How to Transport Your Pet Overseas

Are you planning to visit or move to the other side of the world? Figuring out how to transport your furniture is one thing, but what about your beloved dog or cat? Finding a safe, affordable way to transport your pet overseas is possible.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet connection
• Paper and a pen
• Telephone

1. Find out the country’s policy on pets by searching the Internet.

2. Take your pet to the veterinarian for a checkup. Sometimes countries require a health or rabies certificate for animals entering their country. Also find out if your pet will be able to endure the transport.

3. Determine how much money you have to fund the transport. You may have to pay duty and quarantine costs. If the country requires that the pet be quarantined, call the quarantine center and find out what the quality of care is and if they will have a veterinarian on staff in case of an emergency.

4. Avoid giving your pet sedatives, because the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) says this may cause fatality.

5. Check airplane requirements for pet transportation in advance. Often there is a size limit for the crates and feeding instructions may need to be attached to the crate. If the pet is small enough, see if it can stay in the crate while on the plane with you.

6. Contact other businesses that specialize in transporting pets overseas. Compare their prices and services to airlines to see which is best for you and your pet.

Tips & Warnings

• Implant a tracking chip into your pet so that if your pet would get lost, you would be able to locate it.
• Perform a thorough check of the transporting service before committing to one—your pet’s health and well-being depends upon it.
• Be sure to double check that you have everything required to get your pet into the country.