DENVER–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
UDR, Inc. (NYSE: UDR – News), a leading multifamily real estate investment trust, today announced its fourth quarter and full year 2011 results.
The Company generated Funds from Operations (FFO) of $80.2 million or $0.35 per diluted share for the quarter ended December 31, 2011, as compared to $53.4 million or $0.28 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2010. Excluding all one-time items, the Company’s fourth quarter 2011 FFO-Core would have been $0.34 per diluted share. See the reconciliation below for further detail.
For the twelve-months ended December 31, 2011, UDR generated FFO of $1.28 per diluted share as compared to $1.09 per diluted share for the twelve-months ended December 31, 2010. Excluding all one-time items, the Company’s 2011 FFO-Core would have been $1.28 per diluted share. See the reconciliation below for further detail.

		Q4 2011				Q4 2010				YTD 2011				YTD 2010
FFO- Core per diluted share		$	0.34			$	0.28			$	1.28			$	1.13
Acquisition-related costs			(0.006	)			(0.001	)			(0.028	)			(0.016	)
JV financing and acquisition fee			0.004				0.005				0.011				0.006
Restructuring charges			(0.001	)			(0.035	)			(0.006	)			(0.038	)
Storm-related expenses			-				-				-				(0.004	)
Costs associated with debt extinguishment			(0.002	)			-				(0.021	)			(0.007	)
Gain on sale of assets/marketable securities			0.014				-				0.046				-
Other			-				0.025				-				0.027
FFO- Reported per diluted share		$	0.35			$	0.28			$	1.28			$	1.09

A reconciliation of FFO to GAAP Net Income can be found on Attachment 2 of the Company’s fourth quarter Supplemental Financial Information.
Tom Toomey, UDR’s President and CEO stated, “We are pleased with the progress we made in further transitioning our portfolio in 2011, including $1.2 billion of acquisitions in New York City, a $500 million asset exchange that increased our presence in San Francisco and the Boston metro area, the expansion of our development and redevelopment pipeline by over $800 million and the disposition of $594 million of non-core assets. These transactions improved the Company’s portfolio by increasing our ownership interests in markets characterized by above-average job growth, low home affordability, below-average new supply risk and superior revenue growth and return prospects.” Mr. Toomey continued, “Driven by sound market fundamentals, a more advantageous geographic and asset mix and our robust operating and technology platforms, 2012 will be another strong year for UDR. As a result, the Board of Directors has approved a 10% increase in our annual common stock dividend to $0.88 per share for 2012.”
Operations
Same-store net operating income increased 7.7 percent year-over-year for the fourth quarter 2011 while same-store revenue increased 5.3 percent over the same period. Same-store physical occupancy decreased 40 basis points to 95.1 percent as compared to the prior year period. Same-store expenses increased 0.5 percent driven by an increase in utilities costs and real estate taxes. The rate of turnover increased to an annualized rate of 50 percent from 47 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010.

Summary Same-Store Results Fourth Quarter 2011 versus Fourth Quarter 2010
Region		Revenue Growth/ Decline			Expense Growth/ Decline			NOI Growth/ Decline			% of Same- Store Portfolio¹			Same-Store Occupancy2			Number of Same-Store Homes3
Western		6.1	%		-2.1	%		10.1	%		38.0	%		94.6	%		11,801
Mid-Atlantic		4.6	%		1.5	%		5.9	%		30.4	%		95.8	%		10,130
Southeastern		4.6	%		3.6	%		5.2	%		23.3	%		94.9	%		12,272
Southwestern		6.2	%		-0.8	%		11.4	%		8.3	%		95.1	%		4,477
Total		5.3	%		0.5	%		7.7	%		100.0	%		95.1	%		38,680
1 Based on QTD 2011 NOI.
2 Average same-store occupancy for the quarter.
3 During the fourth quarter, 38,680 apartment homes, or approximately 82 percent of 47,343 total apartment homes, were classified as same-store. The Company defines same-store as all multifamily communities owned and stabilized for at least one year as of the beginning of the most recent quarter.

Sequentially, the Company’s same-store NOI increased by 2.3 percent driven by increased revenues of 0.2 percent and a 3.9 percent decrease in same-store expenses during the fourth quarter of 2011.
For the twelve-months ended December 31, 2011, the Company’s same-store revenue increased 4.1 percent as compared to the prior year while expenses increased 1.4 percent, resulting in a same-store NOI increase of 5.6 percent as compared to the prior year period. Year-over-year occupancy decreased by 20 basis points to 95.5 percent.

Summary Same-Store Results YTD 2011 versus YTD 2010
Region		Revenue Growth/ Decline			Expense Growth/ Decline			NOI Growth/ Decline			% of Same- Store Portfolio¹			Same-Store Occupancy2			Number of Same-Store Homes3
Western		4.5	%		0.1	%		6.6	%		37.5	%		95.0	%		11,361
Mid-Atlantic		4.2	%		1.6	%		5.5	%		31.0	%		96.2	%		10,130
Southeastern		3.4	%		3.0	%		3.7	%		23.0	%		95.2	%		11,901
Southwestern		4.3	%		0.8	%		6.8	%		8.5	%		95.7	%		4,477
Total		4.1	%		1.4	%		5.6	%		100.0	%		95.5	%		37,869
1 Based on YTD NOI.
2 Average same-store occupancy for YTD 2011.
3 During 2011, 37,869 apartment homes, or approximately 80 percent of 47,343 total apartment homes, were classified as same-store. The Company defines same-store as all multifamily communities owned and stabilized for at least one year as of the beginning of the most recent year.

Technology Platform
Improving the Company’s operational efficiency, while increasing resident satisfaction, are the compelling factors for our continued investment in technology. The Company’s technology platform has gained acceptance and recognition from our residents as shown by the following utilization rates:

Established Technology Initiatives:		December 2011			December 2010
Resident payments received via ACH		77	%		79	%
Service requests entered through MyUDR.com		79	%		79	%
Move-ins initiated via an internet source		57	%		62	%
Renewals completed electronically		86	%		81	%

Development and Redevelopment Activity
As previously announced during the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company acquired land for its Village at Bella Terra development project in Huntington Beach, CA. The newly started community is projected to include 467 homes, cost $150 million and be completed in the second quarter of 2013.
In addition, the Company acquired a land parcel adjacent to its Vitruvian Park^SM development in Addison, TX for $4.7 million and a land parcel adjacent to its Garrison Square community in the Boston metro area for $4.6 million.
Joint Venture Investment Activity
As previously announced on December 21, 2011, the Company and its joint venture partner Kuwait Finance House (“KFH”) acquired 1301 Thomas Circle in Washington, D.C. for $153.8 million. The 292-home apartment community is located in the Logan Circle neighborhood near the 14^th Street Corridor, is within minutes of the Mt. Vernon Square and McPherson Metro Stations and is near UDR’s wholly-owned Andover House community. The 10-story community was completed in 2006, is well-amenitized, has a 256-space parking garage and had an average monthly income per occupied home of $2,740 at the time of acquisition. Additional details related to the transaction can be found in the December 21, 2011 press release on the Company’s website at www.udr.com.
Following the purchase of 1301 Thomas Circle, there remained approximately $169 million of investment capacity under the terms of the joint venture agreement.
Disposition Activity
During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company sold nine communities containing 2,331 homes for $275.4 million in total gross proceeds, bringing full-year 2011 asset dispositions to $593.9 million. At the time of the fourth quarter dispositions, total income per occupied home for the communities sold averaged $1,065 per month. The fourth quarter dispositions were located in a variety of markets including the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Raleigh, the East Bay area of San Francisco, the Inland Empire, San Diego, Houston and San Antonio.
Capital Markets Activity
During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company completed a number of debt related activities aimed at managing its near term maturities and capital costs.
As previously announced, on October 25, 2011, the Company entered into a new $900 million unsecured revolving credit facility, replacing its prior $600 million facility. The new facility has an initial term of four years, includes a one-year extension option and contains an accordion feature that allows the Company to increase the facility to $1.35 billion.
Based on the Company’s credit ratings at the time of closing, the credit facility carried an interest rate equal to LIBOR plus a spread of 122.5 basis points and a facility fee of 22.5 basis points.
Coinciding with the closing of the new revolving credit facility, the Company amended and re-priced its $250 million unsecured term loan due in January 2016. The term loan was re-priced to LIBOR plus 142.5 basis points from LIBOR plus 200 basis points and its underlying covenants were aligned with those of UDR’s new revolving credit facility. Additional details related to these debt activities can be found in the October 25, 2011 press release on the Company’s website at www.udr.com.
In addition, the Company prepaid a $100.0 million secured mortgage at par in November. The mortgage had an interest rate of 6.78 percent and was originally due in May of 2012.
In the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company raised $15.5 million of equity through the sale of approximately 630 thousand shares at a weighted average net price of $24.67 per share under its “At the Market” equity offering program. In 2011, the Company raised a total of $989 million of equity from a combination of “At the Market” proceeds, a secondary offering completed in July and the issuance of operating partnership units.
Balance Sheet
At December 31, 2011, UDR had $738.7 million in availability through a combination of cash and undrawn capacity on its credit facilities. Potential sources of additional capital include the Company’s $5.0 billion of unencumbered assets (on a historical non-depreciated cost basis), 7.4 million shares available for issuance under its “At the Market” equity offering program in addition to $400 to $600 million in expected dispositions in 2012.
UDR’s total indebtedness at December 31, 2011 was $3.9 billion. The Company ended the fourth quarter with fixed-rate debt representing 73 percent of its total debt, a total blended interest rate of 4.0 percent and a weighted average maturity of 4.4 years. UDR’s fixed charge coverage ratio (adjusted for non-recurring items) was 2.6 times at year-end 2011 versus 2.3 times a year ago.
Post Quarter Activity
Joint Venture Investment Activity
On January 12, 2012, UDR formed a second real estate joint venture with MetLife (UDR/MetLife II) wherein each party owns a 50 percent interest in a $1.3 billion portfolio of 12 operating communities containing 2,528 apartment homes.
The 12 operating communities in the joint venture include seven communities from the Company’s first real estate joint venture with MetLife (UDR/MetLife I) formed on November 8, 2010, while the remaining five communities were newly acquired by UDR/MetLife II. The newly acquired communities, collectively known as Columbus Square, are recently developed, high-rise apartment buildings located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and were purchased for $630 million. Additional details related to the transaction can be found in the January 12, 2012 press release on the Company’s website at www.udr.com.
With the closing of UDR/MetLife II, the original joint venture between the parties, UDR/MetLife I, now comprises 19 operating communities containing 3,930 homes as well as 10 vacant land parcels. Historical cost of the venture is $1.8 billion and the Company’s weighted average ownership interest in the UDR/MetLife I operating communities is now 12.6 percent and 4.0 percent for the land parcels in the venture.
Capital Markets Activity
On January 5, 2012, the Company priced a ten-year, $400 million offering of 4.625 percent senior unsecured notes under its existing shelf registration. The notes will mature on January 10, 2022. This offering fulfills the Company’s full-year 2012 guidance for $400 million in new debt issuances. A portion of this offering was used to repay $100 million of 5 percent unsecured debt originally due in January 2012. Additional details related to the transaction can be found in the January 5, 2012 press release on the Company’s website at www.udr.com.
In addition, the Company prepaid a $30.6 million mortgage at par in January 2012 that was secured by its 21 Chelsea community in Manhattan.
In January 2012, the Company raised $29.1 million of equity through the sale of approximately 1.2 million shares at a weighted average net price of $24.68 per share under its “At the Market” equity offering program.

2012 Guidance
Full year 2012 guidance is as follows:
		Range
FFO per diluted share		$1.37 to $1.43
Dividend per share		$0.88
Same-Store Metrics:		Range
Number of homes		38,680
Revenue growth		5.0% to 6.0%
Expense growth		3.0% to 3.5%
Net operating income growth		6.0% to 7.5%
G&A expenses ($M)		$32 to $34
Recurring capital expenditures		$1,150/stabilized home
Stabilized homes		47,545
Transactional Activity ($M):		Range		Completed(1)
Acquisitions		Market dependent
Dispositions		$400 to $600
Development spend		$400
Redevelopment spend		$100
Join venture investments, net		$290		$290
Financing Activity ($M):		Range		Completed(1)
Equity		Market dependent		$29
Debt		$400		$400
(1) As of February 6, 2012
FFO Per Share GAAP Reconciliation
All guidance is based on current expectations of future economic conditions and the judgment of the Company’s management team. The following is a reconciliation from forecasted FFO per share to GAAP net loss per share:
				Low		High
Forecasted 2012 FFO Guidance per Diluted Share				$1.37		$1.43
Conversion to GAAP Share Count				(0.09)		(0.09)
Depreciation				(1.78)		(1.78)
Non-Controlling Interests				0.01		0.01
Preferred Dividends				(0.02)		(0.02)
Forecasted 2012 GAAP Net Loss per Diluted Share				($0.51)		($0.45)

Supplemental Information
The Company offers Supplemental Financial Information that provides details on the financial position and operating results of the Company which is available on the Company’s website at www.udr.com.
Conference Call and Webcast Information
UDR will host a webcast and conference call at 11:00 a.m. EST on February 6, 2012 to discuss fourth quarter results. A webcast will be available on UDR’s website at www.udr.com. To listen to a live broadcast, access the site at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time in order to register, download and install any necessary audio software.
To participate in the teleconference dial 800-762-8779 for domestic and 480-629-9771 for international and provide the following conference ID number: 4501829.
A replay of the conference call will be available through February 20, 2012, by dialing 800-406-7325 for domestic and 303-590-3030 for international and entering the confirmation number, 4501829, when prompted for the pass code.
A replay of the call will be available for 90 days on UDR’s website at www.udr.com.
Full Text of the Earnings Report and Supplemental Data
Internet — The full text of the earnings report and Supplemental Financial Information will be available on the Company’s website at www.udr.com.
Mail — For those without Internet access, the fourth quarter 2011 earnings report and Supplemental Financial Information will be available by mail or fax, on request. To receive a copy, please call UDR Investor Relations at 720-348-7762.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements made in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements.” Words such as “expects,” “intends,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “likely,” “will,” “seeks,” “estimates” and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, by their nature, involve estimates, projections, goals, forecasts and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in a forward-looking statement, due to a number of factors, which include, but are not limited to, unfavorable changes in the apartment market, changing economic conditions, the impact of inflation/deflation on rental rates and property operating expenses, expectations concerning availability of capital and the stabilization of the capital markets, the impact of competition and competitive pricing, acquisitions, developments and redevelopments not achieving anticipated results, delays in completing developments, redevelopments and lease-ups on schedule, expectations on job growth, home affordability and demand/supply ratio for multifamily housing, expectations concerning development and redevelopment activities, expectations on occupancy levels, expectations concerning the Vitruvian Park^SM development, expectations concerning the joint ventures with KFH and MetLife, expectations that automation will help grow net operating income, expectations on annualized net operating income and other risk factors discussed in documents filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Actual results may differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements and such risks, uncertainties and other factors speak only as of the date of this press release, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein, to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with regard thereto, or any other change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except to the extent otherwise required under the U.S. securities laws.
This release and these forward-looking statements include UDR’s analysis and conclusions and reflect UDR’s judgment as of the date of these materials. UDR assumes no obligation to revise or update to reflect future events or circumstances.
About UDR, Inc.
UDR, Inc. (NYSE: UDR), an S&P 400 company, is a leading multifamily real estate investment trust with a demonstrated performance history of delivering superior and dependable returns by successfully managing, buying, selling, developing and redeveloping attractive real estate properties in targeted U.S. markets. As of December 31, 2011, UDR owned or had an ownership position in 60,465 apartment homes including 2,626 homes under development. For over 39 years, UDR has delivered long-term value to shareholders, the best standard of service to residents, and the highest quality experience for associates. Additional information can be found on the Company’s website at www.udr.com.

Attachment 1
UDR, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended				Twelve Months Ended
		December 31,				December 31,
In thousands, except per share amounts		2011		2010		2011		2010
Rental income		$ 187,999		$ 152,396		$ 691,263		$ 574,084
Rental expenses:
Real estate taxes and insurance		22,776		18,376		84,007		70,762
Personnel		15,076		13,445		56,617		51,696
Utilities		10,248		7,946		37,405		31,564
Repair and maintenance		9,843		8,571		37,155		32,386
Administrative and marketing		4,227		3,964		15,411		14,643
Property management		5,169		4,191		19,009		15,788
Other operating expenses		1,580		1,465		5,990		5,773
		68,919		57,958		255,594		222,612
Non-property income:
Loss from unconsolidated entities		(2,092)		(1,447)		(6,352)		(4,204)
Gain on sale of investments		1,396		4,725		7,069		4,725
Interest and other income (1)		3,406		2,049		10,353		7,777
		2,710		5,327		11,070		8,298
Other expenses:
Real estate depreciation and amortization		97,975		74,842		356,011		275,615
Interest		39,030		35,432		151,144		140,869
Amortization of convertible debt premium		-		776		1,077		1,204
Other debt charges (2)		550		83		4,602		3,530
Total interest		39,580		36,291		156,823		145,603
Acquisition-related costs		57		186		4,828		2,865
Severance charges		317		6,803		1,342		6,803
General and administrative		5,747		10,597		35,440		39,845
Other depreciation and amortization		919		1,088		3,931		4,843
		144,595		129,807		558,375		475,574
Loss from continuing operations		(22,805)		(30,042)		(111,636)		(115,804)
Income from discontinued operations		70,923		725		132,221		9,216
Consolidated net income/(loss)		48,118		(29,317)		20,585		(106,588)
Net (income)/loss attributable to non-controlling interests		(1,620)		861		(562)		3,689
Net income/(loss) attributable to UDR, Inc.		46,498		(28,456)		20,023		(102,899)
Distributions to preferred stockholders – Series E (Convertible)		(931)		(932)		(3,724)		(3,726)
Distributions to preferred stockholders – Series G		(1,377)		(1,437)		(5,587)		(5,762)
(Premium)/discount on preferred stock repurchases, net		-		-		(175)		25
Net income/(loss) attributable to common stockholders		$ 44,190		$ (30,825)		$ 10,537		$ (112,362)
Earnings/(loss) per weighted average common share – basic and diluted:
Loss from continuing operations available to common stockholders		($0.12)		($0.17)		($0.60)		($0.73)
Income from discontinued operations		$0.33		$0.00		$0.66		$0.06
Net Income/(loss) attributable to common stockholders		$0.20		($0.17)		$0.05		($0.68)
Common distributions declared per share		$0.2150		$0.185		$0.800		$0.730
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding – basic and diluted		217,823		180,743		201,294		165,857
(1) Includes $3.2 million and $1.7 million of management fees from joint ventures during the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 and $9.6 million and $3.2 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.
(2) Write-off of deferred financing costs on early debt extinguishment, including $0 and $599 write-off of convertible debt premium for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2010.

Attachment 2
UDR, Inc.
Funds From Operations
(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended				Twelve Months Ended
		December 31,				December 31,
In thousands, except per share amounts		2011		2010		2011		2010
Net income/(loss) attributable to UDR, Inc.		$ 46,498		$ (28,456)		$ 20,023		$ (102,899)
Distributions to preferred stockholders		(2,308)		(2,369)		(9,311)		(9,488)
Real estate depreciation and amortization, including discontinued operations		98,513		81,922		370,343		303,446
Non-controlling interests		1,620		(861)		562		(3,689)
Real estate depreciation and amortization on unconsolidated joint ventures		2,983		2,323		11,631		5,698
Net gain on the sale of depreciable property in discontinued operations, excluding RE3		(68,045)		(49)		(123,217)		(4,048)
(Premium)/discount on preferred stock repurchases, net		-		-		(175)		25
Funds from operations (“FFO”) – basic		$ 79,261		$ 52,510		$ 269,856		$ 189,045
Distribution to preferred stockholders – Series E (Convertible)		931		932		3,724		3,726
Funds from operations – diluted		$ 80,192		$ 53,442		$ 273,580		$ 192,771
FFO per common share – basic		$ 0.35		$ 0.28		$ 1.29		$ 1.10
FFO per common share – diluted		$ 0.35		$ 0.28		$ 1.28		$ 1.09
Weighted average number of common shares and OP Units outstanding – basic		227,248		186,041		208,896		171,569
Weighted average number of common shares, OP Units, and common stock equivalents outstanding – diluted		232,405		191,651		214,086		176,900
FFO is defined as net income (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding impairment write-downs of depreciable real estate or of investments in non-consolidated investees that are driven by measurable decreases in the fair value of depreciable real estate held by the investee, gains (or losses) from sales of depreciable property, plus real estate depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. This definition conforms with the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trust’s definition issued in April 2002. UDR considers FFO in evaluating property acquisitions and its operating performance and believes that FFO should be considered along with, but not as an alternative to, net income and cash flows as a measure of UDR’s activities in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and is not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash needs.
RE3 gain on sales, net of taxes, is defined as net sales proceeds less a tax provision and the gross investment basis of the asset before accumulated depreciation. We consider FFO with RE3 gain on sales, net of taxes, to be a meaningful supplemental measure of performance because the short-term use of funds produce profits which differ from the traditional long-term investment in real estate for REITs.

Attachment 3
UDR, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
		December 31,				December 31,
In thousands, except share and per share amounts		2011				2010
		(unaudited)				(audited)
ASSETS
Real estate owned:
Real estate held for investment		$	7,825,725			$	6,198,667
Less: accumulated depreciation			(1,831,157	)			(1,505,626	)
			5,994,568				4,693,041
Real estate under development
(net of accumulated depreciation of $570 and $0)			248,176				97,912
Real estate held for disposition
(net of accumulated depreciation of $0 and $132,700)			-				452,068
Total real estate owned, net of accumulated depreciation			6,242,744				5,243,021
Cash and cash equivalents			12,503				9,486
Marketable securities			-				3,866
Restricted cash			24,634				15,447
Deferred financing costs, net			30,068				27,267
Notes receivable			-				7,800
Investment in unconsolidated joint ventures			213,040				148,057
Other assets			198,365				74,596
Total assets		$	6,721,354			$	5,529,540
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Secured debt		$	1,891,553			$	1,808,746
Secured debt – real estate held for disposition			-				154,924
Unsecured debt			2,026,817				1,603,834
Real estate taxes payable			13,397				14,585
Accrued interest payable			23,208				20,889
Security deposits and prepaid rent			35,516				26,046
Distributions payable			51,019				36,561
Deferred fees and gains on the sale of depreciable property			29,100				28,943
Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities			95,485				105,925
Total liabilities			4,166,095				3,800,453
Redeemable non-controlling interests in operating partnership			236,475				119,057
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock, no par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized
2,803,812 shares of 8.00% Series E Cumulative Convertible issued and outstanding (2,803,812 shares at December 31, 2010)			46,571				46,571
3,264,362 shares of 6.75% Series G Cumulative Redeemable issued and outstanding (3,405,562 shares at December 31, 2010)			81,609				85,139
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized
219,650,225 shares issued and outstanding (182,496,330 shares at December 31, 2010)			2,197				1,825
Additional paid-in capital			3,340,470				2,450,141
Distributions in excess of net income			(1,142,895	)			(973,864	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net			(13,902	)			(3,469	)
Total stockholders’ equity			2,314,050				1,606,343
Non-controlling interest			4,734				3,687
Total equity			2,318,784				1,610,030
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	6,721,354			$	5,529,540

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IEMR Closes Convertible Note Financing With Related Party; Amends Terms of Convertible Note Financing

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwire – Jan. 3, 2012) – IEMR Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE:IRI) (“IEMR” or the “Company”) wishes to announce that further to its press release dated December 22, 2011, the Company has borrowed (the “Financing”) the principal sum of US$800,000 (the “Principal”) from, and issued an unsecured convertible note (the “Convertible Note”) in respect of such indebtedness to, International Energy and Mineral Resources Investment Company Limited (Hong Kong) (the “Lender”). The Convertible Note has a term of two years (the “Maturity Date”) from the closing date (the “Closing Date”). At the option of the Lender, the Convertible Note is convertible into common shares of the Company (“Common Shares”) at a price of US$0.10 per Common Share (the Company and the Lender increased the conversion price from US$0.07 to US$0.10 per Common Share), in whole or in part, at any time during the term of the Convertible Note. The Convertible Note is to bear interest on the outstanding Principal from the Closing Date to the Maturity Date at a rate of 6% per annum, payable on the earlier of the Maturity Date or the date of conversion of the Principal amount outstanding.
The Company requires the Financing to pay US$800,000 owing to Mosquito Consolidated Gold Mines Limited (“Mosquito”) on account of exploration work that Mosquito performed on the Pine Tree Property on behalf of the Company. The Company intends to conduct a private placement in 2012 to repay the Principal.
The Lender is a “Related Party” of the Company pursuant to the TSX Venture Exchange policies, as Mr. Hongxue Fu, President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company, holds a controlling interest in the Lender. As such, the Financing constitutes a “Related Party Transaction” under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange.
The Financing and the terms of the Convertible Note were unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of the Company, other than Hongxue Fu, who declared his interest in the Financing and abstained from voting with respect to the Financing and the documents and transactions related thereto. The directors eligible to vote with respect to the Financing believe that the terms of the Financing are in accordance with available market rates and is in the best interests of the Company. If the Principal is converted in full, Hongxue Fu and the Lender will increase their collective shareholdings in the Company from 10,371,357 common shares (currently approximately 40.50% of the issued and outstanding common shares) to 18,371,357 common shares (which would represent approximately 54.67% of the issued and outstanding common shares).
The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements which are available to the Company.
The securities issued in the Financing are subject to a four month hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.
About IEMR Resources Inc.
IEMR is a junior mining company listed on TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “IRI”. The Company is directly tied to and has been formed from capital sources in China and Canada. IEMR is devoted to taking full advantage of its capital by participating in mineral and energy projects ranging from exploration, development, production, processing, smeltering and mineral trade with a long-term view. The Company’s emphasis is on the Chinese and Canadian markets utilizing the capital stemming from China and the resources and market of Canada to create a maximum return for shareholders. The Company’s investment priorities ranked in order will be copper, chromium, nickel, manganese, uranium, platinum silver, diamonds and molybdenum. Investment and or acquisitions in exploration projects, will be focused in chromium, manganese, uranium and potash. The Company has already formed alliances of cooperation with large smeltering steel, copper, lead, zinc and aluminum companies.
For further information on IEMR, please refer to the Company’s profile at www.sedar.com or the Company’s website at www.iemr.ca.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of IEMR RESOURCES INC.
Long Wang, Chief Financial Officer
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements made and information contained herein may constitute “forward-looking statements” or “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. These statements relate to future events, including a proposed private placement, or the Company’s future performance. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, “does not anticipate” or “believes” or variations of such words and phrases or words and phrases that state or indicate that certain actions, events or results “may”, “may have”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Although management believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date of the news release and are expressly qualified, in their entirety, by this cautionary statement.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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Veresen Announces $920 Million Investment in the Montney with Strategic Acquisition of Canadian Midstream Assets and …

/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/
Veresen Provides 2012 Guidance and Hosts Conference Call and Webcast

Hythe Gas Processing Plant (CNW Group/Veresen Inc.)

CALGARY, Dec. 7, 2011 /CNW/ – Veresen Inc. (“Veresen”) (TSX: VSN.TO – News) is pleased to announce today that, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, it has entered into agreements with Encana Corporation (“Encana”) (TSX, NYSE: ECA) to acquire the Hythe/Steeprock midstream gas gathering and processing complex for $920 million. These assets are located in the Cutbank Ridge region of Alberta and British Columbia. Natural gas and natural gas liquids in the region are produced from the prolific Montney, Cadomin and other geological formations.
The Hythe/Steeprock complex includes two natural gas processing plants with combined functional capacity of 516 MMcf/d as well as approximately 40,000 hp of compression and 370 km of gas gathering lines. The Hythe plant processes both sour and sweet natural gas, while the Steeprock plant is a sour gas processing facility.
In connection with the transaction, Veresen and Encana have entered into a long-term Midstream Services Agreement under which Encana will provide a competitive, long-term, take-or-pay throughput commitment averaging 370 MMcf/d, representing 72 percent of the functional capacity of the Hythe/Steeprock complex.
Veresen will become the operator of the two interconnected gas processing plants following a transition period between Veresen and Encana. Veresen expects to retain all operational employees at the processing plants. Encana will be the contract operator of the compression and gas gathering system acquired by Veresen. This will allow Encana to coordinate its drilling program and natural gas production in the area with requisite development of the Hythe/Steeprock gathering system.
“This transaction establishes a high-quality, independent natural gas midstream business for Veresen which we expect will generate attractive returns and make a significant contribution to our cash flow,” said Stephen White, President and Chief Executive Officer. “The Hythe/Steeprock complex is strategically located in the heart of a high-growth region focused on Montney drilling, and is underpinned by a competitive, long-term gathering and processing fee agreement with an outstanding producer partner in Encana.”
“In an active and highly-competitive midstream landscape, we remain focused on our strategy of growing our business through the selective development and acquisition of contracted, high-quality, long-life infrastructure assets that generate stable cash flows. This acquisition is aligned with our business model and offers strength, stability and growth over the long term.”
Mr. White added, “Concurrent with this transaction, we are pleased to announce we have entered into a $303 million bought deal financing which, together with our strong balance sheet and sources of credit, will successfully fund this acquisition.”
This transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2012 and is subject to normal closing conditions, including receipt of normal course approval under the Competition Act. A small portion of the assets are subject to National Energy Board (“NEB”) regulation, and closing for the transaction related to these assets will occur at a later point when NEB approval is obtained.
Acquisition Highlights
Key investment highlights of the Hythe/Steeprock complex acquisition are as follows:
High-Quality Assets

• Establishes an independent midstream business for Veresen in an area focused on the high-growth Montney zone, one of North America’s most prolific, low-cost natural gas and NGL plays.
• High-quality, of-scale facilities including the Steeprock gas plant (198 MMcf/d sour), the Hythe gas plant (340 MMcf/d sweet, 176, MMcf/d sour), approximately 40,000 hp of sweet and sour compression, and 370 km of gathering lines.
• Connections to the Alliance and TransCanada pipeline systems.

Contracted Cash Flow

• Long-life energy infrastructure assets with contracted, stable, fee-for-service cash flow.
• Investment grade counterparty.
• No exposure to commodity price fluctuations.

Strong Financial Performance/Impact

• Minimum average annual committed gathering and processing fees over the first five years of over $72 million, net of operating and maintenance costs; potential for additional fees from non-committed or third party volumes.
• The transaction is immediately accretive to distributable cash per share, with accretion increasing over time.
• With this transaction, Veresen estimates its Canadian tax horizon will be extended to approximately 2019.

High Growth Potential

• Cutbank Ridge is one of Encana’s key resource plays with more than 1 million acres of land and in excess of 500 MMcf/d of production.
• Total recoverable natural gas in proximity to the Hythe/Steeprock complex, including Encana and third party gas, has been estimated by GLJ Petroleum Consultants (“GLJ”), independent qualified reserves evaluators, to be 26 tcf of best estimate contingent resources.
• Based on GLJ’s assessment of best estimate of contingent resources, regional gas production could increase by approximately 2 billion cubic feet per day over the next 20 years, providing significant midstream infrastructure expansion opportunities for Veresen.

2012 Guidance
For 2012, and including the impact of the Hythe/Steeprock acquisition, Veresen is forecasting distributable cash in the range of $1.15 to $1.50 per common share. Based upon a forecast annual dividend payout of $1.00 per common share, the corresponding payout ratio for 2012 will be between 67 and 87 percent.
“The year-over-year increase in our distributable cash demonstrates that our strategy is working,” commented Stephen White. “Over the past two years, we have made significant capital investments in our midstream business, including the Palermo Gas Plant, the Prairie Rose Pipeline, and the Heartland off-gas facility, and in our Power business including the York Energy Centre, which are creating long-term shareholder value.”
For 2011, Veresen maintains its previously announced guidance for distributable cash of $1.16 to $1.30 per share, resulting in a payout ratio of 82 to 86 percent. Further details regarding 2011 and 2012 guidance can be found in the Investor Information section of Veresen’s website at www.vereseninc.com.
Acquisition Funding
Funding for the acquisition is expected to be provided from a combination of equity and debt, specifically: (i) the net proceeds from the subscription receipt offering; (ii) $250 million from new senior credit facilities; (iii) the balance of approximately $370 million under Veresen’s existing revolving credit facility; and (iv) ongoing funding derived from equity raised under Veresen’s Premium Dividend™ and Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Veresen intends to refinance the acquisition-related borrowings through various capital market instruments during 2012.
Subscription Receipt Offering
Veresen has agreed to sell, on a bought deal basis, an aggregate of 21,500,000 subscription receipts at a price of $14.10 per subscription receipt for gross proceeds of approximately $303 million. The subscription receipts will be offered through a syndicate of investment dealers led by TD Securities Inc., bookrunner, and co-led by CIBC World Markets Inc. and Scotia Capital Inc., under Veresen’s Short Form Base Shelf Prospectus dated August 22, 2011, and a prospectus supplement to the Short Form Base Shelf Prospectus to be dated on or about December 9, 2011.  Veresen has also granted the underwriters an option to purchase, in whole or part, up to an additional 3,225,000 subscription receipts for a price of $14.10 per subscription agreement to cover over-allotments, if any, for a period of 30 days following the closing of the offering. If the acquisition closes prior to the exercise of the over-allotment option, the over-allotment option will be exercisable in respect of an equivalent number of common shares. If the over-allotment option is exercised in full, gross proceeds from the offering will be approximately $349 million.
Each subscription receipt will entitle the holder thereof to receive, concurrent with closing of the acquisition and upon satisfaction of certain escrow release conditions, one common share of Veresen plus an amount equal to the dividends Veresen declares on the common shares, if any, for record dates which occur during the period from the closing date of the offering to the date of issuance of the common shares issuable on the deemed exercise of the subscription receipts, net of any applicable withholding taxes.
The gross proceeds from the sale of the subscription receipts will be held by an escrow agent pending, among other things, receipt of all regulatory and government approvals required to finalize the Hythe/Steeprock acquisition and fulfillment or waiver of all other outstanding conditions precedent to closing the acquisition.  In the event such approvals and conditions are not satisfied prior to 5:00 p.m. (Calgary time) on April 30, 2012, or if the asset purchase agreement is terminated prior to such time, the holders of the subscription receipts will be entitled to receive an amount equal to the full subscription price thereof plus their pro rata share of the interest earned on such amount.
The offering is subject to the receipt of all necessary regulatory and stock exchange approvals.  Closing of the offering is expected to occur on or about December 16, 2011.
New Non-Revolving Term Credit Facilities
In connection with the acquisition of the Hythe/Steeprock complex, Veresen has obtained a commitment from a Canadian chartered bank to provide two non-revolving term credit facilities in the aggregate amount of $500 million. These new credit facilities will rank equally with Veresen’s senior unsecured obligations and will have a one year term subject to mandatory reductions from the net proceeds of certain debt and equity issuances (including from the net proceeds from the sale of the subscription receipts) and asset dispositions. Subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent customary for a financing of this type, funds will be available by way of a single draw on the closing of the acquisition. The new credit facilities will contain terms that are customary for bank credit facilities of this nature.
Premium Dividend™ and Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Commencing with the cash dividend payable to shareholders of record on December 30, 2011, Veresen intends to permit eligible shareholders who are enrolled in its Premium Dividend™ and Dividend Reinvestment Plan to participate in the Premium Dividend™ component. This will entitle participating shareholders to receive a premium cash payment equal to 102 percent of the cash dividend that such shareholders would otherwise be entitled to receive on the applicable dividend payment date. Further details about how to participate in the Plan will be provided when Veresen announces its December 2011 dividend.
Conference Call Advisory
Veresen will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the Hythe/Steeprock acquisition today at 2:00 p.m. MT (4:00 p.m. ET). A presentation will be available prior to the conference call at www.vereseninc.com.
Dial-in: 1 (888) 231-8191 or 1 (647) 427-7450 conference ID 34701373
Webcast: http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=387346&s=1&k=9CDE3C7953F2CB1CD49FD0374D26B590
™   denotes trademark of Canaccord Genuity Corp.
A replay of the call will be available from 4:00 p.m. MT (6:00 pm ET) on December 7, 2011 by dialing 1-855-859-2056 and 1-416-849-0833. The passcode is 34701373, followed by the pound sign. The replay will expire at midnight (ET) on December 14, 2011. The webcast will be archived for one year.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the subscription receipts in the United States, in any province or territory of Canada or in any other jurisdiction. The subscription receipts to be offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”) or any U.S. state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or absent an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. There shall be no sale of the subscription receipts in any jurisdiction in which an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy or a sale would be unlawful.
About Veresen Inc.
Veresen is a publicly-traded dividend paying corporation based in Calgary, Alberta, that owns and operates energy infrastructure assets across North America.  Veresen is engaged in three principal businesses: a pipeline transportation business comprised of interests in two pipeline systems, the Alliance Pipeline and the Alberta Ethane Gathering System; a midstream business which includes ownership interests in a world-class natural gas liquids extraction facility near Chicago and other natural gas and NGL processing energy infrastructure; and a power business with renewable and gas-fired facilities and development projects in Canada and the United States, and district energy systems in Ontario and Prince Edward Island. Veresen and each of its pipeline, midstream and power businesses are also actively developing a number of greenfield projects.  In the normal course of its business, Veresen and each of its businesses regularly evaluate and pursue acquisition and development opportunities.
Veresen’s common shares and 5.75% convertible unsecured subordinated debentures, Series C due July 31, 2017 are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols “VSN” and VSN.DB.C”, respectively. For further information, please visit www.vereseninc.com.
Resource Disclosure
Resource estimates in this News Release have an effective date of December 31, 2011 and have been prepared by GLJ, independent qualified reserves evaluators, in accordance with the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (the “COGE Handbook”).
“Resources” are quantities of recoverable natural gas that have not met the reserves requirements at the time of the estimate. “Contingent Resources” are those quantities of petroleum estimated, as of a given date, to be potentially recoverable from known accumulations using established technology or technology under development, but which are not currently considered to be commercially recoverable due to one or more contingencies. Contingencies may include factors such as economic, legal, environmental, political, and regulatory matters, or a lack of markets. Contingent resources are further classified in accordance with the level of certainty associated with the estimates and may be sub-classified based on economic status. There are three categories in evaluating Contingent Resources: Low Estimate, Best Estimate and High Estimate. The resource estimates presented in this News Release all refer to the Best Estimate category. Best Estimate is a classification of resources described in the COGE Handbook as being considered to be the best estimate of the quantity that will actually be recovered. It is equally likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the Best Estimate. If probabilistic methods are used, there should be a 50% probability (P50) that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the Best Estimate. There is no certainty that it will be commercially viable to produce any portion of the contingent resources disclosed in this News Release.
Forward-Looking Information
Certain information contained herein relating to, but not limited to, Veresen and its businesses, the acquisition, the offering of the subscription receipts and the entering into of the new credit facilities, constitutes forward-looking information under applicable securities laws.  All statements, other than statements of historical fact, which address activities, events or developments that Veresen expects or anticipates may or will occur in the future, are forward-looking information.  Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as “may”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “target”, “project”, “forecast” or similar words suggesting future outcomes or outlook.  Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the timing of closing of the acquisition of the Hythe/Steeprock complex, the sources of financing of the acquisition, the timing of the completion of the subscription receipt offering and new credit facilities, the anticipated retention of operational employees, the use of the proceeds of the subscription receipt offering, the average take-or-pay volumes under the Midstream Services Agreement, average annual fees from the Hythe/Steeprock complex over the next five years, expected returns and contributions to cash flow from the acquisition, contingent resources in the Cutbank Ridge region, potential future increases in production in the Cutbank Ridge region, the impact of Hythe/Steeprock complex acquisition on Veresen’s tax horizon, opportunities for future midstream infrastructure investment,Veresen’s plan to provide for the premium cash payment under its Premium Dividend™ and Dividend Reinvestment Plan and Veresen’s forecast of 2012 and 2011 distributable cash, annual dividend payment and dividend payout ratio.  The forward-looking information included herein involves significant risks, uncertainties and other factors.  Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, risks relating to closing of the acquisition, the potential for undisclosed liabilities associated with the acquisition, realizing the expected benefits from the acquisition, increased indebtedness as a result of completing the acquisition and the availability of the new senior credit facilities.  Additional information on risks, uncertainties and factors that could affect the foregoing forward-looking information and/or Veresen’s operations or financial results is included in its filings with the securities commissions or similar authorities in each of the provinces of Canada, as may be updated from time to time and will be included in the prospectus supplement relating to the offering.  Readers are also cautioned that such additional information is not exhaustive.  The impact of any one risk, uncertainty or factor on a particular forward-looking statement is not determinable with certainty as these factors are independent and management’s future course of action would depend on its assessment of all information at that time.  Although Veresen believes that the expectations conveyed by the forward-looking information are reasonable based on information available on the date of preparation, no assurances can be given as to future results, levels of activity and achievements.  Undue reliance should not be placed on the information contained herein, as actual results achieved will vary from the information provided herein and the variations may be material.  Veresen makes no representation that actual results achieved will be the same in whole or in part as those set out in the forward-looking information.  Furthermore, the forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date hereof, and Veresen does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws.  Any forward-looking information contained herein is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Steeprock Gas Processing Plant (CNW Group/Veresen Inc.)

Image with caption: “Hythe Gas Processing Plant (CNW Group/Veresen Inc.)”. Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20111207_C4877_PHOTO_EN_7932.jpg
Image with caption: “Steeprock Gas Processing Plant (CNW Group/Veresen Inc.)”. Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20111207_C4877_PHOTO_EN_7933.jpg

Stephen H. White
President and CEO
Richard G. Weech
Senior Vice President
Finance and CFO
David I. Holm
Executive Vice President
Corporate and Business Development
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Help your pet prepare for air travel

Make sure you have proper travel gear to make air travel as safe as possible for your pet.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Before you book a ticket for your pet, do research about your destination and any scheduled stops along the way
• Buy the best travel gear for your pet, and then reinforce it for an even safer flight
• Seek pet-friendly airports and watch your pet board and de-plane

(MNN.com) — Something on the tarmac caught travel agent Ann Lombardi’s attention while she waited to board her flight. Baggage carriers seemed unconcerned about a Labrador that was bleeding profusely as they unloaded its crate from the cargo hold. Disturbed by the scene, Lombardi alerted gate attendants.
“They were very nonchalant about it,” says Lombardi, co-owner of The Trip Chicks travel agency, about the incident that occurred nearly five years ago. “I’m sure that’s not as widespread as it used to be. But, if at all possible, I feel more comfortable avoiding pets flying as cargo. If it’s drivable, and the person has to take their pet, that’s better.”
The American Pet Products Association estimates that more than 60 percent of U.S. households have pets. Those kittens, pooches — even snakes and gerbils — need to leave the nest, eventually. Some of those pets take family vacations, and commercial airlines have met that demand by opening their cargo bins and their cabins to our furry companions.
Most pets reach their destinations without incident each day. But horror stories — such as the pug that died in cargo during a trans-Atlantic flight or the baggage handler who lost her job over her refusal to load an emaciated dog on a plane — cause pet lovers like Lombardi to reconsider air travel. Before you book a ticket for your pet, do research about your destination and any scheduled stops along the way. Here are a few tips for a fun, safe and pet-friendly trip that includes airline travel.
MNN: Top 10 tips for flying with pets
Work the ‘Net
After struggling to find hotels that would accommodate his dog Ruggles, travel agent Jerry Hatfield created PetTravel.com. His team works with commercial airlines to deliver guidelines about travel-worthy crates, pet-friendly hotel listings and tips on clearing airport security. Also check BringFido.com and FidoFriendly.com for travel tips — and don’t forget to ask friends for recommendations. They may lead you to hidden treasures, like the fun, funky and dog-friendly Thunderbird Inn that I discovered in Savannah, Georgia.
Consider the season
Temperatures in the cargo hold can be dramatically different from passenger cabins. Some airlines even refuse to fly pets as cargo when temperatures hit extreme highs and lows. “Try not to travel with your pet in cargo during the cold winter or hot summer,” says PetTravel.com President Susan Smith. “Depending on where you are flying, you cut down risk to the pet.”
Get the best gear, and reinforce it
If your pet does fly in the cargo hold, purchase a sturdy carrier. The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which comprises about 230 airlines, offers online tips to select the right crate for your pet. Cable ties add another level of security. “At end of the day, you want to make sure your pet does not get out of that crate,” Smith says.
A cat named Jack gained international recognition after being lost — then found 61 days later — inside JFK airport in New York. According to the American Airlines incident report filed with the Department of Transportation, Jack escaped when a clerk placed the cat’s kennel on another kennel and it fell, opening on impact. He eventually was euthanized because he was so malnourished and dehydrated that his skin tore easily, making him prone to severe infection and organ dysfunction.
“A lot more airlines are requiring the use of steel nuts and bolts as opposed to plastic [crate] fasteners,” Smith says, adding that Boston Logan International Airport has a training program for its baggage handlers. “If you put on metal or steel hardware, the chances of keeping your pet safe are higher.”
MNN: How to prepare for an emergency — pets included
Watch your pet board — and de-plane
Pets are always boarded last, Smith notes. If at all possible, watch airport staff load your pet onto the plane. “If that’s not available, I would not get on a plane until I received word that my pet has been boarded,” she says. “Tell the captain you are traveling with a pet and say, ‘Please be sensitive about pressurizing the cargo hold.’ It’s good to be a squeaky wheel. It’s good that they know this is your pet.”
Seek pet-friendly airports
In 2009, the Department of Transportation required U.S. airports to provide pet relief areas that help service animals stretch their legs between flights. PetFriendlyTravel.com lists pet relief areas for airports across the country, including the Poochie Park at Hartsfield-Jackson International in Atlanta. Many airports and airlines have begun to upgrade these areas with fun features.
“KLM and Air France in Amsterdam have 24-hour-a-day service,” Lombardi says. “Airline personnel will take your pet from one carrier to another, and they have dog walkers that take the dog from the kennel, clean the kennel, put ice cubes in the dish and pet the dog.”
MNN: How to help elderly relatives keep their beloved pets
Stateside, Lombardi and Smith give Bush Intercontinental Airport high marks for its on-site kennel with more than 1,000 square feet of pet runs. Run by Continental, it’s the only on-site kennel run by a commercial airline. The facility charges $100 for the first night and $15 each additional night.
“You can take the dog around, or airline personnel can take the dog around, and then put the dog in a nice spacious kennel area,” Ann says. “It’s considered the cream of the crop.”
While pet relief areas typically exist outside the terminal, Lombardi also credits Washington-Dulles airport with providing a relief area inside, closer to departure gates. Overseas, carriers offer even more perks.
“The airlines have realized that the transport of pets is a very good thing for them in terms of the bottom line,” Smith says, noting that Baby Boomers fuel the pet travel trend. “Baby Boomers are a mobile society — and they are taking their pets with them.”

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