13 Mar
4 Steps to Ease Your Overseas Journey with Your Pet
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of moving abroad. There is excitement and dread in equal measure; there are so many things to do after all. With so many sights to take in and new cuisines to try, such a move is always an adventure. However, along with the feeling of elation comes the anxiety and uncertainty of a new and unfamiliar setting, especially when embarking on international pet travel. The concerns may vary depending on the purpose of your move; be it a job, higher education, or for a new life, working out the details can be stressful.
To top it off, all this does not include the stress of the relocation itself. Leaving behind a familiar place, especially the one you’ve lived in for some time is a nerve-wracking affair. The move being international means it’s not feasible to travel with every single one of your belongings, and chances are you’ll need to get used to a smaller residential space, especially if you’re coming from a sprawling mansion or manor.
Before you can get used to the new quarters, you need to have new quarters, and ensure your pets are permitted on the premises. This is the first thing you secure, and knowing where you’re moving to makes the planning process far easier. Once you have a place to stay, you can begin planning your adventure abroad.
Here Are Four Tips to Ease Your Overseas Journey with Your Pet:
The Best Time to Start is Now
A trip of this nature is no joking matter, as you probably know already. Anything you need to do must be done before you start your journey, as it is unlikely that you’ll be able to do much about it once you touch down. Write down everything you need to do before your move and set each task or aspect of travel against a deadline. Planning for such a trip can make time pass by quickly, and you don’t want to be stuck in a situation where you’re running around trying to pull everything together at the last minute. A checklist will be your best friend during this time.
What to Take Along
While you may want to take every one of your belongings with you, the logistics of doing so can be challenging. Inevitably, you will be forced to take a call on what you’ll take along. This will work out in a few ways:
- What to dump: You may not want to, but some items or possessions will have to go. What you keep and what you get rid of depends completely upon you, as you’re the only one who knows what you need in a new country and what you can do without.
- What to store: This depends on the nature of your move. Will you be returning? Are you setting up permanently in a new country? Are you unsure about the future? If you plan to return, storing your possessions in long-term storage is a relatively cheaper option.
- What to pack: You can keep valuables on your person and pack the rest for overseas shipping. If the packing gets too hectic, it’s worth the peace of mind to hire an international moving service and ease your burden.
Starting now will help you decide better what stays and what goes. Besides, it’s as good a time as any to clean out the excess and be charitable. Throwing something away is a little wasteful, especially considering it may go a long way towards helping someone.
Documents and Paperwork
The documentation and paperwork for you and your pet must be in order; up to date, complete, stamped, signed, and so on. To do so, you’ll need to start procuring the necessary documents in a timely manner. For instance, while import requirements vary, all countries will require a few basic documents before letting you enter:
- Microchip
- Pet’s vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
- Export documentation (NOC, quarantine, etc.)
- Import documentation (Import permits, test results, quarantine)
Coordinating and complying with government regulations of two countries can be hectic. Add to that the health and safety requirements to fulfil, and the move can quickly become overwhelming, especially when you’re planning your own future alongside your pet’s. If you’re finding the process difficult or cumbersome, you can always hire a pet relocation partner or professional to ease the journey, make plans, and fulfil the documentation requirements on your behalf, so you have mental peace while a professional takes care of the rest.
Research Your Destination
Research is important, as you shouldn’t land in a new country with little to no knowledge of the place. Where you live, what you can get around you, where to eat, where to shop are all important things to know about your new home. Other expats are your best bet for valuable information, and there is nothing quite like a personal recommendation.
Learning about the area you live in is important, as each area and locality has their own rules and expectations when it comes to the etiquette of pets in public spaces. These rules vary with location, culture, and so on, so make sure to read up on the local customs before departing. Learning a few basic words or phrases in the local language will be immensely helpful, as it is likely a person may speak in a language other than English or your mother tongue.
Need help relocating your pet? With door-to-door relocations available domestically and internationally pet relocation by our expert pet handlers, we have you covered. Contact 08908909020 or enquiry@carrymypet.com for a booking today.
AUTHOR’S BIO
Carry My Pet
Passionate pet enthusiasts and globetrotters, dedicated to easing furry friends' journeys worldwide. Penning tales of compassion at CarryMyPet, where every relocation is a tail-wagging adventure.