15 04, 2020

Is Pet Grooming Essential in a Pandemic?

By |2020-04-13T10:07:09-06:00April 15th, 2020|Blog|Comments Off on Is Pet Grooming Essential in a Pandemic?

When you think of an “essential business,” pet care providers don’t typically come to mind. Sure, you’ll need to access pet food, but that’s available at most grocery stores. If you need medical services, your animal hospital will be available and ready to help. But what about other pet-related needs? Individual states are addressing veterinary services as they see fit, but one type of pet service has gained a lot of attention in recent weeks: pet grooming.

Pet grooming can be an essential part of a pet’s health, but it can also unnecessarily expose workers to risk – both medical and financial. Below, we’ve broken down the arguments for why pet groomers should remain open or close down. If you’re having trouble making your own decision on the matter, this will walk you through your options.

Argument: Why Pet Grooming is Essential

Depending on the type of pet you have, regular grooming could be an essential part of their health. Grooming helps maintain a healthy coat and skin, and regular nail trims can help to reinforce posture and healthy foot structure. Moreover, regular grooming visits can help pet parents catch health issues, like ear infections, skin infections, and tooth problems, without needing to visit a veterinarian. People advocating for this argument are creating online petitions to allow their pet salons to stay open.

Additionally, allowing pet grooming to be an essential service keeps more people employed, allowing workers to continue receiving a steady paycheck. Unemployment is becoming increasingly difficult to access as more of America’s work force is laid off or furloughed. If pet grooming businesses can stay in business, they can continue to pay their employees.

Argument: Why Pet Grooming is Non-Essential

Working with animals in the middle of a pandemic poses a range of challenges. Pets typically remain in proximity to their owners, and with more people working from home, people are cozying up to Fido and Fluffy a lot more than usual. If a pet’s owner has COVID-19, the virus could potentially live on the pet’s fur for an unidentified period. If a person with the novel coronavirus brings a pet to the groomer, they risk exposing the staff to the virus – even if the person does not enter the grooming facility.

Additionally, pet groomers say that the work they do, especially bathing and nail trimming, can be easily completed at home. These workers are typically paid minimum wage jobs and are not provided with the personal protective equipment necessary to remain safe during the pandemic. If they get sick, they won’t likely have the health insurance necessary to get tested or remain financially secure during coronavirus treatment. What’s more, most pet grooming services are provided by large companies who put profits over the health of workers, allowing few opportunities for employees to voice personal concerns. Companies are interpreting the language around essential business operations to remain open and generating revenue, potentially putting thousands of workers around the country at risk.

The Verdict

Like most conflicts amid the pandemic, the decision to allow pet grooming as an essential service – and your decision to take advantage of that service – is highly individualized. Pet groomers should do what they can to assess employee concerns and act accordingly, either closing their doors to protect workers or remaining open to continue financial support for employees.

Of course, this isn’t always possible or a high priority, especially for larger grooming providers. If your local pet groomers are scared for their safety, avoid using the service as much as possible. This decision may also depend on how many people in your community are infected with the coronavirus. If you live in New York City, pet grooming probably isn’t essential right now. If you live in Morgantown, WV, you might feel more comfortable about dropping Fido off at the groomer.

To that end, if you can go a couple of months without visiting a pet groomer, this is likely the best course of action. Don’t put unnecessary pressure on a local business to stay open if they don’t need to. If you’re looking for ways to support your groomer through the pandemic, consider buying a gift card to redeem later in the year.

Most importantly, do what you need to keep your pet healthy and ready to resume their duties as your travel companion later in the year. If grooming is truly a part of your pet’s health care, call your vet to see if your local animal hospital is providing any grooming services. The workers at these hospitals are typically provided the personal protective equipment necessary to stay safe.

 

26 03, 2020

Bringing Your Pet to Assisted Living: A How-To Guide

By |2020-03-26T21:54:10-06:00March 26th, 2020|Blog|Comments Off on Bringing Your Pet to Assisted Living: A How-To Guide

Seniors have a lot of fears about assisted living. They worry they’ll be bored, lose their independence, or that their loved ones won’t visit. But while most assisted living misconceptions are unfounded, there’s one fear that persists: Seniors worry they’ll have to leave their pets behind when they move to assisted living. While it’s true that many assisted living facilities prohibit pets, it’s not a hard and fast rule. In fact, the number of pet-friendly assisted living communities is on the rise. Here’s how you can find the right one for you.

Step 1: Identify Pet-Friendly Assisted Living Communities

Fortunately, more assisted living communities than ever accept pets, but that doesn’t mean pet-friendly policies are guaranteed. Some communities prohibit pets outright, whereas others limit the type and number of pets allowed.

If you have a cat, fish, or small animal, you probably won’t have any trouble finding a community. However, many facilities restrict dogs based on size and breed. That doesn’t mean you should give up! To increase your chances of finding a dog-friendly community, broaden your geographical search area and consider getting your dog registered as a Canine Good Citizen.

Step 2: Decide What You Want in an Assisted Living Home

You, of course, want your future home to be pet-friendly. However, that’s not all you need to consider as you prepare for assisted living. Think about the type of care you need and how you prefer to live. Do you want a private apartment, lots of communal space, or a facility that specializes in memory care? Write a list of your must-have amenities so you can easily rule out communities that aren’t a good fit.

From there, schedule tours of assisted living communities that fit your criteria. While online research will give you the basics, it can’t tell you about a community’s ambiance. By scheduling a tour, you can see up close what each community has to offer.

Step 3: Prepare Your Pet for the Big Move

Once you’ve found the right community, it’s time to prepare for your move. Include these pet-related in steps in your moving to-do list:

  • Schedule necessary vaccinations.
  • Get a copy of your pet’s veterinary records.
  • Give your pet regular grooming as the date approaches.
  • Apply flea and tick preventative.
  • Buy a secure crate for moving your pet.

It may also help to invest in a few tools that can make it easier to care for your pet. For example, purchasing an extended pooper scooper for your dog will allow you to clean up messes without having to bend over too far. The same rings true for sifting litter boxes, which makes this task much easier while helping you save money on litter.

Also, don’t forget to make your pet comfortable in its new home! Recognize why and how moving is stressful for dogs and cats may be anxious after a move. To help them adjust to the situation, set up a quiet area with familiar furnishings like a pet bed and blanket that smells like home.

Step 4: Make the Most of Limited Space

Most assisted living apartments are compact. That’s great when it’s time for chores, but poses challenges for pets that need a lot of space. Cat owners can get creative with limited square footage by creating vertical, feline-friendly spaces and using furniture to hide the litter box in plain sight. Meanwhile, for dog owners living in small spaces, consider using a crate to give the dog its own space and dog-proof the living space by storing dangerous items up high.

No matter what type of pet you have, plenty of exercise and enrichment is the key to keeping it happy in a small home. If you’re having trouble keeping up with your pet’s exercise needs, don’t hesitate to call in reinforcements.

Step 5: Get Help Caring for Your Pet

Every pet owner needs an extra hand sometimes and seniors are no exception. Whether you need someone to pet sit during a hospital stay or a daily dog walker, it’s important to have a relationship with a trustworthy pet sitter. Some pet-friendly communities offer on-site pet care for an extra fee. If you hire a pet sitter online, make sure they’re licensed and bonded.

Mobile veterinarians and groomers also make life with pets easier. Instead of finding transportation to your pet’s appointments, the professionals can come to you.

Many seniors fear the day they have to give up their beloved pet, but with pet-friendly assisted living, that never has to happen. While finding a community that accepts you and your pet isn’t always easy, it’s worth bringing your companion along. Start your pet-friendly assisted living search today so you’re prepared when the time comes for the big move.

Image via Pexels

5 03, 2020

Everything You Need to Know About Emotional Support Animal Updates

By |2020-03-26T18:03:43-06:00March 5th, 2020|Blog|Comments Off on Everything You Need to Know About Emotional Support Animal Updates

In early 2020, lawmakers unveiled a new federal proposal designed to significantly limit the types of animals allowed to fly in airplane cabins. The proposal, written by the Department of Transportation, specifically targets emotional support animals. If put into effect, this regulation overhaul would ban all service and emotional support animals that are not dogs. The idea is to provide more guidelines for the issue rather than allowing airlines to make decisions on a case-by-case basis. As we’ve previously discussed, emotional support animals have been criticized for years, but this is the first federal regulation proposal we’ve seen.

Put simply, these proposed regulations crack down on passengers who falsely claim that their pets are service animals. If the rules go into effect, passengers with disabilities, both physical and psychological, must fill out a federal form attesting that the accompanying dog has been trained to perform tasks that are specific to the disability. As one official told the New York Times, an animal cannot be brought onto an airplane just to make a passenger “feel better.”

 

Federal Proposal Background

The proposed regulations come amidst the increasingly unorthodox travel animals reported by airlines and fellow passengers. In the past several years, people have tried to take a variety of animals aboard airplanes, including birds, rabbits, monkeys, miniature horses, and cats. Often, these passengers cite an anxiety disorder as the reason for the animal’s presence. Additionally, the rules would address additional concerns about space inside airplanes. Increasingly, airlines are making seats smaller and narrower, leaving less room for furry friend passengers.

However, organizations that work in passenger and disability advocacy have claimed the rules to be severely misguided. The proposals could make it more difficult for people with disabilities to travel, as their support animals would need to be a specific size and have a specific training. Many passengers utilize emotional support animals to assist with anxiety disorders, citing their calming presence as a salve for panic attacks. On the other hand, other organizations have supported the proposal, saying that emotional support animals can threaten the safety and health of both passengers and crew members.

 

Additional Proposal Rules

In addition to banning all emotional support and service animals that are not dogs, the proposed regulations would require all passengers to check in early. The animal would also need to be leashed, be well behaved, and fit in the owner’s foot space. None of these additions are new to most passengers who fly with animals, but this is the first time a federal regulation would mandate the procedure. Additionally, the proposals would put a limit on the number of service animals each passenger could bring – no more than two.

 

Next Steps for Emotional Support Animal Policies

The proposed rules are open for public comment, and the Department of Transportation will analyze the gathered data before making a final decision. If the proposal passes and a passenger attempts to pass off a non-support animal as a service dog, they could face heavy fines and a possible jail term.

It is difficult to measure the support this proposal has, but if passed, one thing is certain: air travel will change significantly for people with disabilities that fall just short of requiring a service animal.

 

6 02, 2020

Animal Transportation Services for Traveling to Spain

By |2020-02-06T11:20:08-07:00February 6th, 2020|Blog|Comments Off on Animal Transportation Services for Traveling to Spain

Traveling internationally with a pet doesn’t always mean visiting a distant country for a week. Just as often as not, international pet travel is used for permanent or long-term relocation. Relocating to Spain, in particular, is becoming increasingly popular among Americans. While the Spanish pet relocation procedure is easier to complete than most, it still imposes significant challenges on pet owners who want to bring their furry friends along for the adventure. Compared to short-term domestic pet travel, pet relocation imposes an entirely new set of challenges and regulations, some of which may come as a surprise to many pet parents. We’ve investigated every aspect of this process and detailed our findings below.

Methods of Transport

In addition to many U.S. airlines that offer flights to Spain, Iberian Airlines is the major carrier in Spain with several routes to U.S. destinations. No matter where you’re leaving from, the most common departure cities for international travel into Spain include Boston, Chicago, Miami, New York, and Los Angeles. Aside from a private/chartered boat, the only way to move your pet to Spain is by plane, and their size, weight, and temperament will determine where in the plane they sit.

In-Cabin

This is the first-choice option for many pet parents, especially those with small animals. Most airlines will allow cats and small dogs to fly alongside their pet parents on international flights. However, the restrictions placed on these animals are a lot more severe than those who travel in the cargo hold. In most cases, the combined weight of the animal and its carrier cannot exceed 17lbs-20lbs, and the animal must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. Still, this option eliminates the stress of allowing others to handle the animal, and you won’t need to visit a cargo facility at your departing and destination locations. This is also the cheapest option, generally costing between $150 and $200 per pet, depending on the flight and airline.

  • Bonus Tip: Some airlines require written notice regarding how you plan to handle bathroom emergencies on long-distance flights. This is something to consider if in-cabin transport is your first-choice option. Additionally, most airlines place limits on the number of animals allowed on each plane. Make your reservations as soon as possible to guarantee your spot.

Checked Baggage

While an increasingly rare pet transportation option in America, it appears that many European airlines prefer to fly larger animals as checked baggage. This option allows the pet owner and animal to fly aboard the same aircraft, but the parent flies in the cabin while the pet remains in the pressurized cargo hold. The process for flying as checked baggage is simple: the pet owner checks the animal in while they are checking into the flight, and airline personnel transports the animal to the aircraft. Then, on the other side of the flight, the pet owner collects the animal from a pre-determined location (usually oversized baggage claim or the regular baggage carousel, but this varies by airport and airline).

  • Bonus Tip: Importantly, if you fly your pet as checked baggage, you will need to collect the animal before passing through customs. This will lengthen the time your animal is stuck in its cage, so it is important to locate potential pet relief areas at your destination airport. This option is not as cheap as in-cabin transport, as it will consider your pet’s size and weight, but it remains fairly affordable.

Spanish Greyhound and Animal Transportation Services in Spain

IAG Cargo Pet Transportation

While generally the most expensive option, IAG Cargo is also one of the more convenient animal cargo transport options for traveling to Spain. This company is the cargo handling arm of Iberian Airlines, as well as British Airways, Vueling, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL. They have extensive experience in transporting pets, having handled zoo animals for some of the best-known zoos and animal charities in the world. They have over 60 years of experience in live animal transport and a dedicated team of animal handlers. Importantly, IAG Cargo employs a “last on, first off” policy for the animals they transport, limiting the amount of noise and disruption your pet will experience.

IAG Cargo imposes a few limitations on the animals they transport. Some dangerous dog breeds and snub-nosed animals may no be accepted, but this is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. As with most animal transport, the price will depend on the crate dimensions and the combined weight of your pet and the container. This provider also allows pet parents to track their shipped animals through their website. IAG Cargo also provides a relocation service through a corporate partner.

Additionally, IAG Cargo recently announced the launch of enhanced animal handling services at Madrid-Barajas airport. Pets traveling through Madrid will receive a full veterinary check-up from a member of a 25-person team and consistent monitoring of food and water intake. If you are traveling through this airport, or if your pet arrives at the terminal before your flight gets in, this may come as a relief.

Additional Animal Transportation Services

In addition to booking with the airlines directly, you can work with a third-party transportation service. Full-service pet relocation cargo options take care of the documentation you need to transport your animal while providing door-to-door delivery. In many cases, the company will pick up your animal from home, transport it to Spain, and deliver it at a predetermined location. In some cases, doggy daycare can be arranged in Spain if you plan to fly out after your animal. This hands-off approach to pet relocation is very expensive (some quotes are as high as $2,500), which makes it an unviable option for most short-term stays. That said, some parents prefer the ease in order to focus on their own relocation.

Below, we’ve researched and detailed three of the best-known providers for shipping animals to Spain. All the companies below consider your pet’s size and weight before providing a price quote.

Relomar – This international pet transport service facilitates every part of the pet shipping process, including collection of the animal at its home, international transport, and delivery in the destination country. They handle A) the documentation necessary to fly and clear customs, B) check that the animal has the vaccines necessary in both the origin and destination countries, and C) provide a free price quote to all interested pet parents. Relomar will also pick up your pet at home, transport the animal, and deliver the animal to its owner at the destination address. You won’t need to drive to the airport, drop your pet off, or worry about the logistics of international pet travel.

Air Transport Animal – Air Transport Animal is a pet relocation service that prioritizes the shipping itself rather than the preparing. To fly your animal with this provider, you will need to obtain the necessary documentation yourself, including a pet passport, a vaccine record (and applicable vaccines), a health certificate, and a microchip. Their Premium Package provides door-to-door pet shipping and takes care of all bureaucratic processes on both ends of the trip. This provider is careful to note that the minimum time between the start of the process and the actual shipping is at least 2 months, so be sure to budget your time accordingly.

Starwood Animal Transport – This relocation company provides full-service transport, which means it handles door-to-door transport, assistance with all necessary pet documentation, USDA endorsement and consular legalization (if necessary), airline-approved kennels, local pet taxi, and travel consultation. Pet parents have the option for home pet delivery or to pick up their animal at the Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport. They provide both international and domestic pet relocation.

If none of these animal transportation companies fit your personal criteria, there are several tools you can use to find the service you need. This IPATA-certified animal transportation search tool is a great place to start. For more information about IATA pet travel regulations, we recommend visiting their website. If you find a provider through the organization’s animal transport search tool, you can rest assured that the company follows all IPATA animal regulations.

Animal Import Procedures to Know

When animals travel between countries, they are subjected to a variety of import rules and regulations. If you are transporting your animal from the United States to Spain, you will need to meet several requirements as outlined by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Environment.

  • Cats, dogs, and ferrets who are younger than 3 months are not allowed to enter the country. This is because they have not received rabies shots. An animal is only considered to be vaccinated against rabies 21 days after the first injection.
  • All pets entering the European Union will be required to secure either a European Passport or a Health Certificate and Declaration of the owner or the authorized person. This health certificate must be signed by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian.
  • All pets must have a valid (not expired) vaccination against rabies as demonstrated by a certificate. Upon arrival, the animal health inspector will need to verify that all documents, including the health certificate and declaration or passport, are correct.
  • Pets must have some form of identification. The most popular is a microchip that complies with ISO Standards. Pets may also be identified by a tattoo if it is clearly readable and if it was applied before July 3, 2011.
  • Importantly, your pet must receive its identification (microchip) prior to its rabies vaccination. The microchip must be checked before administering the vaccine.

As long as the above requirements are met, there will be no quarantine imposed on your pet. These regulations apply only to domestic dogs, cats, and ferrets. This includes both service and emotional support dogs and cats. All pets must be accompanied by their owners (or representatives if you choose a full-service relocation company).

The same health requirements that apply to pets also apply to service animals. Additionally, the maximum number of pets a person can bring is 5; if you would like to bring more than that, another set of regulations will apply. There are certain exceptions for dogs, cats, and ferrets that participate in contests, exhibitions, or sporting events.

Spanish Import Health Certificate Requirements

Health certificate requirements will vary depending on how your pet enters the country. All iterations of the health certificate are available for download at the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website.

  • Owner traveling on the same plane as the pet: Pets must arrive in the European Union within 10 days of the date the health certificate is signed.
  • Designated person traveling on the same plane as the pet: Pets must arrive in the European Union within 10 days of the date the health certificate is signed.
  • Pet Transport Company or Airline Cargo is shipping the pet AND the owner or designated person has traveled or will travel within 5 days of the pet: Pets must arrive in the European Union within 10 days of the date the health certificate is signed.
  • Neither the owner nor a designated person is traveling within 5 days of the pet: Pets must leave the United States within 48 hours from the date a veterinarian signs the health certificate.

The health certificate itself is a simple form. It will require you to know information about your travel plans, including the departure/arrival dates and means of transport, as well as a full vaccination record and relevant health information. If you have a European Union pet passport, you do not need to fill out this health certificate. However, most pet parents traveling from America will find this health certificate easier to complete and receive than an EU passport.

Cost Estimates by Transport Method

Depending on the level of involvement and responsibility you want to have in the process, pet relocation can be relatively cheap or very expensive. For example, if you choose in-cabin transport for your pet relocation, the cost of your pet’s ticket will be between $150 and $200, depending on your airline. If you fly with Iberia, the cost is $180. Similarly, if you choose to fly your pet as checked baggage, the price will be between $350 and $400 (the cost is $360 on Iberia).

Choosing these lower price points means that you are responsible for securing all necessary documentation and understanding the import process on your own – you will have total responsibility for your pet and its relocation. Additionally, if you choose to fly your pet as checked baggage on an international flight, you voluntarily put your dog’s health and wellness in the hands of handlers who may not have much pet experience. While this varies by airline, most providers include clauses in their pet policies that remove any blame or responsibility from airline personnel in the case of an accident.

The safest and easiest method of pet relocation to Spain is to use a full-service relocation company. Unfortunately, this is the most expensive option, and it may be wildly out of budget for some Americans. If you utilize an airport to airport service, which means the pet is dropped off at an airport and picked up at the destination airport by the owner or representative, the cost is generally around $1,000. If you choose a full-service relocation, which includes pick-up and drop off by the business, as well as documentation and customs handling, the process can cost up to $2,500, depending on the size of your dog and distance moved. This high price point is typically a barrier to entry for most people, so be sure to discuss all potential options before settling on a decision.

Spain Pet Relocation Timeline

As with all forms of international relocation, moving a pet from one country to another takes a considerable amount of time. One animal transport service provided a quote saying that at least two months’ notice are necessary for a successful move from the United States to Spain, and this seems to be the standard. Between booking flights, securing the proper documentation, and leaping through all the necessary bureaucratic hurdles, this is a time-intensive process. Whether you choose to use a relocation company or want to handle the logistics on your own, start planning the trip at least two months before your desired departure. If you are unsure of your pet’s vaccination record, start the process even earlier.

If you choose to fly your pet without the use of a relocation company, remember that most airlines put limits on how many animals can be on a single plane. Whether you choose to fly your animal as checked baggage or with you inside the cabin, you will want to make your reservations as far in advance as possible. And, while it is important to be flexible with dates, this could drive up the price you end up paying for the process.

Upon Your Arrival

Sometimes, your destination airport may not be your terminus. Many pet parents, especially those with smaller dogs who have flown in the airplane cabin, will need to use Spanish transportation to get to their home or a hotel.

Most popular Spanish train lines are surprisingly pet friendly. This includes AVE, Large Distancia, Avant, Media Distancia, Convencional, Cercanías, and Feve trains on Renfe, the state-owned train system. If you plan to use this mode of transportation, you will be able to transport most small pets, including dogs, cats, ferrets, and some birds (excluding farmyard birds, like chickens). The Renfe pet policy states that all animals must travel with the documentation used for the flight and that only one animal per passenger is allowed. On most trains, the animal must be kept in a cage, but commuter rails only require a muzzle and a fixed-length lead. The pet must sit in your lap or at your feet to reduce the risk of annoying fellow passengers. Long-distance and conventional mid-distance trips require the purchase of a separate pet ticket, which is typically 25% of the standard passenger fee.

In Madrid, it seems that pets, dogs especially, are universally beloved. There are several areas in the city to let your dog roam off-leash while you dine or drink al fresco. Municipal buses allow owners to travel with their pets as long as they are inside an appropriate carrier and do not endanger or disturb other passengers. The majority of private taxis will also accept dogs if they are inside a carrier and the driver is notified in advance. There has also been a recent uptick in pet taxi companies, including eTaxi and Mascotaxi, that specialize in pet transport. If you are looking for transportation from Madrid Barajas International Airport, this is a great, private option.

Dogs in Spain, traveling to spain with pets

Additional Spain Transportation Tips

Most of the information provided by the United States and Spanish governments deals with typical household pets, namely cats, dogs, and ferrets. Those traveling with other pets, including birds, rabbits, and reptiles will have a separate set of requirements.

Rabbits – A pet rabbit must travel accompanied by its owner or a representative. The pet rabbit must have been examined and issued a health certificate (by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian) within 5 days of leaving the United States. USDA endorsement (a counter-sign and emboss/stamp) is required on the health certificate after it is issued by the veterinarian. There is a separate international health certificate.

Reptiles – Pet reptiles must travel accompanied by an owner or a representative. The pet must have been examined and issued a health certificate (by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian) within 5 days of leaving the United States. USDA endorsement (a counter-sign and emboss/stamp) is required on the health certificate after it is issued by the veterinarian. There is a separate international health certificate for reptiles.

Birds – All pet birds must have an identification number, such as a clip, leg band, microchip, or tag. They must be moved directly to a household (or other residence) and not entered in shows, fairs, or exhibitions during the 30-day period following entry to the EU. Pet birds may also have to undergo isolation with or without testing for Avian Influenza before entering the EU. There are several options for preparing a bird to enter the EU, but all options require a health certificate to be issued by a USDA Accredited Veterinarian within 48 hours of travel (or the last working day prior to the date of departure).

  • Option 1: The pet bird has been confined under an official USDA Accredited Veterinarian’s supervision for at least 30 days prior to the departure. It has had no contact with other birds. The instructions are listed here and the appropriate veterinary health certificate is linked here.
  • Option 2: The bird was isolated for at least 10 days prior to the date of departure and tested for Avian Influenza H5 and H7 antigen or genome with a RT-PCR or virus isolation test at least three days after the start of the isolation. The day isolation begins is considered Day 0. The instructions are listed here and the appropriate veterinary health certificate is linked here.
  • Option 3: The bird’s owner has made arrangements for a 30-day post-introduction quarantine in an approved quarantine facility or center within the EU. The instructions are listed here and the appropriate veterinary health certificate is linked here.

Cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits, reptiles, and birds are the only animals for which the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment has set processes. If you have another type of animal you would like to relocate to Spain, we recommend you contact the ministry directly to inquire.

Final Tips and Thoughts

While relocating a pet from the United States to Spain is increasingly popular, it’s still no small task. If you have the resources, using a full-service relocation company is the easiest and safest option, but not many people have the budget to pay for this premium service. Additionally, the timeline required by the Spanish Government makes it impossible to get too far ahead of the process.

That said, relocating a pet to Spain is possible, and people do it all the time. The resources and regulations of both U.S. and E.U. airlines make it among the best, safest types of international pet travel and relocation. Ultimately, the decision to relocate with a pet is up to you, but the process may be well-worth the effort to bring your best friend along for the journey.

14 01, 2020

Interpreting Your New Puppy’s Behavior

By |2020-02-06T11:14:21-07:00January 14th, 2020|Blog|Comments Off on Interpreting Your New Puppy’s Behavior

The holiday season brings gifts, and for many lucky families, that gift comes in the form of a new furry friend. According to the Animal Humane Society, the months leading up to the winter holidays are some of the most popular for pet adoptions. Many people have entered the new year with a new puppy, some as first-time pet parents. If you’re an inexperienced pet parent, interpreting new puppy behavior can be difficult. What’s the difference between play and aggression? Why is he walking in circles? Why can’t I stop her from eating her own poop? Puppy behaviors are mysterious, but we’ve unpacked a few of the most common to give you peace of mind.

Biting

Most puppies will bite you at some point in their young lives. Nipping is one early form of communication, and it typically happens while playing. This can also happen while training or, well, pretty much anywhere. If you notice your dog nipping frequently, though, do what you can do stop it before it becomes a habit. Puppies don’t have the strength (or teeth) to do serious damage, but that changes when they grow up.

Bad Breath

Most dogs will have unpleasant breath, but if you notice a sudden change or severe odor, visit the veterinarian. Bad breath could indicate that something is wrong with your dog’s oral health, but it could also be a sign of gastrointestinal distress. Your vet should be able to determine the cause with a few quick tests.

Scooting

Most people have seen a dog scooting his butt across the floor. It can seem funny, but it’s often cause for concern. When this happens, it means that something is irritating the dog’s anus. The anal sacs may be full and need expressing, or they could have an allergy, worms, or constipation. Keep an eye on your puppy if you see this behavior, and take them to the veterinarian if it happens more than once.

Circling

Most puppies will chase their tails from time to time, but constant walking in circles may indicate a health issue. Ear infections may cause circling. If your puppy seems to be wandering in a circle rather than chasing after its tail, schedule a vet visit.

Eating Poop

All animals have behaviors we find disgusting, and this is one of the more common. Most puppies will be interested in poop, whether its their own or another animal’s found in the street. Dogs eat feces for several reasons. It could be a habit picked up from the mother. It could be curiosity. In some cases, though, eating poop can indicate a nutritional deficiency. Check your puppy’s food intake.

7 01, 2020

What’s Going on with Alaska Airlines’ Pet Policy?

By |2020-01-07T16:14:48-07:00January 7th, 2020|Blog|Comments Off on What’s Going on with Alaska Airlines’ Pet Policy?

Around New Year’s Eve 2019, a passenger on an Alaska Airlines’ cross-country flight had an allergic reaction to the cat under the seat next to her. According to reporting from ABC7 News in California, the woman needed to give up her aisle seat to avoid the cat.

“Her face started swelling and she felt that tingling and her eyes started swelling up a bit,” the woman’s father told the news outlet. He decided to talk to ABC7 after seeing a report of a woman suffering an asthma attack on an Alaska Airlines flight from Oakland to Seattle just a couple of days prior, also due to a cat.

In response, a representative from Alaska Airlines told ABC7 News that, “If a passenger is allergic to pets, our policy is to move the pet and its owner to the back of the aircraft, which is what happened in this case.”

There are a couple of strange things about this statement. First, this is not included in the Alaska Airlines pet policy. Second, this strategy makes little sense, as moving an animal to the back of the plane would only increase passenger exposure to the allergen.

As it turns out, this is not the policy that was put in place during the incident, and it is not Alaska Airlines’ official policy for dealing with pet allergies. But the incident points to a larger topic that warrants discussion: How are airlines responding to pet allergies amidst the increase in pet travel?

Passengers and Pet Allergies

We wrote a blog post almost two years ago about how to manage other passengers with pet allergies. Since then, pet travel has only increased, and some airlines are beginning to realize they need a clause embedded in their public pet policies designed to deal with this situation. Surprisingly, no airline that we found advertised its policy for addressing pet allergies on a flight. This is a huge surprise, as most pet parents prefer as much information up front as possible. If you want this information prior to boarding (or booking your ticket), we suggest calling the airline’s customer service line.

What Can You Do?

There’s only so much a pet parent can do when a seatmate has a pet allergy. You and your pet need to get to where you’re going, and once you’re on the flight, you can’t really rush out and buy your seat partner a Benadryl. However, pet owners can make some easy purchases prior to boarding that will significantly reduce an allergic passenger’s reaction.

The first is simple: buy some medicine. Any antihistamine, like Zyrtec, Benadryl, Allegra, and Claritin should work. These drugs work by blocking the effects of the chemical that triggers allergy symptoms, and they’re sold over the counter as individual doses. Pick up a few packets at the Duty Free on your way to the gate.

The second thin you can buy to comfort your seatmate is a pet carrier cover. By draping a cover over the carrier, you limit the amount of pet dander able to escape, thus decreasing the number of allergens exposed to the cabin. This can also be beneficial to the animal, as it will limit external stimuli and aid in keeping him calm. Additionally, if you have a few minutes the morning of your flight, take some time to brush and groom your pet. This will also cut down on pet dander.

You can’t control how your airline reacts to a customer’s allergy, but you can do everything in your power to prove that you’re not a nuisance. Importantly, understand your airline’s pet policy prior to boarding. If they have a policy in place specifically for pet allergies, you should know it. Otherwise, you may end up in a debacle similar to this Alaska Airlines incident.

 

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