Tips for Moving Your Four-Legged Friends Overseas
Posted on: Jun 28, 2010
Although I had to deal with the inevitable storage issues, over-stuffed suitcases and tearful goodbyes when I embarked on my Italian adventure, I (luckily??) didn’t have a four-legged friend to bring along.
All of my expat friends weren’t so lucky.
I asked for help in offering tips to soon-to-be expats with a pooch and Karen of Rebtel.com, came to the rescue.
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Preparing your expatriation is certainly not an easy task. In your long list of things to take along such as credit cards, visas, passports, international calling service and other important stuff, there is one thing which is particularly stressful: your little doggy or kitten overseas trip preparation!
There is a lot to do in the weeks before the trip until you walk out with your luggage, here are few tips to help plan a good trip with your pet.
Laws in your country of destination
* In certain countries you may have to present documents of good health such as veterinary certificates, quarantine, a European passport, etc. So contact your vet or the delegation of your destination to avoid unexpected issues.
* Ask your vet for advice on vaccinations and your pet’s health status with regarding to adjusting to new atmosphere and traveling.
Recognition
* It is very compulsory for dogs and cats, check it before leaving.
Health factor
* Do not decide your pet’s medication on your own. Not all drugs are safe. Some drugs can be very harmful while traveling. Speak to your vet regarding the medical treatment to be given which can help in reducing the stress or sickness.
* A first-aid kit including regular medication can always be handy.
Booking your flight
* Some airline companies permit only a specific number of pets in the cabin per flight; the weight limit may also differ. Hence it is very important to check with them before you book your flight.
* Will your pet be in the cabin or in the cargo compartment? While traveling in the cargo compartment pets should not face any additional stress. Hence it is important to keep them with the ones having similar behaviors. Your pet should be adaptable to the temperature, pressure and lights to experience a safe and enjoyable trip.
* Check for where and when you should drop off your pet before departure.
* Before you fly, call the airlines 3 days in advance to confirm your pet’s ticket.
Direct flight or layovers?
* Limit to the minimum the amount of layovers.
* If you have to travel with several airlines, check if they have same policies for pets flying in the cabin.
* Also confirm if your pet is allowed to travel in the same plane with you.
Which container?
* You should check the size of the container with your airline company.
* The container should have enough space for your pet should to move, lie down and get up. Water and food need to be inside the container.
* It is must that you mention your contact details on the container.
* A few days before you leave, you can test the container and keep a small toy inside or a cloth with your perfume on it.
On D-Day
* Let your pet drink some water two hours before the flight.
* Let him move/run sometime before he gets placed in the container.
At your destination
* Your pet needs to rest and feel comfortable. So find a suitable cozy place. And make sure you don’t leave him alone. Be by his side and pet him so that he does not feel isolated.
* Keep your pet inside your home for a few days to get adjusted to the new environment.
* Use a collar with your current address and phone number.
* Perhaps stress and heat can modify his appetite, so let your pet decide his meal and his eating quantity.
What other tips do you have for moving overseas with your pet?
Traveling south? Click here to see how I can help you plan your trip to Calabria or southern Italy.
There is another choice besides flying, the Queen Mary II, the only ship that sails to Europe and allows pets. That is how we came because our dog was older and she might not have done well on the flight. We also traveled with 21 bags (we were moving!). By the time we would have paid for the extra baggage and the dog the QMII was not all that more, especially when you consider that meals and a room for 6 nights was thrown in. Without hesitation I would reccomend it.
Interesting suggestion-I love it! Thanks so much.
Martha´s last [type] ..So why did she even bother
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This all sounds like good advice. We were very concerned about bringing our cat to Italy, but in the end it all went pretty smoothly.
A couple more bits that might be useful to readers:
Microchip: Italy basically requires a 15 digit ISO microchip. In the US uses a 9(?) digit type and the two are incompatible, so we had to get a second chip implanted. Not all vets carry the ISO chip or are even familiar with it, so you might want to call around.
Carrier: Some airlines will list particular brands which they know to meet their criteria. We went with the SturdiBag w/Dry Fur pee pads and we couldn’t be more happy with our choice. This carrier uses tent-style rods to squish down under the seat when needed and then expand up when it can. We also brought a portable litter tray http://tinyurl.com/26oe6k4 that came in handy.
Flight fees: There will likely be a charge for bringing your pet on the plane. For our flight from MN to NY, kitty’s “ticket” cost more than mine did – and he didn’t even get his own seat!
Thanks so much for the extra tips!
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Wow! So much to think about. I’m glad I found my pets here!
Yea, definitely doesn’t sound easy, does it?
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Thanks for this timely info Cherrye! I’ll be using this for Maddie, and she thanks you.
Prego, Maddie.
My Melange´s last [type] ..Five Castles in Sicily
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Thanks for sharing your insights and exploits. one really wonderful site you got here. Cheers and more power always online.
Thanks!
Cebu Urbano
Jam´s last [type] ..A courier service nightmare
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We brought our dog here with no problem. I just wanted to note that there is a BIG difference between CARGO and BAGGAGE. If you bring your dog with you, he will most likely be extra “baggage”. This is much better than “cargo” which is mostly for animals that are not accompanied by their owners. There is FAR less trouble with baggage. The animal just comes out the oversized baggage doors in the Rome airport and that’s that. However, the CARGO area is in ANOTHER building in ROME! And in that other building, they look at paperwork, etc.
GREAT tip/addition, Diana. Thanks so much.
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