Moving overseas is always a big undertaking, but when you’ve got a beloved pet coming too it becomes even trickier. Organising for your loyal canine or eccentric feline to join you on your international adventure is easier said than done. Moving to another country involves dealing with a new set of laws and strict regulations relating to the transportation of animals.
Contact the local consulate: All pets travelling overseas must fulfil the requirements of the Government of the receiving country of destination, these requirements vary. The first step is to contact the consulate of the country that you are moving to. They will be able to tell you what kind of paperwork you need for your pet and whether your pet will be welcomed into the nation that you will be living in. The consulate will also be able to tell you what fees you may be required to pay. Be aware that some countries may require your pets to be quarantined for a period of time and the consulate will be able to advise you on this. It is always important to start your research early as some countries require the process to begin many months ahead of travel to ensure all their government requirements are met.
Veterinary: Make sure you have the correct documentation prior to your pet’s trip. You will require vaccination records for boarding and relevant veterinary documentation for International shipments.
Different Cultures: You are moving to a different environment from what you and your pet are accustomed to. Some countries have different attitudes towards animals kept as pets, so familiarise yourself with the local customs. You may want to investigate the cost of veterinarian bills in your new country, as this differs from country to country.
Flights: Check with your airline and ask them to give you a copy of their regulations regarding flying your pet overseas. Every airline embraces the opportunity to help with your personal travel arrangements but they may not have the same attitude when it comes to making arrangements for your pet. Note that the number of pet containers allowed on an aircraft is limited. There are many flights, particularly on the weekends or early in the morning, when the service is not available. Avoid disappointment by checking availability for your pet on the flight before confirming your reservation.
Returning Home: When planning the outward part of your move overseas it is a good idea to check and ensure that your pet can eventually re-enter Australia at the end of your stay abroad. Animals to Australia must meet all of the AQIS (Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service) import conditions prior to export. This is to minimise the risk of exotic diseases being introduced into Australia which is free from many animal-related diseases found in other parts of the world.
As you can see, moving with pets can be complicated and time-consuming. Taking all this in to consideration and wanting the best for your pet, a better option is Nuss Relocation. Nuss have the experience to guide you through the journey from start to finish, making sure that your moving overseas with pets will be as safe and secure as possible.