Giving a Pet for the Holidays? Amp Up Anticipation Instead

If a new puppy or kitten has made it onto your gift list, give a gift that amps up anticipation and participation instead of bringing the cute little fur baby home during the holidays, advises Air Animal Pet Movers. 

Cory Robinette, Air Animal’s COO, recommends fulfilling holiday pet wishes this way. “Buy a beautiful plush puppy or kitten toy and give it with a card promising to contact a local breeder after the holidays when you can choose that real puppy or kitten together. Local animal shelters and breed rescue groups may also have that perfect pet just waiting for you. You may also find some post-holiday sales on dishes, leashes, beds, scratching posts and toys for your new fur baby,” Robinette adds.

“Puppies and kittens are babies. They need to bond with their pet parents, potty-train and learn the house rules. That means lots of play time and repeating the routines over and over. Keeping fur babies out of the holiday decorations and making sure they don’t eat something dangerous like chocolate or poinsettias is a full-time occupation. Bringing a fur baby home when celebrations slow down after the New Year can work a lot better,” says Walter M. Woolf, veterinarian founder and CEO of Air Animal Pet Movers.

There are thousands of Internet ads selling cute puppies and kittens or offering rescued pets during the holidays. Sadly, these ads often set-up cybercrime. “The Internet is full of imitators and fraudsters offering fake rescued pets, Siberian husky puppies, Yorkies, bulldogs, Capuchin monkeys, parrots and other boutique animals. Don’t be fooled by pet scams!” warns Robinette. “We get calls all the time from people who have been scammed. They think we are transporting their pet purchase from the fake breeder. It breaks our hearts.”

Acquiring that new member of your family through an internet purchase may look good. Caveat emptor---buyer beware. 

There are ways pet lovers can effectively fight back if they have been scammed. Check out Air Animal’s Don’t Be Fooled page. It’s regularly updated when new pet scams pop up.

Best bets to get a pet after the holidays:

1. To buy a puppy or kitten through a breeder, shop local first. Take your time. Thoroughly check their references and reviews. Avoid Internet come-ons and scams.
2. Find registered puppy breeders through the American Kennel Club. 
3. Locate reputable kitten breeders through The International Cat Association or the Cat Fanciers’ Association.
4. The U.S. Department of Agriculture licenses or registers every breeder, dealer, pet transporter or carrier. Check their registration with the USDA before sending money.
5. Nearby animal shelters or rescue organizations are also excellent places to adopt a fur baby needing a home. Some of the rescue operations specialize in specific breeds.

Six Months In: The State of International Pet Moving from Air Animal Pet Movers

Six months after COVID-19 closed much of the world, pets are moving internationally. Many clients are anxious, stressed and concerned about moving their pets during a global pandemic, according to Walter M. Woolf, veterinarian founder of Air Animal Pet Movers.

“In June 2005 Air Animal received 7,500 calls because the USA implemented the Safe Animal Transportation Act. Then one of the major airlines stopped taking pets. I had been the chairperson of the advisory task force to the Congressional joint resolutions committee responsible for reconciling the House and Senate versions before the act passed. The law was and continues to be the cornerstone keeping pets safe during air transport. Over time the number of pets relocating internationally with their owners skyrocketed. The state of international pet moving in September 2020 is all about capacity. It’s about air cargo space on passenger and special freight flights. And it’s about staffing at animal receiving centers throughout the world,” Woolf said.

The United Kingdom’s main pet import center at Heathrow airport has limited the number of pets that can arrive each day because COVID-19 is challenging their staffing. When a staff member becomes ill, contact tracing means several colleagues must quarantine as well. Because pet air cargo flights can only be scheduled two weeks ahead, the incoming slots at Heathrow are often already full. The situation requires a lot of back and forth for pet move managers, receiving center staff and relocating pet owners. This story is repeated at pet import centers around the world.

“We understand that cancelled flights, cancelled pet bookings, rescheduling travel and continually changing agendas are very frustrating. We always work with relocating pet parents to make sure their pets reach their new homes safely even though neither they nor Air Animal’s dedicated pet move managers control pandemic lock-downs, weather or airline schedules.

“Air Animal’s experienced pet move managers and client services team deal with the details so our clients don’t have to,” said Cory Robinette, Air Animal chief operating officer.

“We appreciate our clients’ understanding, their patience and their trust. Air Animal cares deeply about the pets our clients entrust to our care. Pet Moving Made Easy®. It’s our focus, our passion, our promise and our clients’ peace of mind. Always has been – always will be,” she added.

Still No Evidence That Pets Spread COVID

In late July, the first dog to test positive for a COVID-19 infection in the United State died. The veterinarians who reviewed the dog’s records say the likely cause of death was a cancer called lymphoma which was not diagnosed until after the dog died.

Dr. John Howe, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, appeared on WNBC-TV (New York City) and said, “It’s extremely unlikely that a pet is going to get COVID-19.” 

Pets are highly unlikely to transmit the virus to people even if it gets on their skin or fur, according to the Mayo Clinic. Mayo and the AVMA advise against using disinfectants, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on pets. They also advise there is no reason to cover pets’ faces.

People with COVID-19 may spread the virus to animals. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends that pet owners who are sick limit their interactions with their pets.

First Flight in Tampa Bay

Getting from Tampa to St. Petersburg, FL before 1914 took five-hours by train, or a slow steamboat across the bay.

Enter Tony Jannus, a famous pilot and barnstormer known for his adventurous stunts. In 1912 he set a new record for an overwater flight between the two cities. This caught the attention of businessmen Percival Fansler, invested in Jannus’ “flying boats” creating a commercial route.

The first ticket was bought at auction for $400. The first flight took place Jan. 1, 1914 in front of 3,000 aviation fans. The Benoist plane took 23 minutes to reach Tampa from St. Petersburg, FL on a 75 horsepower engine traveling about 60 miles per hour. A propeller blade monument in the park near the corner of Bayshore Blvd. and Platt St. commemorates the landing.

Fansler addressed the crowd when the airboat arrived. “What was impossible yesterday is an accomplishment today, while tomorrow heralds the unbelievable.”

The Airboat Line’s commercial fares were $5 one way. Jannus made two flights a day. The airline booked charters to Egmont Key, Pass-a-Grille, Clearwater and other nearby waterfront locations.

In the twenties, Florida was booming. Eddie Rickenbacker established Florida Airways in 1926. The airline had four planes that could carry eight passengers and two crewmembers. According to the Florida Center for Instructional Technology, fares were based on railroad fares plus $5 for each hour saved. It cost $30 to ride the train from Jacksonville to Tampa and $70 by plane because the plane saved 8 hours. Florida Airways served Miami, Ft. Myers, Tampa, Jacksonville, Atlanta, and Macon. No pets—yet.

Photo: Janus is pictured at the helm of one of the Benoist planes. (Photo from the State Archives of Florida).

Sources: “Tampa 100,” (Aug. 27, 2020), “Exploring Florida, University of South Florida” (http://fcit.usf.edu/florida/lessons/aviation/aviation.htm#)

Air Animal Recommends Ehrlichia Pre-Test Before Pet Moves to Australia & New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand require dogs to test negative for Ehrlichia canis before entering the countries. This tick-borne disease is not contagious to people.

“Ehrlichia canis, the tick borne disease, has emerged recently across the globe, as tick populations normally surge from time to time,” said Dr. Walter M. Woolf, Air Animal founder and USDA-accredited veterinarian.

Air Animal highly recommends clients relocating their dog to Australia or New Zealand start the six-month pre-move process with an Ehrlichia canis screening pre-test if they now live in areas with past or present tick infestations. They also recommend immediately beginning monthly flea and tick prevention.

"If clients wait to test when the obligatory Ehrlichia canis blood draw is required within 45 days of export, there just isn’t time to complete medical treatments and re-testing if the dog tests positive due to exposure. 

“The early Ehrlichia canis blood test and the required rabies antibody test can be drawn during the same veterinary visit at the beginning of the six month pet relocation timeline," said Woolf.

Harper, Labrador retriever, Washington to New Zealand

Meet Aero, Future Super Hero

This beautiful yellow Labrador retriever named Aero is enrolled in Southeastern Guide Dog preschool and proudly sponsored by Air Animal® Pet Movers.

Charity of Choice

Aero recently went home with her puppy raiser to start her journey toward superhero status! Aero’s volunteer puppy raiser will be spending the next year teaching basic obedience and house manners until Aero is ready to come back to Southeastern Guide Dogs for evaluations and formal training.

Southeastern Guide Dogs serves those who cannot see and those who have seen too much. Southeastern Guide Dogs offer dogs and services at no cost to people who need them across the United States. Their breeding and training facility in Palmetto, Florida is one of the most advanced in the world. They raise and train “elite working dogs that provide life-changing services for people with vision loss, veterans with disabilities and children with significant challenges such as vision loss or the loss of a parent in the military.” Training and caring for one dog for life is a $60,000 investment.

Our staff toured the campus and attended “Beyond the Dark” to understand more about the organization, its mission and its capabilities. Watch our News Blog for occasional Pupdates!

Summer Temps Can Restrict Pet Moves

Many airlines halt pet moves during the hottest months of the year to keep pets safe.

Generally, pet moves may be restricted April through October in the Northern Hemisphere and October through March in the Southern Hemisphere. That means pets can’t fly if the ground temperature at the departure or destination is higher than 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit depending upon the breed and the airline. Our pet move managers create safe plans to move pet pals. Nothing is impossible. Sometimes it just takes a bit of time and a lot of creativity.

For your convenience our online request for proposal is available anytime 24/7. No need to call. When you submit a request, you'll hear from your assigned pet move manager in a timely manner based upon the move date you select.

Pets Are Moving: 10 New COVID-19 Pet Moving FAQs

Your Global Pet Moving Situation Report

The truth be told, isn't the statement "we're all in this together" valid and correct?

Let's be honest with each other and work together. Please consider your dedicated, resourceful pet move manager and Air Animal as your pet move advocates.To learn more about the best way to begin your pet move, please watch the video on our home page.

In spite of daily challenges outside our control such as cancelled passenger reservations and flights, courier delays, cancelled air cargo bookings, USDA staffing issues, limited air cargo capacity, change of aircraft…we will get your pet to your new home. We are professional. We are experienced. And we are committed to transporting your pet safely.

Thank you for the confidence you have placed in your pet move manager and Air Animal, your pet’s best friend when relocating. Pet Moving Made Easy ® is our focus, our passion, our promise and your peace of mind.  Always has been, always will be.

Walter M. Woolf, VMD, President & CEO

July 2020 Tampa, Florida 

10 New COVID-19 Pet Moving FAQs

1. What safety and sanitary precautions are being taken at the air cargo facilities to ensure my pet won’t catch COVID-19?

Airlines and Air Animal’s global network of trusted service partners use cleaning, social distancing, masks and gloves as recommended by public health officials in their regions. See question 3 for additional information.

2. How do I coordinate my travels with my pet’s travels if I have to be quarantined for 14 days post flight and travel? 

In this case we recommend booking a VIP door-to-door move so your pet can be delivered to your door and transferred to you using social distancing precautions, masks and gloves. If you move ahead of your pet we can arrange professional pet care at origin or destination and your pet can join you when your quarantine is over.

3. Can my pet get COVID-19 from another pet?

Unlikely. Based on the limited information available, the risk of animals spreading the virus to each other and people is considered low. COVID-19 infections have been reported in a small number of animals around the world that had close contact with a person sick with COVID-19. At this time, routine testing of animals is not recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control. 

4. Are airlines, air cargo services and airports reopening for pet flights?

Air Animal’s dedicated and experienced team of pet move managers moved over 100 pets March through May during the COVID-19 world health crisis. We’re moving more pets every week as airlines begin to accept pet flight bookings to many of the world’s major destinations . We strongly recommend contacting us early giving us time to review your pet’s vaccinations and be ready for when a flight becomes available. Airlines are resuming flight schedules to major destinations gradually.

5. Online flight schedules do not list the airlines air cargo freighter fleet.

Correct. That’s why working with experienced pet movers at Air Animal makes your move easier because they can see those schedules and they manage logistical details like this for you.

6. What happens if my pet’s flight is cancelled?

When a flight is cancelled, all booked air cargo shipments cancel--including your pet’s booking. Similar to passenger reservations, an air cargo booking is not a guarantee of a flight. When a pet’s flight cancels, Air Animal’s experienced pet move managers and our global network of trusted service partners will implement a back-up plan. If needed they will offer additional solutions to relocate your beloved pet on the next suitable transport.

7. Can you arrange for my pet to fly on my flight? I see online a flight is available; why are you telling me my pet cannot be on my flight?  

Airlines decide if pets may fly on specific flights and how many may fly. Sometimes this is based on overall weight of the plane and sometimes it’s based on the size of the pet travel kennel. During the summer, some airlines stop pet flights when air temperatures at origin and destination climb above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. For U.S. moves, ground transport may be the only option available. That’s why working with experienced pet movers at Air Animal makes your move easier. They manage details like this for you.

8. My pet is small and traveling in the cabin with me. My flight was cancelled and my pet’s travel certificate will expire before my flight is re-scheduled. Do I receive an automatic credit or will you work with me to re-issue the international travel certificate? 

It’s our pleasure to work with you creating the correct travel documents for your pet. Every case is different. Please contact our pet export document office.

9. Is cross county ground transport safe? What is the difference between “solo ground transport” and “shared ground transport?   

Ground transportation in the U.S. is a safe option for your pet. A solo ride is just that. Pets from one family are in the vehicle. During shared rides, several pets share the journey and are dropped off at various points along the way. All rides follow COVID-19 cleaning and safety protocols.

10. Will my pet have adequate water to drink while being transported? How do you avoid the water being spilled while in transit? 

Before the move, you’ll receive instructions for keeping your pet comfortable in the travel kennel. We recommend filling the water bowls with water and freezing them. This ensures your pet will have plenty of water as the ice melts.

Important Information About Adopting, Rescuing or Buying Puppies or Kittens on the Internet

Thank you for visiting our website about moving your pet. Our experienced pet move managers have been helping relocating families move their pets to their new homes since 1977. If you are thinking about adopting, rescuing or purchasing a puppy, kitten, or other live animal over the Internet and you are seeking transport to your home, you may find a transporter through the International Pet & Animal Transportation Association website for a transporter. Air Animal does not transport puppies, kittens or animals rescued or purchased over the Internet.

Be aware! Scammers use the Internet to take your hard-earned money by offering puppies, kittens, teacup or toy dog breeds, parrots, monkeys and other birds for bargain prices. Don’t fall for it. Learn more by carefully reviewing our Don't Be Fooled page on this website. You can report fraud to the authorities using links you will find there. We also have a link to purchase a puppy from reputable AKC-registered breeders.

Air Animal Offices Scheduled to Re-open Aug. 3

Team Air Animal is working from home and here to help you relocate your pet. Beginning Monday, August 3 we return to our offices in Tampa and Orlando during regular business hours—8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

We’re taking special precautions during the health pandemic to keep everyone safe and healthy. We’re phone, email and Zoom-friendly for your convenience. Please schedule an appointment to visit. When you arrive, please call us from the parking lot. One of our team will open the door for you.

The office phone numbers are:

Tampa –813-879-3210

Orlando –407-439-0724

All visitors must wear masks, sanitize their hands before entering, avoid bringing unnecessary items into the office and strictly observe social distancing guidelines. Also please don’t bring children or other people along. We’ve added sanitizing stations throughout our offices for your convenience.

PennVet Working Dog Center Training Dogs to Sniff Out Covid 19

Researchers are working to train dogs to sniff out cases of COVID-19. If the dogs can successfully detect someone with or without symptoms, they could be deployed to hospitals and transit hubs in months.

“They do a lot of other diseases, we're pretty confident that they can do [COVID-19],” one doctor tells CBS News. See the full story.

The Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Working Dog Center is a long-standing charity of choice for the Air Animal team. The center has trained dogs to detect diabetes issues, ovarian cancer and other human diseases. The tandem goal is to create electronic detection devices that are a sensitive as a dog's nose.

Air Animal Closed for U.S. Memorial Day Holiday, New Hours May 26

Air Animal will be closed on Monday, May 25 for the Memorial Day holiday which honors the lives of U.S. armed forces who have died in service to our country. We will open Tuesday, May 26 at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Worldwide, passenger airlines are slowly increasing the number of flights for pet air cargo to major destinations, and we are beginning to book pet moves. Our staff continue to work from home and are available to serve you 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.

Please stay in touch with Air Animal through our web site. You may also want to review our FAQ about Pet Moving During COVID Closures . We appreciate your patience. Our thoughts are with you and your family as we all work to stay safe and healthy through this worldwide health crisis.

Tampa

4120 W Cypress Street

Tampa,FL 33607

(813)-879-3210

(800)635-3448

Orlando

5796 Hoffner Avenue #603

Orlando, FL 32822

(407)985-4674

Ramping up for 2020 Pet Relocations

We’re getting into the summertime pet relocation season swing—a bit more slowly than usual with Covid concerns still with us. It’s time to call us if you’re considering options to relocate your pet during the next few months. “Every move is unique. Each family’s needs are different,” says Cory Robinette, Air Animal’s COO.

Three major airlines again accept pet air cargo reservations. That’s great news. Those same airlines are also implementing heat embargoes to assure pet safety and health in the northern hemisphere. That means pets can’t fly if the ground temperature at the departure or destination is higher than 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit depending upon the breed and the airline. Our pet move managers will be able to create a safe plan to move your pet pal.

Our friends from Britain, Canada and the European Union are beginning to return home. Give us a call early so we can help you get your furry, feathered or scaly pet home. Overseas destinations will require logistical know-how and advance planning. Currently, Air Animal’s west coast U.S. service partner is arranging pet border crossings with pick-up within the foreign trade zone near Vancouver. Toronto, Montreal and all the crossings eastward are closed through June 30.

Pet scammers are very active in the summertime, too. This year the gambit is “get a pet to keep your kids busy or relieve your boredom.” This is fraud. Danger sign #1 too good to be true pricing, There is no $700 Himalayan kitten or toy Husky pup and there never was. They set the hook and then ask for more money. Danger sign #2 you’re told, “We only accept wire transfers or pre-paid gift cards for payment.” Danger sign #3 there is no such thing as an air-conditioned travel kennel. Don’t buy it! If you want a pet, contact an AKC-registered breeder or visit your local animal shelter or rescue group. Check out our Don’t Be Fooled resources and information.

Two Additional Airlines Renewing Pet Cargo Shipments

More good news for the mobility marketplace. Two additional international passenger airlines will begin accepting pet air cargo bookings in early May--re-expanding the pet moving supply chain.

Relocating pet owners will have pet air cargo access to the Middle East from the second returning carrier’s hubs in Houston and Chicago. Wider access may be available on a case-by-case basis.

The third airline resuming pet air cargo is offering transfers to other destinations at their UK hub on a through air waybill.

Air Animal, an IATA-endorsed/appointed air cargo agency, and its creative, experienced pet move managers are working from home to solve your global pet move challenges.

Our priority is the wellbeing of our customers, our employees and your pets entrusted to our care. Temporarily, our hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Please stay in touch with Air Animal through our website. You may also want to review our FAQ about Pet Moving During COVID Closures. We appreciate your patience. Our thoughts are with you and your family as we all work to stay safe and healthy through this worldwide health crisis.

Tampa

4120 W Cypress Street

Tampa,FL33607

813-879-3210

800-635-3448

Orlando

5796 Hoffner Avenue #603

Orlando,FL32822

407-985-4674

844-632-7930

Pet Moving Made Easy®. It’s our focus, our passion, our promise, and your peace of mind. Even in these challenging times.

Good News for Pet Owners Relocating Beginning May 2020

A major international airline is scheduled to gradually resume live animal air cargo shipments for dogs and cats on May 4, 2020.

With two-thirds of the world’s passenger aircraft by grounded COVID-19 embargoes, many international pet relocations have been put on hold until commercial passenger airline flights resume.

Contact Air Animal through our website  now to begin planning your pet’s relocation to your international destination. An experienced pet move manager familiar with your destination and its pet-specific requirements will reach out within two business days. We will brief you about airport city availability when we contact you. When you are ready to move, we will book your pet’s air cargo flight and assure the international health certificate is prepared within the time frame for your destination.

Our priority is the wellbeing of our customers, our employees and your pets entrusted to our care during these challenging times. We’re operating remotely from our homes to protect our employees and serve our customers. Temporarily, our hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday. Please stay in touch with Air Animal through our website. You may also want to review our FAQ about Pet Moving During COVID Closures. We appreciate your patience. Our thoughts are with you and your family as we all work to stay safe and healthy through this worldwide health crisis.

Tampa
4120 W Cypress Street
Tampa, FL 33607
(813)-879-3210
(800)635-3448

Orlando
5796 Hoffner Avenue #603
Orlando, FL 32822
(407)985-4674
(844) 632-7930

Pet Moving Made Easy®. It’s our focus, our passion, our promise, and your peace of mind. Even in these challenging times.

Moving Pets by Ground during COVID

Air Animal’s dedicated pet move managers are providing clients with custom pet ground transport solutions for their pets because many of the world’s passenger airlines are not accepting pet air cargo bookings. 

The “Wicket Mischief” ground transport move from New Haven, CT to Redmond, WA was one for the books according to pet move manager Jessica de la Nuez.

“Mischief’s Mom warned me that the cat was feisty. And she really was. She only calmed down if her brother, a big German shepherd named Wicket was right next to her. They left Mar. 19, made good time on their private van ride and arrived Apr. 2,” Jessica said.

Ground transporters text photos and updates to pet owners from the road. Mischief wanted to stay in her travel kennel while Wicket had a blast playing ball.

“A significant number of these moves are corporate relocations using our experienced and licensed pet ground transport network both in the U.S. and in Europe,” said Dr. Walter M. Woolf, veterinarian and Air Animal founder.

Polka’s 974-kilometer move from Hungary to Switzerland would normally take 10 hours on the M1 highway. The peppy female border collie-shepherd mix boarded her private van on Tuesday, April 7. According to Jessica Nickler, Polka’s pet move manger, the van was stopped 15 times by authorities who reviewed all the essential service, veterinary and customs papers before allowing the van to drive on. The COVID stops and extra comfort stops for Polka added two days to the trip.

Polka’s mom, Meli, emailed Jessica some photos when her fur baby arrived. “Polka arrived after an adventurous and long journey, and upon arrival she seemed to be tired and puzzled. She did not even recognize me at the very first moment, just after she sniffed me. After stepping to the apartment and seeing her favorite ball, she began to open up in a rapid way. Our walk at the river helped a lot, too. The walk was followed by a bath and a dinner, so now she sleeps contentedly. She will be my same little pup after one to two days.”

Our website has more information about moving pets by ground in the U.S. or in Europe.

“We’ll continue working through our global network of trusted service partners, to reunite owners with their beloved pets during this health crisis. And we’ll begin scheduling pet air cargo moves when the airlines resume pet cargo flights. Everything is possible, it just sometimes takes large dashes of inventiveness and longer timelines to make it happen,” Woolf said.

Our priority is the wellbeing of our customers, our employees and your pets entrusted to our care during these challenging times. We’re operating remotely from our homes to protect our employees and serve our customers. Temporarily, our hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Please stay in touch with Air Animal through the web site where Live Chat is available. You may also want to review our FAQ about Pet Moving During COVID Closures. We appreciate your patience. Our thoughts are with you and your family as we all work to stay safe and healthy through this worldwide health crisis.

Tampa
4120 W Cypress Street
Tampa, FL 33607
(813)-879-3210
(800) 635-3448

Orlando
5796 Hoffner Avenue #603
Orlando, FL 32822
(407) 985-4674
(844) 632-7930

COVID-19 Pet Moving FAQ

I’m relocating soon. Will I be able to move my pet in April, May or June?Many of the world’s passenger airlines (Air Animals carriers) are not accepting pet air cargo bookings, owing to markedly fewer flights. The passenger airlines will restore passenger service first, followed by pet air cargo bookings later.

What happens if my pet’s air cargo booking and/or its flight is cancelled?
The disruption across the world caused by the spread of the COVID-19 virus has affected everyone and everything in our world. Deaths, illness, workplace changes, working from home, layoffs, furloughs, and global supply chain alterations are many effects of the viral pandemic.

When a passenger flight is cancelled for any reason, any booked air cargo shipments cancel, including your pets booking. Similar to a passenger reservation, an air cargo booking is not a guarantee of a flight.

Air Animal’s dedicated pet move managers who you are working with (or you choose to employ) along with our 43 + years of pet moving & air cargo experience and our global network of trusted service partners, will provide you with custom logistics solutions to reunite you with your beloved pets.

Will my pet be able to accompany me in the passenger compartment of my light, rather than as an air cargo shipment?
Pets flying as “cabin baggage” on your international flight are controlled by the rules & regulations of your relocation destination country, as well as the passenger airlines acceptance policies.

When will global pet transportation and its supply chain return to pre-COVID-19 availability?
The truth be told, Air Animal does not know. We are cautiously optimistic of the return of airline flights and air cargo capacities trough the 2nd quarter (April, May, June) and into the 3rd quarter (July, August, September)

Why does information on my pet’s air cargo transport change continuously and frequently at the last minute. 
COVID-19 is an emerging virus with pandemic (global) spread. Advisories from WHO, the CDC, the USDA and many entities across the globe, learning more and more each day, results in continual updates to governments, airlines, freight forwarders, and pet transport companies.

Should I have contact with my pet(s) if I have been diagnosed as COVID-19 positive?
If you been diagnosed as COVID-19 positive or have suggestive symptoms, CDC has posted guidelines for you to follow.

I recently received an e mail allegedly from CDC explaining how I can rescue a dog from “quarantine." How should I respond?
 Please, Do NOT respond to imposters, scam artists, and bogus persons who are praying on both your emotions and your pocketbooks. You’ve heard this before…should you NOT know the sender, do not reply. Be Internet safe.

I’m thinking of purchasing and/or adopting a pet from another state or another country.  Is Air Animal able to assist me in the transport of my purchase and/or adoption?
While buying or rescuing a pet online sounds great, getting the pet to you is not inexpensive. Transport capacity for adopted pets is limited during the COVID-19 lock down. You might consider these options.

Our priority is the wellbeing of our clients, our employees and your pets entrusted to our care during these challenging times. We’re operating remotely from our homes to protect our employees and serve our clients. Temporarily, our hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Please stay in touch with Air Animal through the web site where Live Chat is available. We appreciate your patience. Our thoughts are with you and your family as we all work to stay safe and healthy through this worldwide health crisis.

Please note should you have relocated, are living in your relocation destination country, and have left your pet with a co-worker, family member, friend, veterinary practice, pet care facility, etc.. You do not have to be present in the origin country to originate the pet’s air cargo shipment.
Air Animal’s 43 + years of pet moving experience and its IATA air cargo appointment and endorsement since 1989 will be of benefit to you and your pet as we work together in the safe, humane and professional transport of your four-legged family member.

Tampa
4120 W Cypress Street
Tampa, FL 33607
(813)-879-3210
(800) 635-3448

Orlando
5796 Hoffner Avenue #603
Orlando, FL 32822
(407) 985-4674
(844) 632-7930

Transport Capacity Limited for Purchased and Adopted Pets During COVID Crisis

Millions are staying safe at home across the United States and spending lots of time on social media staying connected with family and friends. Then, those ads tugging heart strings slowly roll through the feed. “Puppies for Sale.” “Cute Kittens!” “Perfect Pets for Adoption.” While buying or rescuing a pet online sounds great, getting the pet to you is not inexpensive.

Airline cargo capacity for pet transport is very limited now. Flying small pets in the passenger cabin is only permitted when pets have health certificates and are accompanied by paying passengers. Ground transport over long distances is expensive. The air or ground transportation costs to bring that purchased or rescued pet home can exceed the cost of the animal.

Specific breeds of dogs, cats and birds may not fly on many major passenger airlines. The restrictions usually ban mushy-faced pets and those with known breathing issues. Check the airline websites for "banned pet breeds" to see their specific rules.

Local Humane Society shelters are essential services to the community and are open. Meet and fall in love with your next pet only a short car ride away. Or find a local AKC-registered breeder.

We’re answering all inquiries and accepting online requests or personalized pet moving proposals. When airlines begin accepting bookings for our furry, feathered and scaled friends we will email updated proposals to all those who have inquired. We are cautiously optimistic that passenger airline cargo capacities will gradually improve late in the second and through the third quarter.

We are committed to working with you to help you through these extraordinary times. Air Animal is open. Please stay in touch. Our dedicated pet move managers in Tampa and Orlando are working from home and ready to speak with you Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT. Our thoughts are with you and your family as we all work to stay safe and healthy through this worldwide health crisis.

Tampa
4120 W Cypress Street
Tampa, FL 33607
(813)-879-3210
(800) 635-3448

Orlando
5796 Hoffner Avenue #603
Orlando, FL 32822
(407) 985-4674
(844) 632-7930
www.airanimal.com

COVID 19 Affecting Airlines, Pet Moves

Phone, Internet and LiveChat inquiries about pet moves have continued to increase at Air Animal Pet Movers even as COVID 19 spreads around the globe. Some national borders are closing and shutting down commercial airline routes. Widespread shelter-in-place orders are further cutting passenger demand. Many airlines have announced pet flight booking stoppages.

This affects Air Animal clients because we move pets using air cargo space on scheduled passenger airlines. The airline changes severely limit our ability to relocate pets until commercial air carriers return to regular schedules.

We’re answering all inquiries and accepting online requests for personalized pet moving proposals. When airlines begin accepting bookings for our furry, feathered and scaled friends we will email updated proposals to all those who have inquired. We are cautiously optimistic that passenger airline cargo capacities will gradually improve late in the second and through the third quarter.

We are committed to working with you to help you through these extraordinary times. Air Animal is open. Please stay in touch. Our dedicated pet move managers in Tampa and Orlando are working from home and ready to speak with you Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT. Our thoughts are with you and your family as we all work to stay safe and healthy through this worldwide health crisis.

Tampa
4120 W Cypress Street
Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 879-3210
(800) 635-3448

Orlando
5796 Hoffner Avenue #603
Orlando, FL 32822
(407) 985-4674
(844) 632-7930

COVID 19 Disrupting Pet Moving Supply Chain

(Tampa, FL—Mar. 17, 2020) — The COVID 19 pandemic spreading around the world is disrupting mobility.

“Air Animal and its global network of trusted pet moving providers are being besieged with numerous requests for U.S. and global pet relocation services. Airlines have dramatically reduced passenger and cargo flights, significantly limiting our ability to move pets from all origins and to all destinations,” said Walter M. Woolf, VMD, founder and CEO of Air Animal Pet Movers.

“We remain cautiously optimistic that airline passenger and cargo capacities will gradually improve in the second quarter.” Families relocating with their pets may speak with an Air Animal pet move client care representative in Tampa or Orlando about their options Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT.

 

"What social distancing?"

Cameo and Shade relocated to Germany in December 2019.

Coronavirus Complicating Pet Moves

(Tampa, FL--Updated Feb.26, 2020) – Infectious disease and public health experts worldwide now predict continued spread for coronavirus or COVID-19. Efforts to contain the virus have cancelled events and slowed business travel around the globe. The ripple effect has also slowed or stopped pet exports and imports.

“Relocating families may need to postpone their pets’ relocations until airlines restore regular air travel schedules,” advises Walter M. Woolf, VMD, founder and CEO of Air Animal Pet Movers. Families relocating with their pets should speak with an Air Animal pet move manager about their options well before their scheduled relocation. Air Animal has helped thousands of families reunite with their pets after a move and temporary separation.

About COVID-19

Medical experts predict that COVID-19 will spread because the disease does not cause symptoms in some people. Many predict cold and flu season may become cold, flu and COVID season.

Like influenza, COVID-19 “is deadly, but not too deadly. It makes people sick, but not in predictable, uniquely identifiable ways,” writes James Hamblin, MD, staff writer for The Atlantic and lecturer at the Yale School of Public Health. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control is researching a COVID vaccine. They expect development to take up to 18 months. After that, a major pharmaceutical manufacturer must agree to produce and distribute the vaccine.

All experts agree the best prevention is frequent 20-second handwashing routines . Anyone with sore throat, cough or fever should stay home, rest and drink plenty of fluids until they are symptom-free.