Ol`gita Major: International Economic Relations Status: Workygirl I am fond of chocolates, flowers, friends, loud music, watching movies, taking pictures and traveling!!!

How to Take a Pet Overseas
Olya Bezvushko

When you are planning to move abroad for an extended period of time, you have to decide what to do with your pet (of course if you have one). You can take it with you, leave it in care of your family or friends, give it up for adoption or leave it at the local animal shelter.

Start with finding out either it is allowed to have a pet in your future abroad dormitory or either your landlord will let you have one.

If you want to take a pet with you, you have to consider that the process concerning preparation of necessary documents will take much time and will be rather complicated. You should convey a detailed research prior to starting the process.   

Ask yourself couple of important questions before you decide what to do with your pet, like what is the duration of your trip, either your pet will like airplane trip and how it will like the sedation.  

The main reason, why it is so difficult to transport pets to another country is the danger of potential disease transmission. All custom services are concerned about the spread of avian influenza and rabies. These diseases are dangerous for humans.  So, most countries require pets to have a certified rabies vaccination and in some cases even a blood titer test to make sure your pet does not have rabies. The second thing that may be required during the border crossing is a lengthy quarantine. It can last up to six month and is expensive. Moreover, the quarantine means that your pet won’t live with you during some time. There are strict requirements not only for dogs and cats, nut also for birds, and many other animals.

Some countries also require you to have a health certificate that will assure that your pet is free from parasites.

Make sure that all vaccinations haven’t past their expiry dates and that you have all necessary documents to qualify for the host country entrance. Sometimes, there is a need to translate and notarize health certificates at a host country consulate in the home country.  

One more important issue is how it is possible to transport your pet. There are airlines which allow carrying animals in an airplane if the cage is small enough to be put under the seat. If the cage doesn’t fit under your seat you can ship it as checked baggage. Airlines may forbid carrying pets during certain periods of the year as outside air temperature influence the temperature in the cargo bay.  Make sure you have full information from the airline you prefer more than others.

It is better your pet to be familiar with his travel container before the flight. Make sure you put some pet toys or your clothing items so your pet feel itself more comfortable.   

There is a pet relocation service. It may be very helpful in case you do not have enough time to get all the details by yourself. It is rather costly, but they assure to transport the pet in a save and really professional manner.   

In spite of being time consuming and sometimes expensive, pet transportation is not too difficult and you may allow yourself to stay abroad with your pet.