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Keep up-to-date with the latest Pet Travel and Jetpets news.

Pillow The Pigs Big Adventure

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Here at Jetpets all our travellers are special but sometimes we come across certain animals that need a bit of a helping hand. We were contacted by animal rescue operators Calley and Brad Stoll in the hope that we might be able to assist in helping “Pillow the Pig” to find her new forever home.

Pillow is a female, “Large White” domesticated pig and as a two day old piglet she weighed only 800gms and measured roughly a foot in length. Pillow was rescued by the Stolls twelve weeks ago and was brought to her new foster home to meet all the other foster animals currently being cared for by the Stolls.

Being an animal foster home things were already a bit crowded with 3 puppies, 3 kittens, 4 dogs and a goat all in their inner-city home in Sydney, New South Wales. But the Stolls love for animals is all conquering and Pillow quickly became part of their extended family.

“Pillow knows no difference between dog, cat, pig, goat. She is loving and playful and all kinds of cheeky. Pillow is a sensitive young pig and that comes with her highly intelligent brain”, said Calley.

But with more animals needing a temporary home and Pillow growing at an exponential rate it was time to find Pillow her forever home. Thankfully it didn’t take long as Machela Gazzard in Mildura, Victoria got in contact with the Stolls and offered her animal rescue farm as Pillow’s forever home. As they already owned a piglet named, Penny the decision to allow Pillow to go and live on Machela’s farm was an easy one.

Pillow fully prepared for her big adventure

Jetpets arranged an extra-large crate to give pillow plenty of room to move during her 2 hour flight from Sydney to Adelaide. After a quick stop to stretch her legs and receive cuddles from our pet handlers she continued via road transport, finally arriving in Mildura after her 1,400km adventure.

 

Pillow takes a break to stretch her legs and receive cuddles

“Pillow is settling in well and Penny is teaching her how to be a pig which she is picking up quickly”, said Machela.

“A massive thank you to the Jetpets team, particular those that had hands on with Pillow’s travel. I appreciate how safe and happy she arrived and it really is a reflection on Jetpets just how smoothly her transport went. I could not be more grateful to Jetpets”, said Calley.

Pillow loving life on the farm
Having a nap with her new bestie Penny

 

Uniting families is what Jetpets do best and we can’t wait to check in on Pillow in the coming months to see how this city girl is adjusting to the easy life on the farm.

 

Dreamworld and Jetpets partner to transport “Holden and Kimba”, two rare white Lions

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How do you move two male lions over 1400kms?

This was the question posed to us at Jetpets last week when we completed the move of two white lions, “Holden and Kimba”, from their home at Altina Wildlife Park to Dreamworld on the Goldcoast.

The two brothers are part of only a handful of rare white lions in captivity and weigh in over 200kgs each. The lions hail from the Timbavati region in Africa and due to human interference and poaching, have not been sighted in the wild since 2010.

“Welcoming Holden and Kimba to Dreamworld will further help conservation initiatives for cats in the wild through the Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation and will raise awareness of the plight of our vulnerable and endangered big cats around the world”, a Dreamworld spokesperson said.

The lions were picked up at Altina Wildlife Park last Wednesday by Jetpets pet handlers and were transported in custom built steel crates to ensure they remained calm and comfortable during transit. The lions personal handlers, who have raised them since they were cubs, also made the journey to check the lions condition during the numerous stops on the way to their holiday destination.

The 200kg plus white lion is lifted on to Jetpets transport truck

“It was a rewarding experience being involved in the move of these majestic lions, our service and relationship with Dreamworld continues to make Jetpets the leader in animal transport in Australia”, Montana Sheridan, National Customer Service Manager.

Guests to Dreamworld will have the opportunity to have a once in a lifetime face to face encounter with the imposing lions from this week through to mid July, when they will be transported back to their home at Altina Wildlife Park.

The brothers exploring their new enclosure at Dreamworld

Stay tuned to Jetpets social media for more information on the brothers return trip next month and future zoo animals moves completed by Jetpets .

Resident Vet Dr Sam’s handy tips for pets travelling overseas

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It’s an exciting time in your household as the whole family gets ready to move overseas.

Here’s some handy tips from our resident Vet Dr Sam, on getting your pet ready for overseas travel and what to expect….

  • What are important things to keep in mind to make sure a pet is comfortable in their travel crate? We recommend getting your pet’s travel crate delivered a few weeks before travel. This gives you time to introduce your pet to the crate in a familiar environment. For travel, Jetpets will line your pet’s travel crate with a stay dry fleece mat, where moisture sinks to the bottom, keeping your pet dry and comfortable throughout the travel journey.  Some countries will let you put a blanket or a t-shirt that smells like you in the travel crate, and this can be of extra comfort for your pet – it’s best to check with your Jetpets travel consultant to see if you can do this for your destination.  If your furbaby can be a bit nervous in new situations we also recommend Adaptil collars for dogs, and Feliway products for cats, to make pets feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible during travel – your Jetpets travel consultant can take you through your options and we can organise everything for you.
  • Will my pet need any vaccinations prior to travelling? Jetpets recommends that all pets are up to date with their annual vaccinations before travelling. Depending on your destination country, time sensitive vet work may be required. As resident Vets, we specialise in pet travel and can step you through everything that’s required, and can administer all vet work. We even do home visits!
  • Can my pet handle a long-haul flight? We understand when a pet owner expresses concern about how their pet will handle a long-haul flight. We are delighted when pet owners share back their happy travellers stories and express their delight at just how well their pet coped. As resident Vets we check on your pet prior to travel, and the sole focus of our pet loving team of experts is to provide a safe and comfortable travel journey for your pet. Want to hear from other Jetpets Happy Travellers? Visit us on Facebook.
  • Will my pet be provided with enough food and water to last the trip? Pets are lodged with sufficient water for their travel journey. We avoid feeding pets just prior to travel to avoid any tummy upsets.
  • What can I do to help my pet settle in to their new home after their trip? Let your pet ease into their new surroundings. Try and make sure your pet has familiar things around them – moving house is a big thing for your pet and a well-known bed or favourite toy can make settling into a new home much easier. And it goes without saying, don’t forget to give your pets lots of love!

How to keep your pets happy as the weather cools down

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Admit it, even if you prefer summer, you love cuddling up with warm blankets in winter! For those of us in the Southern Hemisphere, the cooler months are here, so it’s time to get your coats out from the back of the closet and dust off those beanies! While we have the luxury of indulging in a hot chocolate, our pets might find it a bit more difficult to adjust to the colder climate. That’s why we’ve put together a few tips to help keep your pets happy throughout the cooler months!

Cosy bedding

There’s no more satisfying feeling then jumping under the covers of your warm bed after a cool winter’s day, we’re sure our pets love it too! There’s a few different ways you can adjust your pet’s bedding for winter time, so here’s a few tips to ensure they get a cosy night’s sleep.

Outdoor pets

If your pet is comfortable staying outside during the colder months, make sure you’re making a few adjustments to accommodate the change in weather. Here’s a few tips for your outdoor pets!

  • Move their crate or kennel under cover, so they’re not disturbed by rain or hail.
  • Pop your pets favourite blanket inside their kennel or crate
  • Leave your pets with their own hot water bottle to cuddle up to! Make sure you let it cool down slightly before handing it over to your pet
  • Get their cosy knits on! A jumper that covers their stomach will help keep them warm through the chilly winter nights

Indoor pets

If your pets are getting older, it’s a great idea to keep them inside throughout the colder months. This will help aid sore joints or any aches or pains they might have. Head to your local pet store to grab your pets their own blankets so they can have a cosy night’s sleep!

Dinner time

Like us, our pets tend to burn more calories during the colder months, as our bodies try to keep us warm. So, a consistent diet is key to keeping your pets happy throughout winter! It’s always a good idea to discuss your pets diet with your vet before making any changes to their feeding schedule. 

Exercise

Just like us, our pets may feel less inclined to get up and moving during the colder months. We’d prefer to be inside on the couch too, but it’s important to make sure your pets are still getting enough exercise throughout winter. Here’s a few ways you and your pets can get active this winter:

  • Head to an indoor dog park! Your pup can still socialise, explore and exercise while sheltered from the weather
  • Invest in some new scratching posts for your cats, or if you’re feeling up to it – build your own!
  • Take advantage of your pet’s favourite toys, playing fetch inside for half an hour in the morning and in the afternoon, is a great way to get your pet moving when the weather isn’t looking too great

What do you and your pets do to settle into the colder months? Let us know on Facebook.

 

How your pet helps you to feel your best

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Our pets are great at getting us back to feeling our best! And, we’ll admit it, they’re pretty cute too!

Companionship

If there’s one thing we need besides food and water as humans, it’s companionship and love! Our beautiful furry friends provide both, in abundance! Animals are quite intuitive too, so they will know when you need company, or a lick on the nose.

Unconditional love

There isn’t a better feeling than to be greeted by your fur-family when you return from a long day at work! Whether you’ve had a bad day at work, or are going through a rough time in your personal life – your pet is still going to love you no matter what.

Get outside and moving

Leading an active and healthy lifestyle does more than tone your thighs, it also gives you boundless amounts of energy and can brighten your mood! Having a pet forces you to go outside and get moving! Not only will a walk with your pup allow them to get some much-needed exercise, it will also help you get your daily vitamin D boost, which will bump up your serotonin levels and help you maintain your mood.

Routine

When you’re struggling to find motivation, or are feeling a bit down-and-out, routine and responsibility help you get back to your best. Having to get outside every day to walk your pup, or having to head to the grocery store to pick up your cat’s favourite food can get you up and going again!

No questions asked

Sometimes we just need someone to listen. Having a pet is like having a friend who is always there for you, listens to all of your problems and just supports you no matter what. Sometimes we all just need to debrief and have a cuddle with our pets to make everything better again!

Rabbits Visit The Jetpets Office

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Here at Jetpets we are big fans of bringing our pets to work, in fact we encourage our staff to bring their furry friends into the office each week. And this isn’t limited to dogs, it’s not uncommon to see all creatures great and small in the Jetpets office, including rabbits! Check out some of our recent rabbit visitors below.

For most of us, when considering adding a pet to the family we think of dogs and cats. However, we want to spread the message that rabbits can make great family pets too! In partnership with our friends at PetRescue, we’re spreading this message and encouraging Australians to consider adopting a rabbit as a family pet.

To find out more about what’s involved when it comes to responsible rabbit ownership, please contact your local vet or rabbit association.

Interested in adopting or fostering a rabbit? There are over 170 rabbits available for adoption via PetRescue right now. Visit their website to find out more.

 

Easter Fun with your Pet

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We can’t believe it either, it’s almost Easter! The time of the year we get to indulge in chocolate and spend time with our loved ones (including our pets!) But how can you get your pet into the Easter spirit? Here are three great ways you can get them involved in your celebrations!

Dress ups

There’s no doubt that dress ups help us get into the festive spirit. Whether you like to go all out with your festive outfits, or you prefer subtle chic styling – dolling your pets up and having a little photoshoot is a great way to get them involved this Easter.  If you’re having some trouble photographing your pets, read our top tips for getting the perfect picture every time.

Take a break

The Easter long weekend is a great opportunity to take a break, kick back and relax! Why not make the most of a few days off by taking your pet on some extra long walks, head to a new dog park, check out that local pet-friendly cafe you’ve been meaning to try or snuggle into bed and watch a few of your favourite films with your furry friend by your side.

Easter Egg Hunt

There’s no reason why your pet can’t be a part of all of the fun and games! Here’s a few ways you can get them involved in your Easter egg hunts!

  • Ice treats! If the weather’s still warm enough, head down to your local supermarket and pick up an Easter-themed cake mould and put together an icy-treat for your pet! Freeze some of their favourite treats in the water to keep them occupied for hours!
  • Grab your dog’s Kong and place some of their favourite treats inside, hide around the house or backyard, and watch as they get super excited when they find their Easter treats!
  • Many of us eat fish on Good Friday, so why not get your pets involved by sharing some yummy fish with them too! Cats in particular will love this special treat – from our experience a tin of tuna in spring water is a sure fire hit!

While we wish Easter was all fun and games, it’s important to keep your pets safe and away from any of the potential hazards that come with the holiday. Remember to keep any chocolates and sweets well out of your pets reach. Watch them around any decorations, and make sure to follow their cues – if they look uncomfortable in their new Easter costume, then take it off! Follow our guide and we promise, you’ll have an Easter you’ll never forget!

All about Australian Quarantine – what you need to know

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We know that pets are part of the family, which is why we love to take them with us everywhere we go! And that means if you’ve made the big decision to move overseas, you’re going to want to take your pets with you!

Want to know how to get the International Pet Travel process started? Our Jetpets Pet Travel Consultants are experts in global travel, and are here to assist with every step of your exciting move.

One thing we find that global travellers are often curious about is the quarantine process. So this month, our Customer Service Manager Len Elliss is answering some frequently asked questions about quarantine and bringing your pet into Australia.

Q: How early do you need to start planning your global move?

A: Depending on which country your pet is travelling to Australia from, it may require several months of pre-travel planning to meet Australia’s strict quarantine requirements. If you’re planning on making a move with your pet to Australia this year, we recommend getting in touch with our team as soon as possible to start planning!

Q: How long do pets have to stay in quarantine when travelling to Australia?

A: The quarantine period is only 10 days for all countries except for travellers from NZ, Norfolk and Coco’s Islands (for travellers coming from these countries there are no quarantine requirements.)

If your dog is staying in quarantine, they will be kept in a private room, which is heated and has access to an attached, sheltered outdoor run. And when they need to stretch their legs, there is also a larger grassed area for exercise. For cats staying in quarantine, they will also stay in private areas that feature heating, an elevated resting platform, and a window overlooking outdoor courtyards.

So that your pet can rest easily in a calm environment while in quarantine, the facility has been fitted with internal acoustic panels to absorb noise. The ceilings of the kennels have also been treated with acoustic panels so that your pooch can enjoy a good night’s sleep!

Q: Are there quarantine facilities in all Australian capital cities?

A: Pets travelling into Australia attend the Melbourne quarantine facility. The purpose built centre offers state-of-the-art accommodation for pets travelling into the country. But don’t worry, if your final destination is outside of Melbourne, Jetpets is able to ensure that your pet reaches your home safely after the quarantine period. Our pet-loving handlers are on hand to pick-up your pet from the facility and our Pet Travel Consultants are ready to arrange their flights home to you!

Our team are here to provide expert advice, and create an itinerary specific to your pet’s travel needs. This ensures you know exactly what level of planning is required, and what the associated costs will be. We are here to guide you every step along the way.

Want to know more? Contact us today.

5 Great Cat Breeds For Families

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Introducing a new pet to your family can be an exciting time for everyone involved! Whether you’re a cat or dog person, we all know that finding the right breed to fit into your family can be a difficult task.

If you’re thinking of introducing a cat into your family, a great place to start is your local pet shelter or rescue organisation. While we at Jetpets believe the humble moggie makes a great family pet, these other breeds do too so check them out!

Ragdoll

With their piercing bright blue eyes, there’s no doubt that Ragdolls are one of the most adorable cat breeds out there! But it’s not just looks that makes the Rag Doll a great family pet, their temperament and personality makes them a perfect fit for young families. Ragdoll’s love to be around people, and are super affectionate! Their loving nature means that they’d shy away from conflict and prefer rather to snuggle up on their owners laps.

Abyssinian

The Abyssinian is the perfect breed for those fighting the dog vs. cat battle. If you’re introducing a pet into your family for the first time, it really can be difficult to decide whether a cat or a dog would be best suited for you. Luckily, the Abyssinian gives you the best of both worlds! Their favourite place will be by their toy basket. Grab their favourite toy and they’ll happily play a game of fetch with you! Like dogs, they love attention and affection too, and their playful nature means that they don’t shy away from boisterous toddlers! 

Burmese

Burmese are a great breed for families who enjoy spending time at home! They are active and social, meaning that they would prefer to hang out with you at home, instead of exploring the neighbourhood. Their affectionate personality means that they mix well with children and dogs, (as long as they appreciate when your Burmese is looking for some down time!)

Persian

Persian’s fit perfectly into small families, especially with older children! Known for their short nose and perky ears, a Persian’s favourite place will be on your lap. They don’t require much playtime, so they’ll fit perfectly into a busy family. Just make sure you have time to show them some love and affection at the end of the day! 

Birman

The undeniably cute Birman is a breed that will fit well into most family dynamics. Quiet but intelligent, this curious cat will always want to know what you and your family are up to. Birman’s love to be treated as one of the family, they’ll even let you carry them around like a baby! In the Birman’s books, any attention is good attention, which makes them especially great with children.

What breed did you choose when deciding on a new family pet? Let us know on Facebook!

It’s written in the stars …

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It’s Valentine’s Day – hooray! Ensure the dreamiest day of the year is one you’ll forever spend swept of your feet by falling in love with the pitter-patter of claws or the loving embrace of warm paws!

Finding your purrfect pet this Valentine’s Day is all but written in the stars. Allow your star sign to shed light on the most magical match for you and find a furry or feathered friend to fall in love with as fast as a shooting star.

The strength shown by those of Aquarius, Pisces and Aries signs demands a pet that’s equally wise and strong. Man’s best friend makes a great mate for these signs, with the kind and intelligent Labrador leading the pack. Loyal in relationships with a lot of love to give, these star signs are best paired with pooches that are affectionate and partial to a pat or cuddle on the couch.

Taurus, Gemini and Cancer signs adore the outdoors, as do the pets that suit them best. Adventurous and willing to give anything a try, dogs that leap and bound across grassy-green ovals or rabbits that explore a garden’s every inch are known to effortlessly win the hearts of these signs.

The creativity of those born to the Leo, Virgo and Libra star signs deserves to be met with an equally inventive pet. Rather than a traditional dog or cat, love thrives with these pet owners when met with animals just as exuberant as they are. Thinking outside of the box sees these star signs befriend colourful birds, cheeky ferrets and aquariums filled with exotic fish.

Resilient signs of Scorpio, Sagittarius and Capricorn are ideally suited to the confidence of felines. Comfortable in their own skin and content in their own company, cats similarly march to the beat of their own drum.

There’s no need to check into Heartbreak Hotel should your relationship status be solo this Valentine’s Day. If you allow your star sign to the loving arms of a furry friend of feathery pal, the unconditional love of a pet is all but a constellation away.

Cute puppy kissing cute tabby kitten on white background isolated