you’re traveling for the first time with your pet on a flight, you need to put some extra effort not only to make the reservation and get the documents completed, but also to train your pet physically and psychologically. Here are a few tips that might help you in making your pet travel unperturbed.

Air Travel Policies for Pets 

The first and the foremost thing when planning to travel with your pet is to check the airline policies. Pet air travel policies vary from one airline to the next depending upon in-flight and cargo space and other factors. Therefore, it’s important to check with the airline for the latest pet flight regulations regarding carrier sizes, health documents, and other things required for pet travel. For example, as per the latest travel updates, AirTran Airways no longer accepts birds for travel on any flight.

Cargo or Cabin

It is crucial to select what is the best mode of travel for your pet. No doubt, pets too large to fit in cabin carriers have no other option than to fly in the cargo area, but certain snub nosed breeds and pets with medical issues should not fly in cargo. That doesn't mean it's unsafe to fly in the cargo area, though. It's advised that you choose a pet-friendly airline with safe pet practices as you plan your trip, and also discuss your options with your vet and a pet travel specialist before you fly.

Say No to Sedatives

Sedating animals before flights is prohibited. Sedation may affect the pet’s abilities to regulate his/her body temperature, your pet may become confused or even aggressive once the tranquilizer begins to wear off, and most airlines do not allow pets to fly if they’ve been sedated.

Overall, the best way to make pet air travel cozy and comfortable is to enlist the help of a pet relocation service provider.  They take care of each and every aspect related to pet relocation, including completion of documentation, vaccinations, and flight arrangements.

Author Bio:
Rachna works for CheapOair, an online travel company that is committed to provide cheap airline tickets along with hotel reservations and car rental services.
 

We mentioned last week that a few of our PetRelocation.com employees were planning to attend the Great Texas Dog Walk, an annual event where Austin dog lovers gather downtown and attempt to break a few world records while raising money for a good cause.

About 8,000 dogs attended the event, which is held by Texas Hearing & Service Dogs, and they had the goal of raising $125,000 to support the work that they do. As you can see from the pictures below it was a beautiful day in Austin!

Our Team

Stryker

Race Course

Aussie Shows 'Em How It's Done

Giant (Record-Setting) Fur Ball

Finish Line

Good Job, Stryker!

It's never too late for a few pet news links... Have a great weekend everyone!

What are you doing this weekend? We're going to the Mighty Texas Dog Race!

PCSing with your pets.

Dog distractions. Be careful driving with your pet!

Six Tips For Pet Travel Success via @CheapOair.

The latest, coolest pet gear.

What's cuter than a pet with a new toy?

Preparing for pet travel -- how to crate train a cat.

ICYMI: our 5 quick tips for Easter pet travel.

Keeta shows us how a proper weekend should be enjoyed

We love showing off the furry faces of the pets we move on our blog and Facebook page, and believe it or not, we don't mind parading cute pics of our own dogs and cats, either. We introduced you to some PetRelocation.com employee pets last Valentine's day, and today we're back with a few more photos to share.

The other day our friends at Petmate (whose motto is "We Have Pets Too") were cleaning out their offices, and they kindly decided to send us a goodie box filled with fun toys and accessories. We're all pet owners/lovers here, so the surprise was truly appreciated! Just check out some of our happy pets below.

Thanks again to Petmate for making our week a little brighter!

Winston guarding his new rubber ball

Chubby Charles working on her fuzzy mice catching skills

The more slobbery the toy is, the more you can tell Raef loves it

No caption needed for this one (that's Django, BTW)

Bandit approves of the Scoop Bowl

Rhett hardly knows what to do with so many mice

Nice weather and an Easter holiday make a great combo for activity-loving pet owners this weekend. It seems that many cities host fun events celebrating the season, so pets everywhere are in for some good times.

Here in Austin, dog owners have a few options this weekend. There's a Pet Parade and Costume Contest that marches down South Congress (and this year it honors Leslie Cochran, a colorful fixture in the Austin community who passed away last month), and there's also the Mighty Texas Dog Walk.

Taking place at beautiful Auditorium Shores in downtown Austin, The 14th annual event consists of a three mile stroll, and attendees will also attempt to break three Guinness Book World Records in addition to going for the goal of "largest dog walk," which currently stands at 17,427 dogs.

Will Austinites beat the Brits to amass the most dogs? Will we claim bragging rights when we accomplish the feat of "Most Dogs Wearing the Same Bandana"? We'll see on Saturday up close and personal, because a few PetRelocation.com employees are attending the Dog Walk with their pups in tow.

We're especially excited to take part in this event because our company has some fond memories of earlier Dog Walks. Our PetRelocation.com founders, Kevin and Angie O'Brien, co-sponsored this event in 2003 when they were running a dog daycare. They provided doggy pools for the dogs to swim in at the walk's halfway mark (see the fun picture below), and aspired to be a someday be a bigger part of the pet industry.

No doubt the Mighty Texas Dog Walk will be larger than ever this year, and we're excited to be participating. We'll be back on Monday with some pictures... Wish us luck!

(Stevie, with dogs.)

Planning a relocation that includes your pets adds a fair amount of prep work to the equation. Not only do you have to research pet import requirements, schedule vet visits, and buy an airline-approved travel crate, you'll need to help your furry friend feel comfortable spending time in the crate as best you can.

Some pet owners are lucky to have dogs or cats that tolerate or even like stepping into their home-away-from-home, but others have a challenge at hand. Based on general personality traits it seems easier to help dogs gradually accept crates and learn to treat them as a safe and cozy place, but we all know that cats can be a different story.

Before you throw up your hands in defeat imagining a lot of hissing, scratching, and yowling from your one-of-a-kind kitty, take a look at the following tips and give crate-training a try. Your cat will probably never love the experience, but with time and patience applied to the situation, you can at least remove some of the discomfort.

Familiarity - It's a problem if cats only associate travel crates with being jostled around in the car and then taken into the vet's office to be poked and prodded. Try leaving the crate out in a room where the cat often goes so that the sight of it becomes less of an event and just a part of everyday life instead.

Treats - Always leave the door open and place toys inside the crate to pique feline curiosity. When the cat goes near it or inside it, offer praise and maybe a yummy snack. Soon your little skeptics will begin to put two and two together and will look to you for a handout each time they step inside.

Time - Don't expect change to happen overnight. It might take weeks to see any progress, but with steady exposure and positive reinforcement, even the most stubborn kitty will show signs of progress.

Practice - Once your cat no longer freaks out at the sight of the crate and begins treating it like just another box to crawl inside of, it'll be time for some practice runs. Take a car ride around the block to start, and then try some longer drives so that when moving day arrives, that longer journey won't be such a shock.

Talk to your vet if you have any particular concerns about cat travel, and don't hesitate to ask your Pet Relocation Specialist for their own tips and advice, as well. We have lots of experience moving pets of all breed, size, and temperament, so don't be shy!

Travel crate? Yeah, I'll think about it.

Traveling with a pet this Easter weekend? Here are a few quick tips that will help make the experience run smoothly.

Plan Ahead - Are your hosts okay with you bringing your pet? Do they have any special requests or rules? Having an honest conversation before you arrive will minimize the possibility for tension. And, if you're staying in a hotel, be sure you've researched their pet policy to avoid any surprises.

Pack Well - Don't forget the basics, like food, medicine, an extra leash, dog baggies, and whatever else your furry pal needs to be safe and comfortable away from home.

Keep Moving - It may be tougher to manage during a fun break from reality, but do your best to take your dogs on lots of walks and give them plenty of attention and playtime. This will minimize the anxiety and possibility for misbehavior that can go along with changing a pup's schedule.

Beware of Treats - Easter, when there tends to be candy everywhere (and within the easy reach of children, no less), is an especially important time to make sure your dog doesn't eat anything harmful. Keep a sharp eye on those baskets and plastic eggs to keep them out of paw's reach.

Drive Safely - Letting pets roam around the car isn't safe for anyone. Use your trusty travel crate or a restraint of some kind when you're on the road, and do what it takes to make sure the driver isn't distracted by any yipping passengers.

Find a few more pet travel tips on our blog, and lease contact PetRelocation.com if you have any questions.

(And don't forget to stop and smell the flowers)

Yesterday we discussed some of the changes United Airlines has made regarding its pet policies, and now they've made another announcement.

Beginning April 6, 2012 United Cargo will now offer nonstop flights from New York/Newark to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires is the largest city in Argentina and is home to many large corporations, so connecting it to a major US hub will surely make life easier for customers interested in cargo services -- which includes pet travelers moving to Argentina, of course. Remember, now that United and Continental have merged, United is operating under the PetSafe program.

This flight will depart from Newark Liberty Airport (EWR) daily at 9:50 p.m. and leaves Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) each day at 8:10 p.m.

Please contact PetRelocation.com for more information about moving pets to Argentina.

We've been following the progress and after effects of the recent Continental/United merger, and it looks like the changes aren't favorable to every kind of pet traveler.

On the positive side, United has adopted Continental's PetSafe program, which has been in place for years and has been a model for the pet air travel industry. United now bans nine dog breeds from flying, however, so owners of Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Terriers, Cane Corsos and a few others are prohibited from flying with United.

United originally made a change regarding cargo classifications that would have made pet travel much more expensive for some travelers (primarily military families), but they have since eased those rules in reply to the backlash the announcement inspired.

Thus far the "dangerous breed" rules remain in effect, but many pet owners have come together in protest through an online petition at Change.org. United is the only airline with such restrictions so owners of these breeds do have other options, but this remains a divisive topic in the pet world.

Changes is often in the air when it comes to pet travel, so remember to start planning your trips well in advance of departure, do as much research as you can, and check with airlines directly to find out about the most up-to-date rules regarding fees, breeds, and seasonal procedures.

Also, remember that PetRelocation.com is here to help! Contact us anytime for a free quote, or give us a call if you'd like to find out more about our services from one of our Pet Relocation Specialists.

Keep in touch as we continue to monitor this issue and other pet travel updates.

Sparta, a Pitt Bull we moved to Guam last year.

We've kept up with the world of pets and pet travel all week -- here's the best of what we read:

Does getting a dog improve your health?

Do you give your pup Easter treats? Here's a recipe from Whole Foods for some dog-friendly cookies.

This Bassett hound managed to save his own life by calling emergency services.

Because it's Friday and this is cute: meet Harry the hippo.

Dogster loves dogs, of course, and also Jon Stewart. Here's why.

Need some info about luxury pet travel amenities around the world? This site will keep you updated.

A few funny ads featuring dogs and cats.

Have a relaxing weekend, everyone!

And a happy Friday it is. Enjoy this news round-up before heading out into a great weekend!

Cool slideshow of politicians with their pets.

More on the United/Continental merger and what it means for various pet breeds.

Traveling this summer? Tell us about it!

More on the pampered pet trend.

Official documents to help guide an international pet move.

Are you into Pinterest? Check us out!

Also from our blog: spotlighting our West Coast pet agent.

Ron, a horse we moved to Kansas

Riley the corgi loves to hike. Take a break by taking a peek over his shoulder as he makes his way through Runyon Canyon in Los Angeles.

Is your dog a hiker? Are you planning any trips this summer? (If so, be sure to take our travel survey -- we'll be revealing the results in a few weeks.)

Enjoy!

Do you live in the US and have an international pet move in your future? See the official instructions from the USDA below --  included is a step-by-step preparation plan, links to FAQs, information about USDA endorsements, a sample 7001 Form, and more.

Please contact PetRelocation.com if you have any questions about moving pets. We're happy to help make sense of the process and/or assist with your move.

Happy traveling, everyone!

USDA Document: How to Prepare Animals for International Travel (2012)

Pet travelers and pet owners in general often find themselves faced with a question: Should I get my pet microchipped? It's normal to feel uncertain about this matter, but we're happy to help clear things up.

Recently one of our own Pet Relocation Specialists, Katie, went through the microchipping process with her cat Leo, and she was kind enough to share her thoughts about how everything went. Read on for a firsthand account of Leo's microchipping experience told through the eyes of a caring pet owner just like yourself...

If you’ve been on our Facebook page recently, you may have seen a photo or two of my little guy, Leo.  I adopted Leo in August of 2011 when he was two years old. This sweet boy had been in a foster home and had been in and out of adoption catteries for his whole life. 

When I found him and fell in love with him, he had been one of the “kitties in the window” at my local pet store for seven weeks. I adopted him from the rescue group who had been taking care of him the very day that I met him. I am so unbelievably happy to give this sweet little guy his forever home!

Leo has become more and more brave since I got him and has started getting very curious about what is on the other side of my front door!  Leo is an indoor cat, so I don’t let him go outside. In light of his new found curiosity for the great outdoors, I decided that it was time to get him a microchip!  I really wanted the peace of mind of knowing that if little Leo slipped out the door and got lost, my contact information would follow him wherever he went and couldn’t fall off (like a break-away collar is smartly designed to do).  It took us two years to find each other – I want to be sure we don’t get separated again!

I had a lot of questions when getting him microchipped, so I thought I would share my experience in the hopes that it will be helpful to those of you who are considering getting a microchip for your pet.

How do I get my pet microchipped?
I took Leo to our local vet for his yearly vaccinations and had the microchip implanted during that visit.

How much does it cost?
Prices vary, but my vet charged $35.

How is it done?
The whole process is so quick and simple! Since the chip is so tiny (maybe the size of a grain of rice) it is injected under the skin between the shoulder blades. It is as quick and simple as giving a shot.

Does it hurt?
If it does, Leo didn’t show it!  My vet likes to put an ice pack on the area to numb it a bit before implanting the chip because the needle is a bit bigger than a regular needle (like the kind used for vaccinations). They held the ice on Leo’s back for a moment and then injected the chip. Leo didn’t even flinch!

How do I know what my pet’s microchip number is?
Right after implanting the microchip, my vet scanned Leo to make sure it worked. He then compared the number with the package that the chip came in to be sure that it was exactly the same. He then gave me the (now empty) package and some documentation, and that’s it!  

How does it work?
If little Leo ever goes on an adventure without me, the person who finds him can take him to any vet who has a microchip reader (just about all of them do now). With the wave of a funny looking wand, the chip is read and the vet can call the company who issued the chip (HomeAgain, in my case) to retrieve my contact information.

Do I need to do anything else?
Keep your microchip information up to date if you move or change your phone number! I once found a lost dog and took him to an emergency vet right away to have his chip read. Because his owner hadn’t updated her contact information on his microchip, it took a couple of days of hunting down her information to find her. Had her information been up-to-date with the microchip company, she only would have been without her sweet pup for a couple of hours instead of a couple of days.

When we got home from the vet, Leo got a treat, of course! After gobbling it up, he was back to doing his favorite things – sitting in the windows, sleeping on the couch and playing with his cat nip toys.
Now, every time I come home, I have more peace of mind knowing that if Leo slips out the door as I’m walking in, he has an unbeatable way of making sure he can get back home to me.  

Thanks for sharing  your story, Katie! Find out more about ISO Compatible microchips on our blog, and please contact PetRelocation.com if you have any questions about pet travel and microchips.
 

Here's what's been going on with pets and pet travel this week (if you're into that sort of  thing). Have a great weekend, everyone!

The happiest animals in the world.

Amazing photos of diving dogs.

Baby Boomers help the pet industry chug right along.

Another update regarding United's Pet policies for military members.

What's it like moving pets to Kuala Lumpur and then back to the United States?

These golden retrievers have been taught to play the piano.

Are you traveling with your pets this summer? Take our survey!

Run free this weekend!

It's a rainy day here in Austin, but that's not dampening the excitement for SXSW! Are you in town for the festivities? Whether you are or not, have a great day and an excellent weekend (and enjoy these pet news links).

Another good one from NPR. Pet Therapy: How Animals and Humans Heal Each Other.

Abu Dhabi is becoming friendlier to pet travelers all the time.

On a budget but still want to spoil your pet? Ten DIY dog toys you can make on the cheap.

More about Dog Vacay, a service connecting pet sitters to vacationing pet owners.

The Brooklyn Mutt Show is a cool alternative to Westminster (are you surprised that Brooklyn would do something like this?).

What to do and where to begin: 5 FAQs of Pet Travel.

Cool dog video!

Continental and United have officially merged; find out what this means for pet travel.

Nope, not a cheetah. This is Xavier, an F1 Savannah.

Since moving pets can be pretty complicated and will most likely coincide with a busy, stressful time in life, we're not surprised that we receive a lot of questions from overwhelmed pet owners about the logistics, the details and the costs of pet travel.

We've been shipping pets for a while now and have pretty much heard it all... Here are a few of the most frequently asked pet travel questions (along with our basic answers). Remember, no one is alone in this!

How do I know what the requirements are for the country I'm moving to?

Making sure that a pet's journey runs smoothly begins with research. Many countries have detailed import instructions on their own official websites; stringent countries like Australia outline almost everything while other places may not be so forthcoming, so you may need to check another source -- like IATA  or the country pages on the PetRelocation.com -- to find out about health documents, vaccines, and possible quarantines.

Which airline should I fly with?

This is perhaps the most important decision you can make related to pet travel. It's key that you choose an airline that has established pet policies and solid safety measures in place to ensure that your pet is properly cared for, not left to sit on the tarmac, and respectfully transported overall. We have a short list of trusted airlines that include KLM, Lufthansa, Qantas and United, but check with us if you have any questions about this.

How do I know my pet will be safe?

This is probably the  most common question requiring the most nuanced answer. Again, safety primarily depends on selecting trustworthy airlines and transport agents, but you can also do your best to prepare your pet physically by keeping them in good shape, acclimating them to their travel crates and setting a good example for them by remaining calm and upbeat in the days before the trip.

Remember that sedatives are strongly discouraged (and generally not even permitted). With so many moving parts it's impossible to guarantee a journey 100% free of hiccups, but by following these basic guidelines you're putting your pet in the best position possible.

Why does it cost so much to ship a pet?

We've addressed the question of pet moving costs in greater depth in the past, but essentially it comes down to the details. By the time you add up import permits, health certificates, customs clearance, delivery fees, plane tickets and a few other considerations, it simply isn't going to be a cheap endeavor. Does it end up being worth it, though? Most pet owners would say "of course".

Should I move my pet at all?

This is a tough one, and for certain people it's a question that must be asked. Air travel is taxing for humans and for animals, and older pets or those in delicate health simply may not be up for it. Also, many people don't realize how much is involved with air travel and crossing borders, so if this is just a vacation (rather than a permanent move), it will probably be better to find a trusted pet sitter rather than jump through so many hoops unnecessarily.

Ultimately it is the safety of the pet that's the most important thing to consider, so often a conversation with your vet, your family, and your pet relocation specialist will help you figure this one out.

Still have questions? We're happy to help! Give our office a call and be sure to check out our Facebook page to connect with other pet travelers who probably have the same questions as you. Happy traveling, everyone!

Mondays can be tough, so here's a fun video to brighten your day. This director rigged a camera to follow one pretty cool pup throughout a weekend of adventures. We'd love to travel with a dog like this sometime!

Johnny Neon 'Hearts' from Dave Meinert on Vimeo.

As you may know, Continental Airlines and United Airlines have merged. Such a transition isn't simple to orchestrate, but step by step it is nearing completion. Today's news is that the name "Continental" has officially been phased out from online sources, etc., and United has absorbed various changes.

In terms of pet travel, the rules formerly used by Continental have been adopted by United. There will be no May-September embargo on United, but there is an embargo on English Bulldogs and there are restrictions on a few other snub-nosed breeds.

United hubs now have dedicated PetSafe staff at all major hubs, including Denver (DEN), San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago (ORD) and Washington D.C. (IAD). Climate-controlled vans will be in use here, and thousands of employees will be supporting PetSafe customers as they travel. More employees have also been added to the PetSafe Call Center in Houston.

Continental is officially no more, but United has pledged to carry on the pet-friendly mission many of us have relied upon in the past. We'll continue to keep you updated regarding any new pet travel developments; please contact PetRelocation.com if you have any questions!

Enjoy one last pet travel update before the weekend begins. Have a good one, pet lovers!

Here's a step-by-step account of a pet move to Papua New Guinea.

DogVacay.com, which just launched in San Francisco and Los Angeles, matches private pet sitters with discerning pet owners on the go.

But if you're going to Vail, CO, consider bringing your dog along -- looks like it's a very pet-friendly place to be!

Did you watch the Oscars last week? How about the Golden Collar Awards? Director Martin Scorsese took issue with the fact that Blackie, the dog featured in his film Hugo, was overlooked.

A dog taught this little boy how to read.

In not too surprising news, Labrador retrievers were named the most popular dog breed of 2011.

Meet Jake and Eddie and find out more about our March Pet Move of the Month.

Ever wonder what it's like to be a pet shipper? One of our new employees takes us behind the scenes.

Oh, you know, just hanging out.