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International Moving 101: Things to Consider When Moving Pets
Moving internationally comes with the excitement of a new environment and a new culture to explore and embrace. For those of you that have furry friends joining you on your international move, there are some preparations you need to make. Here are a few aspects to consider.
Pet health and emergency plans
Before you take your pet on any trip, it’s important to ensure he is healthy enough to travel abroad. Take your pet to your local veterinarian for a checkup before you move. Your vet can confirm if your pet is healthy enough to travel and can also provide your pet with any necessary vaccinations, blood tests and pet travel documents for international travel. Moreover, your vet can provide insight on which transportation methods are ideal for your pet. Also, prepare a list of emergency contacts and have a backup plan should anything unexpected occur or in the case of an emergency. Take the time to discuss emergency procedures with your vet during your visit.
Pet carriers
If you’re traveling internationally on a commercial flight or with other public transportation services, you’re going to need a pet carrier that’s approved for travel. Some airlines require certain pets to travel in these carriers during flights to ensure the safety of the pet and the passengers on the flight. Consider using an IATA-approved pet carrier to avoid any delays or issues on the day of travel.
Transportation
Whether you’re traveling by air, sea, or car, it’s key to make sure that your pet’s transportation arrangements are ideal to ensure her (and other passengers’) safety and security. Verify any restrictions and requirements that you must follow when traveling with your pet with the airline company or other travel providers. Moreover, not all pets are allowed to travel on all flights, such as short-nosed cat and dog breeds, such as Persian cats or pugs. Because these pet breeds are more prone to respiratory issues, air travel would not be the best mode of transportation. It puts them at a higher risk for experiencing complications during the flight. Thus, contact the airline to determine any travel restrictions for your pet.
Quarantine Times
If you’re managing relocating your pet on your own, it’s vital to verify the time required for pet quarantine. In some countries, quarantine is unavoidable. If you’re moving from a country that has animals with rabies to one that is rabies-free, it’s possible your pet will spend some time away from you. That’s why it’s important to verify how long they are required to be quarantined. Check with the World Organization for Animal Health and contact the consulate of the country you plan to move to so you can gain insight on quarantine requirements and review the procedures before traveling with your pet.
Pet Relocation Services
Instead of handling all of the different aspects international pet relocation brings, you can take advantage of pet relocation services. You can even work with your moving company to help you find pet relocation services. A good mover can put you in touch with a reputable pet relocation company, such as PetRelocation. The pet relocation service takes care of the various aspects of relocating your pet, including finding out if there is a limitation on how many pets you are allowed to move to your new home.
Final Thoughts
Before packing up your pet to move with you abroad, make the necessary preparations you need, including verifying required pet travel documents. You also don’t have to make these preparations on your own. Consider a team of professional international movers, such as Suddath®, with great connections to great pet relocation services, including PetRelocation. By using these services, you can streamline the moving process for both you and your pet.