Tips for Moving Pets into another Country
If you’re planning on moving pets into another country, it takes a little more work than just moving from one town to another or even from state-to-state. There are international pet movers who specialize in getting your pet to your destination safely, but it’s also a good idea for you to be knowledgeable about the factors that affect moving pets into another country. The following tips will help you choose a good pet mover and also let you know what you need to do to prepare for moving your pets:Tips for choosing between international pet movers
- Determine whether the pet shipper is a member of the Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) by checking their membership list on ipata.com. IPATA members are registered with applicable organizations in their own countries and adhere to the Live Animals Regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the USDA's Animal Welfare Act.
- Ask if the pet mover sedates animals during transport. If they do, go elsewhere. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has officially stated that air transport of sedated pets can be fatal.
- Find out if the international pet movers have someone who speaks the language of the country to which you’ll be moving. This could be helpful if it’s necessary to work with foreign embassies, consulates or airline personnel.
How to prepare yourself and your pets
- Get a sturdy carrier for each pet that meets Animal Welfare Act requirements, which dictate that travel crates should be large enough for pets to stand up without hitting their heads (including ears), turn around and lie down comfortably.
- Pre-condition your animals to their carriers, long before actually moving them. This will help take the place of sedatives, because the carrier itself won’t be a surprise.
- Have three copies made of each of your pet’s photos. Attach one to the carrier, keep one with you and give one to the person who will pick up your pet if you won’t be doing it yourself. This will help on the slight chance that the airline loses your pet.
- Buy a collar for each pet and attach two sets of ID tags — one with your old contact information and one with the new. Make sure the collars are on securely. They shouldn’t be too tight but they shouldn’t be too loose either, because they could catch on something and cause choking.
Although the process of moving pets into another country may seem daunting, remember that international pet movers specialize in it. Also, airline employees are often pet owners themselves, so even if their interaction with animals weren’t heavily regulated, they would still naturally be concerned for your pets’ welfare.
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