Handing over the care of our ‘boys’, Romeo and Orso, takes a big leap of faith. Good thing John and I are grounded in that aspect of our lives. It doesn’t mean I don’t find my heart racing, from time to time,  with the thought of them flying in the hull of a plane for 8+ hours, being handled by strangers in stress-filled locations, spending a few hours going through their customs check in Italy, then being transported to their new home, with us waiting their arrival. I could allow it to take me to a bad place, but I choose to trust that our compass – our dear Lord- has got this covered. I just have to take the steps needed to ensure my guys have a good ride all the way.

There are many parts of this process anyone can do themselves, if they so choose. I just felt that John and I already had a lot on our plates with this big move,  and that I’d rather have an expert take over to do all the work. Making this choice comes with a big price tag. You can pick and choose what the pet mover will do or not for you and your pets, and I chose pretty much all. Basically when I sell my Jeep here, I’ve got the pet moving expenses covered and a little change in my back pocket. The boys are darn worth it.

I shopped around, read reviews, got some quotes and eventually signed on with Capital Pet Movers in Maryland. Our departure airport is Dulles International, and one of the reasons I went with Capital was their familiarity and proximity to Dulles. I also researched the owner, Derek Huntington, and liked what I read. The fact that he was re-elected as President of IPATA (International Pet and Animal Transportation Association) bode well with me. Derek is on the money for responding to all my questions, whether by email or phone. He is taking the jitters out of this process.

The options we choose:

• Flight Arrangements International
• Custom Crate (Orso needed a custom one built to meet International flight requirements) $700
• Crate for Romeo – $250
• USDA – Health Documentation & USDA Completion
• Meet & Greet at Dulles Cargo for check-in
• Air Freight – direct United Flight Dulles to Rome (we are all flying on the same flight)
• Services – TSA Screening, Booking, Documentation, Fees, Fuel surcharges & Taxes
• Destination Agent – Customs Clearance & Import Charges upon arrival in Rome, delivery to our residence in Abruzzo

There is a lot of detail involved, with Derek handling a lot on his end, but we are required to put some things into play first. As John and I would be selling our vehicles, we needed a vehicle to transport the dogs to their vet exam, as well as transporting all of us to Dulles Airport. We ended up renting a Stow-n-Go Minivan from Enterprise in Charlottesville. This gives us lots of room for the boys’ older crates (to be recycled via Derek at airport) and our check-in luggage. I had to make certain both boys had their international microchip in place, as well as new rabies shots at least 21 days out from departure. Then within 10 days of departure, they must have an exam from an USDA/international vet. Thankfully, my vet qualifies. Derek has already mailed me the international exam application form, all ready for my vet to sign post exam, and FedEx labeling and letter to USDA in Albany NY. Again, I could hand deliver this form to the USDA office in Richmond, VA (about 2 hours from home in Nelson County) but just something else I’d rather Derek handle.   The USDA returns paperwork to Derek authorizing the transportation of our dogs. This all needs to happen just days out from the flight. A bit nerve-wracking but Derek has it under control.

Sample of a custom crate – tagged for flying

Once we get to Dulles, we meet Derek or one of his associates at Cargo. There the hand-off happens. The boys get into their much larger crates for the flight. Note: on international flights, there are stiff regulations on crate sizes. The dog has to have a few inches above when standing, able to turn around easily and when lying down, there are inches in front of the paws. All this is outlined on United Airlines site at their PetSafe page.  Just to give you an idea on Orso’s custom crate; it will be costing us $725.

John and I will check-in to our flight and let the flight attendant know our dogs are flying in cargo on our flight. The captain should then go down to cargo, take pics of the boys loaded and show them to us. It’s important to have confirmation that your dogs have been loaded before takeoff! Once in Rome, Derek’s contact will take charge, relieving the dogs, getting their paperwork through customs and transporting them to our house. We had originally thought of renting a van at the Rome airport to transport them ourselves, but nixed that idea. Thought driving a van on the beltway around Rome would be way too stressful. We’d rather arrive at our new home more relaxed and ready for our boys new adventure.

As we progress through this process, I will keep you all updated. Please keep this whole process in your thoughts and prayers. These are our children flying without mom and dad close by.  Oh, important note, they will have tee shirts in their crates that smell like us. 😉