There is no denying, that your four-legged, fluffy friends are a part of the family. That is why taking them along when you relocate to another country seems only logical from a family perspective but perhaps your pet’s own emotional state is worth a little extra consideration. Animals aren’t able to handle stress and upheaval the way we are – they experience all of the action without understanding the reasoning behind it.
Nostalgic memories of playing fetch and having wrestling matches on the carpet are unavoidable but that isn’t all there is to it. Your most loyal friend deserves more consideration than that. There are a few difficult questions you need to ask yourself before committing the four-legged family member to a stressful crate-environment for the long and strenuous journey:
- Is your pet susceptible to panic attacks when stressed?
- Is your pet at the right age to deal with dramatic upheaval?
- Are you dealing with an “at-risk” breed?
- Are you moving to a country with stringent quarantine laws?
- Does your destination country have restrictions on which animals and breeds may be imported?
Your Pet’s Needs Come First
Pets who are too young or too old, dogs in particular, are ill-equipped to handle overly stressful situations. Similarly, animals with severe health problems are also at risk for serious complications. Unfortunately, it might be necessary to consider re-homing your beloved friend before the move. While it may be painful for you to deal with the separation, a loving, local home could be the best fit.
Pet breeds that are susceptible to breathing problems and heat exhaustion may not be able to accompany you to your new home. Bulldogs, Terriers, Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Boxers are just a few of the dogs that are unable to travel under extreme stress. Similarly, Himalayan and Persian cats may also need to be re-homed locally before the move as they are unable to deal with the stress of relocation.
Only Deal with Experts
If you are certain that moving your pet is the best choice, it is absolutely necessary to deal with an expert pet relocation company. Virtually every pets-in-transit horror story you have encountered is the result of poor planning and a misguided DIY attitude. Here at Execu-move we understand the stress your animal could go through and how to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Moving Pets in and around South Africa can be difficult. Your pet is your best friend and companion and because you love them and their loyalty needs to be appreciated, they deserve the best. No matter how old, big or small, Execu-move will ensure that your pets enjoy a smooth, comfortable journey to their new home, domestic or overseas.
AirFreight of Pets is slightly more expensive, howevere it is the safest, smoothest and most comfortable mode of travel for your pets. Execu-move will employ a professional Pet Travel Agent to provide the best care throughout the journey. Custom-made containers are used to provide maximum safety, space and ventilation for your pet.
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Import Requirements and a Mountain of Paperwork
Planning your pet’s relocation is no less complicated than your own. In fact, it might be a little more complex with all the additional paperwork involved. Import regulations vary from one country to the next and it is therefore important to communicate with your relocation agent every step of the way. A handful of countries do not require your pets to be quarantined at all, provided they have received all the necessary inoculations. Other countries have lengthy quarantine periods that last for several months, both before departure and after arrival.
Often, quarantine boarding facilities are fully booked for months in advance. Be sure to check your furry friends into their new lodgings well in advance lest you risk having them travel under even more stressful circumstances. One saving grace is that many countries offer what is known as a “home quarantine” which may save your pet from 6 months in a not-uncomfortable but not entirely homey boarding kennel.
Crate-Training is a Necessity
As a concerned pet owner, it stands to reason that you would want your beloved friend to travel with you in the cabin. While there are a few airlines that permit this style of travel, the overwhelmingly disappointing fact is that most animals are required to travel in the cargo hold.
The area in which your pet will be housed for the duration of the flight is always climate-controlled and pressurized. However, there is only so much the airline can do to keep your pet calm when in flight. The rest is up to you. Crate-training your pet is an absolute must. Spend several months getting your pet used to a crate environment, slowly lengthening the duration of time spent in the container. Your pet needs to be convinced that the crate is a safe environment in order for there to be less stress on the day of your move. Create a feeling of security and make the trip more comfortable by including their favourite toy or blanket.
Keep away from all activity on removal day
It will be less traumatic for your pets if they can be collected a day before the move. Please ensure that their medical records are up to date and take these with you; depending on your destination, they may need medication, vaccinations or health certificates as well. Speak to your vet.
Happy Homing is Possible
With the right pet relocation company like Execu-move on board, you will be able to transfer your pet from one end of the globe to the other without too much stress. The eventual happiness of a successful reunion is more than worth the effort. Here at Execu-move we understand the stress your animal could go through and how to make the transition as smooth as possible. So contact us today, and we will help you and your furry family member relocate to your new home.
