CDC amps animal import enforcement

The Centers for Disease Control has detected a recent spike in improperly vaccinated dogs imported into the U.S. from countries with actively spreading or controlled rabies infection. Worldwide, most cases of human rabies are caused by rabies-infected dogs. The CDC has asked commercial airlines to help contain inadequately vaccinated dogs before they enter the country. The CDC has more information about rabies vaccination for pets.

Avoid holiday pet scams

Amid the Turkey Day sales and Black Friday blockbusters, don't forget that reputable breeders do NOT sell cheap pets online. Reputable rescue agencies do NOT require payments online. Protect yourself and learn how to avoid being duped by online pet scammers.

Air Animal supports Rotary cause

Air Animal supported Tampa Interbay Rotary Club's Cycling Out Autism fundraiser. The $25,000 proceeds went to autism research and treatment at University of South Florida Center for Autism & Related Disabilities and the Applied Behavior Analysis Program. Learn more. 

Delta stops accepting pets as checked baggage

With ever changing rules and regulations such as Delta's new Pet Policy, Air Animal can keep your pet move running smoothly. Learn more about Delta's decision.

Happy 1st Anniversary to Lowry Park Zoo's Veterinary Hospital

Congratulations to Lowry Park Zoo on making it a great first year for their new veterinary hospital. They've helped over 800 animals including 300 species. Great job! You can read the full article here: http://www.tbo.com/news/from-koalas-to-crocs-lowry-park-animal-hospital-treats-300-species-in-first-year-20151108/.

Lufthansa Strike Ends At Midnight Tonight

The Lufthansa Union strike ends at midnight tonight, November 13, 2015 for passenger flights to and from Frankfurt, Munich and Dusseldorf. Lufthansa will resume all passenger flights. For more information, please visit: http://www.lufthansa.com/us/en/Travel-information.

Pet Microchips

Hands down, microchipping is one of the best ways to protect your pet.

A microchip is inserted by your veterinarian using a sterile, preloaded applicator. There’s no anesthesia. Even better, the only maintenance is registering the chip and keeping your address up to date by logging onto an online database using your private password.

When you microchip your pet, ask for an International Standards Organization (ISO-compatible) chip. If you relocate your pet outside the U.S., an ISO microchip or tattooing is required. Air Animal strongly recommends ISO chips for all pet relocations—even those inside the U.S.—as an extra layer of protection for your precious pet.

Once inserted, owners must complete the registration with the chip manufacturer listing service. Pet microchips are not GPS tracking devices. They are permanent IDs that can’t fall off or be removed. When cats are microchipped the return-to-owner rate is 20 times higher, according to a study reported by HomeAgain.com.

Dr. Walter Woolf, Air Animal founder and president, explained why microchips are important. “Air Animal was scheduled to move a black Labrador to Australia. The boarding kennel brought the dog to the vet for the second round of blood work before the move. The vet called us and told us the dog didn’t have a microchip. We asked the kennel to bring the other black lab they boarded to the vet for examination. The kennel had mistakenly switched the dogs.”

How they work
Microchips use RFID technology. Scanning the chip reveals your pet’s unique ID number and the chip maker. When the number is called into the chip maker, the microchip service contacts the owners. That is why it’s vital to keep your contact information up-to-date with the microchip service. Collars and tags, especially rabies tags, are still important. Pet tracing using the rabies tag numbers is possible but not after hours or on weekends when veterinary offices or animal control offices are closed. Chip services are open 24 hours, every day of the year.

“We are believers. That is why we provide microchips for every corporate pet transport and our private pet shipping clients at no charge,” Woolf added.

Air Animal featured in Lufthansa’s Planet Magazine

When Lufthansa launched its premium pet moving service one year ago, Air Animal was one of four internationally respected pet shippers selected to participate in the pilot. We were thrilled when Lufthansa’s Planet editor called this summer to interview Air Animal’s founder, Dr. Walter Woolf.

“Our vision is reuniting pets with their relocating pet parents. When we use Lufthansa’s Live/td Premium, the pets get to stretch their legs in Lufthansa’s pet transit lounge in Frankfurt. Lufthansa’s staff takes a photo of the pet and sends it to Air Animal. We send it on to our client. Seeing that photo enroute really reassures and delights our clients,” Woolf said.

Read the story online

Dr. Walter Woolf, Air Animal and
Rita Boregas, Lufthansa sales and handling manager

Air Animal joins PAIMA

Air Animal Pet Movers was introduced as one of 15 new members of Pan American International Movers Association at the organization's 2015 San Diego conference. 

Licenses are now required before Singapore moves

Beginning Jan. 1, 2016, Singapore will require all dog owners to purchase an approved dog license before applying for an import permit. To apply for dog licenses, owners must have a Singapore residential address. Commercial addresses such as hotels and offices may not be used for this purpose. The issued license must then be attached as on of the supporting documents on the import permit application.

Our pet moving specialists are pet owners themselves. They know all the ever-changing requirements of the destinations they manage. Our specialists create a custom itinerary that details every step for each animal move.

You're never more than a phone call or email away from someone who knows exactly what is needed to safely fly your pet to another location. We helped Baylie's pet parent move her happy boxer from Tennessee to Singapore earlier this year.

Our apologies! Our phone issue has been resolved

Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience you may have experienced over the last several days with our phone system. The issue has been resolved.

Best man is man's best friend

Great story about service dogs for service members. Air Animal is honored to sponsor Havana Nights benefiting Paws for Patriots and Southeastern Guide Dogs tonight hosted by J.C. Newman Cigar Factory in Ybor City. 

"A service dog was the best man a a veteren's wedding and these 5 photos are the absolute best."

Tampa Pet Mover IDs International Corporate Officers

Air Animal Inc., an international pet mover based in Tampa, FL, announced new international leadership posts responding to double-digit revenue and business growth during the last three fiscal years.

Walter Woolf, VMD, Air Animal’s founder, continues leading the pet transportation service. Andrea Woolf Parker, accounts payable manager and former board president for the Southeastern Regional Relocation Council, has been named executive vice president. Ron Parker, formerly a business line manager for Manheim, has joined the company as vice president of financial affairs. Linda Fries Woolf continues as corporate secretary.

“I started the company in 1977 after helping several airlines in Tampa move pets. The experience opened my eyes to the growing need for a pet transportation service focused exclusively on the complex requirements for moving pets domestically and abroad. That’s when I turned my part-time consulting into a new pet moving service line for my veterinary practice,” Woolf said.

In fiscal 2015 Air Animal will move 3,000 pets to new homes throughout the U.S. and worldwide with pet relocation partners all over the globe. A privately held corporation, Air Animal expects to exceed its 20 percent growth target this year. Nearly 60 percent of Air Animal’s business comes through relationships with corporate relocation companies.

Air Animal’s team insists on pet transportation perfection. The company is an International Air Transportation Association air cargo agency endorsed and appointed by more than 225 airlines. Air Animal created safe and enjoyable relocation experiences for pets and their owners by developing humane animal shipping policies used today by many of the world’s major airlines. Air Animal helped set the standards for the growing pet moving industry by becoming one of six founders of the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association in 1979.

“Moving pets is not a low cost endeavor because the flights, rules, regulations and arrangements are often complex,” Woolf said. “Pet parents and corporate relocation executives know our reputation and pay well for the expertise we offer.”

Air Animal’s extensive network rescued a corporate client’s beloved Yorkie from Libya after the executive pet owner evacuated following the Arab Spring uprising. “I don’t usually meet our pet parents today, let alone transport a pet. When Chivu arrived in Tampa, he traveled with me in cabin to Cancun, Mexico. I’ve never seen so many happy tears when his family met me at baggage claim,” he said.

Florida rain deluges cause mosquito-borne animal diseases, too

Florida media are warning about the issues of standing water and the prevalence of mosquitoes in the soggy Tampa Bay area. Dr. Walter Woolf, Tampa veterinarian and managing director of Air Animal Pet Movers, has watched this annual summertime story appear for 55 years with some dismay.

“The news warnings only rarely address the mosquito-bite danger for animals—especially our dogs and horses,” he said.

The massive mosquito hatches caused by standing rain water are a significant risk for animals. Pet dogs, an occasional cat, rabbits, foxes, coyotes, raccoons may become infected with Diofilaria immitis from mosquito bites. In dogs, this organism causes heartworm disease which is totally preventable today. Owners who are not giving heartworm medicine to their dogs should see their veterinarians immediately and ask for a heartworm exam and blood test. Then, they should regularly use the heartworm treatment recommended.

“Pet owners who do not prevent heartworm often excuse their behavior saying, ‘my pet never goes outside.’ That’s pretty hard to believe here in Florida,” said Woolf. “What they really mean is their dog does not live outdoors. Any animal can be bitten by an infected mosquito at any time.”

The mosquito hatch may also spread Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE), also known as Sleeping Sickness, in horses. This naturally occurring bird virus spills over into the horse population during heavy rains when mosquitoes bite infected birds and then bite horses. EEE is prevented by vaccinating horses every year—similar to the flu vaccination program for people. Many horse owners include yearly vaccinations for EEE in their yearly Equine Wellness programs.

“Whatever the species--human, canine, equine--the mosquito does not discriminate what it bites for its blood meal...the only food of the adult mosquito,” Woolf said.

Luxury Pet Lounge to Open in NYC

New, luxury pet lounges: big news for pet parents. 

Check out this MSN.com article about the ARK, a $48 million luxury lounge being built at JFK airport in New York City. Air Animal’s pet move specialists are looking forward to offering this amenity to our clients and their pet parents both inbound and outbound from the U.S.

Depp's Dogs Deported from Australia

According to the Wall Street Journal, Johnny Depp brought his two Yorkies into Australia illegally. Australian officials have given him until Saturday to get them out of the country or the pets will be euthanized. Before moving or traveling to Australia or other islands with your pets, call Air Animal. It may take six months or more to complete the steps needed to enter legally.

Corporate Relocation

By Cathy Jenns

We’ve moved lots of older pets and dogs with medical conditions. Duke is a huge great dane. When he moved from California to South Carolina, his size, age and older digestive system were an issue. The veterinarian community calls the malady droopy butt.

Duke would not fit in a pre-made travel kennel. We arranged an experienced crew to drive him across country so he could lay comfortably on some blankets and travel in style. He arrived healthy and happy.

We have an extensive network of transportation professionals who are members of IPATA. They know the rules and more importantly, they love pets. Some of our partners may also be vets or have boarding kennels.

Communication is key for corporate relocations. We don’t rely on emails. We call and speak with you or we’ll work through your corporate relocation specialist.

Last month, we moved an Alaskan malamute to Orlando.

Contact us to find out more if you’re being reassigned.

Service Animal Suit Against Uber

The National Federation of the Blind of California has filed suit combining 40 complaints that Uber drivers have violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by refusing to transport blind passengers and their guide dogs.

A California judge ruled the suit can go forward. Jelisa Castrodale, USA Today, wrote that Uber is supposed to “deactivate” drivers who discriminate against any potential passengers. Hooray for rules, regulations, and a rational and caring judge.

Canine influenza alert

Air Animal Inc. is in Portugal for the TIRA and EuRA relocation conferences. Even so, we're monitoring pet health issues. We're writing to alert our friends there is a nationwide outbreak of flu in dogs which is a potentially dangerous and communicable respiratory disease. We urge pet owners who are traveling with or relocating their pets this summer to seriously consider vaccinating their dog for canine influenza. This is a preventable disease with vaccination. Pets relocating to Australia must be vaccinated for canine influenza before entry. --Dr. Walter Woolf, VMD

Australia Consolidates Animal Quarantine

Australia will consolidate all animal entry quarantine to its new facility in Melbourne at Mickelham Victoria beginning Oct. 16, 2015. Air Animal will advise all corporate and relocating pet owners booked into the older Eastern Creek facility after the closing date. We will post further updates here.

Animal import regulations change regularly, often on short notice, making Air Animal a welcome international relocation partner for your pet.

Orders to Ship Out

By Melissa Cortes-De Armas
Military Relocation Specialist


Luna and Gus lounging in their far flung corner of East Africa.

Military families and pets are good soldiers, too. We have to be. I know. My husband is active duty Navy now stationed here in Tampa at MacDill. I know the stresses and strains of military life and I love helping military families relocate their pets overseas.

In October, Seth and Deborah moved to East Africa with their two black lab-collie fur babies. They did a lot of research and had long conversations with several pet movers. According to Seth, he really appreciated Air Animal’s service and in-depth knowledge of overseas military pet moves when a slight hiccup over using the most up-to-date country-specific paperwork cropped up.

Seth posted his praise on Google. “Melissa was responsive to our barrage of questions and concerns. She also interacted very positively with our veterinarian and family who watched our dogs while we got settled in East Africa.

"Make sure that you as pet owners double check that you’re aware of the most current paperwork and requirements for entry into the country that you’re moving into. These requirements can and do change frequently," he wrote.

“It’s highly doable to bring your furry little friends along with you. Africa is already feeling more like home now that we have our dogs with us. Well worth the effort and cost!” he concluded. Start five to 10 weeks before your move. If you are moving to Hawaii, Guam, New Zealand, Australia, United Arab Emirates, Singapore or Japan start six months beforehand. Call Air Animal. Ask every question in the book and research our website. Air Animal provided origination services for Luna and Gus because Seth was in Africa. We also hired one of our partners to provide receiving services in Africa.

There are pet move kits online and at the pet stores. They don’t include microchipping your pet, streamlining the international health certificate process or all the tags and labels needed. Air Animal can also provide the travel kennel sized for your pet 10 days before travel so your friend can get familiar with the kennel.
Recently my colleague Jessica Nickler, helped a family relocate overseas and she arranged for DogsOnDeployment.org to assist with some of the animal relocation charges. Our network is invaluable to our clients.

We frequently help military personnel relocate their pets to Japan, Germany, Italy, Hungary and Hawaii. While Hawaii is inside the United States, this island state has very specific animal travel rules and regulations because it’s an island. We know when Japanese rules require a 180-day in-home quarantine here in the U.S. and when that quarantine isn’t necessary.

Contact us to find out more. If you’re being reassigned or travel regularly with your pet, sign up for our free e-newsletter.

Rabies Antibody Test Now Required for UAE

Effective immediately, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) now requires a rabies antibody test (FAVN Blood Test) for pets entering the country. The blood draw for the test must be conducted a minimum of 21 days after the vaccination date of a valid rabies vaccine. The results of the rabies antibody test are valid for one year. Call us or go to the "Contact Us" page for help with your pet's move to the UAE.

Meet Sherlock - KLM's Version of a Lost and Found Department

Meet Sherlock, the appropriately named beagle working for Royal Dutch Airlines. Sherlock returns items forgotten on planes by passengers flying into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

Meet Tsunami the Ovarian Cancer Detection Dog

Air Animal is proud to sponsor Tsunami! Tsunami is a young female German Shepard training to improve early detection of ovarian cancer as part of the Ovarian Cancer Detection Study being conducted at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center. Named in honor of Tsunami (Handler Hal Wilson) who deployed to the World Trade Center following the attacks of 9/11.

Summer Heat Embargoes

Airlines have restricted summer transport of dogs our British friends call the “mushy-faced breeds.” Brachycephalic breeds such as English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pekinese and others present distinct challenges to both pet owners and professional pet movers. Click here to learn more about airline-imposed embargoes on certain breeds..

Avoid Pet Purchase Fraud

Protect yourself and make sure you get the puppy you paid for. Click here to learn more about puppy purchase scams..