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.