You want to take your beloved pet when you move abroad? No problem. We are happy to support you with the organisation of the transport in connection with your move. With this guide we would like to share with you the experience of moving with pets that we have gained in our daily business.
Basically import and immunization requirements are subject to constant change. We must therefore emphasize that these guidelines do not claim to be exhaustive. Please ask for the latest information about your country of destination. Our advisors or your vet are happy to help you further.
For further information, addresses and tips about moving with pets, please also check the internet which offers a wealth of information.
When you plan your move, take into consideration that there might be “heat embargo” in the summer time. On extremely hot days, airlines refuse to transport pets.
Moving with your pet
Relocation is not only a special experience for people, but also for pets. Their move must be well planned and prepared – particularly when the new domicile will be abroad.
Pets are sensitive and when their owners are stressed, they notice it instinctively. In their own interest, owners should be very patient with their pet friends and companions, and try to reduce their own stress in order to pass on as little stress as possible to the animals. Stressed animals make a move unnecessarily complicated.
PDF guide: Moving with pets
Detailed information on moving with pets
With this brief guide we would like to share with you the experience of moving with pets that we have gained in our daily business.
Moving abroad with your pet
People who intend to move abroad with their pets should keep in mind that many countries have quarantine and health provisions for pets. This applies, for example, to the antibodytiter test for rabies which must have been done more than six months before entry into a country. Pet owners should also contact the appropriate embassies or consulates – if possible, several months before the move – to get information about the relevant import regulations for pets. We advise pet owners to study these regulations carefully. Otherwise they may risk their pets not being able to move with them and having to be left behind. Useful questions to ask at the consulate:
- What restrictions for pets does your country have?
- Which documents do I have to obtain and submit to the authorities?
- Are there age limits for pets?
- Does my pet have to provide certain vaccinations or tests?
- Are there specific national restrictions?
- Which specific quarantine provisions must be adhered to?
- Will there be quarantine areas when the pet arrives?
- How will the pet be checked and treated at the customs?
- Does the pet owner have to be present during the control?
Further country-specific information
The countries of the European Union have standardized their regulations for the importation of pets. These stipulate that dogs, cats and ferrets must have a pet passport which is a blue document with the yellow stars of the EU and it includes the entry of the valid rabies vaccination. The EU member countries also require that pets need to be identified by microchip.
In addition, some countries in the European Union have more stringent regulations in place in order to prevent rabies. There, health certificates from the veterinary official or the vet are compulsory. The quarantine period may also differ from country of destination to country of destination.
Certain breeds of dogs, which are usually classified as so-called fighting dogs, may not to be taken to certain countries. And when moving with exotic animals, it may be necessary to register these animals with the authorities in the new country of residence.
Also good to know: Some countries do not allow the importation of pets if these animals have been in certain other countries within a period of six months before the move. Customs authorities give detailed information upon request. If necessary, pet owners should make inquiries at an early stage. They should also avoid travelling to those countries in which a stay might later possibly cause problems in other countries.
Usually, the vet knows all about the required vaccinations and other steps that need to be taken. The internet also provides detailed information on www.europa.eu or on the website of the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection of Germany (www.bmelv.de).
By the way: The United Kingdom is currently extending its Pets Travel Scheme to include the United States of America and Canada. Once this extension comes into force, pets no longer have to be held in quarantine. This is subject to the conditionthat the pets have been tested and do not suffer from rabies and that the pet owner can present an import permit.
Important things to do
Particularly before long journeys, the stress for animals should be reduced to an absolute minimum. If an air journey to the new domicile is necessary, the pet owner could contact the airline ahead of time to find out how and where the pet will be kept for the duration of the flight. The stress for the pet will be more bearable and the flight for all participants more comfortable if the pet can be provided with its sleeping basket or favorite toy.
Pet owners would be well advised to inform themselves early on the website of their future place of residence to see if specific conditions for certain breeds of dogs need to be considered. It is also advisable to already have the address of a vet in the neighborhood of the new place of residence before you move.
The pet owner should bring the food that the pet is used to eating as well as some water from the former neighborhood. A sudden change of water may cause stomach problems.
For pet owners and also for pets it is usually better if the animals are not around on the day of the move, but put into care for one or two days, ideally with a familiar person.
If this is not possible and the pet is not in care on the day of the move, we recommend packing a care package that stays close to hand. The package should contain bottled water, sufficient food for the upcoming days, the old food and water bowls plus favorite toy. The pet’s favorite sleeping place, such as the blanket, basket or scratching post and the grooming kit with brush, shampoo or flea comb should not be forgotten. Last but not least, the box should also contain the telephone numbers of the present and the future vet.
Cats should be put into special cat baskets before the movers arrive and the transport begins. Such baskets are available in most pet shops. Transport boxes usually have negative connotations for cats because they know them from their visits to the vet. They might therefore fight against being put into them. Pet owners can try to overcome their resistance with patience and tasty food. Sedatives should not be used unless strictly necessary and should only be used in consultation with the vet!
- Put a blanket or a small toy in the cage, so that the pet feels at home.
- Put a label on the cage with the pet’s name, age and sex plus contact details (names and telephone numbers) at the place of departure and the place of arrival.
- Make sure that the pet animal wears a collar which contains all relevant information. If applicable, supply a leash.
- Prepare a small food parcel for emergencies and attach it to the outermost edge of the cage.
- Feed the pet 4 to 6 hours prior to departure and supply enough water.
- Do not give the animal any sedatives.
- Give the animal sufficient time to empty its bowels before departure.
Cages must be big enough for the pets to be able to stand upright without touching the inner side of the cage with their ears or tails. Since the head of some dog breeds is higher up in the sitting position than in the standing position, the highest position must be used as a measurement.
Moving with cats and dogs
When relocated, cats and dogs lose their familiar territory. They therefore need enoughtime to discover and explore their new neighborhood. Cats usually need aperiod ofabout one month to adapt to their new territory. They should therefore not be let outfor the first four weeks. Otherwise they might run away and never return.
Owners of more than one cat should bear in mind that a move may stir up the distinctive hierarchy among the cats. The lead animal often has the most problems adapting to the new home and the new neighborhood. The “lower-ranking” cats may use this opportunity for territorial fights.
Contact with paints and solvents can make it much harder for the pets to become accustomed to the new home because their strong sense of smell will be affected.
Moving with other small pets
Moving with small animals, such as guinea pigs or fish is usually not a problem. However, vets give useful tips for optimizing the move with those pets.
If possible, rodents should travel in dark transport boxes. Most rodents are easily frightened; apart from that, hamsters are nocturnal and mainly sleep during the day. The transport boxes for rodents must be adequately ventilated. On longer routes, food and water must be provided.
Certain animals are considered dangerous by the government or legislators, such as certain dog breeds, poisonous snakes, tarantulas and scorpions. Owners of those animals need permission to keep them. Well before the move, animal holders should check with the local administrative authorities how their animals are classified in this respect.