Case History: South Afrikaners enjoy vacationing in Florida and wish to bring their family pet dogs with them on “holiday” to the Sunshine State.

Transporting a pet dog from either Cape Town or Johannesburg is relatively simple with direct service via Delta, Lufthansa, and British Airways. All that is needed by the vacationing Afrikaner is to have their local veterinary surgeon in South Africa issue an international health certificate within 7 days of travel showing evidence of a Rabies immunization at least 30 days prior to US entry and not more than one year prior to entry.

The pets travel as accompanied baggage in the pressurized and temperature controlled holds of the aircraft from South Africa to the US, with Orlando, Florida as their frequent destination.

As of this date, there is no requirement for microchip identification to enter the USA; yet pets entering and/or returning to South Africa require microchip identification.

When the pet owner looks at their return to South Africa after the visit to the family or simply having a Florida holiday, the pet owner encounters the following scenario, much to their chagrin and consternation.

An import permit is required by the South African Dept. of Agriculture, blood samples are required to test for five (5) different diseases within 30 days of entry  into South Africa, a health certificate is required to be issued within 10 days of flight, the four page document requiring USDA export endorsement, and most importantly, all live animal shipments entering South Africa are required to fly as manifest and booked air cargo, rather than as accompanied baggage as they did from South Africa to the USA.

Air Animal’s advice — know before you go on US holiday, especially if you are a vacationing South Afrikaner or from a country with specific entry requirements.

Moving the Yorkshire Terrier from the Houston area in December, 2010 to Tripoli, Libya was easily accomplished for the oil company executive. With flights from Houston’s Intercontinental Airport to London’s Heathrow airport, an overnight stay at the City of London Animal Reception Centre and the next day’s flight from London Heathrow of Tripoli, Libya, all accomplished with the good efforts of British Airways Air Cargo Their live animal air cargo expertise and Air Animal’s pet move management skills and experience.

What none of us were prepared for were the events of the Arab Spring with the rebellion and chaos of Libya. The oil company executive along with his staff was evacuated in March, 2011 on rather short notice.

The Yorkie had to be left behind, fortunately in the hands of the families Tripoli veterinarian and his marvelous staff.

When the oil company executive returned to the US, his final destination became Cancun, Mexico, to join his family who had relocated to Cancun in December of 2010.

Contacting Air Animal Pet Movers in March of this year, we were tasked with the extraction and transport of the Yorkie from Tripoli, Libya to Cancun, Mexico. Many venues were explored to no avail over a period of three months.

Fortunately, Air Animal’s global network of trusted service partners came to the rescue. After three months of attempting to move the Yorkie from Tripoli to Tunis, Tunisia, the mission was accomplished on a Saturday evening in late May at midnight, with the Yorkie crossing the Libyan Tunisian border through the efforts of Air Animal’s service partner in Tunis, Tunisia.

Having been previously microchipped, positive identification of the Yorkie was easily made in Tunis, Tunisia. An air cargo shipment was organized with the great efforts of our Tunis service partner and once again, British Airways. Flights from Tunis to London, connecting London to Orlando, Florida brought the Yorkie back to the US along with return to our Tampa offices.

Once again, microchip identification was positive. The Yorkie was then documented to fly from the offices of Air Animal and Tampa International Airport to Houston, Texas with a connecting flight to Cancun, Mexico.

For the Tampa to Houston to Cancun flights, the Yorkie flew as “cabin baggage” on Continental Airlines, clearing immigration and customs in Cancun took a short 90 minutes.

Exiting the Cancun International Airport, I was greeted with “Are you Dr Woolf of Air Animal Pet Movers”? Once the Yorkie heard the wife’s voice along with husband’s voice … barking beyond belief took place. I responded with “Yes, I am and I have your Yorkie for you.”

There are happy days in one’s life. None happier than mine and the oil company executive and his wife who as they left the airport simply said “ you have made our family and our son one happy boy .”

Cheerfully provided by Dr Walter Woolf / Owner / Air Animal Pet Movers /

The relocating pets best friend, since 1977.

Pet Travel Advisory – pet health issues

A relatively rare and often fatal disease of dogs, Leptospirosis, should concern traveling pet owners, especially if they travel into areas that have experienced either heavy rains, or recent flooding.

With the use of preventive vaccines, your pet will have the protection needed should you travel to the areas mentioned. Your local veterinarian of record will be the best source of information, along with checking CDC, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Initial signs and symptoms of Leptospirosis are fever, loss of appetite, depression, vomiting, and muscle tremors. Treatment is available, yet is costly, considering preventive vaccinations can both save your pet’s life and save you expense.

A pet health and travel advisory from Air Animal Pet Movers, the relocating pets best friend.

Visit our web site www.airanimal.com to learn more about Air Animal Pet Movers.

Summer is a time when many families make plans to visit the beach, mountains or one of our nation’s expansive amusement parks for a few days or weeks of family time.  If your family includes a dog, take a few extra steps to ensure the trip is fun for everyone, including your furry friend.

Caesar Milan, star of the National Geographic channel’s The Dog Whisperer, encourages dog owners to plan ahead to keep anxiety levels low for everyone.  If you’re planning a mad dash to pack up the car with luggage, supplies and the family on your departure day, your dog will sense the tension.  By organizing things well in advance, your dog can have a normal experience before he gets in the car or boards a plane.

Bring along reminders of home

Speaking of packing— be sure to take along item that will retain the scent of your home to help ease the transition for your dog.  Items like a dog bed, favorite toy and blanket will help him remain calm and relaxed while you’re traveling and will make your home away from home on the road more comfortable. Don’t forget his crate.  Get him acclimated to spending long stretches of time in it several days in advance of the trip.

At the hotel

If you will be staying in hotels, walk into your room first and have your dog remain in the hallway.  Don’t let him wander around or he will try to assume control of the situation.  Be calm and assertive.  This will help you feel comfortable in the room before you introduce your dog to an unfamiliar place.

After settling into the room, take your dog for a walk to familiarize him with his new surroundings.  This will allow him to claim his space.  And make sure you exercise him properly before you leave him crated in the room.  This means at least 30 minutes of walking around.

It doesn’t take much to plan a successful get away with a family dog, just a little forethought and planning and consideration for how your dog will experience the trip.  Happy travels!

Moving Overseas?

If you are planning to take a pet along on an overseas trip, consider using a professional animal mover.  The staff will know the regulations and requirements for each country and carrier. For more information, visit http://www.airanimal.com/destinations.php.

When you think of long summer days, do visions of boating, barbeques and beach outings come to mind?   It’s second nature for most people to take precautions to remain safe, whether that means slathering on sun-blocking lotions, wearing protective headgear, eyewear or a flotation device or maintaining proper hydration.

But what about your family pet? During these record-setting hot days, it’s important to keep in mind that pets’ needs are different from your own. Here are 7 tips to keep your pet safe and happy as the mercury rises.

7 Tips for Summer Pet Safety

1. Never leave pets in a car—It only takes 5-10 minutes for the temperature to climb to a deadly 120 degrees inside a vehicle, even with the windows cracked open. Don’t leave your pet in a vehicle for even one minute under any circumstances.
2. Exercise when it’s cooler—Taking your pet for an early morning and late evening walk is preferable. Sensitive paw pads can blister on hot pavement.
3. Provide indoor access—Install a pet door if you want to allow your pet access to the great outdoors while you’re gone.  Of course, make sure he can’t escape your enclosed yard.  Leaving him outside too long can have serious health consequences.  And always leave adequate supplies of fresh drinking water inside and out.
4. Know your dog—Short-snouted dogs like pugs and bulldogs find it harder to breathe in hot, humid weather and can get heat exhaustion more quickly than other breeds. Ask your vet if your dog has any special needs.
5. Keep an eye on toxins—Gardening and lawn care often equals lots of chemicals and fertilizers.  Check labels to make sure you’re using pet-friendly products at home and share your finds with your neighbors to encourage them to keep pet-safe lawns.
6. Be safe in the water —If your pet will be swimming in any local bodies of water, make sure his shots are up to date. Polluted water can cause infections.  Avoid accidents with boats, water skiers and jet skiers by keeping a close eye on your pet.   To avoid accidental drowning, consider purchasing a pet life jacket if you will be taking your pet boating.
7. Barbecue responsibly—Avoid the temptation to feed your dog those babyback ribs or other bone-in meats that you’re grilling.  Bone splinters can be harmful and the meat is generally too fatty. Take precautions to keep your dog away from the grill to avoid accidental burns.  It’s easy to lose sight of him when you are transferring food to and from the grill and the last thing you want is your dog jumping up to grab food off a hot grill.

Use common sense to make sure the summer is safe for you and your pet!

Rabies and Overseas Travel

Pet owners need to be concerned about rabies when traveling outside the U.S. Pets are vaccinated to prevent them from acquiring the disease from wildlife and transmitting it to humans. For more information about protecting your pet from rabies, visit http://www.airanimal.com/rabies.php.

Sure, moving into a new home can be very exciting. But even under the best circumstances, leaving behind familiar surroundings and friends can also be a bit stressful. When the move is one that takes you across state lines or national borders, additional adjustments are needed. If you own a dog, you’ll want to take steps to ensure the transition goes smoothly for him as well.  Here are some tips to help, but in general if you think in terms of continuity and positive reinforcement it will ease your canine companion’s adjustment.

New Home Tips for Dogs

1. To help with transition challenges, keep your dog in a secure carrier  in a quiet area on moving day.
2. Bring along a good supply of your pet’s food and treats.  They may not be readily available in your new location.
3. Maintain the same feeding and exercise schedule.  Place the feeding station and toys in locations as similar to the old ones as possible.
4. Introduce your furry friend to the new neighbors and neighborhood.  Taking short frequent walks in the new neighborhood accompanied with lots of praise and treats will increase his confidence and security. Coach neighbors to approach your dog gingerly and with praise.  They’ll need to allow him to sniff them before they attempt to pet him. Let them reward him with treats for positive interactions.
5. Stay home a few days before going off to work and pay extra attention to your pet. He will adjust more quickly and feel more comfortable in his new home.
6. Use part of those days to get established with a new veterinarian before you need one.  Ask your former  veterinarian for a recommendation if possible.  You can also consult your new pet-owning neighbors for guidance on this important decision.
7. If you will be gone during the day, hire a dog walker so your pet can get exercise and  stimulation in your absence. Don’t leave your dog unattended in a fenced-in back yard until you are absolutely sure it is escape proof.

The best positive reinforcement you can give your dog during a time of transition is your personal attention and love. Spend time petting your dog.  It can reduce your blood pressure, slow your heart rate and help ease your own transition anxieties.  Be good to yourself and your dog and both of you will enjoy your life and new home.

Leave it to a Professional

Moving long distance involves many challenges. Doing so with a pet is not for the inexperienced.  If you are planning a long distance move and want to make sure your dog has the best possible experience, hire the services of a professional pet mover.  Experienced pet movers work closely with airlines and embassies and stay up to date on ever-changing regulations.  Do yourself and your dog a favor and incorporate the services of a professional animal shipper into your moving plan.  For more information, visit http://www.airanimal.com/services.php

Summer is a time when many Americans pack their car and hit the road in search of precious family time, relaxation and fun. If you plan to bring along a four-legged member of your family as you see the USA by car, a little planning can go a long way toward making it safe, comfortable and fun for you and your pet.

There is more to traveling with a pet than loading the animal into the back seat and putting the car in drive — especially if you’re planning a long trip that will take you away from home for a week or more.  The ASPCA offers a number of helpful tips to help ensure a safe, comfortable road trip:

1. Keep your pet in a well-ventilated crate or carrier while he is in the vehicle. There is a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers available. Choose one that is large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. Have your pet get used to the carrier by spending some time in it each day starting a week or so before your trip.
2. If your pet’s experience in a car is limited to short trips to the vet, start getting him used to spending time in the car by taking short drives that get progressively  longer. Keep him in the back seat in his crate or with a harness attached to a seat buckle so it won’t slide or shift if you stop quickly or make sweeping turns.
3. Don’t feed your pet in a moving vehicle—even if it is a long drive. Start your trip by feeding your pet a light meal three to four hours before you leave home.  Subsequent meals can be fed when you make rest and exercise stops.
4. Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a death trap.
5. If you plan to cross state lines, it’s a good idea to bring along your pet’s rabies vaccination record, as some states require this proof at certain interstate crossings.
6. When you pack your suitcase, don’t forget to pack one for your pet.  In addition to medical papers, be sure to include food, a bowl, leash, waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit.  Throw in a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.
7. Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification and wears a collar with a tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat collars.
8. Resist the temptation to allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window. He could be injured by flying objects. Put the window down if you want him to experience a breeze. At interstate highway speeds, the dog’s corneas are easily damaged by foreign bodies you are unable to see.
9. It is important to keep your pet hydrated so bring along a good supply of water from home stored in plastic jugs. Drinking water from a new area can upset a pet’s digestive system.
10. If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available online and at auto product retailers.

Planning to Travel by Air?

If your summer plans involve traveling by air with a family pet, you’ll have a host of other considerations, especially if you plan to cross international borders. You would be wise to retain the services of a professional animal shipper so you and your pet don’t end up separated.  For more information, visit http://www.airanimal.com/moving-pets.php.

Why place your dog in a kennel or with a friend when you can take your furry friend along on summer vacation?  The internet is packed with resources to help you select the perfect destination and accommodations so you and your canine companion can have a great time.   Whether you plan to travel by car, plane, boat or train, all it takes is a little homework to put the daily grind behind you and switch to vacation mode.

Where To?

Start by choosing a pet-friendly destination.  Whether you want to enjoy ocean breezes, hike mountain trails, entrench yourself in history or take a bite of the Big Apple, there are oodles of dog-loving options to choose from.  Dogfriendly.com lists the Top 10 dog-friendly destinations in the U.S. as:

1. San Diego
2. Portland
3. Austin
4. Northern Virginia
5. San Francisco
6. Boston
7. Orlando
8. Salt Lake City
9. Charleston
10. New York

The site also provides a guide to other pet-loving U.S. and Canadian cities.  You’ll be surprised at some of the amenities available to your animal.

The Ritz or Roughing It?

Whether you have your heart set on a hotel with soft pillows and room service or want a more down-to- earth experience in a campground or RV park, you’ll find plenty of places that roll out the welcome mat for your puppy.

Some hotels pamper dogs with special treats, beds, pillows, bowls, dishes and veterinarian-approved meals served in your room.  You and your pet can get the royal treatment!  RV parks and campgrounds offer off-leash areas and special trails to help you and your four-legged pal commune with nature.

What are you waiting for?  Pick up your mouse and click your way to dog-friendly travel.

Pet Travel Tips When Relocating

If you are planning a long distance move within the U.S. or abroad and plan to take a cat, dog, horse or other animal, you’ll want to retain the services of a professional pet moving company.  Check out Air Animal’s Top 7 considerations to make sure your move is safe and stress-free for you and your pet.

Here at Air Animal we are constantly growing and changing our business to meet the needs of our relocating pet owners.  This includes tailoring our services to meet the changes in today’s relocating families and matching those needs with the many airlines and partner services involved in relocating your family pets.

In the world of social media, we have actively embraced Facebook and Twitter into our many ways of building a deeper relationship with customers and communicating with them.

One of the more recent ways many businesses like ours connects with customers is through the use of apps.  Whether it’s on a smartphone (iPhone, Android) , tablet (iPad or Xoom) and even iTouches, apps can provide valuable tools to our customer or even lighthearted distractions, like games.

We’ve been considering developing an app for our customers and rather than decide in a vacuum, thought it would be more better received if we asked you for recommendations. So…

What app would like to see Air Animal produce that would provide value  to our customers?

’twas the night before Christmas a the Air Animal “house”, not a creature was stirring, not Dr Woolf nor his spouse.

The phones were all quiet, not a sound did they make, Pattie & Suzanne were caught up with web inquiry intakes.

Traci was delighted & shouted with glee, “all my pets are where they belong, and no one’s stuck in Tripoli.”

Cathy & Gladys were busy with queries that said: “can you send all of my 24 pets, to arrive tomorrow instead?”

When up on the roof top there arose such a clatter, Dr Woolf & Cory ran out, to see what was the matter.

When what to their wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, all tired and sick; they looked at each other, “Could this be St. Nick?”

His sleigh was all tattered, his reindeer too tired, (This old fell looked like he should be retired.)

He hopped off the roof top & pleaded his case, The flu had overcome him; you could see it in his face.

“I’m, through with my deliveries, & am sick as a dog, I can’t drive my sleigh home; my head’s in a fog.”

“I’m hopping a Jet Blue flight home, but they won’t take reindeer, Doctor, can you please send them? I can’t leave them here!”

“This request is unusual, one we’ve not had before, We normally send cats & dogs, not reindeer that soar”.

“Can’t we make an exception?”, Cory pleaded with flair, “We can call them “mixed breeds”, and send them by air!”

“By golly that might work!, Dr Woolf whispered aloud, It’ll take the whole team working together, let’s make Santa proud”.

So a plot was devised, everyone took their positions, Working fast was the plan to complete Santa’s mission.

Cathy & Gladys assembled flight kennels, with fear, “Can we really pull off shipping eight (8) tiny reindeer?”

Traci worked her magic, routing a flight to the North Pole, That would take the 8 tiny flight kennels; not routing through Seoul.

Sue & Kim started typing, flight documents with speed, so all of Santa’s reindeer would be labeled, indeed.

Pattie & Suzanne typed health documents,cleverly created, DR Woolf agreed “Mixed Breed” is what should be stated.

“We’ll disguise them; have to hide the, – oh they can’t look like that!”
Cory said “We need to turn them into dogs right off the bat!”

Kim & Jesa were in awe, at the craziness they saw, Asking “Isn’t disguising reindeer kinda against the law?”

While Dasher & Dancer were coughing & hacking, Prancer & Vixen craved the attention they were lacking.

Comet & Cupid were still & quiet as could be, Donner & Blitzen stuck their noses out to see.

“Let’s get these reindeer out of here before the evening is through! These reindeer are noisy!”, said Linda, “Who knew?”

They disguised each small animal to not look like a reindeer, covering antler’s with stockings to resemble a dog’s ear.

So off to the airport all 8 reindeer were sent, each one in a kennel – disguised as dogs, they went.

The airport staff, a bustle; working through the noise & cold,All to busy to notice the strange “dogs”they started to load.

All the staff at Air Animal, breathed a sigh of relief, By Golly, the plan worked, and without any grief!

Dr Woolf was proud, another mission complete!
He waved at Santa who sitting in his Jet Blue airline seat.

And he heard him exclaim as the flew out of sight, “Merry Christmas to all, and to Air Animal – a good night !”

Created by: Pattie Barlow, Intake Specialist, Air Animal Pet Movers, Tampa, Florida, 04 December 2010