Moving pets overseas

Moving overseas is a big step when it’s just people involved, but what about the animal members of your family? Pets can be tricky to travel with, both because they tend to find the experience stressful and because of the quarantine prerequisites for entry into many countries. Australia has one of the toughest sets of quarantine regulations in the world, because our geographical isolation has meant that we are free of many unpleasant plant and animal diseases like rabies, but what about moving pets out of Australia?

Quarantine information for pets

If you are taking your pets overseas with you, different quarantine regulations apply in different countries, and you need to arrange this aspect of your travel at least a few months before you leave:

• The best way to find out about relevant quarantine information and get more information on what travel papers your pet will need is to contact the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service. Requirements do vary, as does quarantine time.
• Be aware that your pet may have to spend up to six months in quarantine. Again, this varies, and may be only a few weeks in some countries. This time can be very stressful on some animals, and  you may wish to take this into consideration in deciding whether to take your beloved pet with you, or whether to find him a loving new home before you leave
• Just like the human members of your family, your pet will require a passport for overseas travel. Organise this well before you plan to leave
• Pets travelling overseas will also need a vet certificate stating that they are healthy and up to date with vaccinations. Check with your vet about which vaccinations your pet will require to travel to the particular place you are going to, and be aware that several shots may have to be given over a period of weeks or even months. Vitamin C is of assistance in helping pets to cope with vaccinations
• You may also require an import licence for your pet. Again, this depends on the country you are travelling to

Moving overseas with pets is more complex than simply booking a flight and buying an appropriate container to keep your animal safe and comfortable. Be prepared well in advance to ensure that you have all of the paperwork and quarantine information that you will require.

Moving overseas with pets

While moving overseas with pets is certainly somewhat complicated, it will be worth the extra effort to bring a beloved family member to join in your new life. Take the time several months before you plan to leave to make certain that all the paperwork is in order and that you are clear on quarantine requirements for the country you are moving to so that you and your pets have as smooth a transition as possible.