Packing up the pets!

Now may be the best time in history to be a "relocating pet" because people are seriously passionate about their pets! Consider these statistics:

• 82% of millennials see pet ownership as practice for parenthood. They are the largest group of pet owners in the U.S. (32%)
• The pet health insurance industry has seen 21.5% average annual growth over the past five years.
• It’s estimated that Americans spent $109.6 billion on their pets in 2021.
• Americans spent an estimated $2.14 billion buying their pets Valentine’s Day presents.
• Canadians are spending 17.1% more per year on their pets.
• Brazil is the largest pet care market in Latin America and accounts for 5% of the global pet care market. 
• Doggy daycares experienced a growth in the percentage of owners who used their services – from 22% to 28%.

Per CommonThread, globally, the pet care market has grown to $261 billion in 2022; up from $245 billion in 2021. An estimated 6.1% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR), will catapult that figure to $350 billion by 2027. People are more apt today to pamper their pets, buy them Halloween costumes (fyi -Americans spend $490 million on Halloween pet costumes), and bring home a monthly gift for their pet.

We know the pandemic increased the percentage of people with pets. Rover.com shared their research, which showed that nearly half (49%) of Americans said they got a new dog during the COVID-19 pandemic.  I little over a year ago, we asked, "Will your mobility program need to better support pets post-pandemic?". Relocating with pets can be a complicated process, even more so when crossing borders and moving overseas. With 95% of US pet owners considering their pets to be a part of the family, emotions around moving them can run high and the support a company provides goes a long way on enhancing the overall experience for those with pets.

Worldwide ERC's Mobility Magazine recently shared the "Factors to Consider When Relocating With a Pet" which warns that "If you’re traveling internationally with your pet or attempting to return one from another country, you’ll need to prepare months in advance, spend money, and adhere to frequently changing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) rules." The article goes on to share everything you need to know about relocating with a pet, including blood tests, vaccinations, microchips, quarantine periods, airline policies, and pet relocation services.

While there are many things to consider, a good place to start is an understanding of international and domestic animal import laws. According to the article, there are a number of countries that have very strict rules when it comes to importing pets. Each destination country sets different requirements for pets entering the country, which can change at any time. Most countries require pets to arrive with a health certificate (also called an international health certificate, a veterinary health certificate, a veterinary certificate, or an export certificate). Some destinations have excessively complicated procedures and lengthy quarantine periods. 

For those traveling out of the U.S. to another country, this USDA site provides valuable information and guidance. They emphasize reading " Pet Travel Guidance for Pets Traveling to Another Country from the United States" for essential information in preparing to travel with a pet. It is the pet owner's responsibility to make sure their pet has met the requirements of the destination country.  

Some companies include pet support in their relocation policies. For the lucky, there are professional pet transport companies who provide a "door-to-door" service that usually would include collecting the pet, ground transportation, boarding for one night, coordinating the health certificate, the flight, meeting at the airport and delivery to the family at their new residence. The cost for shipping a 40 lb. dog in this way from Minneapolis to San Francisco is right around $4,345. To move a cat in the same manner from and to those same locations would cost approximately the same, $200 less which is about 25% more expensive from a little over a year ago. Let's consider international by changing that destination from San Francisco to London and the cost for the dog goes to approximately $5,065 USD, and the cat just under $4600. On this scenario, there was really no increase in cost from a little over a year ago.

The article shares potential challenges besides cost, mostly due to the pandemic. Struggling airlines have cut costs, and carrying pets in the cargo hold is no longer an option on many airlines. "Currently, only American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and Alaska Airlines allow dogs in the hold on some flights. Many aircraft only have space for a 27-inch crate, making it difficult to find an option that fits large-breed dogs."

Given the value and importance of a benefit like this, it may be time to consider adding it to your relocation policies if you do not already. One interesting thing to consider is that pet ownership leads to improved human health outcomes for people including better heart health, lower levels of depression and anxiety, and more. Could that pet help the assignee and family better adjust and manage assignment stress, thereby elevating ROI? These "animal family members" mean a lot to people, so if you have worked hard to create a program with policies that deliver a great employee experience, then maybe this is your next step.