Expert tips for relocating your pet abroad

In collaboration with Ferndale Kennels.

It’s not as difficult as you may think to move your pet overseas. Your furry friend should be able to relocate with you and join you on exploring whatever new opportunities that await you abroad. But how exactly do you swish them off to a different country – and preferably with as little hassle as possible? We asked Dr Matthew Murdoch, a veterinary surgeon and director at Ferndale Kennels, for his advise on moving with your pet internationally.

Check the entry requirements

Regulations and procedures for transferring pets differ for each destination country. For example, pet relocation to the US can be arranged in under a month while pets travelling to countries like Australia requires you to plan seven to eight months in advance. If on the other hand you are moving to Hong Kong with your pet, you will face completely different sets of rules depending on where you are coming from.

In general, most countries will require you to sort out import and export permits, vaccination records and other paperwork before your move. For a quick idea of the different countries’ regulations, you can check out Ferndale Kennels’ helpful guide here.

Sounds like a handful to take on? Luckily, you can get all these done for you by a trusted pet relocation specialist. With more than 20 years of experience moving pets internationally, Ferndale Kennels is a one stop shop for all your pet travel needs with boarding services, kennels and a dedicated team of relocation staff and drivers. You can reach them through enquiries@ferndalekennels.com.

Crate training

Apart from getting your documentations sorted, it’s important to make sure that the entire process is as stress-free and safe as possible for your pet. Crate training can help your pet get familiarised and comfortable with staying inside a crate for long periods of time when travelling. Dr Murdoch also suggests using safe, non-sedative ways to help keep your pet calm during the journey – sedatives are not allowed on flights anyways as they are unsafe for air travel – and these may include Bach Rescue Remedy, Adaptil, Feliway and Gabapentin.

Vaccinnations

Contact your vet to confirm that all vaccinations and immunisations for your pet are up to date. You should also have your pet fully checked to make sure that they are physically well enough to fly. For pets that have pre-existing medical issues, Ferndale Kennels offers individual consultation services that can help you work out what’s best for your pet and how they can maintain their medications throughout the travel period.