While moving is always a major decision, moving with pets adds an additional set of considerations. If you are preparing to make a long-distance move with your pet(s), here are some things that you’ll want to plan for before the big day arrives.
1. Pet moving company (and their policies)
Moving companies tend to be very pet-friendly these days, but you still need to make sure that they don’t have any breed or size restrictions before booking. If the mover of your choice has weight or breed limitations, you can always hire additional movers at the destination location who will be able to help with your move for a fee.
Also check if their insurance policies cover the moving of your pets, if any. If they don’t, you can always get pet insurance for your four-legged family members before the move. Most pet relocation companies like Shiloh Animal Express offer additional insurance policies that cover lost or damaged items during transit.
2. Preparing your home
You need to plan ahead to make sure that your new destination is pet-friendly. If the new rental home isn’t pet-friendly, you might have to pay a fee or buy pet-friendly furniture or rugs. You can find out if the property is pet-friendly by calling the property owner/manager, speaking with neighbors in surrounding units, browsing listings on realty websites, and asking your real estate agent who will be helping you with the property search and negotiations.
If the new home is pet-friendly, you need to make sure there are no breed or size restrictions at your previous rental home. If it isn’t, try to find an alternative pet-friendly rental unit before making a decision on whether or not you should cancel your lease. Check real estate listings and ask neighbors, estate agents, or property management staff if there are any similar pet-friendly homes available in the area.
3. Preparing your pets for a long journey
If you have a dog, you might have to prepare them for a strenuous journey. Make sure that they don’t have any existing conditions such as arthritis or hip dysplasia that would make a long journey uncomfortable.
If your pet doesn’t travel well, you might want to ask your vet for anti-anxiety supplements or medications that can help calm them down during the flight. While some say these medications are safe, they aren’t legal in every country so it’s best to check with local authorities beforehand.
You should also make sure that all of your pet’s vaccinations and papers are up to date before you leave for your new destination.
4. Choosing a place for pets at the airport
If you’re bringing along multiple pets or large dogs, you might want to book them in special cargo crates during their journey; this is a common practice that is usually allowed by most airlines. It also ensures the safety of your four-legged family members as they travel in a climate-controlled environment and have food, water, and bedding supplied for them by the pet relocation specialist.
5. Informing friends and family about your move
If you need someone to care for your pets during the move, make sure to let them know ahead of time. If your friends or family members aren’t available to help out, you can always hire a pet sitter or use an online service to find someone trustworthy who can watch over your pets for the duration of the move.
6. Packing and transporting supplies
The best way to get your pet ready for the journey is to make sure they have everything they need. For dogs, you’ll need a custom dog collar, leash, harness or carrier, food and water bowls, dog calming treats, food, and any medications that will be required during the trip. If it’s a long journey, some airlines might allow pet-friendly toys like Kongs for dogs to play with during the flight.
Cats will need a carrier, a litter box, a cat food container, water bowls, a cat harness or leash, and any medications they might need at each stop. If your pet is traveling in cargo, make sure you have enough food and water available for them for however long it takes to reach your new home; stock up on pet food and make sure you buy some for the journey.
7. Preparing your pet’s passport
If you’re traveling to a country that requires pet travel documents like rabies vaccination certificates, microchips, or health certificates, you’ll need to start this process early. You can use a pet passport calculator to give you a general idea of what kind of documents your pet will need.
8. Booking flights and transportation
If possible, book your pet’s flights at the same time as yours so they can travel together in the cargo hold. If that isn’t an option for you, try to let your pets fly ahead through special cargo so they can be picked up at the other end.
A longer trip will require your pet to rest for a day or two before their flights; therefore, it’s best to take care of the arrangements well ahead of time (at least 30 days) to avoid any last-minute issues that could delay your schedule.
9. Notifying the airlines
It’s best to communicate with your pet import specialist and the airline you’re using to ensure that both sides are aware that pets will be on board. They need to coordinate who will be responsible for your pet at each stop and how they’ll get them from one person to another so the process of moving the pet is smooth and easy throughout the journey.
10. Get ready, get set, and go!
Go through the checklist one more time to make sure you didn’t forget anything. Check out pet export guide and travel resources for more information on international pet travel. Remember to book your airline tickets and start packing for yourself and your pets; since long-distance moves take a lot of preparation and planning ahead, it might not be a bad idea to get started at least a month or two in advance.
FAQs
How Many Pets Can I Bring?
The rules regarding how many pets you are allowed to bring when moving internationally can vary greatly depending on which country you are moving to. Some countries, like the United Kingdom, for example, allow pet relocation with no limit on the number of pets that can be brought into the country in a move. Other countries, however, have strict limits on how many pets one is allowed to bring. For instance, when moving to Australia, you are only allowed to bring 2 pets that meet the size restrictions (23kg or smaller) into the country in a pet move. Other countries have different regulations for international pet relocation, so it’s best that you check with your destination country prior to planning a move to see what their rules and regulations are regarding how many pets you can bring in a family move. You can also contact any pet moving company directly if you have any questions about your pet’s move.
Do I Have to Declare My Pets?
Some countries do not require pet owners to declare their animals when moving internationally, but there are also some that require all animals entering the country to be declared through an online portal or at the airport. Many people choose to fly with their pets because it is faster and more convenient, but it also means that a pet must be declared in a pet passport. As part of this process, you will need to go through a separate customs line at the airport where officials will inspect your pet and make sure they meet all requirements to enter the country.
What Vaccinations Do I Need for International Pet Relocation?
When you are moving with your pets to another country, they will need all required vaccinations up-to-date and documented. The United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has compiled a list of pet vaccinations that must be administered by a vet prior to entering the United States. When relocating with your pets internationally, it is also important to note that, depending on the country you are moving to, they may also require certain vaccinations in addition to those needed when traveling to the United States.
Is My Pet Too Young or Old for Travel?
Pet relocation with small puppies is often much harder than relocating adult pets because of their size and weight. Puppies can be especially difficult when flying because they can be booked on a separate flight from their owners and have to go through the quarantine process. Additionally, if your pet is too young for vaccinations, it may not be allowed to fly. In most cases, pet relocation with small puppies will require lots of patience and extra care when moving internationally.
What is a Quarantine Period for Pets?
When embarking on a pet relocation from one country to another, be prepared to answer questions about the length of time your animals have been in their current home. Many countries will mandate that pets must relocate with their owners and be quarantined for several weeks to ensure that they do not have any dangerous or contagious diseases. For this reason, pet owners who are moving internationally need to be prepared to provide their animals with proper food and shelter during the quarantine period. This means that international pet relocation could cost more than normal as you would need to set up a temporary home (i.e. a hotel or animal boarding facility) that your pets will be able to access during the quarantine period.
Final Thoughts
Moving with your pet(s) is a big and, in some cases, expensive decision. Not only do you need to make sure that they’ll be able to weather the trip well (or at all), but you also have to plan for additional moving costs, vet visits and procedures, quarantine requirements, and more. You’ll have to plan for all of this if you are moving with your pet(s) anywhere, but there is perhaps more additional care required when relocating to another country. Relocating with pets can be hectic and stressful, but it doesn’t have to be as long as you’re organized and prepared for the journey, and if your pet is well-behaved and used to traveling. Take a look through our blog posts about moving abroad for more helpful information on relocating with pets to another country or contact us if you need help with your pet’s relocation.