Pet Travel Car

 

"So, what exactly do you DO?" That's a question we often receive here at PetRelocation.com. People who walk by our downtown Austin, TX office look in our window and wonder what we're up to, and visitors to our Facebook page check out all the cute pet pics and find themselves enamored with, but also a little confused about, all the furry faces they see.

The simple answer is, we move pets! New jobs, military assignments, or simple wanderlust often make domestic and international moves necessary for individuals and families, and who wouldn't want to bring their pets along on this new adventure? Pets are part of the family, and figuring out how to move them safely usually becomes a top (if not THE top) priority.

Import requirements vary from country to country and airlines operate with different rules, so pet travel can quickly become a complicated endeavor that presents a number of challenges and decisions to made. Handling a pet move yourself is sometimes possible but not always preferable, so this is where we come in.

Handing over a specialized task to experts is what we're used to doing for all kinds of things (think building a deck, repairing a car engine, or talking to a financial planner), and though you may never have stopped to think about it, organizing a pet relocation falls into the same category.

There you have it! Rescue organizations are great and we fully support pet adoptions, but our business is all about helping families move the pets they already have so that everyone can stay together during a time of change.

Find out more about the services offered by PetRelocation.com, read about the reasons people end up choosing to get help with a pet relocation, and remember if you ever need to plan a move, we'd be happy to offer our assistance!

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pet preparation and dealing with the dog days of summer.

This blind dog has his own guide dog!

 

 

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

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

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

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

 

Do you buckle up before you hit the road?

We 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.

--

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.
 

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)

Did you watch the Superbowl yesterday, or are you more of a Puppy Bowl kind of football (non) fan? Either way, you probably saw at least a few pets trotting across the television screen this weekend, as the entertainment value of cute dogs and cats certainly isn't lost on the advertising teams tasked with the job of stirring up interest in their brands.

From a pet travel industry perspective we couldn't help but notice all the dogs in cars that were featured, but there were several companies that put our furry friends to work. Volkswagen followed up last year's popular Vader Kid ad with barking Star Wars dogs and a spot featuring an overweight pup working to get into car-chasing shape, and Chevy also featured man's best friend in it's apocalypse-themed commercial. A French Bulldog named Mr. Quiggly reportedly replaced Kim Kardashian in its Skechers commercial, Doritos presented a non-cat-friendly vignette, and Subaru showed off a "Dog Friendly, Dog Approved" line of vehicles in its fun contribution to the lineup (check it out below, along with a few others).

How many pet-themed Super Bowl ads did you catch? Which ones were your favorites? Feel free to chime in, and in case you missed the other show, here are a few highlights from this year's Puppy Bowl, too.

Many of us will be loading our pets into the car and hitting the road within the next few days, so in addition to the holiday pet tips we've already offered, we thought we'd throw a few more gift ideas and travel advice your way (because when it comes to your pets' well-being, you can never be too prepared).

-Avoid decorations that are tempting, hazardous and possibly in reach of your pet (tinsel, for example, can be very dangerous if ingested). Breakable ornaments are also risky, so make sure they're up high if you have any at all.

-If you have a Christmas tree, be sure it can't be toppled over easily by anchoring it down. Hide all electrical cords away, too, as they can be very attractive to cats and puppies who like to chew.

-If you bring your pets with you to visit friends or family, remember the importance of identification. Tags, microchips, up-to-date pictures and copies of health records are all good to have.

-If you decide to leave your pets behind when you travel (let's face it, most cats and many dogs would prefer not to have to hit the road at all), be sure to check out the kennel facility carefully or leave plenty of detailed information for your pet sitters.

-Travel safely! Pets that roam loose through the car can be a dangerous distraction. Whether you put up a gate or buy a harness, be sure to restrain your furry friend while you drive.

-Do you have a worrier on your hands? Thundershirts can supposedly help calm a pet's nerves, and we recently heard about these CDs that help dogs get over their fear of loud noises. Might be worth checking into!

This video barely falls into the category of "pet travel" (and your holiday car rides will probably involve more safety measures than you see here), but we had to share it anyway.

Enjoy the afternoon, and unless you're making art, don't forget to buckle up!

Dogs in Cars from keith on Vimeo.

Name: Garrett
Pet's Name: Faye
From: Galien, Michigan
To: Waterloo, Belgium


We chose PetRelocation.com to ship our dog, Faye, because their staff was very friendly and professional compared to the other companies we contacted. We were treated like actual people rather than just another sales lead.

They were very helpful and flexible during the entire process, especially as our actual move date continued to stretch over two months. Their suggestion to acclimate Faye to air travel by bringing her through the car wash was very helpful. By the time we left, we had a very clean car, and Faye was much calmer in her crate during all of the loud airplane-like noises of the car wash.

Faye has settled into her new house, yard, and neighborhood very well.

Thanks to an increase in pet-friendly amenities and the ever-growing population of devoted pet owners, pet travel is on the upswing. That doesn't mean it's always stress free, but it's possible to navigate foreign countries with relative ease (and style, even), as you can see if you've taken a look at Dog Trots Globe, a book chronicling the international adventures of Chula the Sheltie.

The author of the book, Sheron Long, was kind enough to answer a few of our questions recently; read on to find out more about Chula, pet travel tips, and bringing dogs to France.

Had you ever traveled with pets before this?

Car trips, of course, but never by plane. When we decided to take Chula to France, we took a big step into pet travel!
 
How and when did you decide to bring Chula with you to France?

We have been to France before on shorter trips and always left Chula at home. This time we were able to stay for two months, and it was unthinkable to be away from her for that long. Still, we wanted to do what was best for her, and that's how our research began, including consulting the expert advice on the PetRelocation.com site.

We learned the importance of selecting a properly sized travel carrier, choosing a good time of year to travel (not too hot and not too cold), avoiding sedation, and making sure Chula would have food and water throughout the trip. We talked with several airlines about their "accommodations" in the hold. We became comfortable that Chula could travel safely and settled on a non-stop flight to keep her travel time as short as possible. We first traveled with Chula in 2010 and then again last spring. She loved it!
 
What was the most difficult part of preparing for international pet travel?

The paperwork. Now that we know what needs to be done, it's easy, but figuring it out the first time was a challenge. We appreciated how PetRelocation.com organized the regulations by country, because they vary.
 
How did you find France to be in terms of pet-friendly amenities?

The best part is that you can take your pup almost anywhere--certainly to just about any restaurant where the dogs have developed excellent under-the-table manners and the waiters bring a water bowl without you asking! More than half the hotels accept pets, and most stores either consider them as part of the customer team or provide a hook-up outside where the dog can safely wait. Despite the more than 200,000 dogs in Paris, the City of Light is a little less dog-friendly--you'll find those dreaded "No Dogs" signs on the gate of just about every park. In both Paris and Provence, those same signs appear on the door of every museum. Dogs are valued, but creative and historical works are even more valued!

We found recommended vets online and then visited three of them as soon as we arrived in Provence. We wanted to establish a relationship with a vet just in case Chula needed any help while we were there. She didn't.
 
What were your biggest surprises, and what advice do you have for pet travelers?

We were most surprised by how flexible Chula was. The first day, she traveled by car and plane, slept in a hotel, and figured out the elevator right away. The next day, she hopped on the train to Provence and settled in at Bob's feet just like a seasoned traveler. And then we had another surprise--the conductor came by and asked for Chula's train ticket. We had no idea we needed to buy her one, and fortunately the conductor gave her a pass.

Chula's biggest surprise was the day of the Transhumance in the village of Saint-Remy-de-Provence. That's the day the shepherds take their sheep from the lowlands to the lusher pastures in the highlands. Along the way, they circle the village twice. Now, Chula is a Shetland Sheepdog, but not one who is actively working at the present time. When she saw those 3,000 sheep headed her way, she didn't herd, she didn't nip at anybody's heels. She ran for cover under the nearest cafe table and knocked over the water bowl!
 
What made you decide to write the book, and do you have any future projects in mind?

France has been a passion of mine for many years. I wrote the book to share the joie de vivre I experience whenever we are there. Since the best trip was with Chula, I decided to show France from the dog's eye view and included over 150 color photos and four videos that capture Paris and Provence. Along the way, Chula became a chien savant and was therefore able to share a wealth of fascinating information on everything from French cheeses to how the Eiffel Tower gets painted!

I plan to do more multi-sensory books on a variety of cross-cultural topics and publish them with OIC Books. Say the publisher's name out loud and you'll hear, "Oh, I see." Their enhanced books give new views into the world, and that's what I want to do as well.

 
How has Chula adjusted to living abroad and then coming back? (Many people worry their pets will have trouble with so much change.)

Chula misses the baguettes and the big outdoor markets in Provence, where the sausage table was her favorite. She misses sniffing around the lavender fields and catching flakes of falling croissants from under her bistro table. But other than that, she's adjusted just fine. Her life in California is good, too.
 
What’s your opinion about the future of pet travel?

Seriously, the bonds we have formed with our pets are so strong that we want to share the world with them. Pet travel makes that possible. As long as you look out for your pet's well-being, you can continue the good times together far away from home. "Have dog, will travel," became our motto.
 
Anything else you care to add?

OIC Books, the publisher of Dog Trots Globe, includes a wealth of book-related information and inspiration on its web site where you can find out more on Paris, Provence, Pet Travel, and Dogs. Go to http://www.oic-books.com/books and click the Extras button.
 
 

Happy Friday! Hope 11/11/11 treats you well, and that you and your pets enjoy a very fine weekend!

-Can you believe Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away? Get ready with these holiday pet travel tips. 

-The Governor of North Carolina has declared November to be Safe Pet Travel Awareness Month. Let's restrain our pets in the car and travel safely this -- and every -- month!

-Some people bring their pets along on vacation, and some travel to specifically pet-oriented destinations. Find out more about the Canine Camp Getaway in New York.

-This brightened our day: Austin Pest Alive! in Austin, TX has organized a Puppy Club that allows volunteers (including kids) to get together and help socialize adoptable puppies. 

-Do you include gifts for your pet on your holiday shopping list? It turns out that most pet owners spoil their furry friends this time of year. 

-Citizens of the UK are breathing sighs of relief, as new UK pet travel rules are making it easier for them to bring their pets on holiday. 

-Beer for dogs? Hmmmm.... What do you think?

The holidays are quickly approaching, which means pet owners everywhere are making important decisions about how to fit their furry family members into the mix. Are you bringing your pup along to any family get-togethers? Do you have a car ride ahead of you? Here are a few pet-focused tips to help you navigate the upcoming season of celebration.

1. Plan Ahead
It's already too late for some things (people choosing to board their pets know that most kennels are probably booked by now), but it's still wise -- not to mention polite -- to double check with all hosts, family and friends you'll be seeing to make sure that they're okay with your four-legged tagalong. It's easy to assume that everyone is a pet lover like you, but in reality this simply isn't the case. 

2. Get Your Vehicle Ready
In honor of Pet Travel Safety Awareness Month (and also because it's always smart), be sure that your car is ready to safely transport your pet. Take a practice run with the safety harness you've selected to make sure it's going to work, and don't forget to pack extra leashes and water dishes in the trunk just in case you need them.

3. Think About Food
The holiday season could also be known as "table scrap season," and it's up to you to establish some boundaries. A few bits of turkey might not hurt, but don't overdo it when it comes to treating your pet to rich, fatty food. If you're traveling somewhere else or entertaining guests, it's also important to educate your fellow animal lovers about what's okay and what's not okay (remember that grapes, chocolate, alcohol, etc. are all big no-no's for dogs). 

4. Organize Your Info
When leaving your home base, it's especially important to have all rabies and ID tags properly displayed, and in the event of a separation (fingers crossed that doesn't happen), keep a current photo of your pet in your wallet or on your smart phone. 

5. Have Fun!
All too often, stress can creep into a holiday setting and make things more complicated than they need to be. Pets easily pick up on your anxiety, so do them a favor by keeping cool. A few simple techniques, like heading out for a brisk walk after being stuck in traffic all day or teaching your nieces and nephews to play Frisbee with Fido, can help remind you what the holidays are really all about. 


Read more holiday pet travel tips, and feel free to share your own with us here or on Facebook!

Safe pet travel is an issue that many of us often think about, but it doesn't hurt to spotlight it every once in a while in order to underline how important pet safety truly is. Kudos to North Carolina Governor Beverly Eaves Perdue, then, for declaring November to be Safe Pet Travel Awareness Month.

Her official proclamation states that, since nearly 90 percent of pet owners travel with their pets, it's important to recognize the importance of properly restraining them when traveling by car. Not only is this in the best interest of the pet, who could be injured by deploying airbags or by the force of the impact, it makes drivers, passengers, and other travelers safer as well.

How will you observe Safe Pet Travel Awareness Month? Hopefully by restraining your furry travelers when you hit the road for Thanksgiving and remembering that pet travel safety is something to consider all year long.

Well done, Gov. Perdue! (Who by the way seems to be quite the pet lover -- her website states that she has two Tibetan terriers, Dosie and Zipper.) Happy November, and travel safely everyone!

Name: Shelley
Number of Pets: 6
Pet Type: 4 cats, 2 dogs
Pet Breed: German Shepherd, Golden, 3 Domestic short hair, 2 Domestic longhair
From: Arizona
To: NY



Should we use our kennels and litter pans for our cats, or are cat carriers a better choice? Two are used to kennels and two used to be in them but haven't been for quite a while. I want to make this as stress free as possible for them. It's going to be at least 12 hours a day driving for four days. Any advice would be appreciated. I have never traveled with cats before, I take them to the vet in the carrier but that is it.

Thanks,
Shelley


Hi Shelley,

Thanks for your question! It sounds like you have quite an endeavor ahead of you. Luckily there are a few things you can do to make this cross-country pet move a little bit easier.

Since you're in control of this trip (and don't have to meet any airline requirements, for example) it's really up to you to decide what kind of travel carrier you use. For long journeys we suggest roomy travel crates with an absorbent material in the bottom, and to prepare the cats who haven't spent much time in the car, try going on a few short trips in the weeks preceding the move.

Be sure to bring plenty of food and water as well as any necessary medications, and it's smart to have current vet records and recent pictures of the pets, as well. Finally, your demeanor will rub off on them, so do your best to breathe deeply and stay calm.

Good luck with this trip, and please contact us if you have any more questions!

Name: Janice
Number of Pets: Two
Pet Type: Dogs
Pet Breed: Pit Bulls
From: United States
To: Mexico

If transporting dogs from the U.S. to Mexico via ground transportation, is it still necessary to have the USDA vet certificate 10 days in advance of the day of transportation?


Hi Janice,

Thanks for your question! When traveling by car from the US to Mexico, you'll need to meet the stated entry requirements and show the proper paperwork to the border officials, and your dogs will probably undergo a physical examination. Here are the pet import requirements for Mexico, just in case you need to review them.

Give us a call if you have any more questions, and good luck!

It's not always the easiest thing to do, but training your pet to well-behaved in public and at home makes life better for everyone. Well-trained pets also tend to make better travelers, another reason to consider putting in the time and energy to teach your furry friend a few basics.

Before a pet relocation we advise owners to help their pets grow accustomed to their travel crates (having a crate-trained dog or cat makes road trips, car travel and airline flights much less stressful). Also, knowing that your dog will come when called, sit on command and wait until they're outside to take care of business means you'll generally be more accepted (and maybe even welcomed) by your fellow travelers.

Our UK friends at pet365.co.uk recently put together a survey about dog training and illustrated it below. Take a look to see how you and your own furry companions compare!

Do you have any pet training tips to share? Let us know!

It's Friday! Check out the pet news of the week as you prepare for what'll hopefully be a fun, safe and happy weekend.

-If you have a pet you know how it is -- they have a magical way of absorbing the stress in a room and they bring laughter to life without even trying. A Doctor in psychology further explores this phenomenon and also asks, is your pet the emotional "third" in your relationship?

-Sometimes pet travel isn't as structured as it should be. Find out what happened when a snake ended up taking a solo train ride in Japan.

-This story began as a heartbreaker but seems to have a happy ending - a kitten was tossed out a car window on a NYC bridge this week but managed to remain unharmed when an animal control officer spotted the cat and picked him up. The kitty is now doing well in foster care.

-In more strange NYC news, a West Village pet store recently placed restrictions on who is allowed to take pets home after a few incidents involving drunk puppy buying.

-Many people are surprised to find out how much it costs to ship a pet. Here's a breakdown of what's involved with moving a pet safely.

-In case you missed it, here's the story of an Indonesian monkey who snatched a wildlife photographer's camera and proceeded to take a series of self-portraits. Sure, it's not really "pet news," but nothing says Happy Friday like a smiling monkey face!

-Finally, we announced our Pet Move of the Month this week; Kratos the English Bulldog moved from California to Italy in order to join his loving owner Shaun, a member of the US Navy. The picture of their reunion (below) illustrates one of our favorite parts about moving pets!