Pet transportation doesn’t have to be expats worst nightmare

Published:  13 Jun at 6 PM
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Tagged: Visas, Travel Abroad
Many soon-to-be expats wouldn’t even consider leaving their favourite dogs or other pets behind, especially as the process isn’t as scary as it first seems.

The 21at century growth in the numbers of people who become expats for reasons of work, retirement or simply the lure of a new experience is unprecedented in modern times, and has given rise to countless international relocation companies specialising in transferring entire home contents to locations world-wide. Given the rise in pet ownership, it’s no surprise that would-be expats wouldn’t dream of leaving the home country without their much-loved pets, but transporting them between countries can seem to be the most difficult task of the entire relocation process.

Although it sounds complicated, arranging for your beloved dog or cat to either travel with you or be sent on isn’t as tricky as it seems as, like so many aspects of relocation, it’s all about understanding the importation rules of the destination country. Whilst these may sound complex, vets in your home country working with expert pet transportation specialists are able to ensure nothing goes wrong. The first task is pre-export planning, including vaccination requirements, importation procedures and making sure your pet is healthy enough to travel.

If blood tests, specific vaccinations and treatments for parasites are required, your local vet will know exactly what must be covered and can issue the all-important health certifications and, if quarantine in necessary, this can be arranged in advance. Liaisons with import agents in your new country can be arranged in advance as well, dependent on your own travel plans.

Your pet will need an approved transportation cage, easily available from your pet transportation company. Airlines vary as to whether smaller pets can be allowed in the cabin, with most insisting all pets are kept in a special cargo hold. Transits and stopovers are managed by specialist teams who follow your instructions and treat your pet with kindness whilst it’s in their care.

On arrival, there may be import duties to be paid before your pet will be released, but often it’s as easy as collecting the cage with the rest of your luggage and checking in with the airport’s designated vet as regards proof of rabies and other required vaccinations and the all-important import permit provided by your pet transportation company. There’s no need to worry as problems very rarely occur, and you’ll be reunited with your pet soon after you’ve left the plane.
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