Shipping Pets Abroad: What you need to know

Moving to a different country is an amazing feeling, but it can even be more complicated when you have to ship your pets along. Sending pets to another continent is no easy feat – it takes a lot of processes, and knowledge of relevant rules and most importantly how to make sure the animal suffers the least stress during transit. So you are shifting due to job, family or even for a change of environment-there are factors that you ought to understand when carrying your pet overseas.

1. Find Out About Pet Restrictions Where Your Moving

The first and most vital thing to appreciate is the fact that every country has its own regulations geared at controlling the inflow of animals. In some there are strict requirements regarding how long an imported animal is kept in prison contact – no people, some vaccines, some papers. Look at the following details:

Vaccination Requirements: Most countries require pet travelers to have had anti-rabies and other injections. It is possible that you will be asked to show these vaccines with the health certificate.

Quarantine: Certain countries such as Australia and New Zealand have rules that demand a framework of quarantine before pets are considered suitable for importation. Quarantine facilities may last for a few days or even several months depending on the policies of a specific nation and the status of your pet.

Import Permits: BioSecurity Import Licensing for Pets is required in some countries. Visit the embassy or veterinary institution in the hostile country for what is allowed in.

Breed Restrictions: Be mindful of all breed restrictions that may apply. Some breeds of dogs like Rottweilers or Pit Bulls may not be admitted to the country among others.

2. Choose the Correct Pet Transport Company.

There are many considerations when transporting a pet to another country, which also includes searching for a qualified and professional pet shipping service or company which will suffice the international laws. Many of these services will do most of the work for you, with additional features like arranging for flights, providing an appropriate pet box and making sure that your pet is at ease throughout the process of moving.

3. Preparing Your Pet for the Journey

They say that home is where the heart is and this holds true not just for you but for your animal as well. And so the thought of shipping pets abroad can as well be scary to most if not all people. Hence, this is why it is also important to make sure that they are ready for the trip. 

Focus on the Cage: There is no way your pet will go to a kennel, so that means it will be confined in a travel crate, for a number of hours, in case of transit. To make the experience more pleasant for your pet, it is recommended to introduce it to the travel crate, a few weeks in advance, when it will be easier for the pet to accept it as their own space. 

See the Doctor: As most pets would be traveling, it is also advisable to book an appointment with the veterinarian prior to that trip to assess the physical condition of the pet. This is the time to ensure all vaccines are given, get comfort drugs if needed, and inquire about behavioral adjustments when the animal is nervous.

Feed and Drink: Most airlines do not allow pets to eat 4-6 hours before the flight in order to prevent stomach upsets. Nevertheless, ensure that they are not dehydrated and water is available inside the crate for the duration of the trip.

4. Pet-friendly Airlines 

While Also Intercontinental Pet Travel introduces relevant advice on how to fly pets inside an aircraft, it is wise to include a pet travel airline that is designed for such purposes usually has cabin or cargo space. Here are a few things to remember. 

Airline Policies: Some airlines allow smaller pets to sit in the cabin while others ask that every pet be placed in a turndown hold. Thus it is prudent to check the airline’s guidelines and restrictions on pets carriage before booking a flight. 

Nonstop Flights: Whenever possible, choose non-stop flights. Layovers may be difficult for your pet, and non-stop flights help avoid the layover time. 

Heat Restrictions: It is common practice for airlines to restrict the flying of pets during extreme temperatures. Ensure your flight timing is within the acceptable temperature ranges as stipulated by the airline most especially if your pet will be in the cargo area.

5. Keeping Your Furry Friend Comfortable throughout the Transfer.

Throughout the airline travels if you are bringing your pet, their comfort and safety will be considered the highest. Here are some of the ways to ease the journey for your pet:

Proper Crate Size: Make sure the travel crate is as big that the traveling pet can stand, turn around and lie down without any hindrance. The crate should be airline approved and ventilated too.

Identification: Equip your pet with a collar and a crate both clearly labelled with identification information including your contacts, the physical drier location and medical conditions if any.

Familiar Items: It is advisable to pack materials like blankets, toys, or some pieces of clothing in the travel crate. Pets also become accustomed to some smells and find them tranquilizing.

6. Create an Arrival and Settling In Strategy.

After your pet has been flown into the destination country, it is possible that there will be additional measures to be undertaken before he or she is taken to the house. Customs clearance: In some states, pets are subjected to customs clearance as a process. This will include more legal documents, payments, and even examinations. Settling In – Adapting to the new country is quite a major change to the animal. You can aid their adaptation by creating a ‘safe’ area within your new property, upholding their regular activities and ultimately, easing them into their new environment.