When relocating overseas, most people are usually troubled with what to do with their pets. In fact, it is usually a hard decision on whether to leave the pets behind with family and friends, move with them, place them up for adoption or drop them off at animal orphanages. Although many people would never want to leave their dogs behind when moving overseas, relocating with a dog to another country can be stressful and time consuming, especially if you do not know the right procedures to be followed.
Before you start the process of relocating overseas with your dog, there are several things that you should know in order to successfully make the move. In this article, we look into some of the important details of moving dogs overseas, which can help you avoid inconvenience at the time of relocation.
Check the requirements for dog imports
The requirements for dog imports usually vary from one country to another. The main aim of placing these restrictions is to prevent the spread of infections like, rabies that are caused or transmitted by dogs. In most overseas countries, you will be required to present a Veterinary Health Certificate, showing results of medical tests, vaccinations among other elements. Depending on your destination, it is always important to first research on and determine the specific requirements for importing dogs.
For those who may wish to import dogs or cats to Singapore, the government has outline all the requirements that must be met on the AVA website. The information can help you in making all the necessary requirements for moving the dog including, obtaining AVA Export License. However, applying for the license will require that your dog is vaccinated and, records of the procedure are provided. Remember, you can only be awarded a valid dog license if all the requirements are met.
In many European countries and UK, relocating a dog will need a valid dog passport. In order to make arrangements for the passport, the dog will need to undergo a rabies vaccination at least one month before moving. Besides, the pet should also be micro-chipped and, awarded a Fit to Fly certificate by a licensed vet. In case you are planning to move with the dog to the United States, the requirements usually vary from one state to another. But, you can still find relevant information about the key requirements here.
Get a Veterinary Health Certificate
The veterinary health certificate is what will be used to ascertain the health condition of your dog and, must be obtained prior to your relocation. In order to get the certificate, the dog must undergo examination by a licensed vet. Some countries also require that the vet performs a series of lab tests as well as vaccination and, issue an up to date report. It is only then that the vet should give you a veterinary health certificate.
When seeking veterinary health certificate, it should be noted that some countries usually have their own templates for the document, which could be different from the one issued by a vet. If that is the case, you will need to first download and print the document so the vet will only fill in the required fields. The vet must correctly fill in the certificate and sign to authenticate its use. For dog imports to Singapore, the certificate should also go through the AVA for endorsement.
If you may not have the time to download and print out the certificate, you can also opt for an electronic veterinary health certificate. This can also be obtained from the LicenseOne site. But, you should only apply for the electronic certificate after performing all the stipulated lab tests and vaccination. Besides, you should also have a clear health record of the dog signed by a vet when applying for an electronic veterinary health certificate.
While planning to move with your dog from Singapore to another country, you will also need to take the pet through pre-export examination. Besides, there are some countries that will also ask for a pre-export examination report before they can allow the pet entry. Bookings for the examination can be easily made on this platform. Try to book and visit the examination center early in order to avoid inconvenience.
Transportation and Ground Handling
Unlike luggage and humans, pets require special treatment when it comes to their relocation. For the successful relocation of dogs, it is always advisable to hire a ground handling agent to take good care of these procedures. Even then, you will need to provide the agent with all the required export and import documents. An ideal agent will provide you with a suitable crate for housing the dog during its transportation.
Other Important Things to Consider when Moving a Dog Overseas
Apart from the pointers given above, there are other considerations that you should also make in order to ensure that your pet is successfully moved overseas. The following are key areas that you also need to put emphasis on when planning for the relocation;
Expected time of stay
In case you will only spend a year or few months abroad, it would be advisable not to trouble yourself including the dog on the trip. Some states usually impose a quarantine of up to six months or more for pets, which means you may not be able to have the pet with you for the entire time.
Airline regulations for pets
The rules and regulations for transporting dogs and other pets usually vary from one airline to the other. Hence, it is important that you also find out the requirements for transporting a dog based on the particular airline that you will be using.
Dog carrier
Although most pet relocation service providers will provide the right dog carrier for moving your pet, some may also not do that. Nevertheless, you need a safe and comfortable dog carrier, correctly labelled as stipulated by IATA.
In case you may still need more help with moving a dog overseas, do not hesitate to get in touch with us at Mover Singapore. We offer highly reliable and affordable moving services Singapore.