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: