Things you should know about moving abroad with pets

Are you making plans for moving abroad? There is a lot to think about and plenty of organization to do before you embrace new opportunities and adventures that are waiting for you. Especially if you own a pet. What about your furry little friend? Moving abroad with pets makes moving much more difficult, considering all the paperwork that needs to be done. It is a stressful period for both the owner and a pet. With this in mind, the owners have a lot to think about before they decide on whether to bring them along or leave them behind with someone trustworthy.

If you have a pet, you know that they are not less than any other family member. We live our lives through good and bad times with them. When we are happy, they are happy. When we are down, they are sad. Even though moving abroad with pets sounds like a demanding task, it is worth it. There are many things to consider, such as:

• Transportation
• Paperwork
• Cost

Moving abroad with pets – the first steps

The first step is to inquire on relating formalities. Find embassies or consulates of the country you are moving to and do thorough research. But if you are just starting with that process, try to find as much information on the Internet as you can. The Internet can be a great source of information when it comes to experiences other people had when they were facing the same issue. Your decision on moving abroad with pets relies on many factors. You need to consider the cost of pet import, that is something you should include in your moving budget. You need to calculate the cost of the move online, so you can make plans for your pet too.

If you have a dog, it is crucial to check whether that country accepts the breed of your dog. Some of the countries have strict rules considering breeds like Dogo Argentino or Pit Bull Terrier.

Legal documents

Some countries require you to obtain a special permit. In others, it is all about formalities. It is your job to make sure your pet complies with all conditions. You don’t want to risk losing it, without making sure where its new home will be.

You must know that pets under three months can’t travel outside the country. Obtaining a health certificate is a must, along with a pet passport. Especially if you are moving to Europe. The health certificate should include things like:

• Breed
• Name
• Color
• Age
• Owner’s name
• Contact details

In most countries, it is obligatory for a pet to have an identification microchip. But, make sure that microchip matches the norms applied by the country you will be staying in.

When you first arrive, your pet will be examined by a veterinarian who will determine if everything is by the rules and if your pet can stay in the country or not. If you’ve followed every rule, you won’t have anything to worry about.

Meet with a vet

Find a veterinarian experienced in preparing animals for overseas travel. Ask friends and family if they know some pet owner who successfully moved with their pet and ask for advice. That person should already be familiar with the procedures and can probably give you a good recommendation for a vet. A good vet should discuss your pet’s overall health. Another thing you should worry about is your pet's age because that can be a problem when moving abroad, because of possible health issues.

Transportation

The greatest concern after all the paperwork has been done is the journey and transport. Every pet owner who has moved abroad will tell you how difficult it is for both of them to go through that. Length of the journey is the biggest concern. Your pet needs to be in a special cage that matches its size and weight. A lot has changed from the past when your pet would be alone in the cargo department. Nowadays, many airlines provide special compartments for pets, which really makes it easier for both the owner and the pet, because it is not traveling alone. You can find useful information on the website of the International Air Transport Association.

Finding a place

Moving abroad with pets can make your life a little bit more difficult because you need to find an apartment that actually accepts pets. Even if it is illegal for landlords to discriminate against pet owners, it is still very common. They easily find another legal reason for why they denied your application. Aside from that, even when you do find a landlord willing to rent you, it may cost you more than without a pet living with you. You need to be aware of these hidden costs before you move abroad.

Having a big dog requires a yard or some outdoor space like a park nearby. All of these narrow down the options you have. But if you are flexible with the location in the city, you are more likely to find a good deal.

Final thoughts

Find the right information and follow it exactly. Once you start this process, you will need to be really focused on solving every problem that comes on your way. Even if your intentions are good, the consequences of making a mistake can be frustrating and costly. Don’t try to fool the system, because you can lose your pet. Prepare multiple copies of the documentation that you will bring once the time for the move comes. Moving abroad with pets can be draining, so set aside money for unexpected fees and problems you might encounter. Finally, don’t forget to make a backup plan. Everything can go wrong in just a second, so be prepared to leave your pet with someone you trust.

My name is Betty and I have been writing expert articles in relation to the moving industry for the last couple of years. Besides this specific area, I am also experienced in other spheres pertaining to the concept of relocation.