Top 5 Pet-Friendly Airlines from the USA To India

Given that pets are an integral part of the family unit nowadays, it is no surprise to see services catering specifically to the needs of the modern house pet. Pet travel is one such service, with a host of airlines now offering domestic and international pet transportation services to flyers accompanied by pets. 

It has gotten to the point where a traveler has multiple pet-friendly airlines to choose from, who fly specific routes, all of whom promise a smooth journey and a hassle-free experience. 

Here Are Five of Them in No Particular Order :

Air India

Air India is extremely accommodating when it comes to pets. Not only do they let passengers fly their pets with them, but they also allow pets in the cabin, which is a rarity in India. To fly with Air India, all you need is a fit-to-fly certificate and your pet’s vaccination record. The international import requirements vary from country to country though, and you should do your research before making a booking. 

Air India does not allow pets on non-stop flights, with the only exception being made for service dogs. 

Your Pet Can Depart from These Airports in India: 

• Bangalore (BLR)
• Chennai (MAA)
• Delhi (DEL)
• Hyderabad (HYD)
• Kolkata (CCU)
• Mumbai (BOM)

Pets in Cargo: Permitted 

Pets in Cabin: Permitted 

Price: Varies 

Turkish Airlines 

Turkish Airlines fly a plethora of routes and allows pets to fly both in-cabin (as long as your pet + crate weighs under 8 KG) and in the cargo bay. They allow dogs, cats, and small birds to fly onboard. Passengers are allowed two pet crates per plane, but only one is permitted inside the cabin. 

1. Pets in Cargo: Permitted 
2. Pets in Cabin: Permitted 
3. Price: $70 USD and above 

Lufthansa Airlines 

Lufthansa welcomes pet travel. Passengers are allowed to travel with their pets inside the cabin and in the cargo hold. They impose an age limit, wherein your pet needs to be at least 16 weeks/4 months old before they can travel. The airline and its customer support teams ensure your journey is as smooth as possible, so make sure to contact them when making your booking. 

They also impose an 8KG weight limit for pets travelling in-cabin, which includes the weight of the pet and the crate accompanying it. 

1. Pets in Cargo: Permitted 
2. Pets in Cabin: Permitted 
3. Price: $90 USD and above 

JetBlue 

JetBlue is recognized as one of the most pet-friendly airlines throughout the United States. They offer a program called the Jet Paws program, which is tailor-made to cater to passengers travelling with pets. Included in this program are services like reservations and travel bookings, and special areas where pets can relax and unwind. 

 

JetBlue issues specific guidelines about the size of the crate your pet can fly in-cabin in. For cabin travel, the crate should measure 43.18 centimeters long X 31.75 centimeters wide X 21.59 centimeters high (or 17 inches long X 12.5 inches wide X 8 inches high). 

1. Pets in Cargo: Permitted 
2. Pets in Cabin: Permitted 
3. Price: $100 USD

Delta Air

Delta Air continues the trend of pet-friendly North American Airline operators and allows pets to travel either as excess baggage or in the cabin with the pet parent. Your pet and approved pet carrier count as one personal item and must fit under the seat in front of you. 

 

The pet carrier cannot exceed 17" Length x 12.5" Width x 8.5" Height (43.18 cm Length x 31.75 cm Width x 21.59 cm Height). The combined weight of your pet and the carrier must not exceed 20 pounds. 

1. Pets in Cargo: Permitted 
2. Pets in Cabin: Permitted 
3. Price: $125 USD  

To Conclude 

Do remember that most airlines will offer provisions for both in-cabin travel with your pet, and pet travel in the cargo hold, but will not accept pets in the cabin when on international journeys. This rule is in place for the comfort and safety of passengers and pets. 

 

Choosing an airline for your journey, especially one with your pet, is extremely important. Thankfully, you now have options to choose from. Always choose the option which serves your trip the best, and always make your choice with the safety of your pet in mind. 

 

Need help relocating your pet? With door-to-door pet relocations available domestically and internationally by our expert pet handlers, we have you covered. Contact 08908909020 or enquiry@carrymypet.com for a booking today

Medication To Carry for Your Cat When Relocating

While you may imagine carrying an entire medicine pouch while travelling internationally with your cat, the reality is far from it. You only need to carry medication with you if your cat has a chronic condition or currently on medication. You don’t need a lot of medicines to travel, but your pet will need a clean bill of health before you can embark on your journey together.

The basic requirements remain the same, regardless of the various import requirements imposed by different countries. Your cat’s vaccination record, a rabies titer test, and a health certificate are usually the basics. However, some countries require your cat to be fully immunized, which means getting the basic group of vaccinations:

• FVRCP - Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia
• FelV - Feline Leukemia Virus

Some countries also require parasite treatment, internal and external. Different kinds of worms need to be treated for shortly before departure, and you’ll need to check for and treat ticks and fleas. Treatment time depends on the country you’re visiting and the testing parameters they require you to comply with.

The validity of a vaccine is also important to remember and consider. Some countries only accept a one-year rabies vaccination, while others accept three-year vaccinations. Some are happy with a rabies vaccination recorded in your cat’s record, others require the vaccination to be within a specific timeframe before travelling, conduct a rabies titer test, and cooperate with cooling periods. Countries like Canada have relatively lenient requirements, whereas Australia requires you to prepare for half a year before you can fly.

Health and Safety Import Paperwork

As mentioned previously, your cat needs clean bill of health before it can travel anywhere overseas. The risks associated with longer-distance flights mean your pet will be grounded if in poor health or injured, so make sure your pet is healthy and fit to fly. Proof of your pet’s health is a fit to fly certificate, also known as an international health certificate. Each country has their own health certificate which you need to get signed and stamped by a vet, who will do so after a check-up.

Keep an eye out for miscellaneous requirements which may go unnoticed in the fine print and can derail your whole journey. An example? the UK requires the rabies vaccination to come from a specific manufacturer, and all other kinds of vaccinations are deemed invalid. Another example is the U.S, requiring the health certificate to be stamped by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) accredited vet. They also require blood titer tests to be conducted at a Center for Disease Control (CDC) certified facility, failing which, your pet will be returned to the country of origin at your expense. Permits and tests can take time, so do not leave your preparations for later; the earlier you start, the better. 

Your pet can only fly in an IATA approved fiber crate, as these crates are manufactured with the safety requirements of pet transportation in mind. Buy an appropriately sized crate and crate train your cat, so it is less anxious and nervous while travelling than it otherwise would be. Account for ventilation and size your crate accordingly if you have a snub-nosed (brachycephalic) pet. The import criteria are often deemed stringent, but they are in place to safeguard the ecology of a state or country. It may seem a bit extreme, but if any import criteria are not met, a country reserves the right to return your pet at your expense.

Once you’re done with the health check-ups and paperwork, you need to comply with safety regulations. Your destination may not list it as a requirement, but a pet microchip is recommended before any travel. A microchip serves as ID proof for your pet, and your pet’s microchip number is their ID which appears on their documentation. Microchips must be of the standard, 15 Digit, non-encrypted, ISO 11784/11785 variety, which are accepted internationally.

Plan, Plan, Plan

Planning will be your best friend during a relocation. Failing to plan is planning to fail, and there’s no such thing as being too prepared for a complicated transfer which involves your pet, your pride and joy. You can take care of most of the regulations by yourself if the country you’re flying to doesn’t impose stringent import laws. You can prepare with relative ease and focus on the specifics of your new life overseas.

However, if the country you’re headed to has stringent import laws, you can prepare to meet them given enough time. If you’re struggling to meet your pet’s travel requirements, you can always hire a professional pet relocation service. Having conducted international pet relocations and being well versed with the international laws, such a company can guide you through the process and shoulder the inconvenience of having to procure numerous pieces of documentation and meet safety requirements. The fee a relocator charges goes towards guaranteeing your journey is hassle-free, and that no detail, minor or major, is overlooked in the preparation process. You may not need a bag full of medication for your cat when traveling, but you do need to fulfil the import criteria, which means a good deal of preparation beforehand you have any queries or concerns about your international pet relocation, contact us at query@carrymypet.com. 

Travel Conditions Stressful to Flat Faced Cats

While they are adorable to behold and beautiful, animals with flat faces do come with certain issues one must be aware of. Any animal belonging to a flat faced/snub nosed breed come with health concerns pertaining to breathing and the respiratory system, which is why mitigating any stressors is a must. But what is one to do when travel makes your pet anxious? Stressors can exacerbate issues, after all.

Don’t get me wrong, you can travel with your flat-faced friend perfectly safely, regardless of the misconception that such breeds cannot fly. However, it is important to understand why such a journey can be stressful for them, as you’ll then be able to make good decisions regarding your journey. Travelling with your pet can become a memorable experience, provided you carefully consider the various aspects of travel and stressful situations.

Regardless of the breed, cats are cats; they are creatures of routine, and change is not something that they welcome with open paws. If anything, cats enjoy a familiar and predictable environment. Travelling is the farthest thing from familiar and predictable, so the situation will likely put your cat on alert from the get-go. Add to this the fact that their only prior experience with travelling is to and from the vet, and you have the stressful conditions your cat abhors. 

Here Are A Few Aspects for the Same While Travelling with Your Pet.

Airflow and Ventilation 

Brachycephalic or flat faced cats will always have trouble breathing, regardless of the conditions, due to the way their respiratory systems have evolved to fit in the smaller area of a flat face. The first thing to ask before your journey is if your chosen airline allows flat-faced cat to fly at all, as some airlines refuse to fly such breeds citing the risk, and some airlines impose rigorous regulations for a snub nosed/flat faced animal to fly. If your travel is domestic in nature, try looking for airlines which will let you carry your cat in the cabin with you. Internationally, flat faced cats are typically allowed to fly in-cabin if the flight duration isn’t prohibitively long, and if the country you’re entering does not require pets to arrive as cargo.

Regardless of whether your pet is flying in cabin or in cargo, they will need to be inside an IATA-approved fiber crate. While you might think you can take your pet out of the crate and cuddle them in your lap while flying, airline regulations highlight the fact that your pet must be in their crate for the entirety of the journey. For them to travel in cabin with you, their crate will have to fit under the seat in front of yours, so you might need to re-plan if you have a large crate measurement.

If your cat must travel in the cargo bay, make sure you go for a pet friendly airline. This is important, as such an airline will have planes with pressure and temperature-controlled cargo bays, meaning your pet gets the same environment down there as you do in the cabin. For flat-faced and snub-nosed cats, opt for a pet crate/kennel with extra headroom, maybe going a size or two above the normally mandated size in their sizing guides. Bear in mind that your crate can only fly inside an IATA approved crate, as they are designed to be durable and have plenty of airflow throughout it; the latter being especially important for your flat faced friend. 

Temperature and Climate Control 

Both extremes of the weather scale are not ideal for travelling with your pet. Airlines themselves will refuse to fly pets during certain months of the year, as the risks associated with travel during extreme climate are simply not acceptable. If your cat is flat faced, plan your travels to be in cooler climate.  The risk in travel is minimized greatly if done in cooler climate and with the shortest route possible.

Hot and humid climate only worsens their already laboured breathing, and they can suffer from heatstroke if their bodies aren’t cool enough. Unlike a snub-nosed dog like a pug, a flat faced cat cannot pant. Couple this with the fact that their breathing isn’t the easiest during the best of times, and you have every reason to avoid travelling during hot climate. Avoid travelling with your flat faced cat in temperatures exceeding 25^o Celsius. 

Distance to Destination 

Shorter trips are less likely to stress your cat out than longer ones. So, while making a choice of airline and route to your destination, opt for the option with the least travel time; avoid flights which stop-over and go for direct routes, and make sure you always choose a pet friendly airline. If you need help regarding either of these aspects of travel, you can contact us for a complete and comprehensive itinerary with the shortest travel time to guarantee your pet’s safety and comfort.

Health and Fitness 

Its no secret that a healthy pet is a happy pet. For flat faced cats and brachycephalic breeds, them being fit is important, as obesity contributes to health and breathing problems when in transit. Age is another factor to consider while travelling, and senior pets require extra care to avoid any issues. Consult your vet in either case and follow their advice when it comes to your pets health and safety while travelling. Under any circumstance, do not tranquilize or sedate your pet, as this can prove fatal while travelling. 

If you have further queries or require help planning your trip with your pet, call (890) 890-9020 or mail us at enquiry@carrymypet.com. We provide domestic and international pet relocation services, with your pet being picked up from and delivered to your doorstep, and our team of experts ensure your flat faced friend is safe, comfortable, and happy throughout the journey. 

5 Common Illnesses Faced by Senior Dogs

Senior dogs are wonderful. While their pace slows down and their snouts grow tiny patches of grey, the love and affection they have for us simply grows and grows. Aging is a natural, inescapable fact of life. Time stops for nobody though, and while age can bring a certain grace, it can also bring about a host of issues. Aging brings with it a vulnerability to diseases and illnesses, so it is important to be able to identify the same.

Cancers

Cancer is perhaps the most commonly occurring affliction in senior dogs. Squamous cell carcinoma, bone cancer, hemangiosarcoma, tumours, and other cancers are the chief killer of middle-aged and senior dogs. Dogs who haven’t been spayed/neutered are also at a higher risk of developing testicular and mammary cancer.

Cancers can be treatable, or bearable at the very least, if they are identified early. While humans have certain ways of identifying and diagnosing cancers early on, such technology is not as developed for our furry friends. The good news is that research is being conducted and ways of identifying common cancers are slowly growing. In the meantime, it is wise to be vigilant and keep an eye for any symptoms which present themselves.

Common symptoms of cancers include:

• Lumps/bumps,
• Swollen/discoloured skin
• Words that don’t heal
• Chronic diarrhea/vomiting
• Lack of appetite/ loss of weight
• No energy/lethargic behaviour
• Difficulty in swallowing/breathing
• Difficulty urinating or defecating

Heart diseases

3/4^th of the senior dog population suffers from some variety of heart disease. Age and time can lead to heart failure, and since the heart is a muscle which functions restlessly for a lifetime, it is important to spot the early signs of heart-related issues.

Some common symptoms of heart disease include:

• Shortness/difficulty in breathing
• Coughing
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigued or lethargic behaviour
• Inability to physically exert themselves

Liver

The liver is an important part of an organism. While humans often jokingly say all the liver does is process alcohol, its functions are complex and intertwined with other organs, which means illness can manifest in various ways and any diseases are difficult to spot.

Here are a few symptoms to keep an eye out for:

• Vomiting/Diarrhea
• Increased urination
• Dark coloured urine
• Jaundice
• Disorientation
• Loss of appetite/weight
• Swollen abdomen

Kidneys

Kidneys filter acid and toxins from an organism’s body, and help maintain the delicate balance of water, minerals, and salts required for healthy bodily functions. Left unchecked, a kidney disease can be fatal, as once a kidney fails, it cannot be fixed or cured, and a transplant must be done.

Here are a few symptoms of kidney disease in dogs:

• Vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Increased/decreased urination
• Dull fur
• Increased thirst
• Weight loss

Obesity

Obesity refers to the unnatural/excessive buildup of fat in a person’s body. Pets can also suffer from obesity; out of ten dogs, five are obese on average. Elderly dogs are especially susceptible to be obese, as their mealtimes remain consistent, but exercise slows down as they gradually age. Obesity can also present itself due to a related/underlying condition, so it is best to be prepared and look out for symptoms of the same.

1. -       Weight: Weight gain can be gradual, but left unchecked, can compound and make your dog overweight. Make sure to check your pup’s weight at regular intervals.
2. -      Fat at the ribs/abdomen: if you cannot see your dogs ribs, they are likely overweight. Check in with your vet to make sure your senior pooch is healthy.

Preparing For Overseas Travel with Your Shih Tzu

Originally from Tibet, Shih Tzu’s are known for their adorably short snout and clever, playful personalities. As they are classified as a snub-nosed breed of dog, they require a little extra care if you’re planning on travelling with them. Flying with such breeds has been difficult in the past.

Whether it is domestic pet travel, or an international pet relocation, you will eventually have to fly with your pet. But, with the proper preparation and appropriate precautions, it can be a safe and comfortable journey for your pet. Here’s how to prepare for overseas travel with your Shih Tzu.

Preparing Before your Flight

There are a few things you can do to prepare your Shih Tzu for a flight, taking into consideration the extra care a snub-nosed breed needs while flying.

• Health Check Up - You should visit your vet before any potential travel. This is especially important if your pet has recurring or chronic health issues. If your pet is fit, the risk of any issues while traveling is miniscule. Schedule a vet visit and get a clean bill of health before embarking on a journey, no matter how short or long.
  
  
• Pet Crate and Training - When moving overseas, pets travel by air. Flying is the fastest method to cover large distances, and as pets can only fly in a pet crate, it s important to choose the correct one. Pets can only fly in an IATA approved fiber crate. Such crates are approved for air travel and meet the necessary safety standards.
  
  Once you choose an appropriate crate, it is important to crate train your pet. Whether they travel in cabin or in the cargo hold, they will spend the entire duration of their flight in the crate, so it is important to train them to be comfortable. 
  
  Start by letting them freely interact with the crate. Reward positive interaction and repeat the process daily until they are comfortable being inside it. Once they are relaxed, you can slowly start taking them outside in their crate. 
  
  Even if you don’t plan on travelling, you’ll need to travel with your pet at some point, and as a crate is the safest place for them to be, it is useful to train them to stay calm when inside it. 
  
  
• Travel in Cool Weather - Snub-nosed breeds do not enjoy high temperatures. You’ll find that a vast majority of airlines will not allow a snub-nosed pet to travel in the summer for this reason. To get around this, plan your travel with your Shih Tzu during the winter months or in cooler climate. Any risk posed by heat is minimized if you plan your travel appropriately

• Choose a Pet Friendly Airline - It is important to choose a pet-friendly airline. The recommendation of travelling in cooler climate isn’t one made due to the plane itself. Rather, it is because of the time spent by your pet on the runway, where temperatures range from one extreme to the other. Spending too much time on the hot runway is not ideal for your Shih Tzu. 
  
  This is where a pet-friendly airline comes in. Such an airline knows the delicate requirements of pets, and boards them on the plan on a priority basis. They also will have a pressure and temperature-controlled cargo bay, circulating the same air as the cabin, which makes it as safe to travel in as the cabin. Pet travel via air is only unsafe if an incorrect airline is chosen.

Flying a snub-nosed dog can be challenging. To fly a Shih Tzu, you need to plan, choose a pet friendly airline, and fulfil a fair number of health and safety requirements. This, when combined with the paperwork processes, can lead to stress about your move.

For safe travel, ensure you plan ahead and seek expert help, so that they can arrange an appropriate pet-friendly airline and help you with the documentation and preparation before flying. If you have any queries or concerns about your international pet relocation, contact us at query@carrymypet.com.  

How Long Does It Take For A Dog To Adjust After A Move?

Moving residences is taxing on the whole family. Whether embarking on domestic travel or on international pet relocation, leaving behind a familiar place is disorientating. Dogs are especially likely to feel anxious or nervous in the initial stages of your move. Its natural, considering that they have no familiar scent or sight in a new home. Given time though, your pet will be comfortable as ever in their new home. All it will take is a little patience and effort on your part. Here are a few things you can do to make your pup more comfortable and adjust after a move.

Create a Familiar and Comfortable Environment

The first thing you can do to help your pup settle in is create a familiar space. Use items which they interacted with daily in your previous home; you can make a nice corner with a bed and their toys, as well as blankets or any other items they associate with the comfort of home. Patience is key while they become accustomed to their surroundings, so be patient, and let your dog explore their new home at their own pace.

2.      Make & Maintain Routine

An unfamiliar schedule can contribute to making your dog nervous, especially as they are often creatures of habit. Plan a routine for their mealtime, play time, and walks/exercise. If your dog had a routine in their previous home, try to replicate that. Do not make sudden changes to their diet or exercise routine and minimize loud noises to maintain a calm environment at home. If not, you can always start fresh; a schedule will help them adjust in their new home and help introduce a sense of familiarity quickly.

3.      Attention & Affection

During this adjustment period, it is important to shower your dog with love and affection. You can do this in a few ways. Give them extra attention, play with them more often, and give them extra treats. The more love and affection you show your dog, the quicker they will relax in their new home.

During this acclimation period, there may be times when you have to leave your dog alone. This is something which would not have been a problem in your previous home, but in a new and unfamiliar environment, it becomes an issue. They key to teaching them to be calm is to take one step at a time.

Start by leaving your dog alone in a room and going to another part of the house for a few moments. Slowly extend this period of time, until they don’t mind you being out of the house for five minutes. Continue to gradually increase this time period, until your dog doesn’t mind being alone while you run errands or step outside for work.

To conclude, you must remain patient and loving with your dog while they settle in after your move. Don’t expect them to settle in straight away. Try to fix a routine, give them plenty of love, and let them explore their new home at their own pace. Given time, they will become as comfortable in your new home as they were in your old one. If you need any help or tips on how to alleviate your dog’s nervousness or anxiety, call us on 08908909020. Having conducted over 6000 domestic and international pet relocations, we are well versed in the anxiety preceding a move and the anxiety after it faced by a pet.

What Are the Pros and Cons of a Pet Microchip

Pets bring immeasurable joy in our lives; however, they also bring responsibility. A pet needs the same kind of attention and affection as a human baby does every day. They also cannot speak and tell us what they want or need, so make sure they have a good diet, get enough exercise, and sleep well. You should also make sure they have identification in case they get lost or mixed up with another dog. How? With a pet microchip. Read on to find out everything you need to know about pet microchips.  

What is a Pet Microchip

A pet microchip is an identification chip, embedded under your pet's skin. This chip is around the size of a grain of rice, measuring in at 25 millimeters in length and two millimeters in width. Standard pet microchips are the 15-digit, ISO 11784/11785 chip. 

It has no battery and works like a barcode does for a product at the supermarket checkout. These embedded chips are of great benefit to a pet parent, because they work as identification proof at veterinary centers, creature clubs, pet insurance covers, and vets. It is also a mandatory requirement for an international pet relocation. 

The chips are planted through injections like a vaccine and are just as quick & painless. A microchip is the first thing someone will look for as ID proof, to confirm your pet’s identity or return them to you in case they get lost or somehow wander away.

Pros of Microchipping Your Pet

• Getting a unique identification number for your pet through a registered microchip.
• Confirmation and cross-referencing of immunization records of your pet against those on the chip number before any global travel/migration. 
• Helps with tracing and identifying your pet at a clinic or at the vet in case they wander or get lost. 

Cons of Microchipping Your Pet

• A pet microchip does not serve as a GPS tracker, which is perhaps its only downside. That being said, it is nit-picking, as a GPS tracker would require batteries, which a microchip does not need. 

Although microchips are compulsory before any international pet travel, they should be embedded in all pets, regardless of whether they plan to travel. Before commencing a pet relocation, many countries require pets to be microchipped as a rule, so that imported pets and their medical records can be cross-referenced with the ID number of the chip. As a recommendation, it is always advised to get your pet microchipped before they get their vaccinations. 

Some pet parents may be apprehensive of getting their babies microchipped. However, the benefits are immeasurable, and with no downsides to the process it is a safety net worth having. All pet parents should microchip their pets as soon as possible for maximum safety and convenience. 

How do you Prepare Your Dog for a Long Trip?

Sometimes the need to escape monotony is overwhelming. Daily life and its routines can lead to exhaustion and burn out, which manifest as a desire to get away from it all. Need a break form this and escape the city? Worried about leaving your darling dog alone at home? Why not take them with you on your travels? Dogs are excellent travel partners and can be great fun, provided you plan ahead.​

Here’s How You Can Prepare Your Dog For a Long Road Trip.

Vet Visit

A visit to the vet is recommended before any movement, be it is domestic travel or an international relocation. Your vet can give your pet a clean bill of health before their travels, as well as help with any potential travel-related maladies, such as motion sickness and restlessness in the car.

Dummy Drives

Before embarking on a full-length journey, try shorter ones first. If your dog doesn’t have much experience being inside a car, start with just sitting in the car, then take them on shorter trips and slowly make such trips longer. This buffer period will also help identify and diagnose common issues your pup may have, like motion sickness, restlessness, bladder control, so that lengthier travels with your pet are hassle-free.

Rest & Refreshment Stops

Plan your stops ahead of time to avoid rushing at the last moment. Be sure to check beforehand whether the rest stop/hotel/accommodation you booked is pet-friendly and clean. For domestic travel, make sure to research safe spots to stop for a rest, as well as noting the locations of establishments you may need, such as a vet, clinic, or a medical store. 

Travel Essentials

As there’s no guarantee of what you might end up needing while on the road, it is necessary to be prepared. Carry a first aid kit, collars, leashes, water bottles and bowls, and toys. Bring along a spare pillow or blanket for them to sprawl on, and a few chew toys or treats. Whether you’re embarking on domestic travel or an intercontinental journey, remember to microchip your pooch, as that the only proof of identity they have, and is extremely useful if your dog (God forbid) gets lost or wanders off. 

Car Mods

While most people recommend keeping your dog inside a crate for the duration of any journey, the reality is, since you’re going on a long trip with them and travelling with them domestically, this recommendation is seldom followed. Instead, we’d like to recommend some real-world advice which people might follow. If not in a crate, make sure your pup is leashed inside the car. An un-leashed dog inside can deviate your focus from the road, which is not a good thing. Make sure to belt them in their seat, and remember to tie their leash onto the belt itself or another secure location. If you have a nosy or clingy pup, install a screen or separator/divider between the front and back seats, so your focus remains on the road as your pup vies for your attention.

Weather and Temperature

Account for prevailing weather conditions before your travels. Avoid the outdoors during afternoons, especially if you’re traveling during the summer, and try to cover ground earlier in the day so you can relax during the hot afternoons. Make sure to keep your pup sufficiently hydrated, as dehydration is common when on the road. Keep your windows down; not far enough to provide an escape opportunity, but enough to allow some fresh air to circulate in the car.

Travel by yourself does not require quite as many preparations as pet transportation/travel, but choosing to bear the extra step or two while in preparation can make the journey an immensely satisfying experience. Provided that you check all the safety boxes, your longer trip with your dog will be a joyous and memorable occasion.

If you’re unsure about the preparation or can’t deal with the hassle, you can always call a pet relocation company. If you need help on your longer domestic journey with your pet, or are looking for international pet relocation services, contact Carry My Pet for safe and hassle-free solutions for your trip.

Top Tips for Moving with Your Pet

Shifting residences or states can be a cumbersome experience for all involved. It becomes particularly so when you’re attempting a move with your pet. There are many reasons for this; the “baggage” in this situation is your pride and joy as well as a live animal, so the planning process is far more detailed than with any other form of airline cargo. As this is a sensitive transaction, the sensible thing to do is be prepared for any circumstance or contingency. Here is how you can do this. 

Plan in Advance 

If you have a pet and are planning a relocation, it is best to plan early. Any overlooked preparations can present themselves as problems near the date of departure, so plan in advance. Plan your bookings early, plan your visit to the vet before time, and ensure your pet’s vaccinations are in order. If you feel like the process is too cumbersome, you can always hire a pet relocator or service to take your hassle and make it their own. 

Specify the Correct Crate 

No matter what mode of transport you end up choosing for your relocation, you will need a pet crate. As your pet will spend a lot of time inside this crate in transit, it is important to select the appropriate crate. Pets can only fly in IATA fiber crates. Standard crate sizes should be used for a comfortable journey. To make their experience more comfortable, consider crate training your pet before embarking on any journey so they are not stressed by the new sights and scents. 

Visit your Vet

If your pet is injured or unhealthy, then they may face difficulties when travelling. Visiting your vet before any movement with your pet is a must. Aside from a general check-up, make sure their vaccinations are complete and ensure that their vaccination record states the same. If you’re moving by plane, then the vaccination record is crucial, as it acts as your pet’s passport. As the rules pertaining to pet flights are stringent, you may be denied boarding if all the vaccination formalities are not met. 

Choose a Reputed Airline 

All airlines are not pet-friendly, and neither are all airports. To ensure the safety of your pet, it is important to select a pet-friendly airline during the booking process. An aircraft with a temperature and pressure-controlled cargo bay is central to the safe transportation of a pet in the air. A pet-friendly aircraft also makes its flight attendants check on the pets while flying. If you’re anxious about the airline you’re selecting, you could always hire a pet relocator. A relocator takes care of the paperwork formalities and airline background checks, and can also tell you if an airline has a reputed history of transporting pets. 

Pet Microchip 

A pet microchip is a small chip, around the size of a grain of rice, which is painlessly implanted in your pet. A pet microchip is important while travelling, as it is the only ID proof your pet has which can be verified. The standard ISO 11784/11785 microchips are used for pets globally and are necessary for pet export movements. Regardless of whether your country mandates a microchip for pet travel, it is wise to get one nonetheless. A microchip reader can then read this chip; these chips are applicable at pet boardings, the vet, with the transit authorities, and so on. 

5 Things to Know About Moving Your Pets

Traveling with your pet can be a challenge. The health and safety requirements combined with airport customs & regulations can make the experience a hassle. Not every airline is pet friendly, and neither is every airport around the world. The documentation for your pet must be complete and up to date, otherwise, they can be denied boarding. Therefore, it is important to know all requirements before embarking on any journey. To keep your pet comfortable, there are a few tips you can follow: 

1. Plan in Advance: if you want to relocate your pet, it is best to plan ahead. There are a lot of documents which have to be filled, checked and re-checked, so make sure nothing is left to the last minute. Book your flight tickets well in advance, ensure your pet's vaccinations are up to date and make sure they are microchipped. 
2. Get a Health Checkup: Flying with a pet is not a risky process, but it can become so if a health check-up has not been conducted before flying. To ensure your pet is healthy, happy, and injury-free. Schedule an appointment with your vet and get a check-up along with a clean bill of health before travelling anywhere. 
3. Get Your Tags/Identification: Flying without any ID is dangerous; consider getting your pet microchipped. A microchip is the only proof of identity a pet has. India uses the standard, ISO 11784 and ISO 11785 as the rest of the world. Ensure that your pet is microchipped before flying with your pet, if you're flying into a different country, a microchip is likely a mandatory requirement. 
4. Check regulations: Different countries have different requirements for different pets. To avoid pet quarantine in a foreign country, your preparation has to be perfect. Make sure to research country-specific guidelines and adhere to them, fulfilling the documentation procedure and routine checks performed during import. Failing to meet the requirements may result in your pet being quarantined until the formalities are complete. 
5. Pick a Pet-Friendly Airline: Not all airlines are pet-friendly, and neither are all airports. It is essential for the safety of a pet that their aircraft has pressure and temperature-controlled cargo bays, which not every airline can guarantee. If you are unsure or afraid of the process, hire a relocator. They will take the burden and headache of meeting the paperwork formalities upon themselves for a fee.

Separation Anxiety and How to Train Your Pet to Cope

Animals are very in-tune with nature and their emotions. Pets, in particular, mirror their owners’ emotions, and can pick up on changes in a person's mood in a heartbeat. Consequently, they need a little time to re-adjust to a new environment after moving states or changing residences. 

This period of adjustment becomes an intense affair when coupled with the sudden departure of their well-known environment. It is in such circumstances that separation anxiety comes to the fore, and as an owner it is important you understand how to deal with it. 

Pets are like babies. It's critical to take things slowly when trying to teach and comfort them, so they can become accustomed to a new environment at their own pace and on their own terms. Here are some ways you can make your pet comfortable in a new setting. 

Make Them Used to Their Surroundings 

When you move into a new space, whether it is through pet travel export or pet transportation import, or a domestic pet relocation, your pet is likely to feel alienated. Their regular sights and smells are gone, replaced with a new area with a completely new feel to it. This is where you come in. look at it this way, when we as humans move or relocate to an unfamiliar setting, we tend to explore and map the area so as to become more acclimated with it. A sense of recognition is important to develop in order to be comfortable in any setting. 

It's a similar story with animals and pets. Once you move, encourage your pet to explore their new environment; make sure to be with them as they search their way through the rooms, backyards and lawns. Do not rush this process. Remember that your pet is a baby, and is as new to this setting as you are. Developing a sense of familiarity is not an overnight process. 

The First Time Apart 

The first time you have to leave your pet to go do anything is heartbreaking. Getting used to a new setting is bad enough, but the situation is worsened by the fact that the only familiar face they know disappears for long stretches of time. Had they been in their old home, the fact that you were gone for the majority of the day didn’t really matter. But, in new surroundings, your pet may develop separation anxiety. 

The key to resolving this situation is to take baby steps. For instance, start by leaving your pet alone in a room for a few short minutes. Move on to doing the grocery run while they’re home, and subsequently, work and socialize. Starting with shorter durations and consistently coming back will help develop a sense of security and an understanding that you’ll be gone for a while and back at the same time every day. Trust is key, so make sure to develop trust and instill a sense of safety 

Affection and Attention 

The settling period is when your pet is at their most vulnerable. As pet parents, it is our responsibility to give them all the love they need while coping. Take them out on a walk, or maybe just relax, play, and cuddle with them. Do whatever it may be that your pet loves, especially things they loved doing at their previous familiar space. 

All They Want is Love 

Our pets love us unconditionally, and it is only fair we reciprocate the same. Pets don’t see things with logic or reason like humans can; they’re animals after all. Be patient with them, even if they are not in the most cooperative of moods. All they need is your understanding, and they will be snoozing in their new home in no time.