| Pets have become so entrenched in American culture | | | | This Pet Travel Scheme simplifies the requirements |
| that millions of dollars each year are spent on pet | | | | for traveling between participating countries and |
| related products. More than the financial significance | | | | provides for basic requirements common to all |
| of this is the reason why. Our pets have become a | | | | participating countries. For example: for dogs, cats, |
| part of the family, and in some families actually act | | | | and ferrets, this includes a microchip implant with |
| as substitutes for having children. So, when you start | | | | basic ID information; a rabies vaccination and |
| thinking about a move abroad, you naturally are | | | | certificate; rabies test results; and certain |
| concerned about your pets. | | | | documentation letters and certificates from an |
| In fact, your pet may be so important to you that | | | | accredited veterinarian. The program now has been |
| whether you move or not depends on whether he | | | | expanded to include countries in other parts of the |
| or she can go with you. I am certainly not an expert | | | | world. You can check with your proposed country to |
| on cat and dog expatriates, but the subject is worth | | | | see if they participate. |
| considering. So, let's consider it. | | | | Airline or other carrier requirements for transporting |
| Basically, there are two areas to consider for | | | | your pet to its destination. |
| importing your pet to your new destination: | | | | Having determined the country requirements is |
| Specific country requirements | | | | irrelevant if you can't get them to the destination. For |
| There is no one answer here since each country has | | | | example, some U.S. airlines won't fly animals to certain |
| its own specific regulations as to the import of | | | | countries even if the destination countries allow entry. |
| animals. If you have a pet other than a dog or cat, | | | | Some will not fly animals during the hot summer |
| the regulations may even be more stringent. The one | | | | months. And, There may be restrictions at the |
| thing you particularly want to avoid is a long | | | | destination country. Some countries only allow pets |
| quarantine period. Your pet will not want to be away | | | | to enter at a specific airport. This could change how |
| from you for an extended period of time. If the | | | | you set up your itinerary. |
| country to which you plan to move has a long | | | | In general, let's say that you probably can take your |
| quarantine period, I would either look to a country | | | | pets with you, although certain caveats apply. Some |
| which doesn't or look for a new home for my pet. | | | | countries allow pet entry, some don't. Some have |
| It is best to check with immigration in the destination | | | | stricter requirements than others. You may have to |
| country to get specific rules. Among the European | | | | jump through more hoops at some destinations, but |
| Union Countries, a scheme has been developed to | | | | ultimately, once the legal and logistical factors are |
| facilitate transport of animals between them. The Pet | | | | determined, it is all up to you. Is it worth the effort, |
| Travel Scheme (PETS) was originally developed for | | | | or would your pet be happier staying where he or |
| use by the United Kingdom to allow pets into London | | | | she is now but with a foster home? It may all be |
| from other countries without a lengthy quarantine | | | | determined by your emotional ties to your pet. |
| process. | | | | |