Based in Austin, Texas, PetRelocation.com handles the door-to-door relocations of pets worldwide. They offer full-service, door-to-door arrangements to safely move your pet down the road or around the world. With over 5000 pets moved worldwide, they are happy to help any pet owner we can with their pet’s travel arrangements!
Rachel's Floppy Cat, Chubby Charles!
Rachel Farris, their Director of PR and New Media, was kind enough to do an interview with me. I thought the awareness and knowledge of this company might help many of you cat owners out there. Especially those interested in a kitty that isn’t in your state or in your country! Petrelocation.com can help!
How many cats do you transport every year?
That’s a great question that I’m not really sure we have an answer to! We transport around 1000 pets a year, and I’d guess around half of those are cats!
What is the major form of transportation? Car? Airplane?
We handle door-to-door pet travel services, so typically our moves start and end with a car ride to and from the airport. We also use airplanes for flying pets across the US or around the world.
Do you transport more dogs than cats?
I’d guess it’s about 50% dogs and 50% cats, but I really don’t have an exact figure.
Have you ever transported a Ragdoll cat?
We have! We helped one woman with her Ragdoll named Francis who was moving from San Francisco to the UK. We don’t have a picture of Francis, either, unfortunately.
What is one of the hardest countries to send a cat to?
Any country that is rabies-free (like the UK, Australia and Japan) can be very difficult to move pets to in terms of the import requirements. Pets must undergo a series of vaccinations followed by blood tests to prove they are free of rabies. There are also sometimes quarantine requirements upon arrival depending on the country. Small, remote countries can also be hard to transport pets to just because there are not a lot of flight options that are safe for pets.
What would you recommend as far as a carrier for cat travel?
What are some of the dangers to cats when they travel? Are there warning signs to look out for?
Most cats do not like their travel crates, which is usually because they are only put in their crates when it’s time to go to the vet! Also, their crates are usually too small. A pet should travel in a crate that they can comfortably stand up in with at least 2-4” of clearance over the tops of their heads. Most cats we move travel in a carrier that is 27” x 20” x 19”. Getting a pet used to their travel crate well in advance can make all the difference in a stressed out cat or a happy cat!
What is one of the most pet friendly destinations in the world?
Wow, that’s a tough one! Most cities and countries have some great pet spots. We have had many clients tell us that they really liked the Singapore quarantine facilities for cats, as they have large, air conditioned rooms outfitted with scratching posts and windows to the outside. Each cat gets its own room!
Do you transport pets very often for rescue or for breeders?
Our motto is “Any pet, anywhere, anytime!” If we can safely and legally do it, we will arrange shipments for breeders, rescues and other types of pet owners all over the world!
How much does it cost to transport a cat? Does it depend on the destination?
Our pricing generally starts at around $1000 for moves within the US, and around $2000 for international moves. From there, it depends on how many pets we’re moving and where they’re being moved to and from.
What is a quarantine? Do they vary by country? Can you tell us a little more about them? Are there countries with quarantines that has exceptions to their quarantine when it comes to kittens?
Quarantine” is a very vague term for an amount of time a pet needs to be segregated from other pets. Some countries don’t have quarantines and some do. Of the countries that do have quarantines, the facilities can range from outdoor kennel spaces to luxurious, climate-controlled boarding facilities. Sometimes you can do the quarantine at your home before you depart from your origin country, and sometimes kittens under three months of age are exempt. It really just depends on what your situation is and where you’re moving to and from. We have a listing of International Pet Travel Requirements on our website that pet owners are welcome to use when planning their travel, or if they’re looking to import/export a new kitten!
Are cats ever tranquilized before their pet travel?
You should never tranquilize your pet before you travel. Not only is it dangerous, but many airlines will not allow pets to fly if they see they are sedated. The best way to help your pet be calm during transport is by getting him used to his travel crate well before the day of your trip.
Vari Kennel
We like the Varikennel SkyKennel pet travel crates for domestic and international cat travel when pets are traveling as cargo or accompanied luggage underneath the plane. It’s a hard-shelled plastic crate that meets both US and international requirements because it has ventilation on all four sides.
Sleepypod Air
For travel within the cabin or in cars, we’ve really been pleased with the SleepyPod travel carriers (which have several variations that are safe for vehicles as well as in-cabin air transportation).
Contact
Rachel Farris
Director, PR and New Media
PetRelocation.com
Rachel@PetRelocation.com
Petrelocation.com’s Social Links
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PetRelocation
Twitter: http://twitter.com/PetRelocation
