Pets are family. And if you’re a pet owner, being separated from your little animal friend is often the worst thing imaginable. So, when you need to move to a different country, the question is not whether you should bring your pet along, but rather, “How?”. While relocating overseas is stressful as it is, throw an animal into the mix and it can get overwhelming. With that being said, here are some tips that can help you navigate through this process with ease.
Consider Hiring a Pet Relocation Company
If you’re flying frequently, you may feel confident about booking flights and navigating airports. So, you may think “How hard can it be to bring a small animal along?” Well, in reality, travelling internationally with a pet is far more complex than human travel. For one, every country has its own strict requirements for importing animals, and it’s easy to get confused about meeting them. You may also need to obtain an import permit. What’s more, different airlines also have different protocols when it comes to flying with pets. And then, there’s also the fact that pets are required to stay in quarantine in certain countries upon arrival.
So, considering all the complexities of pet relocation international animal transport services can provide relief from all the hassles and stress. After all, a good animal transportation service has been in the business for years, relocating pets all over the world which means they have dealt with all kinds of situations. Along with meeting all the airline and import requirements, these experts can also take care of all the details needed to keep your furry friend safe and comfortable for the duration of the trip. While the professionals handle the heavy lifting of your pet’s move, you can be free to get yourself ready for the big move.
Schedule Vet Appointments on Time
But even if you hire a pet relocation international service, there are still some things that you need to personally take care of. Your pet will need to obtain a health certificate that is required in order to become eligible for an import permit. To receive a health certificate, you will need to make multiple trips to the vet for various exams, treatments and immunisations. An important exam is the rabies titer test, which needs to be done between 30 and 180 days before arrival, depending on the country. So, this means that you need to schedule your vet appointments within a specific period of time.
Get Your Pet Used to Its Travel Crate
All pets get anxious in a new environment. So, in order to relieve your pet’s anxiety when flying, try to get it accustomed to the travel crate a few weeks beforehand. If you hire a pet travel company, they can provide an appropriate travel crate for you. If you don’t, you yourself need to pick a crate that meets the International Air Transport Association’s specific requirements . Once you get the crate, begin to familiarise your pet with it. Try placing its meal and water bowls inside the crate, leaving the door open. This will encourage the animal to explore the crate.
When your pet enters the crate, do not close the door initially. After a week, try closing the door while it eats and open it after it finishes its meal. It’s important that your pet associates this with something fun or rewarding. So, after you open the door, begin to praise it and try to do something it loves like playing a game of fetch. When the day of the flight comes, prepare the crate by lining it with your pet’s own bedding and add something that smells like you like a T-shirt or a towel which will have a comforting, homey aroma.
