Tips for Traveling with Pets

A man’s bestfriend can become a complex problem while traveling.  Some pet owners settle for doggy day cares or pet sitter centers, but everyone else has trouble parting from their canine partners.  The most important tip is to ensure your pet is either wears a microchips for identification or a collar with a tag imprinted with their name, your name, and a phone number.

Traveling by plane with a pet is by far the most stressful.  You should try to avoid air travel unless your furry friend can fit under the seat, however, CME wants to provide some tips to keep your pet safe. 

1.     You should book a direct flight if possible.  This will avoid any additional risks of misplacement or mishandling. 

2.     Making an appointment with your pet’s veterinarian prior to your trip is vital to make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date and to obtain a health certificate within ten days of departure.  You can also inquire information on how to relax your pet in case they grow anxious or uncomfortable during the ride. 

3.     If traveling outside the United States, there may be additional requirements needed to take your pet on an airplane.

4.     You will also need to purchase a USDA-approved shipping crate.  The crate needs to be large enough for your pet to stand, sit, and move around comfortably.  It is also a good idea to tape a pouch of dried food outside the crate so airline personnel can feed your pet.  The crate also needs to be lined with some type of bedding- paper or towels- and freezing a tray of water is a good way to keep them hydrated without the spills.

5.     Your pet’s crate needs to have proper and clear identification.  It should be marked with the words “Live Animal” as well as your name, cell phone number, destination area, and a photo of your pet.  It is also a good idea to carry a photo of your pet.

6.     Tell every airline employee that you are traveling with a pet.  This will ensure that they are prepared to assist and pay attention to your pet in case of an emergency.

In return for love and comfort our pet’s give us, it is our job that traveling is a smooth and safe experience for them as it is for us.  CME wishes the best of travels and reminds you that we are here to assist for any assistance needed while traveling.

EURAMI

The European Aero-Medical Institute (EURAMI) - Our newest achievement has been successfully completing our EURAMI accreditation in 2019, now being the first medical escort company to be duel accredited in the US and Europe. Working alongside EURAMI helps CME understand the European medical standards, as well as working hand in hand with European providers. 


THIA

Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada (THIA)- THIA is an association of Canadian travel insurance. CME has been an active member since 2010.


USTIA

United States Travel Insurance Association (USTIA)- CME has been an active member of the USTIA since 2010. Working with the top US travel Insurance underwriters, through the past years, CME has provided representation on various committees and served as a USTIA board member.


Michael Margolies

FLIGHT DOCTOR

Dr. Margolies is originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and now resides in Boca Raton, Florida. He joined the CME team in 2013 as a Flight Doctor. Michael received his medical degree from Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and has been in practice for more than 20 years as an ER physician. A man of many trades, Dr. Margolies is also a private pilot.


Julie Dilorenzo

FLIGHT NURSE

Julie Di Lorenzo, is originally from Andover, Massachusetts and is now residing in Phoenix, Arizona. She joined the CME team in 2015. Julie has 30 years’ experience in Cardiac ICUs in hospitals throughout the United States. Julie’s favorite saying is “caring for someone and giving them the support they need during a difficult time is what makes my job so worthwhile.”


Amanda Smrcka

FLIGHT NURSE

Amanda Smrcka, is originally from Banstead, Surrey, UK and is now residing in Detroit, Michigan. She joined the CME team in 2010. Amanda has 21 years experience in stroke, trauma and orthopedics in various hospitals throughout the United States. Her favorite quote is “If we are facing in the right direction, all we have to do is keep walking"—Buddhist saying.


Isabel Domingez

FLIGHT NURSE

Isabel Dominguez, is originally from Caracas, Venezuela and is now resides in Atlanta, Georgia. She joined the CME team in 2007. Isabel worked as a flight attendant before starting her nursing career of 29 years in all areas of nursing. Isabel enjoys missionary assignments and helping families in India. 


Edward Mutzl

PARAMEDIC

Edward Mutzl, is originally from Elkhart, Indiana and now resides in Mesa, Arizona. He joined the CME team in 2012. Edward has 25 years‘ experience in medical care and occupational therapy. Any opportunity he can he visits his family in Japan. He also enjoys cycling and the outdoors. 


Carmen Novitski

RESCUE NURSE

Carmen Novitski, is originally from Hawley, Pennsylvania and now resides in San Antonio, Texas. He joined the CME team in 2010. Carmen has 22 years’ experience as a full-time helicopter flight nurse and paramedic. Carmen enjoys spending time with his wife and twin daughters; they love vacations and exploring new places.


Walter Kerr

SAFETY OFFICER

Walter Kerr is originally from Baltimore, Maryland and now resides in Jenson Beach, Florida. He joined the CME team in 2016 and became the official safety officer in 2019. Walter has 30 years experience as a flight and critical care paramedic and 27 years as a veteran police officer. Walter enjoys spending time with his family and is an avid golfer.


Alexandra Crosby

LEAD AGENT

Alexandra Crosby, is originally from Seattle, Washington and now resides in Boynton Beach Florida. Alexandra joined CME in 2017 and most recently joined the FLY CME team in 2018, taking on the lead agent role. She loves coming to work, knowing she will learn something new each and every day. She enjoys spending time with her family and her twin grandbabies.


Susanne Bazos

REPATRIATION COORDINATOR

Susanne Bazos, is originally from South Florida. She joined the CME team in 2019 and most recently has taken on the accounting supervisor role. An FAU grad she studied multimedia studies with a minor in sociology. She enjoys couponing, her Frenchie's and spending time with her family.


Hector Romero

TITLE

Hector Romero, is originally from Valencia, Spain and now resides in South Florida. He joined the CME team in 2019. Hector studied international business and trade. He has also recently joined our FLY CME team in 2020. Hector enjoys playing the guitar, traveling to exotic places, and loves to see happy reunited families after a challenging medical transport case.