Need Pet Relocation Person/Group from Florida to Panama

[Carol North]

My husband and I are working toward a move to Panama - possibly Boquete - in 2013.  We have 2 dogs and 2 cats.  The large dog will go onboard with me as a service dog if I can get him trained well enough to be certified.  Cats can go under seats.  A son will fly with us to allow the second cat to fly.  Problem is the 50 lb. Mini English Bulldog - who isn't so mini.  Airlines won't fly snub-nose dogs but I'm told pet relocators can get it done without risking the life of the dog.  She's crate-trained.  The only one I've spoken with is a Mario with petrelocators.com in PC and his Florida partner.  Does anyone have recommendations and an idea of costs?  Thanks - Carol

[Steve and Nancy Rice]

http://www.airanimal.com/

[Carol North]

Thanks Steve and Nancy, but they ship by cargo on regular airlines.  Those same airlines won't take snub-nosed dogs because of the risk of breathing problems.  There are some that use DHL that flies them in air conditioning and that's what I need.

Carol

[Donald M. Korzep]

Try and contact Jose from Golden Frog in PTY. Also United/Continental ship animals via controlled conditions, aka A/C Heate etc. If I remember right they gave no indication that they did not take snubbed nose dogs. Check them out the worst they can do is say no. Highly recommend Jose, has his stuff together when it comes to getting your pets into the country. Follow his website instructions and you should have no problems. Don and Merryt

[Carol North]

Thank you!  I'll see if I can find his group on the web.

Carol

[Karen Rall]

I feel for you.  I am in the opposite situation in that I am planning to take my 2 Japanese Chins - also very snub nose - back to Florida next week.  After spending a lot of time on the phone with American, I was told if they would both go in one container and not weigh more than 20# in the container, I could bring them on board with me.  So, that is what I am doing and praying I get through the check in with them.  The container is 1" longer than the regs and very tall, but it has a flexible rod top than can collapse down to the 10" under the seat.  I don't know what I will do if this does not work,

Best of luck to you.

Karfen

[Carol North]

Thanks.  You do have a problem.  We also have 2 cats and when the time comes, we will pay for our youngest son to fly over with us and take one of the cats under the seat.  Good luck to you.

[Judy Sacco]

Jose's website is http://www.goldenfrog.net/

From United's site:  "United Airlines will no longer accept English Bulldogs older than six months and/or weighing more than 20 pounds at any time of year."

Here's the link:

United

[Carol North]

Thanks, Judy.  I will try Jose for sure.   I did know about United.  As far as I know, Continental is the only commercial airline that flies bullies and similar breeds.  But I'd have to be very sure the dog will be in air conditioning at all times before I'd risk that.

Carol

[[e-mail]]

Carol, as you might already know, airlines will not fly dogs in hot weather, especially the snub-nosed.

Jose Saenz assisted me when I took my Staffordshire Bull Terrier from New Mexico to Boquete.  I can't say enough good things about him and his service.At that time, the dog had to stay overnight at the airport, still caged. Hope they've changed that requirement. Is important to get a quote from anyone before you hire them for your pets.  You probably knew that, too, huh?

Happy Trails.

[Judy Sacco]

Continental is now United.  They merged in Feb. 2012.  There is no Continental any more.  United flies their routes and took over their website.  You could check Copa.  Maybe they have a different policy.