International Pet Travel Tips from PetRelocation.com

Meeting the International Pet Travel Challenge:

While you can make all the arrangements yourself, nothing is worse than having your pet impounded or lost because of an oversight or lack of knowledge.

Some essential pet transportation reminders:

*Check and double check every detail of the pet transportation plan.

*Do a pet travel run throughђ with your family a couple of times well before the travel date.

*Keep a notebook and folder with you at all times including your pets travel documents, health information, pet flight information, and all key phone numbers and contacts.

*Verify all international pet shipping & import procedures with the destination countryҒs U.S. Consulate.

Following are details about the international pet travel experience, helpful advice, and some info on the realities of creating a successful pet relocation experience.

The Realities of the International Pet Transportation Process

PetRelocation.com has been the authority for years on international pet shipping and travel arrangements. Relocating overseas can be a daunting prospect, especially if it comes with short notice or involves the lives of multiple family members, including your cherished pets.

While you begin making overseas arrangements for your beloved pets, remember that excellent planning and attention to every detail of the international pet travel plan is essential. The safety and comfort of your pet is paramount, at the same time, following the regulations of your country destination to the letter is a must in order to avoid frustration, delays, and legal red tape!

International pet travel and relocation overseas is a complicated process and requires specialized knowledge of import and export documentation, veterinary procedures, timing, airline policies, pet travel crate requirements, quarantine requirements, boarding accommodation, proper animal identification & more.

If you decide you need professional pet travel assistance, contact PetRelocation.com for help from the experts. Our seasoned pet transportation experts will design a custom plan geared to you and your pets unique needs and will ensure a safe, efficient, and comfortable relocation for your cats, dogs, and every kind of creature.

Creating a Safe and Efficient Plan for International Pet Travel

Our Pet Travel Map:To learn more about the pet travel regulations of your destination country, please visit our interactive world map or the ґSearch by Location drop down menu on the left navigation tool bar. PetRelocation.com has gathered comprehensive information for just about every nation on Earth. Included are your country's import rules, local guidelines, and often advice from others who have moved their pet to the same locale.

Contact the Consulate:To make sure you have all the right information, your first step in planning an international pet shipping strategy should be to contact the Consulate of the destination country for your pet's importation requirements. Some countries require a lengthy quarantine; others have very rigid vaccination standards, and some only accept animals at certain airports within that country.

Documentation is a Must! The most important thing to remember is that, just like human travel, pets also need additional documentation in order to enter another country. Each country is different, and they have varying requirements for international pet travel documents.

International Pet Travel Questions for the Consulate:

• Are there any special restrictions for pets being imported into your country?

• What documents are required to import my pet?

• Are there any age restrictions regarding the import of my pet?

• Are any special vaccinations or tests required for my pet?

• Are there specific pet transportation restrictions for this country?
  
• Are there any country/local holidays during or around the time of my planned trip?

• Are there any special international pet transport quarantine requirements before official entry into the country?

• Are quarantine facilities available on the planned arrival date and station?

• What expenses should I expect during the pet importation process?

• What is the procedure and do I need to be present in order for my pet to clear customs?

Import Regulations:Most foreign governments have some form of quarantine or health requirements for international pet arrivals, so it is essential to ascertain exactly what those regulations are for your destination. Our International Pet Travel Map will give you guidance for destinations procedures, yet we also recommend calling the Consulate for any recent changes to pet shipping and import laws.

Expenses:You must also allow for the likely expenses that are involved, and these can add up quickly. The expected pet air travel expenses are not the only factor. Pet boarding fees for quarantine vary greatly depending on the country. Veterinarian fees for animal inspection may also be incurred, as well as documentation and licensing charges.

Pet Friendly Airline Travel:After learning about your country's import requirements, your next step is to find an airline that will work with you: Contact the airlines that fly to your proposed destination, select one and then check with them to confirm that they will accept your pet on the day and flight that you prefer.

Take this time to learn more about the airline's pet travel policy and how they handle the pets when in their care. This will allow you to learn more about them and to see if your date works, or how you can work around their flight times & possible restrictions.

Some airlines make pet friendly travel a priority and this includes overseas pet flights. Ask other animal owners for pet friendly airline recommendations.

On the day of travel, as soon as you get on the plane, ask a flight attendant to confirm that your pet is on board. That way, if there's been any mix-up and your animal has not been loaded, you have a better chance of getting something done about it right away. Some pet friendly airlines will allow you to carry small pet carriers with you in the main cabin, but only if it will fit under the seat in front of you.

Pet Health & Your Vet:A lengthy list of health requirements is required for International pet travel and relocation and you will need to visit your Veterinarian prior to the flight. We suggest that your Veterinarian be consulted well before your departure date, to make sure they are accredited for issuing International Health Documents and that they have the prior experience needed.

Your Veterinarian will give your pet a full check up and advise you on any potential problems that can arise during pet transportation and airline travel. Your Vet can also assist with questions or concerns that you may have about your pet. Make sure you have all the required import & export documentation ready for them to complete. Many countries may require you to fill out a certain Health Certificate or additional document you must obtain from them directly.

Food and Water:Limit food intake the day before travel, but never water: Although they may initially disagree, your animal's potential for a comfortable trip can be increased by limiting their prior food intake. Prepare your pet for its journey by reducing the quantity of food the day before flying. The PetRelocation.com online store has pet travel dishes and other accessories available for your favorite animalҒs journey.

Make sure to walk your dog before you go to the airport and before check in, which should be 1-2 hours before the flight.

Your Pet Travel Crate:The big day has arrived! Make sure to equip your pet travel kennel with the vital necessities. While your beloved animal is out of your sight and care, make it as easy as possible for airline staff to care for them. Your cat or dog travel crate must meet the airline's standards and be large enough for the pet to lie down comfortably turn around and stand freely in. See our Pet Travel Crate Measurement page for guidelines.

Mark the travel crate with "Live Animal - This Side Up" and include your name, address, and telephone number. At least two pet water bowls attached to the door, filled with pet Hydration Gel and dried food must be attached to the top of the carrier in case there are any flight delays. Your pet's travel crate must have ventilation holes on all four sides.

Please do not hesitate to contact PetRelocation.com with your international pet shipping questions and concerns. Weve been making successful relocation happen for people and their pets for a long time.