Your pets may become world travelers if you move overseas.
You have scheduled the packers and movers, started learning a few words of French or German and applied for passports in preparation for your family's move from the United States to Europe. But you're not quite done -- the kids don't want to leave the family pet behind. Whether you use a pet relocator service or make the arrangements yourself, there are things you must do, some well in advance, to ensure a safe and uneventful transition for your family's four-legged members.
Instructions
1. Determine whether it is in your pet's best interest to move with you; in some cases, it is better to find him a new home in the U.S. Most European countries have generally reasonable pet import requirements, but several have very burdensome policies. Great Britain, for example, has an onerous list of extra requirements: rigid, drawn-out timelines for immunizations, health tests not required by other countries, expensive medical insurance and, under some circumstances, a six-month quarantine for your pet once he arrives. They also permit travel only via certain air carriers and air cargo routes. All this can be extremely stressful for both you and the pet, particularly when the pet is older or in fragile health. See the referenced information at the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) website for details.
2. Purchase a pet kennel or crate approved for travel if you do decide to move your pet to Europe with you. Begin to acclimate your pet to its kennel by leaving the pet in it for a period of time each day. Begin with a half hour or an hour and gradually increase the amount of time it spends in the kennel so it is fully used to it by the time of your move. If your pet has not been crated before, it is best to start this process several months in advance of the move to minimize the animal's stress when it is required to be in the crate for extended periods during travel.
3. Contact your veterinarian as soon as you learn you will be moving. He can help you obtain the necessary forms and health documentation for your pet to be allowed entry into Europe. Develop with him a timeline for your pet to have all the required vaccinations and medications required for travel and for entry into your destination country. Dogs will need current distemper, hepatitis, parvo, leptospirosis and rabies vaccines. Cats need feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia and rabies immunizations. Each country may have additional requirements. See the Dogtime website in the reference section.
4. Comply with European Union (EU) requirements for bringing a pet into Europe. According to European Commission Regulation 998/2003, in addition to the vaccines listed above, your pet must have a microchip for identification, the EU Vet Health Certificate (EU Form 998) filled out by an accredited veterinarian and a rabies certificate. Some pets cannot be taken to Europe at all, regardless of their health status. Great Britain and several other countries prohibit the importation of pit bulls and some other terrier breeds under any circumstances. Reptiles and birds also have special requirements in some countries -- birds must undergo quarantine upon arrival in the Netherlands, for example.
5. Complete U.S. Form 7001, the International Health Certificate. Get this form from your veterinarian and ask him to complete it within 10 days of departure. This form, along with the EU forms listed above, will need a USDA endorsement within 10 days of departure. Obtain this endorsement by contacting your nearest USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service office for specific instructions about obtaining these endorsements in a timely manner. A list of local and regional offices is available at the APHIS website.
6. Contact the airline you will be using for your move. Ask the airline representative exactly what documentation the airline requires for transporting your type of pet to your destination country. Request precise details of all necessary procedures involved for transporting your pet -- for example, find out how many hours in advance of your scheduled flight the pet must be at the airport, and whether or not the airline requires the pet to be medicated for the duration of the flight(s). Your vet can prescribe something for this purpose, if it is required.
Related posts
Pets can go on vacation with you if you follow transport rules.KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has strict regulations when it comes to pet transport. Not only must the airline comply with the animal heal...
There are a variety of ways to affordably transport your pet.Transporting a pet from one place to another can often seem like a hassle. Fortunately, there are many companies and services that offe...
If you've been involved in or expressed interest in animal rescue, you've likely received the email requests for help transporting rescue dogs, cats or other pets from a shelter to a new forever h...
Vaccinations help prevent the need for quarantines when a pet enters the U.S. from Korea.When transporting animals from North or South Korea, there are specific steps you must take. The CDC regula...
Many airlines will allow you to ship your pets as cargo.Traveling with pets can be a stressful experience, both for you and for them. While recently, some airlines have become more pet-friendly (w...
