Are Pets Safe Flying Air Cargo?

(Tampa, FL) --When a rabbit died after flying air cargo, Shannon Valladolid of WTSP-TV interviewed Cory Robinette, Air Animal operations director, about moving pets by air.

Moving pets is very safe because the area where pets fly is temperature controlled and pressurized. Cory, who is also on the board of directors at the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association, advised planning ahead at least six months if moving internationally and hiring a professional pet mover. She also advised avoiding extra exercise and extra food before flights.

Alfie, a male cavapoodle, relocated by air from Shanghai to London just last week. He's one laid back Londoner.

Heat Warnings North of the Equator

(Tampa & Orlando, FL)--Media reports are buzzing about planes in Arizona and elsewhere that cannot take off in the extreme heat wave hitting parts of the Northern Hemisphere. The hot air is thin so planes cannot get enough lift.

Extreme heat and extreme cold affect pets moving by air, too. Many airlines will not fly pet air cargo when ground temperatures at departure and arrival airports are forecast to reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius) or higher. If you're planning a pet move, talk with your pet moving specialist about the best times of the year to fly based on your origin and destination. Mushy-faced breeds such as bulldogs and Persian cats are especially prone to breathing problems in the heat.

Pet Moving Made Easy is our motto. We make it easy by planning ahead. Six months until your more? It's not too early to give us a call or request an estimate online.

Thanks to Lufthansa Cargo: Live for sharing this photo of their animal air cargo operations.

Dog Flu Spreading in U.S.

Dogs do get the flu and it's contagious, too. Dogs that come down with the flu develop fevers and coughs that last one to three weeks. You may notice decreased appetite, lethargy and a greenish discharge from the nose and eyes. Some dogs get sicker and develop  higher fevers and pneumonia. Severe flu cases can cause death. Preventing the flu is a much better option.

"Plan ahead, plan ahead, plan ahead," said Dr. Walter Woolf, Air Animal's veterinarian founder. "Dog flu is easily prevented by visiting your veterinarian for the canine flu vaccine. Because most dogs have not been vaccinated for flu, I strongly advise asking your veterinarian about administering two vaccinations. The first vaccination provides partial immunity. The second vaccination given 15 days later is a booster which gives stronger protection,"

Be certain to vaccinate your dog for flu before relocating or traveling from an area with confirmed canine influenza to another state or country where there are no reported cases of the disease. Dog flu is now being reported in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois and Florida among other areas.

Mitzi moved to Hungary last month. Dog flu vaccination definitely recommended.