Pet Relocation Blog

Brodie is moving from the Toronto area to Amsterdam, and we thought we'd share this cute portrait of him that his owners sent us!

For pets moving to Amsterdam, the requirements are fairly simple. Feel free to take a look at our Netherlands Pet Import Rules & Requirements checklist or, for our door-to-door service like Brodie is using, contact us!

Blind and partially sighted people will soon be able to fly with their guide dogs to the majority of UK airports.

Currently recognized assistance dogs are only allowed at Gatwick, Heathrow, Glasgow, Manchester and Doncaster Sheffield airports. But after the introduction of the new rules, blind people and their guide dogs will be allowed to fly from 11 more airports around the country from March 2009.

This will reduce the cost burden and effort for many people with sight problems who currently have to travel long distances to an appropriate airport. It will also give blind and partially sighted people a better choice of airport when traveling abroad.

The move follows new EU regulations introduced in July 2007 requiring airports to legally cater for disabled people. But, due to the requirements of the Pet Travel Scheme, operated by the Department for Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) , airport staff must first receive training before handling assistance dogs. Airports must then apply for approval from Defra before operating the scheme, both of which have delayed airports from allowing guide dogs.

Currently Guide Dogs UK and Defra are training staff at UK regional airports, with Belfast International and Birmingham International the latest to have received approval for the scheme.

Also see:
UK Pet Import Requirements
Germany Pet Import Requirements
Ireland Pet Import Requirements

Today on Twitter, we got a message from EcoPup, who is considering moving from Vancouver, BC to Luperon, Dominican Republic with their four pets -- two cats and two dogs.

When moving pets to the Dominican Republic, the most difficult obstacle many people face are finding the right airline to take. Many flights that go directly into the Dominican Republic are not considered what PetRelocation deems safe for pets -- the planes are not pressurized & pets are not kept in climate controlled conditions. Particularly in EcoPup's situation, as they point out in their twitter messages, they have an older Peke-Poo.

We suggested to EcoPup they route their pets similarly to how we would route them if we were arranging full door-to-door service -- we would pick up their pets in Vancouver and send them on Continental via Houston on their PetSafe program to San Juan, Puerto Rico. This would ensure that the pets were kept in climate controlled conditions throughout the time they are checked in and on the plane, and the Peke-Poo & his friends would also be cared for at a comfort stop in Houston at the pet hotel. Upon arrival in San Juan, our agent would take them with her in the cabin on a second "puddle jumper" flight from Puerto Rico to the Dominican Republic. These flights allow pets to go in the cabin, and are quick hops. Our agent would then deliver the pets to EcoPup's new residence!

As far as vaccinations, the Dominican Republic does not have strict requirements for importing pets. Essentially all that is required is a current rabies certificate and international health certificate. A helpful checklist can be found & printed out on our Dominican Republic Pet Import Rules & Requirements page on our website as well.

Thanks for asking EcoPup! We're always happy to help.

Moving to or from the Dominican Republic? Contact us to obtain a door-to-door quote and to learn more about how we can help you with your pet relocation!
Or follow us on Twitter!

To all of our friends and their pets worldwide, thank you for sharing 2008 with us. We're looking forward to a prosperous and exciting 2009! Click the image below to view our holiday e-card, or click here.

Meet little Chesney, a Yorkshire terrier dog who is relocating to India. His owners were initially concerned about the health of such a small dog flying a longer distance. Many people don't realize that we relocate and ship very small animals -- like dogs, gerbils, guinea pigs, even fish! -- worldwide on a daily basis. The size of the pet isn't a concern, as long as he or she is prepared properly for the move and and care is taken with regards to the routing and the flights.
In Chesney's case, he will fly from Chicago-O'hare to Frankfurt and then have a nice comfort stop at the Frankfurt Pet Lounge, where he will be fed, watered and get to rest. Then he will travel from Frankfurt to Mumbai, where our agents will clear him to customs and deliver him to his new residence in Pune, India!


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