There are a few things you need to know before moving pets overseas. It will vary between countries, but there are a few key things you need to be aware of before making the decision to move overseas with your beloved pet.
This essential guide to moving pets overseas will ensure that you don’t miss out on something that could stop your pet from coming with you. From forms and approvals, health and medical checks, and the flight itself – there are a few things you need to do.
Permission for Moving Pets Overseas
When you’re thinking about moving your pets overseas, the very first thing to do is check that you are actually allowed to bring your pet into the country. Much like a travel or living visa for humans, your pet will likely need a permit too.
You want to make sure that your pet can come with you. This also includes checking entry procedures and any specific time frames for your pet being allowed into the country, and then released to you. Some countries may require a short quarantine period, so make sure you are aware if this is the case for the country you’re moving to.
Each country is going to have different rules and regulations that might allow or prohibit your type of pet from entering the country. You will find that most countries will require a permit allowing you to bring your pet with you. You will need to do your research and make sure you get all the necessary forms and approvals before moving overseas with your pets.
Pet Health and Medical Requirements
As with humans when we travel to certain countries around the world, your pets might require some medical tests or vaccinations. Your pet might already have everything required for the country you are moving to, but you need to double check.
Depending on the country you are moving to, your pet may need:
- Health certificate from an approved vet
- Timeline of medical tests
- Microchipping
- Vaccinations, or additional vaccinations
When you are doing your health and medical checks on your pet, make sure to go to a licensed professional. You want to avoid any mishaps, or something being missed that could stop your pet from getting into your new country.
In regards to microchipping, this is really important when moving pets overseas and taking them to an unfamiliar area. Your pet may become disoriented and have more trouble finding their way home if they get lost. You should also check that their microchip is compatible with the microchip readers used in your specific country.
Flying Your Pets Overseas
After getting your approvals and checking your pet’s medical requirements, you might like to think about the flight itself. You will need to check your specific airline for their regulations around moving pets overseas and make sure you are ready on the day.
A secure cargo area in the plane is used for holding pets during the flight. This area is dark, temperature controlled and specifically used for live animal transport. We suggest doing a few things to make the move less stressful for both you and your pet.
To make the journey more comfortable for your pet, you might like to:
- Use a proper, secure pet carrier
- Include a blanket for familiar smells
- Include a favourite toy for comfort
- Avoid feeding them a few hours beforehand
If your pet has any special needs or requirements, or they get particularly anxious during travel, chat to your local vet or animal professional for advice. Remember that planes are overwhelming for many humans, and especially for many pets.
Ready to Make the Move?
When moving pets overseas, it’s important to talk to your local vet for advice about your particular animal and their history. You want to make the journey as easy as possible for your beloved pet, which will in return make the journey easier for you.
Don’t forget to check the specific rules and regulations regarding pets in the specific country you are moving to. You should stick to the official government websites for that country to make sure you are getting the correct information, and avoid any problems.