Relocating can be confusing and scary—for you and for your pets—but it doesn’t have to be if you’re well prepared
There are many things to consider when you begin to plan for the relocation of your pet, with the animal’s comfort being the top priority for many of our pet parents. With this in mind we always recommend that owners choose to fly their animal as cargo with a pet-friendly airline. This option is not only the safest but it is the least stressful option as it allows for reduced time spent on the aircraft, travel in a climate-controlled cargo hold and processing completed by trained staff experienced in handling animals.
One thing pet parents often forget about is the importance of crate training their furry friend. Once you have selected an IATA compliant crate we recommend giving your pet as much time as possible to adjust to their temporary home. While it might seem like a good idea to sedate your pet, we strongly advise against any form of sedative being used for air travel. This can be dangerous to the welfare of the animal as it can increase the risk of heart and respiratory problems and many airlines will not allow a sedated animal to fly. We find that a slow and gradual introduction to their new crate is the best option for keeping animals relaxed throughout their journey.
Research And Then Research Some More!
Research your options as soon as you find out about your upcoming move and ensure you are informed about any restrictions on your particular breed because certain airlines will not fly snub-nosed animals or those deemed to be dangerous.
Some countries’ regulations are more complicated than others and owners need to ensure they plan well in advance of any relocation. The requirements vary from country to country but the import procedures for many of our popular moves require health certificates, import permits and periods in quarantine.While it might be cost effective to tackle the move by yourself, we always advise our pet parents to seek the assistance of an expert relocator to handle these sometimes-complex procedures.
While the import process for Vietnam is fairly straightforward and inexpensive be informed that exporting animals can be slightly costlier depending on the requirements of the destination country. For this reason, we advise researching all options available to you and ensuring you have budgeted this factor in when deciding to adopt or rehome an animal in Vietnam.
Plan In Advance
One piece of advice that I can’t emphasize enough is to ensure your pet is up-to-date with their vaccinations. It can be very upsetting for pet parents to realize that they will have to leave their pet behind simply because their destination country requires a longer inoculation period. Always consult your veterinarian in good time so they can advise you on what vaccinations may be required for your chosen destination.
We advise all owners to at least have the basics covered when it comes to their animal’s vaccinations and recommend booking an appointment with their veterinarian to have their animal microchipped and vaccinated against rabies.
While it might seem like a daunting process, early preparation is key to a successful move. Once you have researched your options, speak with a specialist to ensure the time frame you have in mind is suitable for the requirements of your destination. Don’t forget the time spent researching and planning will be worth it when your pet has settled into their new home in a new country.
