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.

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.

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.

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