Traveling with pets can be a long-lasting memory filled with excitement and joyfulness. It offers the fire of discovery of new cultures and opportunities with our pets but also comes with obstacles like microchipping, vaccination, and health certificate records. To ensure the smooth relocation, we created a simple international pet relocation to-do list.
The First Step in Your International Pet Relocation To-Do List: Researching Import Regulations
Every country has its own rule when it comes to importing the pets to their country. This can involve restrictions on certain breeds, required vaccination, quarantine timing, and proper documentation of paperwork.
Start as soon as possible, like initiating 7-8 months in advance.
Check their official website for the rules and regulations of the destination country.
Try to choose the pet relocation company. If you are relocating with the pets for the first time, then try to choose a pet relocation company like HappyLocate. Because they provide the guidance of the process of relocation. They could guide with proper specific rules for the pets’ relocation in the destination country to avoid unnecessary costs.
Before traveling, visit your pet’s vet.
Before regular things, your pets must undergo a full-body health checkup. This will make sure that your pet is healthy enough for the traveling. That can help your pets to stay on top of health requirements for entering the destination country.
Vaccination: Most countries require rabies vaccination and other core vaccines to be up-to-date.
Microchipping: Your pets should be microchipped with an ISO-compliant one because many countries will demand a microchip with ISO compliance.
Health certificate: This certificate is issued between 7 and 10 days of departure and should be endorsed by the credentialed vets.
Rabies antibody titer test: Some countries mandate the rabies antibody titer test. For more information, see their rules and regulations on the destination country’s website.
Choose an IATA-Approved Pet Carrier: A Must on Your International Pet Relocation To-Do List
An IATA-approved crate is a must for pet international air travel. The carrier must be comfortable, safe, secure, and compliant with airline rules and regulations.
Size fitting: Your pets should easily get up, spin around, and lie down comfortably.
Add known items in the carrier: a blanket or sheet will make your pets feel comfortable throughout their journey and reduce the anxiety.
Label the crate: The crate should be labeled with your contact information, pet’s name, and a simple note with “live animal.”
Always book a flight tactically.
Check the airlines because not all airlines are pet-friendly. Choose the direct flights with experienced handling of the live animal; always look for the most direct flight possible.
Give a wide berth to layover: This will reduce the risk of pets getting lost and stressed.
Check for the seasonal requirements: some airlines restrict pets during extreme heat/cold.
Pet-friendly cargo: Ensure the airline has climate-controlled cargo holds.
Understand the quarantine rules to reduce the cost.
Many countries have quarantine rules upon arrival. This may vary between hours and weeks.
Plan according to rules: Quarantines often have limited space, so book accordingly.
Prepare for parting from your pets: Communicate with staff and know where the pets are kept.
Lack of documents: The missing documents will lead to a longer time of quarantine for the pets, or sometimes the pets are sent back at the parents’ cost.
Make Your Pets Transit-Ready: A Key Step in Your International Pet Relocation To-Do List
For your pets, traveling can be stressful, specifically for long-haul flights.
Crate introduction: Always introduce the crate to your pets at least a week or two before travel.
Train your pets before the flights: A simple exercise or playful session will reduce stress and energy for the pets.
Avoid tranquilizing (sedation): Many airlines and vets are against sedating pets due to health complications.
Pack important, necessary things for travel and arrival.
Food and water for the journey.
Food bowl.
Leash and harness for handling.
Hard and soft copies of medical records.
Medicines
Waste bag
Toys for comforting pets
Contact a Destination Vet for Emergencies: A Crucial Step in Your International Pet Relocation To-Do List
Do not wait to contact Destination Vet. Some people wait until an emergency occurs, so it’s better not to make this mistake.
Register with a vet: Book a body checkup for your pets soon after arrival.
Get to know about the local vet: Some companies think the pets should be registered or licensed.
Emergency contact: Know the 24/7 vet clinics in your area.
Make your pets adjust to new environments.
Helping your pets settle is more crucial sometimes. Pets don’t settle as soon as they enter a new home; they will explore the place, and then they will get comfortable. Sudden changes in climate, smell, and environments can be disorienting.
Maintain their usual routine: Try to stay with their regular feeding and walking schedule.
Let them explore step-by-step: Let your pets explore the place gradually.
Keep an eye on the pet: Watch it closely. Are there any signs of stress or hiding, aggression, or loss of appetite?
Contemplate pet relocation services.
If all of it felt fantastic, everybody would relocate their pets on their own. Many pet owners choose the professional.
What is help from a professional? The professional, like HappyLocate, chooses the crate, documentation, and customs clearance.
Hiring professionals is not so cheap, but it can save your time and physically obtaining documents. Knowing that your pets are there in the hands of an experienced team would be stress-free for the pet owner.
Check out our latest blog:
Relocation Success Story with HappyLocate Worldwide
Pet Parent Review – HappyLocate Trusted Pet Relocation
Titer Testing for Pets: Essential Info for International Travel
Microchipping: A must-have ID for a pet to travel across a border.