Travelore Tips: Puerto Rico Implements New Pet Entry Rules—Effective Immediately

Puerto Rico has implemented several significant changes to its pet import rules. Pet parents should carefully review the new rules because they apply to all dogs and cats. Pet parents will be charged to return dogs and cats to the U.S. that have not met regulations, advised Air Animal Pet Movers®.

Under the new rules, pet owners must arrange for a U.S. accredited veterinarian to examine their pets and issue an interstate health certificate. According to Walter M. Woolf, founding veterinarian of Air Animal Pet Movers, "Not all veterinarians hold USDA accreditation. Setting up a veterinary appointment for a pet can be tough without guidance from the pet's regular veterinarian or an experienced pet shipper."

Air Animal Pet Movers has updated its Puerto Rico Resource page on airanimal.com to assist pet parents. Air Animal Pet Movers specializes in dealing with the details of transporting dogs or cats between the United States and Puerto Rico.

Steps for entry:

1. Microchip the pet for identification.

2. Ensure the rabies vaccination was administered no more than 6 months before entry. This rabies certificate must accompany the pet.

3. Book an appointment with an accredited United States veterinarian to obtain the interstate health certificate. The appointment must take place no more than 72 hours before arrival in Puerto Rico. USDA endorsement is not required.

4. Ensure the pet has received an external parasite treatment no more than 72 hours before entry. The veterinarian must record the treatment on the health certificate.

5. Dogs should receive the following vaccinations: DA2PPL/DAPPL (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza and leptospirosis). Cats should receive FVRCP (feline rhinotracheitis, calcivirus, and panleukopenia) vaccinations.

6. Different regulations apply for birds, exotic pets and all pets from other countries.

"Pet parents should always register with a local veterinarian in their new locale to keep their pets' rabies vaccinations up to date. Veterinarians typically send reminder notices when vaccinations are due. If another move is in their future, they will be ready," Woolf added.

About Air Animal

Air Animal has helped more than 55,000 families move their 135,000 furry, feathered and scaly pets around the globe since 1977. They welcome pet move authorizations and referrals from major corporations, relocation management agencies, household goods movers, veterinarians, families, U.S. military and government transferees. Get the best in animal care and transportation. Air Animal is an appointed and endorsed IATA air cargo sales agency working with all airlines that move animals. They are an Indirect Air Carrier cleared for tendering live animals to airlines by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration.

For more information on Pet Moving Made Easy®, visit airanimal.com.

Upgraded Points Latest Data Study Highlights The Most And Least Pet-Friendly U.S. Vacation Spots

https://upgradedpoints.com/most-and-least-pet-friendly-vacation-spots-study/) has recently unveiled the results of their latest data study -- this one rating the degree of pet-friendliness for 50 of the most popular U.S. vacation destinations.

Analysis Methodology

For this study, data was compiled on the following 8 criteria:

1. Number of dog parks per 100K population
2. Number of pet stores
3. Number of pet-friendly hotels
4. Number of vacation rentals that will accommodate pets
5. Number/extent of pet-friendly restaurants
6. Availability of veterinarians per 100K population
7. Total miles of hiking trails available
8. Total number of hiking trails per 100K persons

The 8 criteria, when summed, gave each location a possible maximum value of 50. Each city rated was then ranked numerically according to their calculated score.

For a fuller discussion of the weighting and details of the various ratings, as well as detailed graphics and interactive charts, please visit the full report HERE. Upgraded Points also provides useful tips for traveling with your pet and a list of pet-friendly airports.

Cities with the Highest Pet-Friendly Ratings

The clear winner in this data study was the city of Asheville, North Carolina. It topped the list with a total score of 47.5 out of 50 points. In fact, Asheville received maximum positive ratings for 6 of the 8 total criteria. Critically, two of those maxed-out positive ratings were for the number of pet-friendly hotels and also the number of vacation rentals available that were considered pet-friendly. The city also has a large number of hiking trails, which would be important to any pet owner desiring to take their pet outside.

The number two city was determined to be Santa Fe, New Mexico. This city also had top-flight rankings for pet-friendly accommodations, pet-friendly vacation rental units and hotels.

Cities with the Lowest Ratings for Pet-Friendliness

Unfortunately, this study uncovered a few cities that have room to improve their experience for travelers with pets. With the lowest score was Maui, Hawaii, which only scored a 2.3 rating out of 50 possible points. It did get some rating for their hiking opportunities, but failed to secure any points for accommodations that were pet-friendly, nor did they receive any points for pet-friendly activities (such as restaurants that were pet-friendly).

Alex Miller, founder of Upgraded Points, speaking about a major finding of this study, noted that "A big surprise to us was to find the shocking number of major metropolitan U. S. cities that did not score well at all. A number of these cities have very few pet-friendly hotels and vacation rentals for their population size, which is a big drawback for those traveling with pets, and most struggle to provide enough -- or any -- amenities like dog parks and hiking trails. Until this situation changes, we would strongly recommend that travelers avoid traveling to those cites with their pets."

The major U. S. cities with poor pet-friendliness ratings were Los Angeles (ranked 14th out of 15), Chicago (ranked 11th), New York City (ranked 2nd poorest) and Philadelphia (ranked 8th out of 15).

About Upgraded Points LLC

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Upgraded Points is a travel company that provides insider strategies on maximizing travel points and rewards. Launched in 2016 by Alex Miller, Upgraded Points uses targeted research efforts and in-depth studies to give travelers, as well as those looking to travel a real understanding of how to maximize their points and miles. Learn more at: UpgradedPoints.com.

Hawaii Cuts Stateside Pet Quarantine by 66%

Air Animal has learned that as of Aug. 31, 2018 the at-home U.S. mainland quarantine for dogs and cats entering Hawaii is 30 days from the day the rabies antibody blood test (FAVN-OIE) reaches the testing lab. That's down from 120 days.

 -- There's great news for everyone moving dogs or cats to Hawaii. As of Aug. 31, 2018, the at-home U.S. mainland quarantine for dogs and cats entering Hawaii is 30 days from the day the rabies antibody blood test (FAVN-OIE) reaches the testing lab. That's down from 120 days.

"The shorter time frame means veterinary appointments for the required additional vaccinations and parasite treatments must be completed more quickly," said Walter M. Woolf, VMD, founder of Air Animal Pet Movers. "Turning the details over to one of our expert pet movers will reduce your stress, and our online app streamlines documentation. Please note Guam still requires a 120-day stateside at-home quarantine."

The Air Animal Hawaii and Guam resource page has helpful information.

Learn more about Air Animal's services and using corporate relocation benefits to move family pets.

About Air Animal
Air Animal Pet Movers with offices in Tampa and Orlando, FL has moved more than 100,000 pets for families relocating around the globe. They welcome moves from major corporations, relocation management firms, household goods movers, families, U.S. military and government transferees. Get the best in animal care and transportation. Air Animal is an appointed and endorsed IATA air cargo sales agency working with all airlines that move animals. They are an Indirect Air Carrier cleared for pickup and delivery of live animals by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration.

SOURCE Air Animal

Best And Worst Airlines For Traveling With Pets

Getting Their Fur Flying: Top Tips for Taking Your Pets On Holiday

• New research by Compare the Market shows the best places to take your pets on holiday, and how to get them there.
• Air France, TUI and Thomas Cook are among the top pet travel options.
• Pitbulls least likely to be allowed to join you on holiday while American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Terriers are also banned by several countries.

With summer coming up, the entire globe is dreaming of sun, sea and city breaks, with a spike in holiday bookings and wanderlust. However, many of us will also be fretting about our furry friends at home - wouldn’t it be much easier if we could just take them along with us?

Compare the Market has commissioned new research into the most pet-friendly countries and airlines around the globe, so you can take your dog, cat (or meerkat) with you this summer. They’ve also produced a definitive list of the most famous globetrotting animals to give you inspiration - and shed light on the unlucky pets who are less likely to be able to join their owners on holiday.

It’s All About the Journey….

Getting your pet to your chosen location might seem daunting, but most airlines today have a policy in place to allow pets to accompany their owners onboard. While the policies themselves are manifold, no two are the same - so we’ve pulled the top travel options together for you, including:

• Air France - Leaders in the pet transport field, Air France allows you to bring up to three pets along for the cost of an extra suitcase. Pets of up to 75kg (including carrier) can travel with you in the cabin, and you can buy carriers to keep your small friends in comfort. There are also freight options for heavier pets, who’ll be made welcome in their own holding area. 
• Thomas Cook - There’s not only a wide range of animals allowed on Thomas Cook, there’s no maximum weight for pets on holiday either - and you can get them on board for just 15 euros per dossier plus an excess baggage fee. 
• TUI - while a more expensive option - with a total cost of 81.60 euros per pet - TUI allows pets up to 6kg to travel in the cabin alongside you, and heavier pets can be put up in the cargo hold for the duration of the flight. Pets can also be added to an existing flight with a quick call!

While animals are now often a common sight on most airlines, there are some that are best to avoid. EasyJet, Emirates and FlyBe won’t let you onboard with a pet at all, which means you should definitely take time to check flight providers on online packages, especially if they’re different providers both ways!

Pets on Location

Of course, great transport options are only part of your pet’s holiday experience. The location is always the most important part of any holiday, and some countries are more likely to welcome fluffy travellers than others. Compare the Market found some of the most surprising pet-friendly destinations for a trip away were:

• New York - The Big Apple was the most pet-friendly destination, with no bans on pets of any breed. Pets also don’t need their own passport to travel to NYC, and only dogs will need a vet’s certificate proving they’ve had a recent rabies vaccination. Working dogs from certain destinations, including Mexico, may also need to prove that they’ve been vaccinated for tapeworm.
• Tokyo - Your furry friend won’t need a passport to travel to Japan, but you will need to make sure they’re chipped and that you’ve filed an Advanced Notification Form with the Animal Quarantine Service 40 days before you travel. A vet must also complete a Japan Veterinary Certificate before travel, confirming that you’ve had your pet inoculated against Japan’s list of illnesses, including hepatitis for dogs and calicivirus for cats.
• Seoul - Korea is also a fan of pets, and doesn’t require a pet passport if your pet has been properly chipped. While a list of banned animals isn’t published, it is worth enquiring with your travel agent before you book just to make sure, and all animals travelling must be vaccinated against rabies.

When looking into travelling with pets, it is always advisable to look at getting them their own passport, as a third of destinations will require one. An EU passport is your best bet for speedy pet transfers, with most European countries including Spain, Germany and the Netherlands accepting these. Microchips are also required in a whopping 90% of countries, while almost all countries will require your pet to be vaccinated against rabies. Having these three musts up-to-date is a great starting point for globetrotting pets.

Jet Set Pets

Wherever you’re travelling in the world with your pet, there’s no such thing as too much information - whether it’s transport to your destination, which country to choose, or even whether your pet will be able to accompany you on your next adventure.

For full research on Jet Set Pets and where to take them, visit Compare the Market’s handy guide for a quick rundown of the best places for ‘petsetters’.   

8 Travelore Tips for Going On A Road Trip With Your Pets

Embrace Pet Insurance compiled a list of tips to make it a comfortable and safe journey for everyone. Here are some cat- and dog-friendly travel tips for when you decide to pack up your furry family member.

1. Keeping Them Safe and Secure

As you’re making a list of everything you need for your trip, add a well-ventilated pet carrier or crate. Whichever type you choose, make sure your pet will be able to move around, stand, and sit in it. If you can’t find a crate or carrier to meet your needs, a pet safety belt is the next best option.

2. Bring Something Familiar

Does your pet have a favorite blanket, toy, or bed? It’s ideal to bring cat and dog travel items with you as they can ease some anxiety and provide a sense of familiarity.

3. Make Sure Your Pet is Comfortable with Car Rides

If your pet is used to car rides, you likely won’t have any issues. However, if your pet isn’t used to rides, you should start by taking them on short car rides around the block and then lengthen the ride a bit to get them used to the car. If your pet isn’t used to the car, don’t just assume they will be fine. Dogs, and even cats, can experience a great deal of anxiety about something new like traveling.

4. A Quick Vet Check Can’t Hurt

Make sure your pet is physically healthy and ready for the trip with a quick check-up at the vet. Talk the trip over with your veterinarian to ensure your pet has the right temperament and health status to take on a lengthy trip and new surroundings.

5. Think About Microchipping

Losing your pet would be a devastating experience. Thankfully, technology has come a long way. At your pre-trip check-up, talk to your vet about microchipping your pet. A microchip is about the size of a piece of rice and injected under the skin. The microchip comes with a registration number that can be read by using a scanning tool, which will then link to your information.

If your pet is already microchipped, make sure all your information is current. Check their tags to make sure everything is up-to-date as well.

6. Stop for Breaks

If your pet is used to a normal potty break and feeding routine, make sure to schedule your trip in such a way that will allow for the same breaks. It’s not ideal to feed your pet in a moving vehicle, so make it a point to stop during regular feeding times.

Before you venture out on your road trip, check online and see which rest stops along the way have dog walking areas. This will give your pup a break to stretch his legs.

7. Make Sure Your Pet Keeps His Head Inside

While it’s cute to see your dog stick his head out the window and take in all the fresh air, it’s not safe. Oncoming traffic or flying objects could injure him. It’s best for your dog to sit in a pet seat belt or a crate.

8. Protect them with Pet Insurance

Unexpected accidents and illnesses can happen at any time – and our dogs and cats aren’t exempt from this. Having pet insurance is like having a safety net for unexpected veterinary bills. It provides you with peace of mind that if the unexpected happens, you’re covered. Pet insurance has no networks, so you can seek treatment at any licensed veterinarian during your trip.

John F. Kennedy International Airport Introduces The First Terminal For Pets. Dog Lovers Rejoice

Contributed byTasmai Uppin, barkpost.com

If flying is something you don’t look forward to when it comes to traveling with your pets, this will make your globetrotting dreams come true.

The John F. Kennedy International Airport in NYC, is set to open the world’s first privately owned terminal dedicated solely to traveling animals. You know, so your pups can relax, get some Starbucks, wander around Hudson News finding the latest gossip mags to peruse, or just do some duty free shopping while they wait for their flights to board.

Image via Gothamist

All jokes aside, the terminal, aptly named “The Ark” will serve as a cargo holding area for all animals (exotic, farm, zoo, domestic) while they await transportation to their destinations.

Set to open in early 2016, The Ark is spread out over a 178,000 square feet and will house an overnight pet resort Paradise 4 Paws kennels, ample state-of-the-art cargo holding facilities, vets, an aviary and even climate-controlled stalls to ensure total relaxation prior to departure.

Image via Gothamist

Phil Derner of NYC Aviation spoke to the Gothamist about the $48 million endeavor:

“It is indeed unique. Some people seem to question its necessity, but if a private company wants to sign a multi-decade lease with PANYNJ, then by all means. This facility is in the cargo area of JFK, which sees tenants come and go, so this can be a good deal for a potentially economically unstable part of the airport.

“When it comes to travel, animals have always had the short end of the stick, flying in dangerous and uncomfortable conditions in the bellies of aircraft. Regardless of animal type, I am all for anything that improves their treatment. As long as this being in the cargo area doesn’t bring about a horse-related Goodfellas Lufthansa heist, it is just fine with me.”

Derner is right. Traveling with pets has always been quite the challenge. As pawrents, all our flying time is spent worrying about the safety of our furry friends down in cargo. So this is a welcome change!

Image via Gothamist

Cliff Bollman, architect at one of the firms designing the terminal, spoke to The Telegraph:

“For the animals who [will] pass through The Ark, as well as the people who own them, air travel can be stressful and confusing. Aligning the needs of quarantine with kenneling and elevating the experience for animals and their owners, our design team sought to create a comfortable, healthy environment for them all.”

Now that my pup knows about what’s to come, he can’t wait for his first air adventure. All paws aboard!