Moving to a New Country with Your Dog

Perhaps you’ve just accepted a wonderful career opportunity, you have family in another country or you just want to find new surroundings in a more exotic location. Whatever the reason, relocating every member of your family, including your beloved dog takes research. Unfortunately, you’re on your own as far figuring out the details for the rest of the family, but this article can assist you in relocating your pet.

Where to Begin
With all of the regulations in place, the hardest part is often deciding where to start. There are actual professional pet transportation companies, which can be hired to help you with everything from paperwork to being sure your pet has the correct vaccinations to providing ground transport once your pet has arrived. If you choose to do it on your own, it may take some doing, but your dog is surely worth it.

A good place to start is with the local embassy or consulate for the country to which you are moving. They will be able to advise you of any quarantine time, whether or not a microchip is needed, what sort of vaccines and vet records you’ll need and if your dog’s breed is even allowed into that country.

Preparation
It can take up to six months to get everything rolling for your pet’s journey to join you. During that time, there are other things you can work on to help them get used to the idea. If your dog isn’t used to being in a crate, you’ll need to teach Bailey that the crate is a safe place and that it is not a punishment. Start off with 20-minute sessions and increase the time gradually. Include a favorite blanket and a toy. Be sure she has access to water as well. Over time, it will be a place she is willing to go on her own. By the time you are ready to fly together, Bailey will be a pro at staying in her crate.

Your veterinarian will be able to help with any health records, vaccinations, microchips, blood tests and health certificates that are required. It is very important that the instructions provided by the consulate or embassy are followed to the letter, as any mistakes can cause your dear dog to remain in quarantine longer than expected.

During the Flight
Different airlines also have restrictions regarding animals as passengers. Some airlines will allow a certain number of small animals as carry on baggage per flight. If you have a large dog, it’s very likely that they will need to be placed in temperature-controlled cargo. It is advised that you not sedate your dog, as it can suppress their respiratory system and cause a dangerous health situation if too much sedative is given. If you think it’s best that your pet be calm throughout the flight, you should discuss your concerns with your vet. Bailey’s doctor will be able to best advise you based upon your dog’s individual health, as well as how long the flight is.

Once You Arrive
If Bailey has to be placed in quarantine, be sure to visit her daily. That might be unnecessary advice, but she needs to know she is not being left there. She needs to know you still want to be with her in order to keep her spirits up and to remain healthy. If you can, leave a favorite blanket and toy with her to remind her of home.

Dogs typically are happy to be anywhere their people are. If they see you’re adjusting, they will adjust quickly to new surroundings as well. It might not be a bad idea to keep her in only a small part of your new home to begin with. After a couple of days, allow her to explore. Be very careful that she is not able to get out unescorted by a member of the family, as unfamiliar territory can be extremely dangerous.

Setting up the New Place
Try to set Bailey’s area up the same way it was in your old home. Place her bed and dishes in a similar orientation. If you two had special routines for meal times and play times, try to return to those as quickly as jet lag allows. This will reassure her that she is safe and it will strengthen the bond between the two of you. In no time, she should adjust and maybe be speaking the new language faster than you.