International Pet Relocation
Whether you’re relocating or just wish to bring your pet along on your latest jet-setting adventure, there’s a step-by-step process you need to follow to meet strict international health and safety standards, and specific official documentation you need to complete to ensure the animal meets the destination country’s requirements.
Relocating your pet involves more than just ensuring your companion feels safe, secure, and cared for every step of the way. It’s also about plenty of paperwork and logistics. Transportation is highly regulated from the moment you arrive at the airport, right through to arriving at your destination.
The Key Aspects of Pet Exportation
There are key aspects to consider when exporting your pet internationally, no matter where you are flying or travelling to. The main points to consider before you travel are:
- International Health & Safety Standards: The primary purpose of pet exportation is to ensure your pet meets the health requirements of the destination country to prevent the spread of illnesses like diseases, and to ensure the animal’s welfare.
- Export Health Certificates (EHC): A document must certify that your pet meets the health standards and import conditions of the destination country. Usually issued by the UK government to allow your pet to leave Great Britain. If you’re from England, Scotland, or Wales, then you need to fill out an application as well, which is known as EXA.
- Destination Specific Requirements: Depending on the destination country, there are various requirements, from vaccinations, blood tests to ensure your pet is healthy, parasite treatment, and import permits. But depending on the country you’re going to, Embassy Legalization and Pre-quarantine checks are required before the pet travels abroad.
- Commercial vs Non-Commercial Movement: Different rules apply depending on whether the move is personal or a commercial one, which can affect the paperwork required.
- Compliance & Consequences: Failing to comply with the specific requirements for your destination can lead to your pet being denied entry or forced to be quarantined.
- Pet Passport: Since Brexit, a UK-issued pet passport can no longer be used for travel in the EU. If you have an EU-issued pet passport, this can still be used in the same way as pre-Brexit travel.
Importance of Documentation and Paperwork
Pets travelling with their owner within the European Union or internationally are required to have specific documentation and paperwork before travelling, and even if they are planning on staying in the destination country you are going to. With a few exceptions, your pet can travel with you to another EU country or from a non-EU country within Europe if it has been microchipped in line with the technical requirements of Annex II of the EU regulation on movement of pets or has a clear, readable tattoo. Vaccinations and tests concerning rabies must be done before taking pets abroad, as well as tapeworm treatment, if your destination area requires this treatment. Your animal must have had the vaccine 21 days before you travel on the aircraft. This applies to certain countries or territories, for example, Monaco, Norway, Iceland, etc, and must be valid when the day comes to travel. Documentation for travelling with your pet is vital when travelling around the EU or elsewhere, as having an EU pet passport is essential for travelling and is valid for a lifetime as long as your pet’s health information (e.g, anti-rabies vaccination) remains in date. An EU animal health certificate is another type of identification document that contains specific information about your animal, like identification, health, and rabies vaccinations. This is necessary for travel to the EU from a country or territory outside the EU. If you’re travelling from a non-EU country or territory, your pet must have an EU animal health certificate issued by a vet in the country of departure, not more than 10 days before your pet arrives in the EU. Certificates are valid for a good 4 months from the date or until the anti-rabies vaccination expires.
In addition, you should also complete and attach a written declaration on your pet’s EU animal health certificate stating that its relocation is for non-commercial reasons. This declaration is also required if your pet is travelling under the responsibility of a person authorised by you. In this case, your journey must be within 5 days of the pet’s authorized journey. It’s all about leaving yourself a good amount of time to organise your trip, gather all the relevant documents you need, and make sure everything is sorted with your animal so there’s no issue when you land at your destination. If you leave any documentation or vaccinations at the last minute, your pet will not be able to travel. It’s the same if you plan to take more animals with you, but the maximum you can travel with is five under the EU standards if your trip is within Europe or internationally.
What Are The Most Common Mistakes With International Pet Travel?
One of the most common mistakes when exporting pets abroad is neglecting to research and meet the destination country’s specific import requirements before travelling. Failing to obtain the correct health certificates, import permits, or having poor documentation management can be a huge risk.
In terms of travel for the pet, crate selection can be a common mistake that pet owners make; this means that the pet may not be made to fit the crate before travelling on a plane. The material of the crate has to be IATA-compliant and made with durable materials like rigid plastic, wood, or metal. Pet crates are one of the most important aspects of pets’ travelling. Many pet parents would prefer to save money, but airlines are very particular about carriers, as they must comply with IATA regulations to ensure the pet is on board. A used crate is not recommended for international pet travel due to hygiene reasons. The crate must be sturdy and well-ventilated, but it should also be large enough to fit your dog or cat, allowing them to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
For many pet owners, the pet carrier is one of the last things they think about when it comes to flying with animals. However, it should be one of the first things to buy because the longer your pet has the crate, the more time they will have to get used to it, and the more comfortable they will be during a flight. Crate training is essential for international pet travel, and it depends on whether your pet is allowed in cargo travel via the airport. Your pet must associate the carrier with a comfortable and positive space, but be patient with crate training, as your pet will soon be a seasoned traveler and unfazed by long-haul flights and transit stops.
Forgetting to update your pet’s microchip before travelling is another common mistake that pet owners make, but these small devices hold your pet’s details. Most countries globally require a microchip for international pet travel; implanting a chip is not enough, as your contact details need to be updated every time if anything changes. If your pet goes missing, they can be traced back to you via the chip device, and so it’s crucial to keep the microchip updated. Ignoring extreme weather conditions can affect your pet’s travel, as extreme heat conditions can be a detriment to your pet’s health, and most airlines have temperature embargoes to safeguard pets. It’s recommended to book your flights on the cooler days and warmer days in the winter.
Checking The Airlines’ Pet Policy Before Travelling
Not all airlines have the same pet policies; some airports are more pet-friendly than others. Always check the airline’s pet policy before booking your pet onto a flight to avoid delays. Some airports have a list of prohibited and restricted breeds and will not board under any circumstances. Particular airlines do not board pets at all, but every airline has its own set of rules when it comes to pets, and it is best to understand the rules before planning your travel. Pet-friendly airlines have safety policies that are meant to protect your pet and ensure zero-harm pet travel.
If you are ever unsure about which airline is best for traveling, then for the best results, contact a local pet travel agency for more advice. Booking spots for your pet to be boarded onto the plane is essential in advance, as slots book up quickly on planes. Normally, pets should be between the ages of 10 and 12 weeks minimum to be allowed into a crate ready for travelling outside of the country. Providing enough food and drink on a flight for your pet is a must when traveling for the duration of the flight, as this keeps your pet calm and steady whilst on board.
Specialised Services For Pet Exportation
Pet export services offer a range of support for relocating pets internationally, no matter the travel destination. The services out there that you can arrange are very varied, this can be crate provision by a professional, where IATA-compliant travel kennels meet airline standards and are sized close enough to your pet.
You can also arrange a collection and delivery where a pet handling specialist can collect your pet from your home in a climate-controlled vehicle and deliver it to the departure point. Some facilities are on offer at airports where temporary boarding is offered at holding facilities with specialty food, fresh water, and walks before the flight.
A mistake that pet owners make is forgetting to bring medicine when onboarding long-haul flights. Instructions for the correct dosage must accompany the medication, and airline staff will ensure your pet has access to food and medicine during layovers. Specialists can also arrange the booking for you and cover the paperwork element of your travel and sort the relocation process, where they will manage the entire export and the pet delivery on the other side of your destination.
Pet Permits And Certificates
To get your pet from A to B hassle-free, a pet export permit is needed. Pet exporters handle the necessary paperwork, arrange transportation, and ensure compliance with all necessary regulations, providing a seamless experience for owners. Permit documentation includes an Export Health Certificate (EHC) for non-EU countries, which confirms your pet meets the destination’s health and identification requirements, completed by an Official Veterinarian (OV). An OV certificate is mainly needed if you are traveling with cats, dogs, or ferrets to any non-EU country. You may need to complete an export application and consult the specific rules for your destination country. For travel to EU countries from the UK, an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) is typically used instead of an EHC.
In conclusion, pet export and imports involve a range of procedures and requirements. From obtaining the necessary permits and certificates to partnering with pet delivery services, careful planning and coordination are crucial for a successful journey. By relying on the expertise of the pet import and pet exportation, you can ensure that your beloved pet travels safely at all times, allowing you to focus on the joy of reuniting with your furry friend or even welcoming a new addition to your family.
Contact Tailwings today to arrange expert pet export services, from paperwork and permits to crate training and airport transfers.