For Aliza Bodzin '22, turning a love for animals into a thriving business came from personal experience — and a few travel headaches. Now, as owner of Bodzin Pet Travel Solutions, she helps clients navigate the often-complicated logistics of moving or traveling with their pets, making what was once a stressful process much easier.
A Lehigh Education and a Love for Animals
Growing up in Northampton, Pennsylvania, Bodzin always felt a strong connection to Lehigh University, especially since her father, Alec M. Bodzin, is a professor in the instructional technology program. It was this connection that led her to choose Lehigh for her international relations degree.
Bodzin rescued Chewie, her Yorkie, during her second semester at Lehigh when she found him as a stray. He became her constant companion, even attending some Lehigh events. In 2019, Aliza began traveling with Chewie, and during remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, he was by her side. “Having him with me during that time made all the difference,” she says. Chewie’s presence not only enriched her college experience but also inspired Bodzin’s passion for traveling with pets.
After graduation, Bodzin moved to Los Angeles with her partner, Antonio Berjillos Gonzalez ’19, and worked as a dog walker and pet sitter. After the couple moved to Squamish, British Columbia, she realized that many pet owners were struggling with how to travel or relocate with their pets.
“I love animals, and I realized there are so many people who need help navigating pet travel,” she says. “I had been one of them, so I knew there had to be a better way.”
From Travel Trouble to Business Idea
The inspiration for her business came from a frustrating experience with her own pets. After adopting her second dog, Leia, in Madrid just before graduating, Bodzin found herself wrestling with international pet transport.
“Getting Leia back from Spain was challenging,” she recalls. “Having two dogs, especially when flying is the only option, made it even more complicated.”
Adding to the frustration was a mix-up with Chewie that kept him from joining the family on a trip to Spain. “I thought, ‘I can’t be the only one dealing with this.’ That’s when the idea of a pet travel advisor service was born.”
Launching Bodzin Pet Travel Solutions
Bodzin began offering a range of services, from booking flights and coordinating logistics to handling the often-complex paperwork involved in international pet travel. Many of her clients are based in Bermuda, which has strict pet entry requirements.
“It’s not difficult, but it’s enough of a process that people need help,” Bodzin explains. “I make sure all the paperwork is in order so pets can travel safely.”
One memorable project was helping a client move to Bermuda from Japan with her cat. The process involved coordinating travel through Canada, which required precise attention to detail. “It was a rewarding experience to see everything come together,” Bodzin says.
Holiday Travel Tips for Pet Owners
With the holiday season approaching, Bodzin offers advice for pet owners looking to travel with their furry companions. “Around the holidays, there are often delays, and not every hotel is pet friendly,” she says. “Having flexible travel plans and backup accommodations is essential.”
Bodzin also recommends creating a travel folder for your pet, including vaccination records and medical history. “Even if they’re not required for your trip, having all that information on hand is helpful, especially if your pet needs emergency care while you’re away.”
And, for international travel, she stresses the importance of microchipping pets. “It’s just an extra layer of protection in case they get lost,” she explains. “Plus, dogs re-entering the U.S. must now be microchipped.”
A Hands-On, Personalized Approach
As a business owner, Bodzin enjoys the freedom of managing her own company. “I love working directly with people, creating custom solutions for their specific needs,” she says.
She also appreciates the flexibility that comes with being her own boss. “I outsource when I need to, but the personal connection with my clients is something I really value,” she says.
Lehigh’s Impact on Her Career
Looking back, Bodzin credits her Lehigh education with helping her succeed as a business owner. “The research skills I learned at Lehigh have been invaluable,” she explains. “When dealing with complex travel regulations, being able to process large amounts of information quickly is crucial.”
Additionally, the communication skills Bodzin honed through her coursework in international relations have proven essential in explaining complicated logistics to clients who may not have expertise in pet travel. “Presenting ideas clearly was something I learned at Lehigh, and it’s really helped me as I navigate complex issues in my business,” she says.
Looking to the Future
As Bodzin continues to grow Bodzin Pet Travel Solutions, she remains focused on providing top-notch service and helping more people navigate the world of pet travel. “I’m excited to keep growing the business while staying true to the personalized, hands-on approach that my clients have come to expect,” she says.
