Tips For Moving Overseas With Your Pet
Are you considering a move overseas? It’s a big decision and affects not only you but also your family. What about your four-footed or winged family members? They come into the equation too. How do you find a place to settle them where you will all be happy?
Why Are You Moving?
If you are moving for work, then it is likely that you don’t have much choice about where you go. However, you should not automatically dismiss taking your pet to a country where climate and culture might seem difficult. Even in Arab countries, with their heat and traditional distrust of dogs, many people live happily with all sorts of pets, and it is not difficult to find a helpful veterinary clinic in Dubai, for instance.
If you are moving as a lifestyle choice, then the world is your oyster. You will be looking for places that suit the way you want to live, and your pets will be a big factor.
How Will You Move?
From the pets’ point of view, the closer your destination the better. Look first at the places you can drive to or which involve only a short ferry crossing. That way you are not tied down to the seriously expensive and cumbersome business of putting your pets on a plane.
Wherever you are going, you will have paperwork to complete and veterinary procedures to fulfill. Most countries require a microchip and a rabies vaccination which is certified as successful at least 6 months before travel.
Some countries have quarantine periods if you are coming from places that are not rabies-free. Quarantine is expensive and distressing (unless it takes the form of house arrest) and should be avoided if possible.
Where Will You Go?
Ideal destinations vary according to your circumstances. Personal recommendations are always best, and a good way to research particular destinations, once you have made your shortlist, is to get onto some expat forums and ask about other people’s experience.
Central America. For US residents, Central American countries have the great advantage that you can drive there. Mexico, Belize, Panama, Costa Rica and most other countries in the area are very welcoming to both dogs and cats.
Europe. Nearly all European countries welcome pets, and you will find them provided for on public transport and in most restaurants and bars. You would not have much difficulty finding pet-friendly hotels. It is very straightforward to move pets between members of the European Union, with the exception of Britain, which has slightly different requirements.
Other countries. The people of Turkey are especially fond of cats. South Africa has great weather and loads of outdoor space to explore. The United States is one of the most pet-friendly countries in the world.
If you are unsure of how a new country feels about pets, consider a vacation or getaway there first before making the decision to move. That way, you can get a feel for how the culture is and how the locals will react to your pets.
Big Decisions
Moving your pet to another country is not something to be undertaken lightly like just going on vacation. Whatever your reason for moving, there are many factors to take into account. The good news is that, wherever you look, you will always find someone who has successfully made a happy home for themselves and their pets.