Dog Shipping - Getting The Process Started For Going to London

As a major financial and business hub, London England is far and away the destination we service the most. We are pleased to do it as it is truly a destination where the assistance of professionals is a value add proposition.

There is officially a "six month quarantine" period which used to mean six months in a facility upon landing in London. However, with the enactment of The Pet Scheme, pets can complete the waiting period in the comfort of their own home.

The key is start the process at least six months prior to departure and to do it correctly. These are the steps.

1. Insert a microchip - AVID and Home Again are the most popular
2. Give your pet a rabies shot - It doesn't matter if he had one a month ago if he didn't previously have a microchip inserted
3. Blood draw for the Rabies Titre - We can provide your vet with details

The six month clock starts ticking the date the blood is drawn. This sounds easy, but I can't tell you how many clients we inform that they have to start over because it was done incorrectly.

We have a one page PDF form which you can print out and take with you to the vet (or you can email it ahead). Please drop us an EMAIL and we will be glad to send it along.

This is Just Sweet

How to Modify a Kennel for Bird Travel

We have many clients who want to take their feathered companions along when they travel and we are often asked about suitable travel kennels.

With a little work, you can modify a standard travel kennel to safely accommodate any bird. The only thing to keep in mind is the size of the bird. A small kennel will do for a cockatiel, however cockatoos and larger parrots will need an intermediate.

You should plan on about an hour for the project.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• Travel Kennel
• ¾' to 1' dowel depending on the size of your bird
• ½' wood screws
• saw
• screwdriver
• tape measure
• light mesh wiring or screen material
• Sharpie pen
• heavy scissors/garden shears/wire cutters
• cable ties
• duct tape

There are two steps necessary for modifying a travel kennel for a pet bird. The first is you have to install a perch. The second is to cover the sides and door with chicken wire.

INSTALLING THE PERCH

You want to install the perch about 1 inch above the bottom of the kennel, about ¾ of the way towards the back to the kennel.

If your travel kennel is already assembled, you will need to break it down into its two halves. Take the lower half and with the tape measure, measure the distance between the side walls at a point about 1 inch above the bottom. Cut your dowel to this length and place it in the bottom half of the kennel about ¾ of the way to the back. You will be able to see the slight bulge it creates in the sides of the kennel. Use these bulges as a guide to screw one screw through the kennel and into each end of the wooden dowel with the screwdriver.

COVERING THE SIDES AND DOOR WITH MESH

There is very light gauge mesh wiring available at Home Depot or Lowes. It generally comes in a design with small squares. You can also use the material used for most household widow screens. The opening on traditional chicken wire is generally too large as the point of the wiring is to keep your bird from injuring itself by poking its beak or feet out of the kennels.

Lay the mesh over the door and with your Sharpie pen, trace the outer edge of the kennel door. (you want the mesh slightly bigger than the door). Repeat the process for the openings on either side of the kennel.

Using your heavy scissors or your garden shears, cut out the template of the wire mesh. Use the cable ties to secure the mesh to the door and side openings. One on each corner and one in the middle of each side is generally sufficient.

Lastly, use your duct tape to cover up the edges of the mesh wiring. It is usually best to just you one continuous strip all the way around the door and one for each side. This prevents your pet bird from injuring itself on any loose edges.

If your kennel already has holes in the back, you will need to cover them with mesh if they are large enough for your pet bird to stick his beak or legs through. To do this, just cut out one square of mesh large enough to cover all of the holes and secure it to the back of the kennel with duct tape.

If the back of your kennel does not have holes already, you will need to take a small ¼ inch drill bit and drill 15 to 20 holes in the back of the kennel. Then you will need to tape a swatch of the mesh over those holes on the outside of the kennel with duct tape.

Put the top of the kennel on and your fine feathered friend is now ready for travel!

Weather Update for Continental

The severe weather in the North East is affecting many pet shipments. We just got this update from our folks at Continental.

As you may know, one of Continental Airlines' largest hubs is in Newark, New Jersey (just outside New York City) and that area is being hit by a massive snow storm today through Sunday (Sunday may be the worst day). As a result, the PetSafe desk is currently contacting customers whose animals are booked as connections through Newark for Friday - Sunday and rebooking those to Monday and beyond. However, we are leaving the animals connecting to our international flights in tact, as well as any animal whose destination is EWR or whose origin is EWR (if their flight operates, then the animal will go).

We are currently pre-cancelling hundreds of flights, and will continue to make hour to hour decisions as the weekends goes forward. For example, we've cancelled today's flights earlier this morning and will make decisions this evening (approx 6pm central time) about tomorrow's operation, etc. If you have pets booked in or through Newark this weekend, please check flight status of your booked flights at our website (passenger website - not cargo) http://www.continental.com/web/en-US/apps/travel/flightStatus/default.aspxto to see if it's been cancelled.

Any animals that can be rerouted over Houston, should be rerouted to be safe. (Please note that current forecasts call for some frozen precipitation in Houston again on Sunday night through Monday morning, but I'll update you again if we see cancelled flights happening in Houston. Keep your fingers crossed.)

Don't we know it! The picture above is from Amy Christy (International Pet Relocation Counselor here at Animal Land). It was taken in her back yard.

Jet Blue Announces Pet Program

This week Jet Blue announced their "JetPaws" program. It is not particularly useful for most pet relocation folks as it applies to in-cabin pets only. However, it is absolutely a great program and does offer bonus points.

From the press release:

Pet fur-iendly JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU) today unveils JetPaws(TM), an exclusive new in-cabin program designed to provide pet owners with helpful Travel Pettiquette guidelines, which outline the social graces of jetting with small dogs and cats. As part of the new program, customers will also receive two bonus award points for each flight through JetBlue's TrueBlue customer loyalty program, helping two-legged customers earn free travel faster when traveling with Fido or Fluffy.

With over 80,000 pets flying each year, it makes sense that they'd attempt to make in-cabin pet travel more convenient for their clients. The cities that this program is being launched in are Boston; Fort Lauderdale; Las Vegas; Long Beach/L.A.; New York; Orlando; San Francisco; and Washington, D.C.

Continental's Holiday Hours

Received in our office today from our favorite airline regarding their Holiday hours.

In observance of the Christmas holiday, Continental Cargo will close its Houston based Cargo Customer Service Center which houses the PetSafe desk at 10pm Central Time on December 24th (Wednesday night) and will reopen at 0600 Central Time on December 26, 2008 (Friday morning).

Importing Pets into The US

We here at Petmovers.com are committed to moving pets safely around the world. We focus a great deal of attention on all of the regulations for various countries and how to best comply with both the written word and the nuances we have uncovered through years of experience.

However, I am always surprised by the number of requests we get for the regulations for pets coming into the US. Luckily they are pretty easy.

1 - The pets must have a rabies shot which is between 30 days and a year old;

2 - They must have a health certificate dated with 10 days of arrival.

That's it! There is an additional form required if you are importing a puppy or kitten which we can provide.

Some countries do have export regulations and you should check to make sure you comply with those.

Please be aware that if you are coming from the following countries he will need a screw worm test as well or they will be held in customs.

ASIA - Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Macau, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Viet Nam

CENTRAL AMERICA/CARIBBEAN - Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamica, Trinidad and Tobago

MIDDLE EAST - Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qata, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates

PACIFIC ISLANDS - Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paracel Islands, Philippines, Singapore, Spratly Islands

SOUTH AMERICA - Argentina, Brazil, Boliva, Colombia, Easter Islands, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Surinam, Uruguay, Venezuela

Also, if your pet is not traveling as excess baggage or in cabin, you will need to make arrangements to clear customs in the US. If your flight is arriving late in the afternoon, you should make arrangements to "pre-clear" your pet so they don't have to spend the night in a kennel waiting for Customs to open.

California Governor's Proposal is Not Pet Friendly

Below is an article from a great blog, Vet Blog, outlining The Terminator's new proposal for raising funds in California.

An article in today’s San Francico Chronicle discusses Arnold Schwarzenegger’s plans to mend the massive hole in California’s budget. Among his answers: charge sales tax for veterinary visits.

Schwarzenegger also wants to broaden the sales tax to include appliance and furniture repair, vehicle repair, golf and veterinary services beginning March 1. His tax package, which would generate nearly $4.7 billion this year, also includes a severance tax on oil produced in California and an excise tax on alcohol. [emphasis mine]

Sorry Arnold, but I can’t support you. In this economy I know veterinarians who are cutting back hours and trimming staff to keep their practices from going under. Vets are strapped. And I meet plenty of people every day who can no longer afford the best possible care for their pets. People with pets are strapped.

Traditionally, services have not been subject to sales tax. I find it interesting that Governor Schwarzenegger chose to tax veterinary services and auto repair, but not human medical services or attorney’s fees. Taxing the latter two industries would draw in much more revenue for the state. It also would draw a lot more fire from armies of vicious, well-organized attorneys. I assume that is why Arnold has decided to pick on mechanics and vets (and their clients).

In this endeavor, Arnold, I wish you the worst of luck. And I’d like to suggest an alternative means of raising revenue. Start taxing people who watch or rent action movies featuring muscle-bound men.

On a different note, Horst recently asked readers for feedback on how the economy is affecting their choice of pet food. His question: are people choosing cheaper pet foods in these tough times?

Great Gift Ideas for your Dogs

SNIF Tags offer a small RFID chip that attaches to your dog's collar, where you can then log in to their online site and see your dog's activity level while you are away from home. While it doesn't provide any GPS locating, and certainly would not serve as a microchip for international pet transportation purposes, it does tell you when your dog is up walking around or lying down.
One of the cooler features that it offers is the social networking tool -- dog owners can create profiles for their pets and if you bump into another pet with a SNIF Tag on out on a walk or in a dog park, it will show that the two tags "connected" on the two dogs' profiles.

Finding Pets in Dubai

Now you can find your pets among the new architectural wonders. Microchip databases are common in the US and Europe but have been slow to arrive in other parts of the world.

That changed recently as The United Arab Emirates have developed a pet tracking database.

Residents who come across a lost pet would now be able to get in touch with its owner directly through the Middle East's first online animal database — Aniworldbase. The web site, which registers the details of micro-chipped animals, was launched by its developers, NMC Veterinary Division, at an event last Thursday.
Government officials, veterinarians and animal welfare groups have welcomed the initiative which would also help resolve the situation of abandoned pets in the country. Animal welfare groups, including K9 Friends and Feline Friends, have reported many cases of pets being abandoned by their owners, or simply lost.
The database would help in tracking down the owners of lost or abandoned pets, according to the NMC Veterinary Division Business Unit Manager, Dr Vikram Sharma. "This is common in places like Europe, but it has been missing in the Middle East," he said.
Dr Sharma encouraged pet owners to approach their veterinarian to have a microchip, the size of a grain of rice, implanted in their pets. The municipality or a rescue organisation would then be able to scan the microchip and check its details online.
Dr. Sharma said the municipalities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are supportive of the initiative. He said the web site had the potential to grow and provide many services, possibly social networking capabilities.

Khaleej Times

Dog Travel - Going by Car

We have previously posted tips for traveling with your pets by car, but it is always nice to get different perspectives.

Subaru and the AVMA have published a free brochure with travel tips for pets. You can download it HERE. Below are some of the highlights.

1. If your pet is not accustomed to car travel, take it for a few short rides before your trip so it will feel confident that a car outing does not necessarily mean a trip to the veterinarian or an unpleasant destination.

2. Cats should always be confined to a cage or in a cat carrier to allow them to feel secure and prevent them from crawling under your feet while you are driving.

3, Dogs riding in a car should not ride in the passenger seat if it is equipped with an airbag, and should never be allowed to sit on the driver's lap.

4. See your automotive dealer for pet accessories designed specifically to fit your vehicle, such as compartment dividers that separate pets and cargo from the passenger area. Several automobile manufacturers, including Subaru, offer a dog guard/compartment divider that keeps pets safely in the rear cargo area of station wagons, "crossover" vehicles and SUVs.

5. Pets should not be allowed to ride with their heads outside car windows. Particles of dirt or other debris can enter the eyes, ears, and nose, causing injury or infection.

6. Give small portions of food and water. Plan to stop every two hours for exercise. Remember to include a leash with your pet's traveling supplies.

7. If your dog has a problem with carsickness, your veterinarian can prescribe medication that will help the dog feel comfortable during a long car trip.

8. Pack a simple pet first-aid kit that includes assorted bandages, antiseptic cream, an anti-diarrheal medication that is safe for pets (ask your veterinarian to suggest a product), gauze squares, phone numbers for your veterinarian, and a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital at your destination, as well as a national poison control hotline.

9. In addition to a standard identification tag (which should be labeled with your name, home address, and phone number), your pet's collar should include a travel tag with information on where you are staying while away from home. Should your pet become lost, this will allow you to be contacted locally.

10. Perform a daily "health check" on your pet when away from home. In unfamiliar surroundings, your pet's appetite, energy, and disposition may change. Watch for unusual discharges from the nose and eyes, excessive scratching or biting of any body part, abnormal elimination, or excessive water consumption. Visit a local veterinarian if you are concerned about any physical or behavioral changes.

A Perfect Re-Enactment of My Thanksgiving Food Coma

Happy Thanksgiving!

Why Do You Need A Pet Passport?

What is a Pet Passport Anyway?

There are many online stories and websites which mention a "Pet Passport" when an international location is involved. Consequently, there is a great deal of confusion about what a Pet Passport does, when it is needed, and how to get one. Hopefully we can sift through some of the fog.

What does a Pet Passport allow you to do? - A Pet Passport is used when your pet is entering the United Kingdom for the first time. There is certain blood tests which must be done, followed by a six month waiting period. Obtaining a Pet Passport will allow your pet to travel throughout the EU and the States and then return to the UK without having to start the six month waiting process all over again.

When is a Pet Passport Needed? - We recommend anyone who plans to go to England and then travel throughout Europe with their pet, or return to the States for a visit and then go back to the UK, get a pet passport. This will eliminate substantial costs and headaches in the future. If you are an employee transferring to the UK for a two or three year contract and then plan to return to the States and never go back, it is not necessary to get a Pet Passport.

How do I get a Pet Passport? - You should get your Pet Passport from a competent vet in the UK. While it may be possible to get one elsewhere, getting one from a vet in the UK will alleviate the necessity of having to deal with pitfalls in the future. We maintain a database of recommended vets in London, so please shoot us an email if you need a name!

COUNTRIES BELONGING TO THE EUROPEAN UNION
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and United Kingdom.

International Pet Shipping - Pets to Australia

Australia is certainly one of the more involved countries to send pets to and we highly recommend consulting a professional pet relocation service.

The key is to get started at least 5 months before you plan to depart. There is a mandatory 30 quarantine at a facility in Australia. However, you must do the correct blood tests and paperwork to be eligible for only 30 days.

To correctly begin the procedure, you need to:

1. Insert a microchip - AVID and Home Again are the most popular
2. Give your pet a rabies shot - It doesn't matter if he had one a month ago if he didn't previously have a microchip inserted
3. Blood draw for the Rabies Titre - We can provide your vet with details on where to send the sample

The clock starts ticking when the blood is drawn so the above will at least get you started on the right path.

Also, please do NOT vaccinate your dog against Leptospirosis (the "L" in a standard DHLPP vaccine). Instead please give the DHPP vaccine. Giving the Lepto vaccine can result in a false positive on the Lepto test which is required before your dog can enter.

Dog Shipping - Pets to Hawaii

Anyone who has ever visited the enchanted Islands of our 5oth State has no trouble understanding why Hawaii is one of our more popular destinations.

We recently got great news for additional options for our fine furry friends as Aloha Air will offer pet shipping services:

Aloha Air Cargo will also offer pet shipping through its Lovable Pet Air Services. The company said a professional animal specialist on staff will ensure animals are safe and secure throughout the interisland flight. In addition to traditional pets, Aloha Air said it will provide transport to animals including sheep, miniature horses, potbelly pigs, turtles, seals, rare native birds and pheasant chickens.

“Whether looking to transport a fresh pineapple or poodle, customers can rest assured knowing that their products and pets will arrive safe-and-sound, on-time and as always, receive the legendary service and care that Aloha is known for,” Said Mike Malik, senior vice president of Aloha Air Cargo, in a statement.

From The Pacific Business Journal

Going from the UK to The United States

We have written many articles about taking pets to the UK, however we often take for granted those coming the other way. We have indeed written about the requirements for coming into the US with pets.

However we thought we would include a great article from Shelter Offshore about considerations for taking posts in the US.


When most of us think of expatriating and working abroad we think of heading off to exotic destinations where the sun shines, the local language and culture will be as much of a learning experience as adapting to the new ways of working, and we see it all as something of an adventure. However, what about going to work abroad in America?

For professional and managerial level employees, the reality of an overseas assignment can indeed mean relocating State-side…so is such an adventure as exciting and challenging as a move abroad to somewhere like Dubai or Australia?

According to a new paper published by Human Resources Executive Online, the answer is a resounding ‘yes.’ In fact, according to their research and expert opinion, a relocation to America can be just as cross-culturally challenging as one to a nation where English is not the spoken language!

A relocation abroad for work purposes is often considered to be of mind expanding and career enhancing benefit to an individual, and advantageous in terms of international competitiveness for companies. Therefore it is very important that a relocation abroad actually works – which is why so much research and effort goes into understanding how expats adjust, and what level of HR support an individual and their family requires once they expatriate.

However, less thought is often given to those who expatriate from the UK and Ireland to go and live and work in America. It is assumed that because the language barrier is removed, there will be no other cross-cultural issues of major importance to address. According to Human Resources Executive Online that’s not actually the case. So, for companies thinking of sending staff to the US and for those actively contemplating a move to America, what is there to consider?

The level of social and workplace support required is high – adjustments are needed in everything from understanding and securing accommodation to travel, taxation and even the hours one is expected to work and the level of commitment one is expected to give to a job, a team, a manager and a company. Work-based performance can be measured differently in the US to how it is measured in the UK for example, therefore a company taking on an expatriate has an obligation to make its expectations clear. At the same time, an expat has the right to question and should not make broad assumptions about their new assignment. I.e., communication is key to an effective relocation to America.

Next up, according to the report from Human Resources Executive Online, there are three keys to a successful overseas assignment – whether that be in the US or elsewhere – and these three keys have to be understood and faced by both the prospective expat and their overseas employer. The three keys are work adjustment, social or general adjustment and family adjustment.

The first adjustment is probably the most straightforward, because in its simplest form the expat is just doing the same job in a new location. As mentioned, a certain amount of communication is still required to ensure performance expectations are articulated and regular reviews can usually address any issues that arise. When it comes to social or general adjustments this refers to getting to know and like living in America. Support can be given in the form of helping an expat find accommodation, introducing them to their new community and the facilities it has available, and being on hand to give advice and support for the day-to-day issues that can arise.

The last key to making an expat assignment successful is family adjustment – and in our opinion at Shelter Offshore it is actually this adjustment that is the make or break for most expatriates working abroad. It’s a fact that spousal adjustment will have more impact on the work performance of an expatriate employee than cultural adjustment, and therefore the most effort has to go into ensuring the family is integrated and settles well in America if an overseas assignment in the US is going to work.

Drinking With Your Dog! - Pets in London

What better pastime to spend with your best friend than to sit and toss back a pint. Unfortunately it is a difficult proposition here in the States as health regulations keep our fine furry friends out of our favorite watering hole.

However, our brothers and sisters in the UK do not have as many restraints.

Here is a list of pubs in London area where you and your favorite canine can enjoy refreshments of the hoppy variety!

Bottoms and tails up!

How To Pack For Your Pets - Pet Travel

Many of us love to travel with our pets. Our friends over at Pets.com offer up a great article on how to effectively pack for your trip:

You can’t take your pet along every time you leave town and there’s not much you can do to lessen how much you'll miss your four-legged family members when you’re away. But making sure your pet and her caretaker have everything they need for a pleasurable and safe time together can help lessen how much you worry while you’re gone. Here are some suggestions on what to include in your pet's overnight bag:

Choose the right overnight bag. Chances are you have a bag you can use on hand, but make sure it’s something you don’t mind getting dirty and can dedicate strictly to pet use. Choose a roomy bag - one that’s washable is ideal. If you can find one with multiple pockets that make organizing a cinch, that’s even better.


Don’t forget food. Pack up enough of your pet’s regular food plus some extra. Be sure you pack the same food your pet has already been eating - this isn’t the time to be switching or transitioning foods and risking stomach upset.

If you’re packing dry food, put it in pest-safe containers or zip lock baggies that will keep it fresh and don’t forget to include detailed feeding instructions. Let your caretaker know how much food your pet eats, how many times a day he eats and what those times are. Keeping your pet on her normal feeding schedule to the best of your caretaker’s ability minimizes disruption to her daily routine. And don’t forget to include treats if they’re a normal part of your pet’s day but, just as you would with food, also include information for how much and when your pet should eat them.

Also, send your pet’s food and water dish along or consider investing in a travel set specifically for overnight stays. Your caretaker may not have an extra set of dog dishes lying around and you don’t want her to have to make an unnecessary trip to the store or dip into the family china to feed Fluffy.

Give your pet the comforts of home. Send your pet off with some items that will make him feel at home even though he’s not. This can be a bed, a crate or even just a blanket from the bed you share. Also clue your caretaker in on your pet’s sleeping habits. If your cat normally slumbers under the bed for the duration of the night, let the babysitter know. Or if your dog sleeps in the crate but the door is open, mention that. Most importantly, you and your babysitter shouldn’t worry if your pet doesn’t stick to his normal sleeping routine, but it’s a good idea to set the stage for it.

Include a few toys your pet likes in his overnight bag too. Let your caretaker know which ones are favorites and which ones can be taken the park, shared (or even destroyed in the midst of fun).

Don’t forget, safety first. Include any medications or supplements your pet is on in the overnight bag. And don’t just send enough for the time you’ll be gone - include extra doses. Also leave behind information on what each medication is for, tips for administering it and contact information for your regular veterinarian. A phone number and directions from your care giver’s house to an emergency vet are also good to pack. If your pet is allergic to any medications that you know of, write it down and include that information in your overnight bag.

You also need to send your pet’s current vaccinations (or a copy of them) along for an overnight stay. This is particularly important because if anything came up for your caretaker and she had to board your pet, she would need the vaccination records in order to do it. You should also leave information on your preferred boarding place closest to your caretaker. Just in case.

Let your caretaker know how to reach you. This seems obvious, but in the mayhem of planning for a vacation, the details are often forgotten. Be sure to provide contact information for you and for at least two other family friends or friends who would be willing take over the care of your pet in the event that your chosen caretaker had an emergency (and let these folks know they’re your pet’s emergency contacts too).

Pack a thank-you surprise for your caretaker. Consider packing something in your pet’s overnight bag that your caretaker can stumble upon and enjoy. This doesn’t have to be anything elaborate - just including a thank you card from your pet in the bag can add a thoughtful touch.

Pet Travel - Make Sure Your Pets are Safe in the Car

Here at Animal Land Pet Movers we relocate pets predominately by air. We have numerous articles regarding the safety record of the airlines and how pet owners can assist.

However, thousands of pets travel by car every day and it is prudent for pets and owners alike to make sure they are properly secured. Below is a great article from our friends over at the Pet Connection Blog.

Keep your pets safe when they’re on the road — and protect yourself as well, in this week’s Pet Connection syndicated column:

Do you secure your pets when they’re riding in the car?

While most cats travel safely in carriers when they travel at all, the question typically draws an uneasy look and an uncomfortable response from even the most conscientious and well-meaning of dog lovers.

The truth is that most dog lovers — including those who wouldn’t think of leaving home without first securing themselves and their children with a seat belt — don’t provide the same protection for their dogs.

The results can be tragic. Unrestrained pets cause more than 30,000 accidents annually, according to the American Automobile Association, injuries and even fatalities that could in many cases have been avoided with the use of a restraint or carrier.

And it’s not just their safety that’s at risk, write our Dr. Marty Becker and our DogCars.com editor Keith Turner:

“In a 30 mph accident, a 60-pound dog can cause an impact of more than 2,700 pounds, slamming into a car seat, windshield or other passengers,” said Christina Selter, founder of Bark Buckle Up, an organization dedicated to teaching pet owners about the importance of securing their pets while traveling.

“And if the animal survives and gets loose, it can run into traffic or impede the progress of emergency crews arriving on the scene.”

Safety tips for pet owners aren’t all you’ll find. Gina gives a reader some tough love about breeding his cat, and another reader asks her to remind everyone that acetaminophen (Tylenol) is deadly to cats. Dr. Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon write that petting animals helps soldiers suffering from PTSD, plus let us know about a new shelter for homeless people and their pets.

Dr. Becker gives bird owners the scoop on medicating their pets, and animal behavior experts Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp point out that pets don’t soil in the house out of spite:

Pets may poop on your bed for a variety of reasons, none of which involve what we humans call “spite.”

A sudden change in a pet’s behavior is often the first sign of a health problem. If the pet checks out as healthy at the veterinarian’s, then consider any possible new source of stress.

Both cats and dogs may use urine and feces to mark territory when they are feeling threatened or stressed by changes in the environment or household routines.

Punishing your pet only adds more stress and continues a vicious cycle. Instead, look for ways to reduce your pet’s stress by meeting more of your pet’s needs. Establish a predictable daily routine for feeding, exercise and companionship.

Pets in Canada - New Law Requires Registration in Calgary

Our neighbors to the North have instituted some new rules for owning pets in the majestic province of Alberta.

The article is from the Calgary Herald and is reprinted below.

Having a pet is a lot of fun, but it's not without its responsibilities.

The City of Calgary has established a number of bylaws for owners of dogs and cats, the most notable being the requirement that Fido and Felix be licensed.

"At three months of age, dogs and cats need to be licensed," says Joanne Hahn, manager of policy and public education with Animal & Bylaw Services. She describes a licence as "the pet's ticket home. The whole problem with shelters is they can't connect the owner to the pet ... and that's what the licence does."

She says licences compliment other identification methods such as tattoos and microchipping, but for dogs they aren't interchangeable -- you still need a licence. "One problem with microchipping is people forget to update their addresses if they move," Hahn says, while licences, being annual, are updated more frequently.

"With cats it's a bit different -- you have to have your cat licensed, but if your cat is microchipped or tattooed it doesn't have to be wearing the licence tag. People say, but my cat never goes outside; the Humane Society shelter is full of indoor cats," says Hahn.

Other bylaws require dogs to be leashed at all times unless on their owner's property or in a designated off-leash area.

As for cats, the 2006 Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw requires cats be kept on their owner's property and not be allowed to roam the neighbourhood.

"And the biggest complaint the city gets is people not picking up dog poop," says Hahn. "The fine is $250 if you don't pick up after your dog. And dogs should not be on school grounds, playgrounds or sports fields."

Dog misbehaviour can add up to some heavy fines -- as much as $1,500 for causing severe injury to a person.

"Everything we do is complaint-generated and our officers are trained in mediation and conflict resolution. They'll get the full story; we're out to be fair and we want to protect the public," says Hahn.

The city can also impose fines for complaints of excessive barking, although Hahn says the first complaint usually just results in a warning letter.

The Animal Services website keeps a frequently updated record of impounded animals. For more information on pet-related bylaws, call 311 or visit www.calgary.ca/animalservices.

Pet Health - How Much Exercise Does Your Pet Need?

Just like people, dogs need a proper diet and the right amount of exercise to stay fit and healthy. But it can be hard for owners to know how much time to spend at the dog park.

ILoveDogs.com said that a good basic guideline is 30 minutes of exercise a day. But owners need to see how that works for each pet, because some dogs will be able to go nuts for much longer than that, while others poop out at 20 minutes. QualityDogResources.com gives the same guideline, but also notes that dogs bred for working farms such as collies may need two hours a day.

Regardless, the time can be broken up into chunks so that neither owner nor pet gets too tired. But remember: You can't really judge based on a dog's size, WiseGeek.com notes.

The breed, however, can give a clue. A small Jack Russell, for instance, may need a lot of play time each day, but a huge mastiff could be happy with a 15-minute walk. You can also vary how much exercise your pooch gets by changing up the activities.

PetFit.com says that walking burns twice the number of calories as resting, while jogging or playing fetch burns three times. Swimming, doing agility trials or working with livestock burn six times the calories.

Still, you must be careful about how much exercise a dog gets.

VetMedicine.com says that owners need to be careful not to overwork young, excited dogs, as well as keep an eye out for damage to feet from running or playing on hard surfaces. The site also suggests a complete health exam before starting an exercise program with a dog.

Source: wftv.com

Taking Pets To Belgium

Belgium is a popular destination for many of our clients. It is a financial center in Europe as well as being home to many world organizations including the European Union and NATO.



Getting there is relatively easy. Each pet will need:

1) Microchip;
2) Rabies shot between 30 days and a year old;
3) EU Health Certificate, Endorsed by the USDA – We have a fully editable copy which we will provide for you. We will also provide you with the address for the appropriate USDA office.
4) International Health Certificate - Most Vets carry the APHIS Form 7001. If not, we can instruct them on where to get it.

Where to Stay - Once you are there, there Crowne Plaza in both Brussels and Antwerp will allow pets. There may be some restrictions, so make sure to ask and let them know you will be bringing a pet.

Of course, once there it would be a shame not to take Rover for a romp through the famed Cinquantenaire Park.

Fun Friday

Ok, this is weird.

Shipping Pets to Shanghai - Things to be Aware of When Shipping Pets

With over 1 billion people, China is certainly a force in the world economy. We send many clients to Shanghai and have previously highlighted the requirements for getting there.

Today we wanted to share some excerpts from a first hand account of the experiences of people living in Shanghai with pets. The article comes The Shanghai Daily.

EXPATS intent on moving to Shanghai for a long stint often want to bring their pets with them. But with all the rules, regulations and paperwork required, it's surely a big decision, writes Tan Xian.

Having decided to settle in Shanghai, Renee Allen is keen to bring her five-year-old golden retriever, Benny, over from the United States.

But she continues to hesitate. Bringing a pet to the city from overseas is a complicated business.

For starters, Allen was told that if a pet failed a check at the airport customs gate, it could be euthanized.

She also learned from a company experienced in importing pets that a seven-day isolation period in a government-prescribed location, such as a pet hospital, is a must.

And when she studied local regulations on owning a dog in China on the Internet, she discovered that licensed dogs would still be caught if they don't follow certain rules. "The laws for dogs are too strict and complicated in Shanghai. I'm confused," Allen says.

Shanghai local Gee Gu, who has helped many pets enter and leave China, says people have to be careful when deciding whether to import pets.

"But the pets are taken good care of in the week-long isolation. The owner can even choose the brand of pet food," he says.

Dogs and cats are quite easy to bring in, says Gu. The owner just needs to provide two certificates from a vet and ensure the animal has had a rabies injection.

But other animals are forbidden. Gu once witnessed a girl arrive at the airport with a pet rabbit. As the law defines cats and dogs as the only pets allowed entry with a passenger, the rabbit had to be put down.

"Pets such as lizards or rabbits are defined as ordinary animals which are not easily brought into the country by private owners," Gu adds. "If the pet is a dog and likely to stay for a long period in the city, it needs a license."

Shanghai native Jim Ying owns a crossbred wolfhound. He made great efforts to settle the dog in his home after acquiring it from a company where it was previously used as a guard dog.

"It's really difficult because Shanghai does have restrictions on certain dog breeds and areas where they can live," says Ying who decided to raise the animal because the company broke up and the dog faced being euthanized.

Purebred dogs like wolfhounds, German shepherds and Dobermans - often used as guards dogs - are not allowed to live with families.

Ying says his dog was lucky as his first license did not state his breed as a wolfhound as he is a crossbreed and his news home was outside the inner-ring area (a permissible area).

However, the dog still worries Ying. "He's too big and loves barking and many neighbors are really scared of him. They complained to the realty management office and I had to keep explaining to people door-to-door. Otherwise the dog would have been 'jailed'."

Allen says Shanghai has too large a population in the downtown area and big dogs can be really fierce. "Also rabies is a big killer in China, and you must abide by the laws of the land that you choose to live in.

"You have to clearly investigate the laws and rules and you also should think about neighbors. You need to think a lot before bringing a dog to Shanghai."

Internationl Pet Shipping - When to Get Started

International Pet Travel is not something best left to the last minute. Many countries require advanced planning and it is rarely too early to get started. Advanced planning is crucial to either avoid quarantine, or even enter at all in some instances. Below is a quick guide on when you should start making arrangements for various countries:

JAPAN - 7 Months - The requirements to get into the Land of the Rising Sun are quite arduous and a good 7 months of planning is required.

UK - At the very least 6 months in advanced is required. Quarantine time in the UK can be avoided all together if the proper procedures are followed.

AUSTRALIA - 6 months are required. The pet must do 30 days in quarantine but all procedures must be followed or more time could be required.

SINGAPORE - Technically only about 45 days preparation are required, however there has been a recent run on actual space and we would advice making contact at least 90 days in advance.

Pet Friendly Resources in Hong Kong

As one of the world's preeminent financial centers, Hong Kong is one of the premier destinations for our clients. We thought we would share a list of various pet related services our clients have recommended over the years.

Below find some links to pet related services in the Hong Kong area:


VETERINARIANS AND HOME DELIVERY OF PET FOODS AND MEDICATIONS


Creature Comforts
www.creaturecomforts.com
hkdrdavid@creaturecomforts.com.hk
Telephone: 9773 0372


Plover Cove Animal Hospital
www.hkvet.com
desk@hkvet.com
Telephone: 2653 9399


A complete list of Veterinarians in the Hong Kong area are HERE:

BOARDING FACILITIES AND GROOMING

DB Dog Dayz
www.dbdogdayz.com
andrew@dbdogdayz.com
Telephone: 92841491

Kennel Van Dego
www.kennelvandego.com
kennelvd@biznetvigator.com
Telephone: 2792 6889

Pet World
www.petworld.com
inquiry@petworldhk.com
Telephone: 2470 6928

Dogotel
www.dogotel.com
info@dogotel.com
Telephone: 2711-0019

QuoQuo Club
www.quoquoclub.com
quoquoclub@hotmail.com
Telephone: 9872 5439

Pet Health - What Household Medicines are Poisonous for your Pets

Our friends over at Vetblog point out that
many human medicines are poisonous to pets and should be avoided at all costs. It is too easy for well meaning owners to give their human drugs to cats or dogs. This can be a grave mistake.

A recent article on DVM Newsmagazine’s website has listed the human medicines that cause the most problems for cats and dogs.

Here is the list.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve).
Antidepressants.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Methylphenidate (Ritalin).
Flurorouracil (an anti-cancer medication).
Isoniazid (an antibiotic).
Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).
Anti-diabetics.
Vitamin D derivatives.
Baclofen (used in certain neurological conditions).
Remember that this list is not comprehensive.

And, remember that many cases of poisoning occur when pets chew on bottles of human medicine or find wayward pills on the floor. All human medicines should be stored in areas that are not accessible for pets.

Sick and Wrong, but Funny

From our favorite tech blog Gizmodo. HAPPY HALOWEEN!

Dog Shipping to Argentina

Argentina, officially the Argentine Republic, is a country in South America, constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city. It is the second largest country in South America by land area, and eighth in the world. It is also a wonderful place for pets!


The basic requirements for getting there are as follows:

1) Microchip: While a microchip is not required, it is recommended.

2) Rabies Vaccination: Each pet must have a valid rabies shot between 30 days and a year old as of the date of Travel.

3) Health Certificate (APHIS Form 7001)– This is the standard Health Certificate carried by most vets. NOTE: For Argentina, it must also be translated into Spanish and have very specific language. Please be sure to check with your Personal Move Counselor to confirm the appropriate wording. This Health Certificate must be issued within 10 days of arrival.

4) USDA Endorsement: The above document must be endorsed by the USDA. Your Personal Move Counselor will give you the appropriate address and fees.

As with most foreign destinations, we recommend you allow us to arrange custom's clearance for you so your 4 legged friends can zip off the plane and head to the local cantina with you!

Flying with Snub Nose Breeds - Pet Shipping

BREED RESTRICTIONS – American and Continental will not accept adult Pit Bulls. However, Continental will accept pit puppies under 6 months of age. During the summer, Continental will also not accept English Bulldogs at all.

Also all airlines, except Continental, tighten their temperature requirements if you have a “snub nose” breed. The snub nose dog breeds are as follows:

American Bull Dog
American Staffordshire Terrier
American Pit Bull Terrier
Boston Terrier
Boxer
Brussels Griffin
Bulldog
Bull Terrier
Chinese Pug
Chow Chow
Dutch Pug
English Bulldog
English Toy Spaniel
French Bulldog
Lhasa Apso
Japanese Boxer
Japanese Pug
Japanese Spaniel (Chin)
Mastiff (all breeds)
Pekinese
Pit Bull
Pug
Shar Pei
Shih Tzu
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Tibetan Spaniel

CATS
Burmese
Exotic
Himalayan
Persian

You should take extra care when transporting the above breeds by purchasing one size larger kennel.

Relieving Anxiety in Traveling Pets

We have previously written about the importance of NOT SEDATING your pets with traditional sedatives when traveling. We have also offered up some effective herbal alternatives.

Now below is a study from our friends at Vet Blog showing there is some scientific evidence for pheremones being effective in calming anxious pets.

Many dogs become terrified during thunderstorms. Wind, heavy rain, lightening or thunder trigger a syndrome known as storm phobia.

Dogs suffering from storm phobia may hide, pace, tremble or vocalize (howl or whine) during storms. Severely affected dogs may panic and injure themselves in a desperate attempt to escape from the frightening stimuli.

Pheromones are chemicals that trigger instinctive responses in animals. Several pheromones have been well documented in dogs.

Dog-appeasing pheromone is commercially available. It is marketed for its calming effects on dogs. In theory, it should be beneficial to dogs that suffer from storm phobias.

Like diet’s effects on feline diabetes, this sort of theory is easy to test with an unbiased scientific study. The April, 2008 NAVC Clinician’s Brief reports on one such study. From the Brief’s commentary on the study:

The results are clear and show that the use of the DAP [dog-appeasing pheromone] diffuser–along with other behavioral therapy, such as desensitization to storm sounds–can improve the behavior of some dogs with storm phobia.

I am very happy to have a scientifically proven way to help my storm-phobic patients. It stands to reason that dog-appeasing pheromone may have many additional uses. But, as scientists like to say, more research is needed.

How to Send a Pet to Portugal - Dog Shipping

Portugal is a beautiful country nestled on the Atlantic and home to over 2000 years of history. It is a favorite relocation spot for many of our clients and we wanted to list a primer on how to get your companion animals there.

In order to enter, each pet will need:

1) Microchip.

2) All animals need to have Full Vaccinations.

Dogs: DHLPP and Rabies between 30 days and a year old. Cats: FVRCP, and Rabies between 30 days and a year old.

3) EU Health Certificate, Endorsed by the USDA – We have a fully editable copy which we will provide for you. We will also provide you with the address for the appropriate USDA office.

4) International Health Certificate - Most Vets carry the APHIS Form 7001. If not, we can instruct them on where to get it.

There are some additional requirements for custom's clearance, including a copy of your passport, however we will give you the particulars.

As Lisbon is a very pet friendly place, there is much you can do with your pet once you get there.

Porto Marina is located near the Vilamoura Marina, with its extensive selection of cafes, bars, restaurants and night life. Fully self-contained these cosy 1 bedroom apartments enjoy lovely views over the gardens and swimming pool. Pets are most welcome and they ask that you bring your pet a blanket so that he can enjoy the furniture.

Casa Wladival is in Dornes, a along the river Zezêre where you travel back to a time of myths, legends and mystery. You and your pets are welcome and you may walk together in the nearby woods or along the river as well as in town. Dogs do need to be on a leash while on the premises.

Is It Really Safe to Fly Your Pets - Pet Shipping

Many people are under the misconception that “hundreds” and even “thousands” of pets are injured or killed each year during flights. This simply is not the case.

There was a figure going around the Internet that “5000 pets a year are injured or killed on flights yearly”. It turns out this was a poor extrapolation from an offhand remark made by someone at the Department of Transportation. It was not based on any hard facts.

Starting in May of 2005, the DOT (Department of Transportation) began keeping records of all incidents involving pets. This was certainly welcome by those of us in the pet relocation industry. The results from over three years of data showed that only 102 pets passed away, 48 were injured and 30 were lost. The results are HERE:

If the original statistics had been true, over 15,000 pets would have been killed or injured. The actual results were 180 incidents. This includes injuries and pets which got loose at the airport. Obviously any loss is troubling however the statistics bear out that it is less than one tenth of one percent. The fact is that pet transportation via the airlines is exceedingly safe as long as common sense is used and the proper procedures are followed.

Screw Worms and Import Implications - Dog Shipping

Officially the USDA requires all dogs being imported from countries affected by screw worms to have a statement on the Health Certificate stating the dog has been examined for screw worms and have been found free. This must be done within 5 days of entry as opposed to the usual 10.

This applies to dogs coming in from the following countries:

AFRICA-Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, S. Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe

ASIA- Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Laos, Macau, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Viet Nam

CENTRAL AMERICA/CARIBBEAN- Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago

MIDDLE EAST-Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates

PACIFIC ISLANDS- Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Paracel Islands, Philippines, Singapore, Spratly Islands


SOUTH AMERICA -Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Easter Islands, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Surinam, Uruguay, Venezuela

Here is the kicker. So far as we know this is only being enforced in Atlanta, GA. Also, the USDA does not have an official quarantine facility for dogs. Consequently, all that happens is that Customs will refuse to clear the dog until the owner can get him checked by a vet. Also screw worms apparently only affect dogs so there is no such requirements for incoming felines.

South Africa

We send quite a few pets to South Africa as it is a gorgeous country and many expats return.

Johannesburg is the source of a large-scale gold and diamond trade, due to its location on the mineral-rich Witwatersrand range of hills. Johannesburg is served by O.R. Tambo International Airport, the largest and busiest airport in Africa and a gateway for international air travel to and from the rest of southern Africa.

Cape Town is famous for its harbour as well as its natural setting in the Cape floral kingdom, including such well-known landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Although I have never been, it is supposed to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world with a climate that puts San Diego to shame.

The requirements for dogs are quite detailed and they are not done properly, the South African authorities will send the pet back at the owner's expense. We get calls!

Luckily Animal Land Pet Movers have Igna Traube as a International Personal Move Counselor. She is from South Africa and with Afrikaans as her native language, we are able to navigate the waters for our clients. The basic requirements are as follows:

1. Microchip: Each pet will need to be microchipped prior to departure.

2. Rabies Vaccination: Each pet will need a rabies vaccination between 30 days and a year old.

3. Blood Tests (For Dogs Only): Dogs must have the following blood tests within 30 days of arrival :

• Brucella Canis
• Trypanosoma evansi
• Babesia Gibsoni
• Dirofilaria immitis
• Leishmania

Your Personal Move Counselor will give you and your vet a check list of exactly how to accomplish the above as specific methods of testing are required in order for the results to be valid .

4. Import Permit: We will arrange this for you.

5. South African Health Certificate: South Africa has its own Health Certificate which needs to be issued and endorsed by the USDA within 10 days of arrival. We will fill out the form and email it to your vet to sign. We will also instruct you on where to send the document for endorsement.

6. International Health Certificate (Aphis Form 7001): Most vets carry this standard form.

7. Six Months of Heartworm Medication: This must accompany each pet.

You and your pets are now ready for Safari!

Dog Shipping - Sending Pets to Hong Kong

HONG KONG
Renowned for its expansive skyline and natural setting, Hong Kong is one of the world's leading financial capitals and a major business and cultural hub. As you might imagine, it is a popular destination for many of our clients and we hand both imports and exports.

While the rules are not onerous, the authorities are quite strict and if anything is missing from the paperwork, they will detain your pet. This, as well as the ability to speed through custom's clearance is a great reason to use our services! An overview of the process is as follows:

1) Microchip: Each pet will need to be microchipped.

2) Rabies Vaccination: All pets must must be vaccinated between 30 days and a year as of the date of arrival.

3) International Health Certificate (APHIS Form 7001)– This is the standard Health Certificate. We will assist your vet in filling out this form. It must be issued within 10 days of arrival.

4) Hong Kong Health Certificate (Form VC9R) – This is a form unique to Hong Kong. We prepare this form for you and your vet in PDF format so everything is correct. Your vet will just need to review and sign. This form will need to be sent to the USDA for endorsement.

5) Import Permit – An import permit is required in order for your pet to enter the country. Your Personal Move Counselor will get this for you.

As long as everything si done corretly, there is no quarantine when entering Hong Kong from the United States and your fur babies should be able to hop off the plane and go with you for sushi!

Pet Travel - What Are Airline Approved Kennels

To be acceptable for flight, a kennel must have hard plastic sides and a door with a clasp in front. It is preferable that you get the ones that screw shut. We have never had a problem with the other kinds, however if you use them, we always add some zip ties around the edges just to make sure. The most widely used brands are the Pet Travel Mate, Vari Kennel and PetMate.

The kennel pictured is our favorite. They come in a variety of sizes, are ventilated on all four sides and screw shut. You can view the various sizes HERE: If you have the type of kennel with the type of latches that twist closed, we recommend putting zip ties on each side of the kennel to secure it. We have never had a problem with ALL of the latches coming loose, but it is always better to be safe than sorry.

The wire kennels are not acceptable for flight. Neither are the Nylabone collapsible kennels or anything with wheels on it. The kennels which have the doors that open from the top are also not acceptable.

As USDA rules require that anyone be able to open the door of the kennel without use of any special tools, in case of emergency, it is not permitted to put a regular zip tie on the kennel door. However, they do manufacture zip ties which have a release mechanism and you can us these. It is very helpful in case the kennel is accidentally jostled as it will prevent the door from popping open.