If you plan to travel or move to a foreign country with your pet, then this article is a good place to start.
When my husband and I decided to move to Costa Rica with our three cats, I stopped at nothing to make sure their trip went without a hitch. I was glued to the internet like some people are glued to soap operas.
I definitely read some horror stories. Pets euthanized because the owner didn’t have the proper paperwork. Pets dying on air carriers or being subjected to quarantine for months on end. Nevertheless, I navigated through this realm of scary “What ifs?” With persistence I accomplished the necessary steps.
Every country has its own rules regarding pet travel, which change frequently.
Definitely contact the embassy or consulate of the country you and your pet will be traveling to. You can can contact your local office here This is the website for the US Department of State.
This step is extremely important; mistakes may result in your pet being euthanized, so don’t neglect this.
Relying on the airlines for this information is the most common mistake travelers make, says Angela Passman, who is a Pet Transportation Specialist and owner of World Pet Travel.
What should you know if Fuzzy has never flown before?
Purchase a carrier that is airline approved and follow the recommended steps so that your pet can’t escape.
Also provide your critter with water for the trip, and ask flight attendants to check on your pet. If you’re taking a connecting flight, read the airline’s policy regarding connecting flights.
Snub-nosed dogs such as pugs and bulldogs, or cats such as Persians and British shorthairs don’t cope well with higher temperatures which may cause them to have breathing problems. While most airlines will take these pets, the temperatures cannot be higher than 70-75 degrees. This varies with each airline, Passman says. Airlines may also decline pets if it’s too cold.
To find out about airline regulations regarding traveling pets contact PetTravel.com here.
You may decide to contact a pet transport service, but be aware that while many, like Passman’s are legitimate, there are some that are frauds.
Research is the key to your pet’s safety during international flights.
For more information, contact the USDA-Aphis website here for the following information:
USDA-APHIS-Animal Welfare. Basic Statements and Information on Pet Travel. · Scam Alerts Plus Tips and Facts. · Useful Websites. · Most countries also require a certificate and/or proof that your pet has had a rabies vaccination. For info, click here.
Also check out the lodging situation for you and your pet. Make sure that the place where you plan to stay is pet friendly. I called hotel after hotel, finally finding one that would welcome my cats. It ran up the phone bill, but it was definitely worth it.
Months before your trip, check out the veterinary situation in the country you and your pet will be traveling to. Tropical countries are host to many venomous creatures and your hotel room won’t be immune to this. A nearby vet can mean the difference between life and death for your pet. Our house has played host to the occasional scorpion, Brazilian Wandering Spider, and once, a small viper.
Lastly, don’t expect other countries to have all of the amenities you are used to providing your pet with. I had to find out the hard way that very few stores in Costa Rica carry cat litter, and those that do charge exorbitant prices.
Such difficulties are a small price to pay for living in paradise.
NOTE: Angela Passman is one of my contacts.