According to recent news reports, a dog a day is currently being caught travelling into the UK on a forged passport with breeders from all over the world trying to smuggle dogs into the country using fake documents.
However, leaving the UK and moving abroad with your pet is actually a lot easier than you might think and doesn’t present the need for such desperate measures.
Unless there is a concrete reason as to why your beloved dog, cat, rabbit or guinea pig can’t make the move, it’s something that really shouldn’t deter you. Whilst the loss of a much-loved animal can be devastating, taking them abroad can really aid your family in settling into your new home. Besides, families who, as children, moved overseas without their treasured pets, often report being upset at leaving them behind. Some never even forgave their parents so don’t allow the same to happen to you!
With this in mind, whilst your new country’s climate and possible quarantine regulations may be a major deciding factor, should you decide to leave without your pet, be sure to discuss the situation carefully with your family to alleviate any potential problems. Here are some useful websites, resources and related businesses worth reviewing before having that all-important conversation:
UK Government advice on taking your pet abroad
Procedures vary for every country of origin and destination so we highly recommend employing a specialist pet relocation agent such as PSS International Removals who can offer you advice as well as put you in touch with our own tried and tested pet specialist.
Regardless of which company you choose, as soon as you know when and where you’ll be moving, contact your vet to make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date. Some will need to take place on specific dates prior to your relocation, so be sure to formulate a schedule and try to stick to it as rigidly as possible.
You should also have your pet fully inspected to ensure that it will withstand the journey by air. For example, some dog breeds have been known not to travel well due to their respiratory problems so make sure you seek professional advice well in advance. Always ask and research the various airlines for their pet relocation options because most have different regulations.
Once you’ve decided upon which company to use to transport your pet, your chosen company should then start preparing a crate for their journey. Again, every airline will have slightly different rules and regulations but in general, the crate needs to comply with airline and government regulations as well as be the correct size for your pet. It is the responsibility of the company transporting your pet to ensure that the crate has been manufactured large enough for them to stand, sit and lie down in a natural, comfortable position. Get this part wrong and you may face the shock of your pet not being allowed on the plane!
Make sure they have a microchip, collar and ID tag and that their name and details are clearly marked on the crate. Include your pet’s name, your name as well as the destination address and a telephone number.
In an effort to be extra-organised, create a file containing copies of all the relevant paperwork, vaccination certificates and microchip number so that everything’s together in one place. It may also be useful to include a photo of your pet, details of its species, breed and colour as well as size. Do also keep a note of any relevant contact details such as your vet and your pet relocation or removals agent.
It should be noted that assistance dogs are allowed to travel in the aircraft cabin with their owner on approved routes and carriers registered to carry assistance dogs. They can normally also travel on other forms of transport where other animals aren’t allowed. The Guide Dogs Association website has advice about taking assistance dogs abroad.
PSS International Removals offer a wide range of shipping and removal services, as well as advice and recommendations from our panel of tried-and-tested professional companies to ensure that your move goes as smoothly as possible. Our chosen pet specialist will ensure that your pet’s needs are catered for and that they arrive at your new destination fit and well.
Furthermore, they will be able to advise you on everything from import and export permits, welfare, vaccinations, kennels, flights and special crates for the airline including quarantine rules.
For more information or for our pet partner to contact you, please click this link, select the pet migration country you plan to move to, scroll down to the ‘Pet Transport’ section and click ‘Enquire Now’ to fill out a simple form.
