Relocating pets: Everything you need for a smooth journey

When moving to a different city or country, relocating with your pets can be challenging. This is especially true when you need to fly your pet to your destination.

Each country has specific requirements for pet animals to enter. Failing to comply with the rules may result in your pet being denied entry.

This is why learning the pet relocation process and requirements is crucial when moving with your pet. With the right preparation and knowledge, relocating pets can be a smooth process.

Understanding the Basics of Pet Relocation
The international pet relocation process varies depending on the country you’re coming from and your destination. Some countries have light rules, while others have stricter regulations.

Processing your pet’s relocation may take around a few months to a year from beginning to end. Here are the important requirements that most countries request for migrating pets.

• Mandatory microchipping
• Essential vaccinations
• Health certificates and permits
• Quarantine periods (for some countries)

It’s also important to choose a reputable airline that caters to pet travel. Each airline has its specific requirements for crates for pet safety while flying.

Country-Specific Travel Regulations
Countries can be categorized into three types, which also determine their entry requirements:

Rabies-Free Countries
Rabies-free countries have strict regulations before a pet can enter. Some examples of these regions include Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. They often require rabies titre tests and possibly a quarantine period.

Rabies-Controlled Countries
These countries have moderate restrictions compared to rabies-free countries. These include Belgium, Chile, Hong Kong, and the UAE.

High-Rabies Countries
Countries that are high-risk for rabies have more extensive requirements for pet relocation. They may require proof of CDC rabies vaccination and microchip records. Young puppies and kittens below 6 months old are usually not allowed to enter. Some of these countries include the Philippines, Bangladesh, and Armenia.

Moving from a high-rabies country to a rabies-free country may be complicated as additional requirements might be requested from you. This is to ensure that they remain free from this fatal virus.

Essential Pet Relocation Requirements

An infographic showing the essential requirements for relocating pets, including microchipping, vaccinations, health certificates, and permits.

Regardless of the country you’re going to, you must know the essential requirements for traveling or migrating with your pet. While not all of these would be requested from you, it’s still beneficial to know how they can be obtained.

1. Microchipping
Pet microchipping is an essential requirement for most countries. It’s a small chip that’s similar to a grain of rice. It’s implanted under the pet’s skin and serves as a permanent identification.

The chip has a unique set of numbers that’s connected to a database of respective countries or municipalities. The pet’s health records and the owner’s contact details must be updated in the database.

It’s important that microchips are implanted before vaccination and that they’re ISO-compliant. If not, pets may be rejected entry into some countries.

2. Vaccinations
Vaccines are vital for any pet that will be relocated to other countries. Since cats and dogs are the most common pets, countries have more specific rules for these animal companions.

Dogs must have the combination vaccine. The name may vary depending on each country, but they are often called DHPP, DHLPP, or DHPPi/L. The combination vaccination provides protection for distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza.

Cats also require combination vaccinations, but only for their species-specific diseases. The vaccine is called FVRCP and protects felines from rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.

However, the most important vaccine that both cats and dogs must have is for rabies. You should also check if your destination country requires additional vaccines like canine influenza or feline leukemia.

3. Rabies Titre Test
The rabies titre test confirms your pet’s immunity to the virus. It’s conducted 1 to 30 days after their rabies vaccination so it’s important to time this correctly with your vet.

The veterinarian gets a blood sample from your pet. Then, it’ll be sent to an approved laboratory for testing. Rabies-free and rabies-controlled countries may require this test.

4. Parasite Treatments
Parasite treatment may also be needed for most countries. This is to avoid outbreaks of foreign internal and external parasites, like ticks, fleas, tapeworms, and heartworms. Many countries may deny entry if your pet has any signs of parasites.

5. Health Certificate and Import/Export Permits
A health certificate includes details of your pet’s health status, vaccinations, and treatments. Only a licensed veterinarian can issue this document. It’s an important requirement that must be included in a pet passport. Some countries may need a specific format, like European countries.

Import and export permits are also necessary for some countries. For example, if you’re moving from Dubai to a different country, you must get an export permit from MOCCAE. When moving into Dubai, you’ll need an import permit instead.

What Pet Relocation Costs to Expect
The total costs of relocating your pet to another country will vary based on regulations and requirements. Here’s an itemized list of what you need to pay for so you can prepare your budget.

• Veterinary Costs – This will include microchipping, vaccinations, health certificates, rabies titre test fees, and parasite treatments. If your pet currently has a condition, you must get them treated first.
• Government Fees – Expect to spend on import/export permits, quarantine charges, and customs clearances.
• Travel Expenses – Research airline fees and additional layover charges, if there are any. Determine the type of crate that your chosen airline accepts and set some budget to buy a high-quality one for safety and comfort.
• Professional Services – For busy pet owners or those that want a convenient pet relocation process, you can hire professional services. Fees may vary, so you should research the best services that provide value for your money.

When to Hire Professional Assistance
Pet relocation can be a long, tedious process for most pet owners. This is why some employ the professional pet relocation services. They can be useful if you’re moving with multiple pets that would require multiple sets of documents and requirements.

Most pet relocation services can help you with paperwork, permits, clearances, and airline requirements. Some veterinary clinics also provide assistance, usually for acquiring pet passports. You can ask your vet if they provide such services.

Conclusion
Relocating pets requires a lot of planning and attention to detail to avoid delays and entry rejection. By following your destination country’s regulations, you can make sure that your pet’s relocation will be smooth and stress-free.

Prepare in advance to work on the necessary paperwork for the trip. Also, you can always hire professional pet relocation services or seek help from the vet clinic if they offer such assistance.

FAQs

1. What are the challenges of moving with pets?
The complex pet import regulations, veterinary requirements, finding the right airlines, and the possible high costs of pet relocation are some of the challenges of moving with pets.

2. Do all countries require quarantine for pet relocation?
No, not all countries require pets to be quarantined before entering their region. Rabies-free countries may ask this additional requirement for pets.

3. Can I relocate with multiple pets?
Yes, it’s possible to relocate with multiple pets. However, some countries impose a limit on how many pets are allowed per owner. For example, the UAE allows up to two pets per owner.

4. How long does it take to process my requirements for pet relocation?
Processing the requirements you need for pet relocation may take several months, up to a year, or even longer, if there are many strict requirements needed. If you are prepared beforehand, you can make the process quicker.

The article Relocating pets: Everything you need for a smooth journey first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.