What You Should Know When Retiring Overseas With Your Pets

Forbes

3 days ago

Relocating overseas with your pets. getty
One of the questions I'm most frequently asked by people considering making a move overseas is: Can I bring my pet with me?
The good news is that the answer is generally, yes, especially if your pet is a dog or cat. They can come along on your expat adventure, no problem, with some exceptions.
If you're considering a move overseas and your pet is a key member of your family that you'd never imagine leaving behind, start your research into any country on your list by taking a look at the website for the country's embassy. This is the best source for confirming current requirements for importing animals into that country.
These rules change. If a long while passes between when you begin your search and when you're ready to make your move, check the country's embassy's website again for updates. You don't want to show up in the arrivals' hall of your new home's international airport to be told that Fido must be indefinitely detained or, worse, shipped back because you don't have the proper paperwork.
It's also important to note that some countries ban certain breeds, notably those deemed 'aggressive,' and some place restrictions on importing pets who have undergone procedures they don't allow like ear cropping or tail docking.
If getting to your chosen destination involves taking a flight, you'll need to confirm several things with your carrier before purchasing tickets. Some airlines are more pet-friendly than others; all have rules about pet travel. The airline regulations can be more restrictive than those of many countries.
You will need to check if your dog or cat is a permitted breed on board. Some airlines don't accept certain breeds in the cabin, in cargo, or in either. You are also usually restricted to one pet per person. Short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds that are prone to respiratory problems are at a higher risk of experiencing distress during a flight, and many airlines don't permit them on board at all.
In addition, most airlines impose a maximum weight for dogs. As a general guide, cats and dogs weighing less than fifteen pounds can accompany you in the cabin. There are also weight, dimension, and container specifications for both cabin and cargo. Again, these change from time to time so make sure to double-check prior to confirming your booking.
Another consideration is the season when you plan to travel. You might not be allowed to bring your pet during a time of year that's too hot or too cold, either in your departure or your arrival point. The no-fly periods can be a few weeks or a few months, depending on the destination.
The next step is to ensure your pet's health requirements are in order.
You'll need an international health certificate (in the United States it's APHIS Form 7001; in Canada it's the Canadian International Health Certificate) prepared by a vet accredited by the governmental entity for import and export of animals. In the United States that's the USDA; in Canada it's CIFA. This usually must be issued within ten days of travel.
For some countries you will need to fill in another health certificate within ten days of your arrival at your destination and have it signed by a local veterinarian. Depending on the country, it may need to be translated. An import permit may also be required. Each part of this process incurs a small fee.
Your pet will need a recent rabies vaccination and its corresponding documentation. Your dog's age comes into play, as puppies under three months cannot be vaccinated against rabies. If your dog is being vaccinated against rabies for the first time, they must receive the vaccination at least twenty-eight days before your trip.
Most countries require your pet be microchipped, and some require you to fill out a home quarantine form. Again, a fee may be payable, likely in cash, in the local currency.
In some destinations you may need to meet with a customs official or veterinary authority upon arrival. Check their business hours and try to co-ordinate your flight times to match up with them to avoid delays at the airport.
If you manage the logistics on your own, the cost of relocating your pet with you isn't prohibitive. If your budget allows for it, though, consider working with a pet relocation service. While expensive—you're looking at around $5,000 per pet—enlisting this support takes the legwork, stress, and uncertainty out of the process. If you're looking to move more than one pet the price is typically less per additional pet.
If driving to your new home is a possibility, consider it. This option will likely be easier on your pet and more affordable, but you will need to make sure your paperwork is precisely timed against your departure and arrival dates and factor in the importation regulations not only for your ultimate destination but also for any country you'll be traveling through.
That's dogs and cats. Making a move with other animals can be more challenging. Birds require a lot of paperwork, and many are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Quarantine is typically required before or after travel. The rules vary country to country.
Invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibia, and mammals such as rodents and rabbits need not be vaccinated for rabies, but they do require health certificates and must meet other requirements, usually quarantine.
If your pet is protected by CITES, you will need additional permits. Over one-hundred-and-eighty countries participate and enforce CITES regulations so it's important to pay attention to their rules. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Retire In Mauritius: Spots For A Vibrant Lifestyle From $1,400 A Month By Kathleen Peddicord Forbes The Balkan Country That Adores Americans By Kathleen Peddicord Forbes Beat The Summer Heat In These 6 Cool-Weather Havens By Kathleen Peddicord