If You Have to Go Into Quarantine in Hawaii

Animal Land ships many pets to Hawaii under the direct release program and we are experts in ensuring that all veterinary work is in order to ensure you can pick up your pet several hours after his arrival into Honolulu. However, because the process must be started well in advance of transport, some clients who must move quickly find it necessary to ship their pets prior to their eligibility date for release, where they must remain in quarantine.

I have recently had the pleasure of working with a terrific client, Andrea, in the transport of her adorable dog, Sebastian to Hawaii. Andrea is an "on the go" businesswoman and she wanted Sebastian to arrive into Hawaii before his 120 day wait period was over so that she could be close to him and be able to visit. Sebastian is spending 28 days at the main quarantine station in Hawaii. Andrea has been kind enough to provide this great picture of her and Sebastian after he was all settled in to his quarters at the main dispensary last week. This is where your pet will reside awaiting his eligibility date for release if he must be transported early. Andrea has also been kind enough to provide her assessment of her experience with the quarantine station after her first visitation to the facility.

Andrea also made sure Sebastian had a special Lei to welcome him to the islands. I just love their matching outfits! Thanks Andrea - we couldn't have asked for better models!

It was a pleasure having you help get my big baby to Hawaii. I will take some video footage and more pictures of the facility and send them to you.

The kennels are outdoors ( I didn't expect that at first, but it seemed to be okay). They are on a big slab of concrete, with a bed lifted off of the ground (the bed is made of ply wood and most people put blankets on the plywood. The dog has plenty of space to move around. The area is cleaned out daily with a hose.

They have a bench inside of the cage so the owner can sit and visit with their dog.

They feed the dogs 3 times a day, unless the owner instructs otherwise. The workers were giving some baths that needed them. The people working at the quarantine were very friendly. I believe they must play with the dogs, because the dogs seem to like the people (always a good sign).

You can bring your pet treats, dog beds, and toys (toys can't have rawhide). They have a vet on staff that inspects your dog when he arrives to Hawaii. My dog has a bad leg and they left a note on his cage to tell me to come talk to the vet. The vet was just checking to make sure he didn't get injured in his travels. I appreciated them checking.

Thanks again for all of your help,

Andrea

How To Teach Kids To Interact with Dogs

We have all experienced the "awwwwww" moment of seeing a cute dog and wanting to go up and grab it around the neck. If you are a parent, you have probably also experienced the anxiety of having your child run up to a strange dog and wondering if the dog was friendly.

Teaching a child how to safely approach and pet a dog is incredibly important for parent and child alike. The Victor Valley Daily Press has a great article with valuable tips:

Some experts suggest having the child putting out a closed fist or a hand with palm upraised, others say just stand there. But all agree: let the dog decide whether to approach the child. Don’t hold a dog still in your lap for petting, and respect the dog’s decision if it turns away or moves behind the owner.

If the dog does approach, observe the body language. Don’t concentrate on the tail, it can be hard to read. Pelar says, “I tell people that if they’re looking at the tail, they’re watching the wrong end of the dog.”

Instead, the mouth can give a lot of clues. A dog that’s licking lips, panting excessively, or yawning, is showing that he’s not comfortable. These are oral self-soothing behaviors much like sucking your thumb, says Pelar. In contrast - opposite of the common maternal fear of the teeth showing - if the dog’s mouth is open, that’s a sign that it’s relaxed.

International Pet Travel - Taking Pets to Mexico

Mexico City with its 23 million people is the largest city in the western hemisphere by population and second largest in the world!

Needless to say, we send a pet or two there. The good news is that it is really easy to get there. The one caveat is that we highly recommend using an agent to clear customs. We have had clients who have had difficulties doing it on their own. Of course we can help set this up for you.


The requirements are as follows:

1) Rabies shot between 30 days and a year old with the original rabies certificate;
2) All pets must be fully vaccinated.
Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Leptospirosis, (DHLPP);
Cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP)
3) International Health Certificate - Most Vets carry the APHIS Form 7001. If not, we can instruct them on where to get it. It must be issued within 10 days of arrival.

There is no requirement that the health certificate be endorsed by the USDA. Let us know if you have any questions. Ole!

A Healthy Pet Travels Better

By Valerie Marshall, Animal Land's Director of Marketing

Diet is always the first line of defense and is the foundation of health. A pet of sound mind and body will deal with the stress of traveling easier.

If your companion is consuming highly processed food that provides only minimal nutrition and includes any number of toxins such as chemical preservatives, food dyes, additives and fillers, his immune system is being depleted daily just to cope with his diet. Fresh food is the first step in building a strong immune system. Many people wait until their animal has a serious or chronic illness such as cancer, kidney disease or allergies (to name a few), to finally change the diet. Prevention is so much kinder and immeasurably more effective. Feeding a varied diet that includes as much fresh food as possible does take a bit more effort than scooping kibble out of a bag, but it is truly worth the effort in the long run.

One of the benefits of a healthy diet is a healthy gastrointestinal tract. If the digestive tract is weakened by inflammation from allergies or inflammatory bowel disease or other digestive disorders, even the nutrients in a healthy diet are harder to process and absorb. Healing and maintaining the digestive tract is vital to overall health and immunity. Digestive enzymes, probiotics and essential fatty acids all play a role in gastrointestinal health and proper digestion.

Exercise must also be mentioned for its role in helping build and maintain a strong immune system. Moderate exercise has been shown to improve immune factors in humans and animals. Weight control is also key – overweight animals are much more susceptible to chronic and acute diseases and infections. Proper diet AND exercise are needed to help with weight control.

Keep your pet's health in mind during the preparation of your move. It is just as important as acclimating your pet to his new travel crate. Make the commitment and the whole family will enjoy the venture more.

Happy travels,

Valerie Marshall

Handling Heat Embargoes During The Summer

Summer is upon us and many airlines have placed their annual embargoes on pets traveling as checked baggage or even as air cargo on specific routes. Different airlines have different rules once the temperature reaches 85 degrees and not being properly informed can be a huge inconvenience. Also, be aware that customer service personnel for passenger flights are most likely NOT well versed in the policy for pets. You should always contact the cargo desks for the most up to date policies.

Please remember these embargoes are in place for a very good reason, the safety and comfort of your pet. There are already numerous aspects of travel which create stress for your pet so there is no need to take needless chances with the heat. So is it possible to work with these restrictions and allow for safe pet travel during the summer?

The answer is a resounding YES. At Animal Land Pet Movers we work with airlines which have specific pet programs programs that allow your pet to travel comfortably and safely during the summer. All pets are kept in a climate-controlled area of the airline’s cargo offices before and after their flights. They are kept in this environment until it is time for them to board, so they are never left out on the tarmac where they can suffer the effects of inclement weather. We also monitor ever flight so in case of delays, we are able to notify the appropriate personnel to make arrangements.

Also, because of our status as professional shippers, there are some instances where we are able to accomplish certain moves when the general public could not.

How To Move 4 Dogs over Ten Thousand Miles!

Some pet relocations are easier than others. We are pleased to report Animal Land Pet Movers successfully completed one of the more involved relocations. Where there is a will, there is a way!

The challenge: Get 4 dogs from Mauritius to Freeport, Grand Bahamas, a distance of over 10 Thousand miles. Seemingly impossible, but Elvis, Carlos, Suki and Jimi are now relaxing by the shore.

We enlisted the help of our good friends at Move-A-Pet in South Africa and arranged the flight from Mauritius to South Africa along with all the necessary import and export permits. Next it was on to Amsterdam and then Atlanta. Next, all of the paperwork for The Bahamas had to be completed in Atlanta and because there are limited flights for pets into the Islands, we arranged for a friend with a plane to get them to Freeport.

We landed and hand delivered the paperwork through customs to unite the guys (and girls) with their relieved owners. In all, this pack traveled over 10 thousand miles during the span of six days and were troupers throughout! Thanks again to all who made this possible.

Pet Travel - Taking Your Pets to 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!

Animal Transportation - The Best Airline to Use When Flying Your Pet

There are many airlines to use when attempting to relocate your pets. As with any business, some companies are better than others.

First a quick word about airlines that won't move your pets. Jet Blue, Skywest and US Air are the main ones who do not move pets at all. Air Tran will allow small pets on the plane, but you should check with them about availability as they restrict the number of pets they will allow on any one flight.

When it comes to the airline to use when transporting your pet, there is one that stands above the rest, Continental Airlines. They have dedicated equipment in addition to well trained, friendly employees who truly have your pet's safety in mind. The easy answer is if your routing is serviced by Continental Airlines, you should use them.

Pet Resources In London

London is one of our most popular destinations. We have previously posted on how to avoid quarantine for pets going to the UK, and thought we would list some resources once you get there.


Veterinarians



The Hyde Park Veterinary Center

Website: www.hydeparkvet.co.uk

Email: hydeparkvet@aol.com

Telephone: 020 7723 0453



Portman Veterinary Clinic

Website: www.portmanvetclinic.co.uk

Email: info@portmanvetclinic.co.uk

Telephone: 020 7723 2068



The Park Veterinary Practice

Website: www.parkvets.co.uk

Email: info@parkvets.co.uk

Telephone: 020 8542 4524


Complete List of Veterinarians in the London Area by Location


Boarding Facilities



Loggerheads Cattery

Website: www.loggerheads.org.uk

Email: info@loggerheads.org.uk

Telephone: 020 8531 2134


Silverdale Boarding Kennels
Website: www.Siverdale-kennels.com
Email: info@Silverdale-kennels..com
Telephone: 020 8890 1784


Windmill Farm
Website: www.windmillfarm.com
Email: info@windmillfarm.com
Telephone: 020 8660 7511


Complete List of Boarding Facilities in the London Area by Location



Pet Sitting


Paws & Claws
Website: www.pawsclaws.co.uk
Email: enquiries@pawsclaws.co.uk
Telephone: 07985 743719 or 07739042391


Fetch
Website: www.fetchdogcare.co.uk
Email: jcooper49@btinternet.com
Telephone: 020 8480 7061

Getting Started With Pets to Australia - Pet Relocation

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.

Tips on Moving With Birds

Many parrots and other exotic birds have life spans in excess of 50 years. This in conjunction with their engaging and unique personalities make them a cherished member of the family. We are often asked about the regulations for traveling abroad with birds.

The good news is that it is possible (to most locations). With the scare surrounding avian flu, some countries have instituted a complete ban so please check with us regarding your ultimate destination.

The bad news is, it is an expensive and involved process. The first obstacle we usually encounter is many exotic pet birds are actually endangered species. You can check if your pet is on the Endangered Species List by going here http://www.cites.org/.

Can Your Dog Do This?

Pet Travel Tips From A Vet

We at Animal Land Pet Movers have written extensively regarding how to prepare your pet for travel. We thought you might want to hear from a different source, Dr. Jean Hofve:

Dr. Jean Hofve, DVM, is a holistic veterinarian from Denver, Colorado, is a pro when it comes to traveling with pets. She has driven her cats seven times back and forth from California to Colorado without having to endure constant yowls of protest. She offers these six tips designed to maintain your sanity when traveling with cats and checking into pet-friendly hotels:

• Never feed your cat the day of travel by car or airplane to reduce stomach upset.
• Select pet carriers that are big enough for a cat to turn around and curl up in, but not too large.
• Include a current health certificate for your pet. You may need to present it when crossing state lines.
• Limit car travel to nine hours and include frequent short breaks.
• Keep your cat in a pet carrier in the back seat of your car with the carrier tethered to the seat belt.
• Before putting the cat inside the carrier, spritz the carrier with a calming flower essence such as Easy Traveler or Rescue Remedy or Feliway. Stash the bottle in a side pocket of the carrier for easy access.

“I’ve learned the hard way to not let my cats out of their carriers in the hotel room
because they crawl under the bed and it is nearly impossible to get them out,” says Dr. Hofve. “They are far safer inside the handicap bathroom and you are more apt to get a good night’s sleep because they won’t be roaming all over the room at night.”

For more feline travel tips, please visit Dr. Hofve’s website: www.littlebigcat.com.

Myths and Facts Surrounding Pet Relocation

There is a tremendous amount of questionable information on the web regarding moving your pet. This is compounded by the fact people often turn to the airlines for advice. The problem is the passenger information representatives are not trained on pet travel requirements so they often give wrong or inconsistent information. We thought we would go over some common misconceptions.

Myth - There are Pet Only airlines. Fact - All pets fly on commercial flights.

At the current time there are is only one Pet Only airlines, Pet Airways however their reach and capacity is limited. The overwhelming majority of pets fly on commercial passenger and cargo airlines.

Myth - My pet can fly in the cabin with me. Fact - Most pets fly in the cargo area of the airplane.

The vast majority of pets fly in the cargo compartment of the plane. If the pet is small enough to fit under the seat (about 15 pounds or less) AND the airline you choose allows, he may be able to fly in cabin. It is wise to double check this with the specific airline as information is often inconsistent.

Myth - My pet will freeze/suffocate to death in the cargo hold. Fact - The holds where pets fly are pressurized and temperature controlled.

The cargo holds where pets fly are the same temperature and pressure as the cabin as it is the same air circulated throughout the entire aircraft. On some larger planes there are indeed cargo compartments which are not temperature controlled, however pets are not loaded in these areas.

Myth - I'll just book my pet as excess baggage. Fact - It is not always that easy.

Many airlines do not allow pets at all. Others restrict the time of year they can travel as excess baggage as well as the number of pets which can travel on a certain flight. Also, the size of the pet is a big factor as larger dogs can only fit on a few types of aircraft. Pet owners should call the cargo department of the airline they would like to use (not the main number for passenger reservations) and make sure the flight they would like is available for pets.

Myth - So I have to use a Pet Moving Company? Fact - No, you can do it yourself.

For most domestic moves, a careful pet owner can arrange for relocation on their own. However, there are many pitfalls and advanced planning and follow up are crucial. A Pet Moving service is certainly recommended for the majority of international relocations as one missed detail can mean months of quarantine or refusal of entry.

Dog Shipping - Prepare Your Pet for Summer Travel

As the summer heat approaches, we wanted to offer some tips to make sure your pets' travel during the summer is as safe and comfortable as possible!

Under Coat Removal: Most experts recommend against shaving your pet for the summer months. A dog's coat helps to protect his skin from the sun and provides insulation from the heat. Dogs don't sweat to cool themselves the way people do, so they don't need exposed skin to stay cool.

Shaving double-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers, German Shepards and Shelties does not keep them cooler as their undercoats help protect them from the elements. By shaving them down you destroy the natural protective properties their coats offer them.

However, regular brushing and combing to maintain the coat are important during the spring and summer months. If your dog is badly matted or tangled, their coat may actually trap the heat and humidity close to the skin, adding to their discomfort.

You can improve their comfort by removing just the dead undercoat as this will eliminate the natural barriers which can trap heat. Bringing your double-coated breed into a salon for a professional undercoat removal prior to departure is a great way to help them feel comfortable.

TRAVEL CRATES: Your pet will spend most of their travel time inside their travel crate. The following tips will help make this as pleasant as possible:
Acclimate your pet to his crate: The #1 most important step in the process! Please make sure you give as much time as possible for your pet to acclimate to their travel crate. Our previous post for some suggestions here: http://petmovers.blogspot.com/2008/03/how-to-prepare-pet-for-travel.html.

Ventilate all four sides: Every travel crate should be ventilated on ALL FOUR SIDES of the crate. If your travel crate does not have holes on the back, you can use a drill to make them. Depending on the size of your pet, we recommend that you drill even rows of holes, about 5 holes across and 3 rows down. The holes should be as big as possible, without your pet being able to stick his nose or paws through. Generally a half or 3/4 inch drill bit does the job.

Always Provide Water Dishes: The clip on bowls from the pet store work ok, however if you have a bigger pet, consider fastening a plastic Tupperware bowl to the door of the kennel with a zip tie. A great way to ensure your pet has access to water for as long as possible, freeze the water in each dish the night before travel. This will ensure it doesn't spill out during the ride to the airport.

Provide Suitable Bedding: The airlines require there to be "absorbent" material in the bottom of all travel kennels. We have found that shredded newspaper is the absolute best. A liberal amount is recommended. The newspaper is easily discarded at the other end and provides comfortable padding during the trip. An old T-shirt with your scent on it for comfort is also a good idea. Try to avoid thick blankets and beds as they trap heat during the summer.

Avoid Battery Operated Fans: While they are great for cooling your pet at home and in the car, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will no allow any batter operated devices on the plane. If you attach them, they will most likely be confiscated.

Dana Completes Her Most Important Move Ever

Always excited to bring good news. On March 23rd, Dana Siler completed her most important move ever by bringing Haden Laine Fanning into the world.

Dana has spent many years volunteering her time with various pet organizations before coming to Animal Land Inc. She ejoys spending time with her 2 dogs and her retired Dressage horse named Pi. She is Animal Land's Senior International Move Counselor.

Questions To Ask When Shipping Your Pet Internationally

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 quarantine?

* 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.

Dog Shipping - Getting Pets to London and Avoiding Quarantine

One of our most popular destinations is London, England. 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.

Pet Relocation - Taking Your Pets To Dubai

50 years ago Dubai was a small down in the dessert with 40,000 inhabitants. Now with over 1,500,000 inhabitants, it is one of the fastest growing cities on the planet. The United Arab Emirates has been become much more friendly towards pets with the influx of foreign workers.

The UAE does not permit the import of pets who have not been vaccinated against rabies. As a practical matter this means that pets must be at least 4 months old before they are eligible to enter the UAE as most vets will not vaccinate a pet against rabies before they are 3 months and the rabies shot must be 30 days old. Also there is a "2 pet-per-passport" rule and we will need a copy of your passport. If you have more than the allowed number, please let us know and we will attempt to receive an exemption.

Below are the requirements and timing of the things needed to be done to qualify your pets for entry into Dubai.

1) MICROCHIP – As soon as practical
All pets traveling to Dubai must be micro-chipped. Avid and Home Again are the most popular brands and most vets carry one or the other. While the exact regulations state the microchip must be an ISO chip, we have not encountered any difficulties with a chip not being ISO compliant. As the exact time the microchip is implanted is not crucial, a special trip to the vet may not be necessary. Please consult with your PMC to determine the most efficient plan of action.

2) RABIES VACCINATION – Between 30 days and a year from the date of travel
Each pet must be vaccinated against rabies and the vaccination must be older than 30 days before the pet can travel. Three year rabies vaccines are increasing in popularity and we have found most to be acceptable. Your PMC will review your specific vet records and verify with the UAE. The rabies certificate must show a date of birth instead of just an age. If you are not sure of your pet's exact birthdate, it is acceptable to estimate.

The microchip number should be noted on the rabies vaccination so if your pet has a valid rabies vaccination, you can just write in the number on the Rabies Certificate. If your pet does not have a valid vaccination or a microchip, the two can certainly be combined into one Vet visit. In this case your Vet should be type in the appropriate number.

3) DISTEMPER VACCINE – Between 14 days and a year from the date of travel
Both dogs and cats need to be vaccinated for distemper. Most dogs receive a DHLPP or DHPP shot as a standard vaccination. The same is true for cats and FVRCP. These are combination vaccines which contain the necessary distemper component and satisfy the requirements. Bordatella or "kennel cough" is also a recommended vaccination for dogs.

4) IMPORT PERMIT – Within 30 days before the date of arrival
All pets must obtain an import permit and it is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. We recommend submitting an application no later than 2 weeks before your proposed travel allow flexibility. It usually takes about 7 working days to obtain, however in rush situations, we have been able to secure the Import Permits on an expedited basis.

In most circumstance we will obtain the Import Permit for you unless you have indicated to us that it is something you wish to take care of.

5) APHIS 7001 HEALTH CERTIFICATE– Within 10 days of arrival in Dubai
Your Vet will need to issue an APHIS 7001 Health Certificate. This is a six part form issued to your Veterinarian by the USDA and they will have the form on hand. The 7001 number will be located in the bottom left corner of the form.

Multiple pets can go on one APHIS 7001 as long as they are the same species. If you have a dog and a cat, you must get a separate form for each. California and North Carolina have a State Health Certificate form which is also acceptable. Please make sure the microchip number for each pet is listed on the form. The APHIS 7001 and State forms do not need the endorsement of the USDA, however some airlines have internal policies which require it. Please check with your PMC for the latest developments.

That's it and remember to take plenty of water!

Pet Shipping - Taking Your Pet to Singapore

Singapore is one of the 3 remaining true city-states and is a popular destination for many of our financial services clients.

There is a 30 day quarantine period to contend with and it is important to reserve space as soon as possible. Space fills up quickly and often the wait for space can reach 90 days. Often times we are able to expedite the process so please let us know if you need any help and we will get the paperwork started for you.

The requirements are as follows:

1) Microchip: Each pet needs a microchip. The rules state a ISO microchip is required, however we have not had issues with standard AVID and Home Again chips.

2) Rabies Vaccination & Certificate: You have to have the original rabies certificate and it must be within 30 days and a year of travel. 3 year vaccines are not acceptable.

3) Other Vaccinations: All pets must also have distemper vaccines. For dogs DHLPP will be sufficient and for cats FVRCP is recommended. Also cats must be vaccinated against Chlamydia.

4) Health Certificate - APHIS Form 7001: This is the standard Health Certificate and your vet should carry it. You will need to make sure your vet is USDA accredited as this form must also be endorsed by the USDA. Timing is critical as the Health Certificate must be issued within 7 days of the flight.

5) Parasite Treatment: Each pet must be treated for external parasites within 2-10 days prior to the flight, and internal parasites within 4 days of the flight. These treatments should be noted on the Health Certificate.

6) Import Permit: You must obtain an import permit prior to arrival in Singapore. We can get the process started for you, or if you wish we can email you the forms.

7) Quarantine: There is a 30-day mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Singapore for pets coming from the US. This cannot be avoided. Reservations must be made with the Singapore Animal Quarantine Station prior to arrival.

Many of our client's have commented about the relief of stress using our comprehensive services to Singapore, so please let us know if we can help!

Car Manufacturers Cater to Pet Transportation

Thanks to our friends at the Pet Connection Blog:

It seems that more and more car manufacturers have pet owners in mind when developing new models.

"Toyota rolled out the pet-friendly Venza in February at the massive pet industry trade show, Global Pet Expo. Not content to be the underdog, Honda showed up at the New York International Auto Show with a special edition of its already dog-friendly Element with a built-in pet ramp, better ventilation and a showy badge with a dog on it.

The Honda development is especially interesting. Our DogCars.com Web site picked the Element as the first-ever “Best in Show” after reviewing dozens of SUVs, wagons and hatchbacks. Honda, which had been marketing the boxy vehicle to young, outdoorsy men, responded with an ad campaign touting the award. And now, a special Element will be for sale in the fall.,

Saab and Volvo were first to cater to pet lovers, offering optional restraint systems in a couple of their models. But the new models from Toyota and Honda show just how anxious companies are these days to track down sales like a bloodhound.

Pet Relocation - Important Update on Swine Flu

Do NOT do this:

Pet Transportation - Swine Flu Not A Threat to Pets

With all of the recent new surrounding the Swine Flu, MSNBC reports that companion animals are not at risk:

Is there any possibility of this strain crossing into dogs, cats or other pets? If so, are small animals (puppies, kittens) more at risk than adult animals?

There is no evidence whatsoever of any risk for animals that has come up. The main problem with this is that it’s a virus that seems to have originated in pigs and became capable of infecting human beings.

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.

A New Option for Domestic Pet Travel

There is a new "Pet Only" airline which has made a big splash recently. Obviously it is too soon to tell whether it is a good thing, but it looks like a great option if you fit into their criterion.

The PROS:

• Seems very reasonably priced (Some are labeled "introductory")
  
• They fly from smaller airports, which reduces hassle
• Someone is there to watch the pets during flight

The CONS:

• They only fly to a limited number of cities (New York, LA, Chicago, Denver, DC)
• They only fly each route one day a week
• No proven track record

The only other thing which causes a bit of concern is that they have attendants take the pets out of their cages en-route. This has the potential to create problems. Other than that, it is great to have options!

Animal Land Pet Movers is Officially on Facebook

Now there is another place where you can get great information about moving your pets and connect with others!

Technology is wonderful.

So Join Us on FaceBook!

Screw Worms and Importing Pets into the US

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.

Hilton Has Gone To The Dogs

There's some good news for pet owners who find themselves trying to find dog-friendly hotels -- Hilton has just started offering their "Hilton Pet Friendly" program in all of their hotels. The amenities under their pet-friendly program include a welcome package of the following:

• Tasty Organic Treats
• A Pocket Size Packet of Bio-Degradable Waste Bags
• Crypton Travel Tote
• Travel-Sized Bottle of Disinfectant
• Hilton Pet Collar Tag
  

Alas, luxury has its price as a $75 USD non-refundable deposit is required for all Pet Friendly rooms and pets must weigh under 75 pounds. Dogs weighing over 75 pounds will be allowed, but only at the discretion of the hotelier -- click here for the fine print. But once you're in the room, the special creature comforts continue. All Pet Friendly rooms include Hilton’s Crypton Clean Pet Pillow designed by Weimaraner photographer William Wegman, two Hilton-branded pet bowls and a placemat. The Hilton concierge desks will also now have a list of local pet services.

Beware of Puppy Scams

There are a TON of people trying to sell "fake" puppies on the Internet. If anyone asks you to wire them a Western Union just to pay for shipping, please BEWARE as this is a scam. This particular scam site is doing business as Country Hospetality.

Below is the email we were forwarded. If you get an email like this, or any email stating that they are giving away free english bull dog puppies, please do NOT send them money as there IS NO PUPPY. Even if they send you pictures, it is just a fake picture of a bulldog puppy.


& nbsp;
- USA PET RELOCATION PROFESSIONAL
INFORMATION ON YOUR PUPPY IN TRANSIT

MOODY ALABAMA BRANCH
PHONE NUMBER:00237-9751-6606


Independent Pet & Animal Transport Assoc....
USDA Intermediate Handler
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture-vet services
Website:www.countryhospetality.net
We treat your Pet like Royalty!

HOW TO MAKE PAYMENT
COPY DOWN THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IN RED.

NAME : AKUM DEKLERK

COUNTRY: CAMEROON

CITY: LIMBE

POST CODE: 00237

AMOUNT $160

NB;GET IN CONTACT WITH 00237-7419-6688 FOR ANY INQUIRIES ABOUT PAYMENTS
WHEN YOU ARE PAYING THE FEES YOU WILL NEED A TEST QUESTION,MAKE IT TO BE

TEST QUESTION:..............TO WHO

ANSWER:........................FRIEND

GO TO ANY WESTERN UNION STORE AT YOUR LOCATION.
IF YOU DONT KNOW ANY LOCAL WESTERN UNION STORE, THEN HERE ARE SOME STORES YOU CAN USE.WHEN YOU GET THERE SAY YOU WANT TO SEND MONEY TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS.'THEY ARE GOING TO PROVIDE TO YOU A SENDERS FORM.
FILL OUT THE INFORMATION ABOVE CAREFULLY ON THE FORM AND THEN HAND OVER THE FORM AND THE MONEY TO THE WESTERN UNION CASHIER.WHEN YOU ARE DONE WITH THE SENDING PROCESS.
ASK THE WESTERN UNION CASHIER TO SHOW TO YOU THE 10DIGIT MTCN NUMBER ,WHICH YOU SHALL THEN EMAIL TO US FOR ACTIVATION OF YOUR PUPPIES DELIVERY CARD.
PLEASE WE DO WANT YOU TO SEND THE MONEY AS SOON AS THE WESTERN UNION STORES ARE OPEN AND GET BACK TO US WITH THE MTCN NUMBER.

Advice:we advice all our clients that when making the payment,in order not to attract high charges at your local WESTERNUNION STORES,avoid stating that you are sending the fee to a company.This is because we want the best for all our clients.SIMPLY COPY THE ADDRESS ABOVE WHICH WILL BE USED IN MAKING PAYMENT AT THE WESTERN UNION.WE DO PLEAD THAT THIS PAYMENT SHOULD BE DONE WITHING THE NEXT 45MINUTES.THIS IS BECAUSE WE NEED URGENT ACTIVATION OF PUPPIES DELIVERY CARD.

THANKS
MANAGEMENT
SECRETARY
MRS CHRIS CHAMBERS

Myth - "The Cargo Hold Isn't Pressurized"

There are many misconceptions surrounding the safety of transporting pets by airplane. One of the more common myths is "the cargo hold of the plane is not pressurized".

For the record, not true. The fact is the cargo hold of the commercial aircraft which accept pets for travel are pressurized. An airplane is just a big tube with the floor separating the passenger compartment from the cargo hold. It is more efficient to pressurize the entire tube than to attempt to compartmentalize.

One source of the misconception may come from some of the larger airplanes such as 747s. Many larger planes actually have 4 separate compartments or "bins". In these aircraft bins 2 and 3 (the middle two) are often unpressurized. However, bins 1 and 4 are pressurized which works out well because this also ensures pets are the last to be loaded on the plane and the first to be taken off.

Pets to England Via Ship!

TRAVELING TO ENGLAND BY SHIP

We are often asked about how to get pets to London without putting in them in the cargo hold of a plane. Because the UK is rabies free, they only allow certain "approved routes" for pets to enter. The only other option is via the cruise The Queen Mary 2.

The Queen Mary 2 is the only cruise liner that allows you to carry your pets on board the cruise! More and more people are interested in traveling with pets and Cunard Line, the company that operates the Queen Mary 2, is responding to the trend by extending its luxurious cruise services to four-legged passengers. Cunard recently enhanced its "Pets on Deck" program to include amenities such as fresh-baked biscuits at turndown, a choice of beds and blankets, and even a QM2-logo coat.

Queen Mary 2's kennel program is overseen by a full-time kennel master who takes care of such things as feeding and walking the pets and cleaning the ship's 12 spacious kennels. Travelling dogs and cats also receive a complimentary gift pack featuring a coat, Frisbee, name tag, food dish and scoop, a portrait with their owners, a crossing certificate and personalized cruise card. The kennels and adjacent indoor and outdoor walking areas are open throughout the day, so guests can spend time with their pets. Reservations for the kennels may be made when booking and are based on availability. Fees range from $300 (U.S.) to $500 (U.S.) per cruise. For information, visit http://www.cunard.com.

I've Had Nights Like This

How to Teach Kids to Interact With Dogs

We have all experienced the "awwwwww" moment of seeing a cute dog and wanting to go up and grab it around the neck. If you are a parent, you have probably also experienced the anxiety of having your child run up to a strange dog and wondering if the dog was friendly.

Teaching a child how to safely approach and pet a dog is incredibly important for parent and child alike. The Victor Valley Daily Press has a great article with valuable tips:

Some experts suggest having the child putting out a closed fist or a hand with palm upraised, others say just stand there. But all agree: let the dog decide whether to approach the child. Don’t hold a dog still in your lap for petting, and respect the dog’s decision if it turns away or moves behind the owner.

If the dog does approach, observe the body language. Don’t concentrate on the tail, it can be hard to read. Pelar says, “I tell people that if they’re looking at the tail, they’re watching the wrong end of the dog.”

Instead, the mouth can give a lot of clues. A dog that’s licking lips, panting excessively, or yawning, is showing that he’s not comfortable. These are oral self-soothing behaviors much like sucking your thumb, says Pelar. In contrast - opposite of the common maternal fear of the teeth showing - if the dog’s mouth is open, that’s a sign that it’s relaxed.