Guide to moving abroad with pets

Moving abroad with pets is a challenge of its own. Preparing your animal is going to be the biggest task in this process. But that means that you will have less time to deal with other moving-related matters. That’s why it is crucial to hire experienced international household movers that will help with your other tasks. Let’s take a look at how to prepare properly and move your animal abroad with ease.

Understand the laws and requirements of moving abroad with pets

When you are moving overseas with your pet, the most important thing is to research the laws and regulations. Of course, the laws and regulations regarding pet transport will depend on your target country. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to find all the information online.

The important thing is to find fresh and reliable information as these laws change frequently. So if you are moving to France from the USA, for example, try to find a reliable French source of information. If you are not sure where to look, try to contact your embassy. They are usually in possession of the newest information that could help you to figure out what you need to do before the move.

A veterinarian is going to be one of your first stops

Of course, your veterinarian will be one of the first places that you will need to visit when relocating overseas with pets. Depending on your destination country’s requirements and the type of animal you are traveling with, you might need to get a blood analysis, get your pet vaccinated, and chip them. Just remember that this all takes a lot of time. Sometimes, it is necessary to wait a few days after the vaccination before crossing the border with an animal. Furthermore, it might take time for the blood analysis results to arrive.

With all that needed time in mind, contact your vet as soon as you learn about the move. Besides health requirements that you need to meet, your vet will also be a good source of information regarding the wellbeing of your animal during the trip itself. Talk to your vet and see what they will suggest about easing your pet’s trip.

Hire professional pet movers if you are moving abroad

Unfortunately, most overseas moving companies do not work with pets. That means that you will have to deal with your pet’s transport on your own. Alternatively, you will need to find a pet relocation service. If you hire such a company, they will be in charge of your pet’s wellbeing. They will take care of the difficult paperwork and regulations and make sure that your furry/feathery/scaly friend arrives at your destination stress-free.

Find a suitable carrier when moving abroad with pets

While you can easily transport your belongings in international moving crates, you can’t do the same with pets. So, one of the things that you will be in charge of is preparing your pet’s carrier. Of course, the type of the carrier depends on the type of your animal, its size, and your transporter’s requirements. Cats have special carriers, and so do dogs. If you are moving a parrot, find a suitable cage for moving birds. However, whatever type of animal you own, the important thing will be to prepare the carrier at least a month before the move.

Give your pet enough time to get accustomed to the carrier

As mentioned above, the most important thing when buying a pet carrier is to do it on time. This means at least a month before the move. No matter what type of animal you own, a month should be enough for your animal to get accustomed to the carrier. This will, of course, create a much more pleasant experience when the animal gets into the cargo space of a plane.

To do this right, place the opened carrier next to your pet’s space and leave it open. Put some food, and toys inside and step aside. Your pet will do the rest. It will gradually move inside and accept the carrier as its new home, which will make things easier for it when the relocation begins.

Try to stay calm and relaxed when moving abroad with pets

One of the things that you will need to remember when moving internationally with pets is to stay calm and relaxed. Animals can feel our emotions. And if they sense that we are tense, they will not feel comfortable, either. Therefore, make sure that you shine with confidence and serenity while preparing for the move.

Hire professional  packers to pack your belongings

As we all know, packing is the most difficult part of the moving process. Unfortunately, things are even more difficult when you are moving with pets. The best way to sort this is to hire a professional packing service that will handle your belongings. That way, you can devote entirely to your pet and its needs. If, on the other hand, you are packing on your own, you can hire someone to take your pet out of the home while you are working. This will make things much easier for both of you.

Maintain your routine when moving abroad with pets

Pets like routine. If you change their routine, they can become nervous and agitated. And that is not what you want when moving abroad with pets. That is why you should run things as usual even on your moving day. If you are used to going for a walk, do it. When it is time to eat, give it food.  If you keep things as normal, you will have a much easier task. Good luck!