Denver to Abu Dhabi
Angela,
I don’t know exactly what happened, but my flight to Chicago was delayed and we missed the connection to Abu Dhabi….three nights in Chicago before we could hop another flight.
What I do want to say is thank you thank you thank you!! You made things happen and they did. Your contacts in Denver were great, Boomer had a great flight (so he says), and he’s back to his old self.
I’m sure we weren’t your easiest clients, and hopefully not the hardest.
Thanks,
John
Take it from me, Ramadan is a pretty good way to lose weight…..
Crate Labeling System
For each travel kennel, World Pet Travel has a special crate labeling system. This tag that specifies your pet’s name and destination is only a small portion of this system. There are also LIVE ANIMAL labels with phone numbers and website identification numbers. Also shipping labels with flight numbers, airway bill numbers and departure and destination information for each pet.
Our crate labeling system insures that each pet is properly identified during the course of their trip to insure that there are no mix ups by anyone handling your pet along the course of their travel.
For more examples of our crate labeling system you can contact your pet travel specialist at 1-800-425-6818.
Chicago to Dubai
Hi Angela!
Just a quick note to say “Thanks sooooo much” for all of your help getting Teddy to Dubai! I had already contacted an Importer on the Dubai end and thought that flying with Teddy from Indianapolis to Dubai was a no-brainer! So much for that! When I called you I simply wanted to pick your brain after we had been told that our seven pound Pomeranian could not be guaranteed to fly on United. So what did I learn from you? A. You don’t use United as the airline is not necessarily “pet friendly”, B. We couldn’t fly Teddy out of Indianapolis as all flights from there have layovers, C. We would have to take him to Chicago for a direct flight, and D. He was too little to fly direct from Chicago to Dubai!! WOW, we learned a lot! After talking with you it became clear that we, indeed, needed World Pet Travel’s help!
And help you did! Thanks to the handler in Chicago for making sure Teddy got on the correct flight! Thanks to the handler in Amsterdam who hydrated and walked Teddy and kept him overnight at the kennel. And then thanks to the same handler for making sure Teddy got on the flight from Amsterdam to Dubai! Whew — it certainly ended up entailing a lot more than what we ever imagined! Thanks for getting Teddy safely and soundly to his new home in Dubai!!
John and Jani
(and Teddy too!!)
United States to Bangkok
Blue (dog), Alice (cat) and Louise (guinea pig) recently traveled from Washington DC to Bangkok Thailand. They had a brief layover in Frankfurt Germany where they had time to stop and rehydrate, exercise eat and rest.
On these long journeys we like to break up the trip so that the pets have a rest mid-way. This works out much better for the pet as we feel that they do better with this rest. Also they need time to rehydrate on these longer flights.
You can read more about these pets travel in our testimonials where owner, Sarah writes to John of her experience.
Iran’s ban against dogs
Western-style ownership of ‘unclean’ pets must stop declares Iranian cleric. He goes onto decree that dogs are “unclean and should not be kept as pets – a move aimed at discouraging Western-style dog ownership in the Islamic state, a newspaper reported on Saturday.
Dogs are considered “unclean” under Islamic tradition but, while relatively rare in Iran, some people do keep them as pets.
By issuing a fatwa — a religious ruling — Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi has sent a clear message that this trend must stop.
“Friendship with dogs is a blind imitation of the West,” he was quoted as saying in Javan daily. “There are lots of people in the West who love their dogs more than their wives and children.”
Guard dogs and sheep dogs are considered acceptable under Islamic law but Iranians who carry dogs in their cars or take them to public parks can be stopped by police and fined.
The Koran does not explicitly prohibit contact with dogs, Shirazi said, but Islamic tradition showed it to be so. “We have lots of narrations in Islam that say dogs are unclean.”
Andrea is having a baby!!!!
Andy is having a baby in June!!!
She has kept the secret for far to long but the secret is out now and Santa Clause is coming to town!!!
All of you that know and love Andrea like I do, please call and email her to wish her well with the coming of her first baby Mariana due to arrive June 28th.
All of Andrea’s family is excited and counting the days but they couldn’t be anymore excited than Aunt Angi 
!!!
From all of us that have worked with and loved Andrea all of these years, we wish you and Edgar and of course little Mariana the very best!!!
Birds to Costa Rica
This past week 3 birds FINALLY made it into Costa Rica after a year of toil and trouble with Costa Rica government issues. They came in last November only to be turned away after being given an import permit and being approved to enter by the government. It was a sad day last November when we had to put those babies back on a plane to the US. It was very scary too because the MAG threatened to euthanize them because they said that their papers were not in order. Again, after giving them permission (in 2 different forms) to come into the country.
About 3 weeks ago a woman brought a parrot into Costa Rica through the passenger terminal without as much as a health certificate. She didn’t have any paperwork whatsoever. Nothing, nada! And the dumb a…. in the US at the airport allowed her to get on the plane with the bird in cabin. (This is so illegal it is not even close to funny). When the bird arrived in the passenger terminal without and documents the woman and bird had a very serious problem. I was called to see if there was anything that I could do but without a health certificate the bird could not even go back on a plane to go back into the US.
There are international laws that protect parrots on the endangered species list from trafficking and this bird was one of those birds. There was no way to prove ownership of the bird, where it came from, where it was born, captive or wild, nothing. This bird, a pet of many years, was taken from the owner at the airport and euthanized, killed, destroyed!
This could have been prevented if the owner had done her due diligence and gotten the proper permits for her bird. This was not the fault of the Costa Rica government in this instance. It was the fault of the owner and the airline for letting her on the plane without any documents.
Getting everything right and in order IS a long, drawn out and expensive process to come into Costa Rica, but THIS is what happens when you don’t follow the laws of the country.
Another client of ours was more fortunate than this woman. She had her CITES permit from the US and her health certificate when she arrived. This was only a small portion of what is required to enter the country but she had enough to keep her baby alive. Laurel was allowed to board the plane and go back to the US with Jean Luc and we are now working on getting her blood tests and documents in order for his safe return in a month or so.
This same rule applies to dogs and cats. DO NOT run the risk of coming into the country without the proper paperwork. Your pet WILL be euthanized!!!! Costa Rica does not fool around with this stuff. It happens more times than the public will ever be aware of.
Pets to Costa Rica
There is MUCH confusion in the past couple of weeks on pets going into Costa Rica and worry that there is a new law in place because pets are being sent to the cargo warehouse rather than being cleared through the passenger terminal.
There is not a new law! This is an old law that the government is now enforcing on pets coming in on their own ticket or airway bill. The customs officials at the airport were not aware that Continental pets were not coming in as excess baggage until a very important woman (wife of someone high up in the government)threw her weight around on the 18th of April and flashed her airway bill at the customs officials demanding her pets.
This upset the customs officials and brought to their attention the fact that Continental was allowing pets to come through the passenger terminal with an airway bill when they should go directly to the cargo facility like all other pets arriving as manifest cargo with their own tickets.
Several meetings took place over the following days and the result of these meetings were that for now, only Continental would be affected by this ruling since all of the other airlines were already following this protocol. All pets arriving on Continental as quickpak on their own ticket (airway bill) will go directly to the cargo facility rather than be released in the passenger terminal as previously allowed.
Now you must acquire an import permit prior to arrival in order for your pet to be released when you arrive. This should be applied for at least 4 days prior to your arrival in Costa Rica through a broker so that your pet does not sit in the customs warehouse for many unnecessary hours unattended.
There will be taxes and customs duties charged as well as fees charged now that were never charged before as a result of the pets coming in through the cargo warehouse. The tax rate is 24.30% of the adjusted value. Pets are automatically insured at $50.00 above the amount shown on the AWB. Value is set at $50-$60 above the amount shown on the AWB and the taxes and costs are based on this amount.
You still must have a current rabies under one year and vaccinations (for a cat FVRCP, for a dog DHLPP) current within one year. Tick and tapeworm treatment prior to arrival as well. All of this must be documented on the APHIS 7001 International Health Certificate and it must be endorsed by the USDA within 10 days of arrival in Costa Rica.
I hope this information helps clear up some of the confusion that is out there about what is now necessary to bring your dog or cat into Costa Rica.
Moves Around The World!
We want to send a shout out to all our pets that recently made it home to their families. Quibbles, a Boston Terrier / Pug mix, her sisters Dream Catcher, a Cocker Spaniel and Tazzie a Siamese / Tort Cat mix were transported from San Francisco to Costa Rica. Jake, a Labrador Retriever, came out of Costa Rica and met up with his family in Canada! Our French Poodle friend, Linda, arrived in sunny Miami after safely flying across the nation from San Jose, CA. 3 Cats, Jungle Boy, Melanie and Bo were excited to get to Tel Aviv after a long flight from Chicago. Welcome home everyone!!
Flea Medication Warnings
Flea Season is just around the corner and the dreaded FLEA CYCLE is on its way!!! But this year we should all be on the lookout for changes in the way we look at Frontline and other topical tick and flea treatments.
Several pet deaths have prompted the EPA to issue warnings on flea medications in the hopes that it will improve the safety of pets in the future. Products intended to treat cats and dogs for fleas and ticks kill hundreds of pets each year and injure tens of thousands, the Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday as it outlined plans to make the products safer.
The EPA has stated it will develop stricter testing and evaluation requirements for flea and tick treatments that are applied to a pet’s skin. The agency also will begin reviewing labels to determine which ones need to say more clearly how to use the products.
The EPA is making this effort because of increasing complaints from pet owners that the “spot-on” treatments have caused reactions in both dogs and cats, ranging from skin irritation to neurological problems to deaths.
It seems that cats and smaller dogs appear more vulnerable, particularly when given products intended for larger animals.
It has been reported in some circles that new restrictions are likely to be placed on flea and tick treatments with additional changes for specific products, including possible changes in some formulas.
We must all remember that these topic medications ARE poisons designed to KILL!!! Granted they are designed for fleas and ticks but they do their jobs very well and can be lethal to smaller animals if overdosed.
Warmer weather
The warmer weather is finally coming and to some that means gardens are ready to be planted, but to World Pet Travel and all of us in the pet travel industry, warmer weather means we getting ready to get very busy
This is the time of year that companies transfer employees, employees move their families, and families move their PETS! This is where we come in. Kids are out of school and families are on the move, and with that pet travel starts.
Spring time is a good for pet shipping in most parts of the world because it is not too hot nor too cold. With temperatures in the mid-range both the airlines and the pets are happy.
This is no doubt our favorite time of year for pet travel! And the dogs kind of like it too!!!!
Pets to Seoul Korea
Moving pets to Seoul Korea is can be an ordeal when an individual that has never handled pet relocation tries to take on the task alone. This is especially difficult if a family is trying to relocate themselves at the same time.
Nadia, Patches and Nicholas have a family that have moved around the world several times and know how difficult pet moves can be. Particularly when you have large pets and more than one pet to move. 
This week Nadia, Patches and Nicolas returned to Seoul South Korea after spending several months in the US tending to a dying Aunt. As a result of this death, the family inherited and adopted Aunt’s 14 year old cat, Patches, who has now joined them in Korea.
Weather was cooperative in Chicago and the move went very smoothly. The family is all back in Seoul now with dad until their assignment is complete then it is time to begin the journey home to the US again. 
What BEAUTIFUL ANIMALS these are and such a pleasure to work with!!!
Horses in Costa Rica
We have recently moved more horses out of Costa Rica. Costa Rica is the second largest exporter of Andalusia horses in the world and the breeding stock is incredible! There are stallions, mares and colts of all ages to choose from. Dressage, jumpers or simple pleasure horses, Costa Rica has any type of horse you can imagine. For the novice or the experienced rider and the price is a fraction of what you would pay in the US or Europe.
I don’t mean to sound like a used car salesman or in this case like a horse trader but I get very excited when someone gets a very good price on an exceptional horse. One that would have cost them thousands of dollars more in the US or Canada.
We can direct you to the farm or the breeder that can match you up with the perfect horse for you as well. If you cannot make it to Costa Rica, tell me the type of horse that you are looking for and the amount of training that you need. We can send you video’s of several different horses for you to choose from.
For anyone looking for Andalusian stock, you cannot pass on these horses!
Max’s Big Adventure
Hello Angela, Seth & Andrea,
I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you and your team has done. Max has adjusted without any problems and is already living La Pura Vida. He even arrived with a new toy, which has become his favorite.
You and your team made an otherwise stressful situation, completely stress free by providing continuous updates and photos.
I have been singing your companies praises since the start to all my family and friends.
If you every need me to write a testimonial or provide a recommendation, please let me know and I will do it with great pleasure.
Once again, thank you to you and your team for all your wonderful work.
I am sure we will be in touch and when it comes time for Max to return to Canada, you have a guaranteed customer.
Sincerely,
Alyssa & Max
Shelter Dog Saves Woman From Choking to Death
I want to brag about one of our former transplants “Sydney” an Australian Blue Heeler/Beagle Mix. We submitted his heroic story to the North Shore Animal League and he was last April’s Hero Dog!!! He saved the life of a woman who was choking, by notifying the family that their guest in the bathroom was having a problem!!! He raised such a fuss that the family followed him to see what was upsetting him. Because of his efforts the woman was revived and is doing very well. I am very proud of him and his wonderful family!!
Pet Travel Weather
On Saturday, starting around 12noon (12/19) local time New York, Continental has reported that they will begin cancelling flights. It is anticipated that snow will become heavy (up to an inch per hour) around 4pm (at Newark airport) in New Jersey. Continental spokespeople state that they anticipate the canceling of most all of the Continental Express, Colgan operated and CommutAir operated flights after approximately 2pm on Saturday afternoon for the remainder of the day (several 100 flights). Also expect cancellations of Continental’s mainline domestic flights on Saturday evening as departure rates (slots) slow down at Newark. They will begin trying to recover the operation on Sunday morning but because of many of Saturday night’s cancellations, a lot of the first flights on Sunday morning will also be cancelled.
Also anticipated are other Northeastern US cities to be severely impacted by Saturday morning and into the evening. These are PHL, BOS, IAD, DCA, BWI, LGA, ALB, BDL, and PVD. The PetSafe desk is currently working to call customers who are scheduled for these cities and will try to accommodate them on Sunday or Monday flights, to re-route them through Cleveland or Houston.
At this time, the airline is trying to accommodate passengers flying with their pets (if their flight isn’t cancelled) and is trying to protect any animals booked onto International flights from Newark on Saturday evening (Europe, India, Tel Aviv, etc.). It is strongly suggested that if you are traveling with pets that in weather like this, you try to make alternative plans for any animals you have flying through the Northeastern USA on Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning. (Road transport is also likely not a good alternative in this snow storm.) Any animals stranded at Newark will be kenneled at the Newark facility and well-cared for but will be at the shipper and/or consignee’s expense.
Pets Leaving Costa Rica
As of February 2009, the TSA in the USA will not allow anyone to book their own pet as cargo coming into the US. As excess baggage if you are on the same plane, no problem. But as manifest cargo, you will have a problem as TSA will not allow anyone that is not a known shipper to book a pet into the US on an airline carrier flying into the US. As we are the only IPATA agent and only TSA Known Shipper or Broker that speaks English this definitely has helped our office in Costa Rica.
For this among other reasons, like travel to the US being higher than in years in the past, our moves are up considerably this year. This past week was a record setting week and one for the books. It seems that 3 families with multiple pets decided to leave Costa Rica all within 3 days with us.
A record week for World Pet Travel was 18 pets out of Costa Rica in 3 days. Andrea, Jose, Edgar and Mandiel were at their best in these days. Thank goodness for all the great people with World Pet Travel and those that support them in Costa Rica.
Moving to Costa Rica With Pets
I have written about this many times before but some things bear repeating time and time again . There is so much bad information out there and just this weekend I learned of another poor animal, in this instance a cat, dying because someone received BAD information.
If you do not have taken the time to gather the information, do NOT send your poor pet because they will suffer and maybe even die. This poor cat that came in last week flew in from Canada and after many hours in flight spent many more unnecessary hours in the customs warehouse because the paperwork was not in order and it could not be released.
ALL pets coming as manifest cargo MUST have an import permit. This permit must be applied for 4 business days prior to the pet arriving with the Senasa. In order to apply, the Senasa must have a copy of the pets vaccination records. Any pet over 3 months old must have a current rabies vaccination that is under one year. No exceptions under any circumstances to this rabies law. No puppies under 3 months permitted and no dogs with rabies over one year old accepted.
The permit cannot be applied for by an individual. It must be applied for through a broker and there is a process that must be followed. The original is held by the agency that is clearing the pet through customs. The owner cannot do this themselves without the pet spending much unnecessary time sitting on pallets in the customs warehouse.
This is only a brief outline of some of what you need to know when moving to Costa Rica with Pets. For more information, contact one of our our pet travel specialists.
Move to Abu Dhabi
Pepper has made it to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates after a long wait for mom to make all ready for her arrival. Ottalie moved to Abu Dhabi to teach school several months ago and had to get settled in before she could bring her 11 year old labrador from California to her new home in Abu Dhabi.
This past week Pepper finally made it to the United Arab Emirates to be reunited with her mom. Ottalie was delighted to see her girl again after such a long separation. Brian and Cheryl (her keepers here in the US) were very sad to see her go and were very helpful in getting everything in order to get her on her way.
Thanks to everyone in California, Amsterdam and Abu Dhabi for their help with this move. We could not have done this without them.
Website For Pet Travel
Our new pet travel website is finally up and running. This is to better serve the needs of our clients and help you navigate around our site with greater ease. Now you can see the testimonials of our clients as well as the most important topics that interest you with regards to your pets move.
The different agencies that we are licensed with, associated with or support are all listed on our home page for your convenience and reference.
Our new estimate form is quick and easy to use with all of the information that we need to provide you with a quick and detail quote.
Check back often for information on blog about moves that are coming up or that have taken place. You might find a move that is similar to one that you are planning.
You can even chat with others that have made the move with World Pet Travel through our new site.
We look forward to your comments and to learning more about you and your pets!
From all of us at World Pet Travel….Happy travels and best fortune in the soon to be New Year!
