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 X-Expats reached out to Rachel Farris of PetRelocation.com to inquire about the process of moving pets internationally. PetRelocation.com based in the United States, handles the door-to-door relocations of pets worldwide, with a particular focus on corporate relocations. Recipient of numerous accolades, PetRelocation.com works with household goods forwarders and corporate relocation offices to provide full service relocations all over the world for the relocating expat.
Photo Credit: PetRelocation.com, 2009
Ron enjoys China with his dogs Briggs, Bella and Mick, who PetRelocation.com helped to transport to Yantai, in the Shandong Province of China
X-Expats: Do you assist owners of traditional and non-traditional pets? How do their relocation needs differ?
Rachel Farris: Our motto is “Any pet, anywhere, anytime,” so we certainly try to facilitate every move we can! Moving what some might consider non-traditional pets like birds, reptiles and other exotic species, can require a significant amount of planning and attention to detail.
Many of these species need permits for import and export, which can add to the overall time it takes to prepare for the relocation. Each pet move is as unique as the pets being moved.
X-E: When planning an international move, how much time do you need to allocate to prepare for the transportation of your pets?
RF: It depends on the type of pet and where the pet is traveling. For example, rabies-free countries like the UK and Australia require up to six months of preparation in advance. Other countries that are not rabies free can take less time to prepare for, but we generally recommend that pet owners begin working on transportation arrangements at least 30-60 days in advance.
X-E: In your practice, are Consulates and vets typically able to provide all the necessary information in connection with pet importation/exportation requirements? Do you need to contact other specialized organizations?
RF: Most consular offices, while well-intentioned, are not always the most up-to-date sources for information on what is required for international pet travel. Because they typically only deal with one end of the transaction (either the origin or destination requirements), they don’t always know what else might be required for import into or export from another country. Veterinarians are wonderful sources for making sure that pets are healthy to fly. We recommend that pet owners looking to travel with their pets seek out a vet who has experience issuing international health documents, as this can help make for a smoother visit to the vet’s office. It’s always a good idea to check with the Department of Agriculture or the Ministry of Agriculture for your destination country prior to departure, as they typically can have additional requirements.
X-E: What questions should pet owners ask their vet?
RF: Pet owners should ask vets whether they have issued health documents for pets traveling internationally before and whether there were any issues or complications when that pet arrived. They should also ask their vets if the vet feels their pet is healthy to travel and if they recommend a kidney or liver screening, which is often recommended for elderly pets prior to travel.
X-E: When dealing with international airlines, what typical issues do owners need to resolve to ensure the safe and comfortable transportation of their pets?
RF: Pet owners should be sure that their pet’s travel crate is large enough for international travel, and that it meets all of the IATA regulations for transportation of that type of animal. They should also inform the international airline well in advance of the fact that they intend to take a pet with them. It’s also a good idea to carry duplicate copies of all original health paperwork, just in case the airline loses or misplaces the original documentation.
X-E: What are your recommendations for "moving day" in terms of tags, food, medication, toys, etc.?
RF: Stress and fear can cause pets to run away after moving. On moving day, be sure to set up a designated room for your pet, containing food, water, bedding, toys and, of course, the travel crate. Put a sign on the door to remind movers or visitors that the pet is in the room so your pet won’t be let out and escape on accident. After the move, keep your pet in an enclosed space for the first few hours or days, depending on his anxiety level, with short trips outside the house for bathroom breaks or walks. Cats who are typically allowed outdoors should be kept inside for a few weeks. If your cat wants to go out to explore, be sure to monitor him while he’s outside. Microchipping or putting tags with your new information on your pets is also a good idea before you let them out into the yard for the first time in your new home.
X-E: Are quarantine regulations more stringent in some countries than others? Are there any developments/changes in your industry that are affecting your clients, and more broadly, pet owners?
RF: Most island countries, like the UK, Australia and New Zealand, are historically rabies free which can make them very difficult to import pets into. Other countries require import permits and blood tests prior to departure. Interestingly enough, one of the easiest countries to bring a pet into is the United States (excluding the state of Hawaii, which is historically rabies free). Pet owners interested in finding the import requirements for a potential move can check out our International Pet Travel Requirements on our website, which are listed by country. Airlines are quickly realizing that most pet owners want to be able to move and travel with their pets safely, so we have seen over the last few years a significant increase in pet friendly airline options. As airlines try to stay competitive, pets get to reap the rewards with airport pet parks and hotels, climate-controlled cargo holds specifically designated for pets, and more.
X-E: Thank you Rachel for ensuring that pets travel safely..anywhere!
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