Cutting Pet Care Costs

Unfortunately the down turn in the economy has trickled down to companion animals. There are numerous stories from around the country detailing the number of people abandoning pets because of the costs.

It is always helpful to find ways to help cut costs and the blog over at the ASPCA has some great tips. The full article is here, but below are some of the tips they mention:

1. Go to the Vet!
“A number-one money-saver is preventative veterinary care,” says Dr. Z. Annual veterinary exams can catch health crises early on and can save you a lot of time and money.
2. Give Your Pet Regular Check-Ups
3. Vaccinate Wisely
Not all vaccinations are necessarily required
4. Spay/Neuter Your Pets
5. Invest in Training
A well trained dog is in fewer accidents
6. Consider Pet Insurance
7. Save Up for the Future
8. Serve Healthy Food in Moderate Portions
Cheaper foods will cost you in the long run
9. Shop Around
10. Groom Your Pets at Home

RIP Harold

Harold was a dog like many other dogs. The circumstances in which he came into our lives and the lessons he taught our family are something I will remember always. Thank you Katherine, Alana and Lila.

International Pet Travel - KLM Animal Hotel

By Dana Siler, Animal Land's Senior International Personal Move Counselor

One of the most important services we provide is choosing the correct airline. For international pet shipping, KLM is one of the best.

They have a dedicated Animal Hotel where all pets are held during transit. Here are some excerpts from their website:

KLM Cargo Animal Hotel – a home away from home
Dogs and cats deserve the comfort and attention we give to our passengers. The cargo compartments in our aircraft are temperature controlled and pressurised, ensuring that your pet travels under the best possible climate conditions.

When in transfer at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, your pet will visit the KLM Cargo Animal Hotel. Although you cannot visit your pet at the Animal Hotel, you can rest assured it will always benefit from that KLM trademark – dedicated care and attention.

At the Animal Hotel, our own specially trained Animal Attendants will look after your pet as if it were their own. They’ll temporarily house your cat or dog in a larger kennel and give it food and water. They’ll even provide KLM Cargo’s dog-walking service – a service that’s unique in the airline business.

KLM Cargo’s Animal Hotel meets and even exceeds the high European standards in quality and hygiene. Before travelling onward, the kennel will be thoroughly cleaned. Both your pet and its facilities will be fresh and ready to travel on.

Plants and Animals - Be Careful!

From Amy Christy, International Personal Move Counselor

As an avid gardener for years (and wannabe Master Gardener), I used to haphazardly plant my flower gardens, throwing in just about anything that would yield that "Cottage Garden" look. However, as the years passed, I became horrified to learn that some of the plants in my landscape were actually poisonous to animals. Without a second thought, I began ripping out beds of suspect flowering perennials, morning glories, and beautiful Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea, which are used to make the heart medicine "digitalis" - one of the most poisonous plants in existence!). To this day, I refuse to have a Poinsettia in my house during the holidays. My pets' safety must come first!

It is always best to consider all plants poisonous unless you know otherwise. Dogs and cats can become extremely ill or even die from eating poisonous plants. Please always keep all unknown types of plants and any plants suspected of being poisonous out of reach of your pet. If in doubt, consult with your veterinarian or check the list of Toxic Plants provided by the ASCPA. While this list may not be all inclusive, it is a good start to ensure that the plants in your garden and your home are safe for your furry friends.

Taking Pets to Belgium - International Pet Shipping

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.

My Pet Moving Experience - Sunni Chernega

Sunni is a Member of Animal Land's Sales Team

When I accepted a job at Animal Land, I was thrilled to get the chance to work with loving pet owners and a pet crazy staff! But, having recently relocated to Atlanta, I was missing my Jacka-wa-wa (Jack Russell/Chihuahua), Veto, who stayed behind in Ohio until I could find a suitable place to live.

Once I located the perfect place for Veto and I to call home, the decision to move him to Atlanta was made. The dilemma...How would I get him there? The idea of flying a pet had always scared me and Veto is a rescued pet with high anxiety which only increased my fears. But, the more I learned about moving pets and the more I got to know our caring staff, the better I felt about the idea. I decided to let our domestic pet move counselor, Ann Patsell, handle the move for me. Ann booked the flight for Veto and lined up an agent in Ohio to pick him up and take him to the airport. In no time Ann had the move set up and I started getting excited about being reunited with my little buddy!

My dear friend (and NOW one of our international pet move counselors), Amy Christy, was keeping Veto for me in Ohio. Amy called to let me know that our agent had picked him up and that Veto was on his way to the airport. Amy was very impressed by our agent and how he handled Veto. It wasn't long after that that Amy made the decision to join the Animal Land team as well!!

I arrived at the cargo facility in Atlanta about an hour early (just couldn't wait!). The gentleman behind the desk was very nice and let me wait inside, he even let me have the remote to the T.V.! But, surely enough, thoughts of how Veto might be traumatized by his adventure started racing through my head. Would he be scared? Would act differently after this? Was this the right decision for such a fragile little dog? My questions were answered when he finally arrived...his tail was wagging so hard when he saw me, it brought tears to my eyes. I could hardly wait to get him home! He was the same little man he had always been!

Since that day, I have had the privilege of working with so many of our wonderful clients and their precious pets. I often tell them about my own experience with our company and what a satisfied customer I once was. There is no feeling like locking eyes with your pet after he safely arrives at your new home!

A Pet's Ten Commandments to All Humans

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so. ALWAYS!