Boomerang Pet Carrier

The Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak for My Clients

Dated 21 March 2020

As you are aware, public and private organizations are grappling with how to manage this unprecedented global health crisis. Here at Boomerang Pet Carrier, I want to reassure you, and every one of my clients, that I am at my desk, ready to answer questions, and to offer you guidance, to the best of my ability, for your pet’s relocation.

Due to an avalanche of government mandates and restrictions prohibiting travel by air during the past couple of weeks, I have been aggressively managing the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak for my clients. Unfortunately, eight pet relocations on ‘my board’ have been postponed, causing emotional stress and a logistical nightmare for those pet owners. I will not attempt to move a cat or a dog if I cannot do it safely and efficiently. Safety for the pet is my utmost concern. Now, more than ever, I am committed to doing everything I can to help my clients and their beloved four legged companions.

As the Covid 19 pandemic continues to threaten the health of the earthlings, and as countries continue to close their borders, airlines are grinding to a halt. Flights on international routes, according to some reports, will be reduced by 95% during the month of April. If the world can contain the spread of the virus, it will take a couple of months for the economy, and hence the airlines, to recover. My best guess is a prediction based on numerous industry reports and the ever evolving global news, is that cats and dogs may take to the air again in late June.

In the spirit of working together during these extraordinary and unprecedented times, and to help you navigate the many challenges of your pet's relocation, I am focused on continuing to provide the high-quality service you expect and deserve. Do not hesitate to reach out to me at any time.

On a lighter note, I’m guessing that cats and dogs all over the world are delighted that their owners are staying home. Dogs are getter longer, more frequent walks, and both dogs and cats are marveling at the number of available laps upon which to snuggle. Let’s take a page from their play book; let’s learn to live in the moment and absorb all that is good.

Karen Shiel
Owner/Operator Boomerang Pet Carrier
Calgary, Canada

BOOMERANG PET CARRIER'S professional pet transportation services include domestic and international relocations via airline services and ground transportation. We handle cats and dogs and provide pet shipping services primarily to/from the Calgary airport.

Pet transportation is our only business and our only focus; you and your pet will receive 100% of our time, allowing you to free up your time to focus on the logistics of your move. You can have peace of mind knowing that your pet's safe relocation will be handled by caring, capable professionals.

Over 18 years of pet shipping experience
Member of IPATA since 2003
Completed IATA Live Animal Regulations training course

What you don't know about pet shipping could jeopardize the safety of your pet!

The experts at BOOMERANG PET CARRIER have shipped pets to all of the continents of the world - with the exception of . . . Antarctica, of course!

How Can I Transport my Pet by Air?

There are three ways that a pet owner can transport a pet by air:

Pet transport “in-cabin” or “under the seat” is only possible if you are a ticketed passenger. You carry your pet on board in a soft-sided travel kennel. If your airline has this policy for in-cabin pet transport, the booking can be made with the passenger department of your airline, at which time you will be advised of any height or weight restrictions for your pet and his travel kennel.
Pet transport by “checked baggage" or “excess baggage” is also only possible if you are a ticketed passenger. Your pet, travelling in a hard-sided travel kennel, is checked in with you at the passenger terminal and will placed in the cargo bin of your passenger aircraft by the airline personnel who handle your luggage. If your airline has this policy for checked baggage pet transport, the booking can be made with the passenger department of your airline, at which time you will be advised of height or weight restrictions for your pet and his travel kennel. The airline will charge a fee for this service, and they may have temperature restrictions in place to some destinations that would prevent transport of your pet in this manner.
Pet transport by “cargo” is totally independent of the pet owner. Your pet is booked and handled by the cargo department of an airline, not by the passenger department. He is booked on an Air Way Bill, checked in at the cargo terminal of the airline in a hard-sided travel kennel, and placed in the cargo bin of the passenger aircraft by the airline personnel who handle only cargo. Many international carriers (KLM, Lufthansa, and Air New Zealand, for example) will not accept cargo bookings for animals directly from the public; the pet owner must retain the services of a pet shipper who holds a cargo account. Pets must be transported as cargo to some destinations such as the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and the UAE.

Every airline has its own policy with regard to the three methods of transport by air for animals. Some airlines will have breed restrictions, height/weight restrictions, holiday embargos, or temperature restrictions. Check with your airline’s passenger department or your airline’s cargo department well in advance of the proposed flight date of your pet as these policies can change at any time and without notice.

Did You Know

HMRC in the UK levies VAT/duty on family cats and dogs entering the UK if the pet owner does not have a Transfer of Residency (ToR) number prior to the pets' arrival.
For the import of cats and dogs to certain countries, Australia and New Zealand for example, the veterinary protocol can take up to 7 months to complete before export, so be sure to contact Boomerang Pet Carrier well in advance of your proposed relocation date.
The Australian Department of Water and Resources (DAWR) has changed the import requirements for cats and dogs from Canada! The key change is a decrease in the minimum number of days in post-entry quarantine – from 30 to 10 nights.
As of May 2011, the MPI in New Zealand has a new Import Standard for pets from Canada. The quarantine time has been shortened from 30 to 10 nights.
Our industry safely relocates hundreds of thousands of pets by air freight annually.
Pets must clear customs and have veterinary inspections upon arrival when relocating to other countries.
The sedation of pets for air travel is strongly discouraged by the AVMA. The effects of a sedative in a pressurized compartment may be quite different than in your own home and could harm your pet.
As of 2015, for pet imports of cats, dogs, and ferrets to the UK and the EU, pet owners must travel within 5 days of their pets in order to be in compliance with the new regulations for non-commercial movements.