Check Travel Requirements
The consulate in your destination country can advise you on animal importation laws, as well as the authorised routes and approved companies for bringing animals into a country. Remember that you must adhere to the legal requirements of all the countries you travel through on your journey.
Mode of Transport
Travelling over land may seem like the most stress-free option for your pet but the journey may take longer than by plane. If you cannot take your animal with you in your own car, your pet will travel in an unknown vehicle with strangers, causing additional stress. Furthermore, ground transportation can be as costly as a flight.
Make Flying More Comfortable
If you
fly, book a flight outside peak hours so there is more room in the cargo hold, and the chance of more attention for your pet from the airline staff. It may be possible to take your pet into the cabin as ‘luggage’, but check with the airline first.
Use the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)
PETS is a European Union (EU) scheme for the movement of animals across borders.
To be eligible to travel under the scheme, cats,
dogs and ferrets must be:
- micro chipped,
- vaccinated against rabies,
- treated for tapeworm and ticks,
- subject to a blood test at an EU approved laboratory (requirement for entry into the UK, Ireland & Sweden),
- in possession of an up-to-date EU pet passport.
There are other rules for pet rabbits, rodents and horses so check the guidelines carefully.
Book a Trip to the Vets
To travel abroad, your vet should declare your pet medically fit. A vet will also microchip, vaccinate, carry out treatments, and update your pet’s documentation, as well as provide tablets for travel sickness and advice on sedation if warranted.
Ask your vet about preventative treatments for exotic diseases that may be prevalent in your destination country (like heartworm or Lyme disease).
Prepare a Pet Carrier
Make sure your pet carrier is sturdy and large enough for the animal to stand up, turn around and lie in. It should be well ventilated and allow a good airflow and bedding in the carrier should be absorbent and leak proof. Get your pet accustomed to the carrier well in advance of the journey.
If your pet is flying,adhere to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Regulations requirements for a pet carrier.
Label Your Pet Carrier
IATA regulations state that the green “Live Animals” label must be on your pet’s container when travelling by air. You should place “This Way Up” labels on all four sides of the carrier.
Document your full contact details on the carrier and if you sedate your animal, record the details of the drug and dose on the carrier’s label.
Things to Pack for Your Animal
For air journeys, provide two spill-proof water containers that are refillable from the outside, a food container and enough absorbent bedding for the journey. For cats, fix a litter tray in the container so that it cannot spill or slide around.
Include a toy or blanket that looks and smells familiar in the pet carrier to help put your pet at ease.
Make the Journey Comfortable
Before travelling, provide a light meal two hours before departure but do not ration your pet’s intake of water.
If possible, exercise larger animals just before departure to tire them, making sleep more likely for the duration of the journey.
If you are driving, make sure to schedule comfort and exercise breaks into the journey but when you stop, do not leave your pet in the car in hot weather. Temperatures can soar quickly even with the windows left slightly open.
Arrival
Just like the rest of your family, an animal needs time to adjust to a new environment. Spend extra time with your pet to help familiarise them with the area and the new lodgings. Take care with outdoor animals and keep them inside until they are used to their new location.
Amanda van Mulligen
More Expat Resources
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