NEWSLETTER Year 2 - Volume 4,
Dubai, April 2010

Although summer is still a few month away, now is the time to make holiday plans and think about what you will do with/for your pet(s) while you are abroad. All schools are finishing the school year, making summer also the time that many families relocate to different countries and destinations. That is why we would like to inform you on Travel and Relocation options for your pet(s). Besides this, you will find other information that may be of interest to you, for instance, the coming months we would like to feature a specific dog or cat breed. We will be starting with the Labrador Retriever and a new cat breed (the Toyger).

Holiday plans for your pet(s)
Maybe you are already planning your holidays for this summer, to relax from a year of hard work or to escape the Dubai heat, leaving the following options for your pet to be cared of:

• Ask a friend, relative, neighbor or house help to look after your pet click here.

• Board your pet in a professional kennel click here.

• Use the services of a professional Pet Sitter click here.

• Veterinary check up during your holiday click here

• Take your pet with you to your holiday destination abroad. See for this our item Relocation of your pet(s), since the requirements are the same.

• Please do not forget to register your holiday with us and sign a holiday consent form, this way we know you are away and will assist the people left behind with the care for your pet. You can contact the clinic at reception@abvc.ae for this.
  

Relocation of your pet(s)
Relocating your pet to a different country is a procedure that you have to start well in advance of your actual relocating date. Unfortunately there is no standard procedure for relocating your pet. Every country has its own rules and regulations for importing companion animals. Some are more comprehensive than others but it is never a “piece of cake”. Below you’ll find the main countries for relocation (or holiday destinations) and click-on links to their own website with information and requirements for importing of pets. If you click on the name of the country of your choice, you will get an overview of the steps required.
Please note that although the information is as up to date as possible, it might have changed since the rules and regulations are subject to change on a continuous basis. We advise you to always check with your pet relocation agent for the latest information. If your destination is not in the overview, please contact your veterinary clinic. This information is for dogs and cats only!! For birds and exotic species, other rules apply. You can contact the clinic for this as well at reception@abvc.ae

• United Kingdom
  http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel

• USA
  http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/index.shtml

• Australia
  http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/cat-dogs

• New Zealand
  http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/enter/personal/pets

• South Africa
  

• Eu
  http://ec.europa.eu/food/animal/liveanimals/pets
  /nocomm_third_en.htm

• Singapore
  http://www.ava.gov.sg/AnimalsPetSector/
  ImportExportTransOfAnimalRelatedPrd/PetsPersonal/

United Arab Emirates exporting and importing regulations
Besides regulations from the country of destination, also U.A.E. exporting regulations apply and of course if you take your pet on your holiday abroad, you also need to be able to re-enter your pet into the U.A.E. Pets entering the UAE within one month of leaving will get a re-entry permit. Some countries require special blood tests before being allowed to import pets into the UAE. Ask for this information before you leave! Otherwise your pet might not be able to return home with you! For more information click here. The UAE has as list of dogs that are prohibited to enter the country. To view this list, please click here.

Relocating your pet(s) with the help of professional pet relocation company
Although you can arrange to relocate your pet(s) yourself, we strongly recommend using the help of a professional. Especially since relocating is already an extremely busy time for you. If you would like to read more, please click here.

Amanda from HomelyPetz has written an article on Pet Sitting. If you would like to read her story, please click here.

What kennel and kennel-size do I choose for my pet?
If you have to choose a kennel for your pet, there are a few things that you have to keep in mind. First of all, for travelling by airplane it is mandatory to use an airline approved (IATA) travel kennel, which we have available in the clinic.
For information on selecting the correct travel kennel size, you can visit the following link http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/
live_animals/Pages/pets.aspx

Correct kennel size.	Incorrect kennel size. Dog can not stand up straight and lay down comfortable.

For a correct size kennel, we advise you to bring your pet to the clinic and together with our qualified staff, see what kennel is appropriate for your pet.

What flight to book?
Flying with your pet also requires some planning and information gathering on airlines and ports of entry, since different airlines have different regulations but also different destinations/ports of entry vary in their regulations. For more information please click here.

What to pack in your pet’s suitcase? Packing your own suitcase is easy, but what do you pack for your pet? If you click here, you can read what to pack.

New pedigree Cat breed Since the eighties of the last century, the Americans are trying to breed a cat that looks like a tiger but is as friendly and affectionate as a “normal” domestic cat. They seem to have reached their goals with the Toyger. If you would like to read more about the Toyger, please click here.

The Labrador Retriever
This month we would like to feature the Labrador Retriever, also known as Labrador or just Lab. The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dogs, not only for their appearance but mainly because they are loyal, loving, affectionate and patient. Other qualifications that suit the Labrador Retriever well are highly intelligent, good natured and eager and willing to please, they are reliable and easy with children, which makes this dog a great family dog. If you would like to read more about the Labrador Retriever, please click here.

Special Labrador Promotion in May
Together with Royal Canin, we have the following promotion in May:
20% discount on Royal Canin BHN Labrador 12 Kg
20% discount on Royal Canin BHN Labrador Junior 12 Kg.
Free puppy kits with one bag of Royal Canin Labrador Junior 1 Kg. 

Furthermore, we have available RC dog bowls + measuring cups, 1x Plastic food container per every 2 bags of 12kg food ordered, 1x Beaphar AV Gold Shampoo (premium) per every bag of 12kg food ordered (all promotional items mentioned above are subject to stock availability).

For information on the New Products from Royal Canine for your Labrador
Please click here

Animals in the news
Click here if you would like to read about the ugliest dog in the world, two storks in love despite distances or a hen and her puppies.

Friendship
It is unclear why these animals became friends. Some of them met due to their living conditions, sometimes you can call it faith and sometimes it is just coincidental. But that is how friendship works. You can not explain the feeling; it is just there.

If you would like to read more about unlikely animal friendships, please click here.

Animal adoptions
If you are interested in adopting a pet, Please click on the following link and see what is available for adoption at Friends of Animals Dubai.
http://www.friendsofanimalsdxb.com/
apps/photos/photo?photoid

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