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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.

Comfort in Crossing

From Amy Christy, International Personal Move Counselor

This is a picture of one of my little dogs, Halley, who went to the bridge in 2000. It really does give me comfort thinking that she is there waiting for me! Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown...

Not All Injuries Require a Trip to The Vet

Veterinary Pet Insurance, the largest provider of pet health insurance in the U.S., has compiled a list of the 10 most common pet injuries. This article lists the most common injuries and tips on how to treat those injuries.

1. Lacerations/bite wounds

2. Torn nail

3. Insect bites/stings

4. Abrasions

5. Eye trauma

6. Punctures

7. Foreign objects in skin

8. Foreign objects in ear

9. Foreign object in foot

10. Snake bite

Source: Chicago Tribune

Pets to Australia - International Pet Shipping

Australia is certainly one of the more involved countries to send pets to and we highly recommend using our services as the consequences are six months in quarantine for any missed item.

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.

Again, Australia is one of the countries where it is truly wise to engage our services.

Pet Travel - Do NOT Sedate Your Pets

Many pet owners are afraid their pet will be too stressed to travel and want to offer relief by giving them a sedative. The short answer is DON'T DO IT.

The longer answer is that the sedative vets give to pets is almost always "acepromezine" or ACE for short. While this is an excellent and safe drug on the ground, it is dangerous for pets who will be flying as it restricts the respiratory functions. It also effects the pets natural balance and equilibrium. The American Veterinary Association recommends that ACE not be used for flying pets as does Animal Land Pet Movers.

The good news is there are many things which can be done to prevent anxiety. First, acclimate your pet to his travel kennel (click HERE for post). Also, we have had very good success with several herbal remedies. We have created a 3 page PDF brochure which goes into detail regarding the different solutions. If you would like to receive it, please send us a quick EMAIL and we will get it to you right away. These techniques when used in tandem have proven quite effective.

Things to know for International Pet Shipping

Relocating pets internationally can be a complicated process. There is a great deal to consider, including import and export documentation, veterinary procedures, timing, airline policies, travel crate requirements, the possibility of quarantine and custom's policies in your destination country.

There are many sources to find information regarding the specific country you are traveling to. Of course we have a complete database of requirements and are glad to help. However, you can also check with the consulate and the agriculture department in your destination country.

Below are the general questions you should seek answers to before shipping your pet:

* Are there any special restrictions for pets being imported into your country?

* What documents are required to import my pet?

* Are any special vaccinations or tests required for my pet?

* Are there specific country restrictions?

* Are there any special quarantine requirements for a pet being imported?

* Is there a way to avoid or minimize the qurantine?

* Are there any country/local holidays during or around the time of my planned trip?

* What airline will I use?

* How will my pet clear customs?

There are other nuances for each country, however the above list of questions is a good start. One word of caution, there is also a great deal of misinformation on the internet so it is always a good idea to double check with an independent source. We are always here to help, so please feel free to contact us with any questions you might have.

The Most Important Thing you Can Do To Prepare Your Pet For Travel

Getting your pet accustomed to his crate is probably the most important thing you can do to ensure as smooth a transition as possible.

You should get the travel kennel at least two weeks in advance and allow your pet to get acclimated to it. A great way to start is to just leave it in the family room or your bedroom and allow your pet to explore.

Next, you can put him in for short periods of time while you are home. Then, for short trips to the store and slowly for longer and longer time periods.

By implementing the above strategy, you will greatly reduce the chances of anxiety and help ensure a successful pet relocation.

Pet Custody Battle

An interesting story from CNN.com today outlines the difficulties which can arise when a marriage, or even a relationship dissolves. This is an emerging area of law, but for right now:

Ownership is defined by purchase or, in the case of a shelter animal, who paid the adoption fee, so the best evidence is a bill of sale or an adoption record, Karps says.

Elliott also recommends the agreement be enforceable across the U.S., "because what happens when one party leaves the state? You have to have the foresight to think about all the different scenarios that could play out."

The courts have yet to institutionalize the standard of "the best interest of the dog," as they have for children, but it's the benchmark experts like Jennifer Keene, a dog trainer and the author of "We Can't Stay Together for the Dogs: Doing What's Best For Your Dog When Your Relationship Breaks Up," advocate when it comes to working out new pack arrangements.

Welcome Home

A soldier returns home and is greeted by his dogs after 14 months in Iran.