Pet Insurance

Travelling internationally can be complicated enough for a human but when there is a pet involved, it can become even more so. There are many things that you have to think about. The animal will need certificates from a vet to say that it is healthy to travel, it will need vaccinations, it may need to be quarantined and it may only be allowed on certain flights. It will also need a good carry case or cage and something to keep them feeling safe and secure and occupied.

It may feel rather daunting but the best place to start is to find out what regulations the country that you are visiting has. You will need to know what certificates and vaccines they require you to get. It may be wise to check with your consulate or embassy for this information because it may change form time to time and so other sources may not be up to date. Once you have this then you can visit your vet and discuss anything they need to do with regards to vaccines as well as make an appointment just before you go so that they can issue you with the certificates.

You will need to then find an airline you can go with who will be happy to take the pet on board. Some have limited places for pets and so you may need to book up well in advance. It will be wise to find out any restrictions they have or conditions such as the size of carry box or cage and things like that.

You will then need to find the right sort of container to transport your animal in. Obviously you want something secure as they cannot get loose on the plane. You want to make sure that it is big enough but not too big and that your pet is comfortable in it. Put in some bedding and make sure you have food and water that you can give them. It might help them if they have a favourite toy with them or something with your smell on it, if they are used to being close to you a lot. You so not want them to get bored and so need to make sure they have something with them that can keep them occupied.

It is also important to think about your journey to the airport and your onward journey. Think about the forms of transport that you will be using and how you might manage with your pet on those. It is also very important to think about how you will manage to carry them securely and manage your luggage as well. You do not want to be having to hold a carry box and try to pull two suitcases as well.

You will need to pack a suitcase for your pet as well. Put a collection of their favourite things, spare bedding in case theirs gets soiled, leash if it a dog, toys, food and things like that. Also be sure to carry any medication that they might need as well. You vet should be able to give you enough to cover the period of your stay, if it is short term.

You may find it difficult to find somewhere to stay that accepts pets. There are a number of places but you may have to book them up well in advance. Therefore it is wise to do research in to this early so that you can be sure of somewhere to stay, when you arrive.

When you do get to the other end, it could be the case that your pet will be quarantined. You will need to make sure that you have things with you that they can have while they are there such as their favourite toys or blankets and things like that. It will not be nice for them being away from you so they need to feel as comfortable as possible.

Only the most daring of persons will take their pet abroad! The process is so complicated that many would rather these their pet with a sitter or in a kennels. Of course, this cannot always be avoided and that why countries have rules on pet transport. It could be a lot easier to be parted form your pet than to try to organise for them to come with you. However, if you are moving abroad then you may want them to be with you and then it is worthwhile.