So you’ve decided to relocate and can’t bear to leave your four-legged friend behind. Keep in mind that airlines have very specific regulations for transporting pets – from how you load and board your pet, the type and size of its carrier, the required veterinary records, and even the fees involved. The good news is that if you do your homework and prep your pet properly for its overseas adventure, your and your furry friend can look forward to a smooth takeoff and landing as you embark upon your new journey.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
After confirming that the airline accepts pets, find out their regulations for transporting pets; small pets in their carriers can often accompany you in the cabin, while larger crates/animals have to travel by cargo. Note that you may be out of luck if the trip includes layovers or if weather conditions on the day of your flight are too extreme (hot or cold).
Similarly, before you jet around the world with your favorite canine or feline, check that the hotel or apartment building you’ll be staying at accepts pets on their premises. If you have a dog and are moving into a new house, consider the benefits of a backyard, as well as the advantages of a nearby public park or border walk.
Pet Paperwork
Just like humans need a passport and visa to travel abroad, pets have their own set of international travel red tape, which includes an official health certificate (dated within 30 days of your travel date), a slew of country specific vaccinations, and copies of veterinarian records. Each pet must also travel in a crate approved by the International Air Transport Associations (IATA), and some countries insist upon a quarantine period before they’ll allow pets to cross into their borders. To ensure that all your ducks are in a row so that your pet doesn’t get turned away at the airport, it pays to get some pet relocation advice.
Pet Travel Carriers
A great way to save money on pet travel is to borrow an appropriate crate or carrier from a friend or buy one secondhand. If you’re splurging for a new carrier, check online to get the best rates. The carrier should be big enough to let your pet turn around freely without being cramped. Since pets typically don’t like being confined to small spaces, put your pet in a relaxed state before it enters the carrier and provide plenty of TLC and special treats at the end of the trip.
Given how stressful and busy Moving Day is, you may not have time to properly care for your pet. Arranging for a short stay at a reputable kennel is a good alternative, allowing you to pack/unpack while making sure your pet is well cared for. If you still have questions about moving abroad with your pet, or if you need help packing or unpacking, contact us at NYShipping and we’ll be happy to lend a helping hand.
Pet ID Tags
Finally, make sure your pet has the proper tags, especially when you arrive in your new environment. Whether you tag your pet the good, old-fashioned way or get your pet micro-chipped, you and your four-legged pal can sleep well at night, knowing that you’re all set for an adventure extraordinaire across the miles.