Tips from the Pets and Vets chapter

Taking your animals with you when you move abroad can be almost as costly as all the rest of your move’s expenses combined. But if you decide the pain of leaving them behind is too great, and choose to relocate with your hairy, furry or feathery friends, it requires careful planning. The following tips come from the Pets and Vets chapter of The Greatest Moving Abroad Tips in the World.

Timing is all
Depending on your new country’s requirements, it can be a complex business to gather together all the documentation required and make sure examinations and vaccinations are given at the correct time. You should allow six months at least, prior to the actual leaving date, to organise everything.

The first point of contact should be the embassy/consulate of your chosen country, or your own embassy/consulate in your country of destination, to ascertain exactly what the rules are for relocating pets. Most embassies have online information, but if they don’t, an email or phone call is essential to ask for a list of regulations and guidelines.

When is a pet not a pet?
The short answer to that question is when the country of destination says so. Some countries regard certain breeds of dog as undesirable, won’t accept reptiles, or have strict import regulations regarding birds. Sometimes an animal will be acceptable from one country of origin, but not from another – the only way to be sure if your beloved friend is allowed into your chosen country is to ask for a list of banned animals.

Just passing through
On some long-haul destinations it will be necessary for your pets to pass through other countries en-route, to change aircraft, or even to stop overnight. If you are organising the travel arrangements yourself, do check the regulations of all countries concerned, or you might find Fido held up while paperwork and regulations are sorted out.

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