13 Mar 2019
Moving abroad is a big event for anyone, full of the unknown and many adventures to discover. It can be stressful, exciting, thrilling and nerve-racking - all at once. Moving can be very stressful on dogs, so if you’re planning to move abroad with man’s best friend it’s important that you do everything you can to make the transition as easy as possible. You’ll also need to make sure you have the proper documentation and health records for your dog.
Our blog offers tips for moving abroad with your dog, including what research you’ll need to carry out beforehand, and how to make the process easier on your dog.
Consider the New Location
To help make the transition easier for your faithful friend, you should make sure that the country will be an easy place for them to settle into.
To start, you’ll want to consider the breed of your dog. Some breeds do not do well in particular climates. For example, flat-nosed dogs like French Bulldogs and Pugs struggle in hot climates, while small or thin breeds, like Greyhounds and Chihuahuas don’t do well in cold climates.
Furthermore, some breeds are banned in certain countries. For example, many countries have banned many bull and mastiff breeds. You’ll need to make sure that your dog is allowed to be imported to the new country before planning your move, otherwise you’ll be disappointed to find you cannot take them with you.
Research
When preparing to move to a new country, you’ll need to research what their specific requirements are for bringing a pet into the country. For example, most countries will require you to prove that your pet has a clean bill of health and is up to date on their injections, including the rabies vaccine.
Some countries will require that your pet is microchipped, and some will require your pet to be quarantined for a set period of time upon arriving in the country to monitor their health. Your pet will also require travel documents, for example they may need a passport to travel to your new home. Again, the type of documents your dog will require depends on the country you will be moving to.
It’s important that you thoroughly research these requirements to avoid any issues that may arise from not having the right documents.
You’ll also need to conduct some research on the best way to get your pet to the new country. If you’re going to be flying, it’s especially important that you research airlines’ requirements and procedures for relocating pets. Some airlines will allow small dogs to travel with you, while others will require all animals to travel in the cargo hold. You’ll want to ensure that you choose an airline that has a strong reputation for safely transporting pets with minimal stress.
Prepare Your Dog
It’s important to try and make the transport process as easy as possible on your dog. One of the first things you should do is begin familiarising your dog with a crate if they have not already been exposed to one. No matter how you’ll be travelling, it’s likely that your dog will need to be crated for the journey. Start by leaving the crate in your home with a comfortable blanket and treats so they get used to sleeping in the crate as and when they please. Next, begin taking them for short car rides in the crate so they understand that they are safe when moving around in it.
If your pet is going to be separated from you during the flight, they will feel more secure if they have something familiar with them. Something as simple as putting a blanket that smells like you in their crate or making sure they have their favourite toy will help them feel more comfortable as they travel to their new home and meet you at the other end.
Did you know that Bishop’s Move specialises in international pet transportation? If you’re planning a move abroad and will be bringing your dog, we can help you at every step of the way. We use a service owned and run by vets to ensure that your dog is properly cared for throughout the process. From making sure you get the right documentation and pet passport to selecting the right airline and flight, we make the process of moving abroad with your dog much easier. Get in touch with us today.
