As important members of the family, when someone decides to relocate, the cat or dog have to come too. Depending upon where you are moving to this is either relatively easy – or quite complicated. In fact, getting an animal into some countries can be almost as tricky as applying for your own work permits or visas. The best families can do is be mindful that when they are thinking of relocation, they factor in time and consideration for what the pet’s needs are. For example, demand is high in some countries for quarantine accommodation, so if you don’t book your pet in early, they may get left behind. Others require blood tests and tape worm immunisations whilst others do not.To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of checks you need to do, depending upon which country you are moving onto.

Moving from one EU country to another:

Thanks to the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) owners of cats, dogs and ferrets (!) can transport their animals within Europe, following a relatively easy and straightforward scheme which sees them being issued with their own passport. This is done once a series of other procedures have been completed. In the UK only Official Veterinarians (OVs) are able to produce a pet passport. Your local vet is most likely to be able to point you in the right direction.

This scheme allows for pet owners to move their dogs and cats to Europe (and a host of other countries, see list here) by following certain criteria set by the The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs:

1. a microchip

2. a rabies vaccination (make sure your pet is microchipped first or the vaccination won’t count)

3. a pet passport or official third country veterinary certificate.

4. tapeworm treatment (for dogs only)

You must wait 21 days from the date of the rabies vaccination before traveling.

The cost of the procedures including vaccinations and documents could be in the region of £200, but remember the cost of flying or shipping them to your new destination may be expensive, and include the price of a ticket and transportation. Costs will be dependent upon the size of the animal and whether it can travel with you or it has to go in the hold. Shipping or flying costs will also vary.

Moving from the UK to Australia

Moving your dog or cat or horse (hamsters, ferrets and rabbits need not apply!) is relatively complicated in Australia and it’s worth getting yourself fully versed in what’s required. The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources has step-by-step lists for both dog and cat owners about what they need to do before and during the moving process.

Certain dogs are not allowed into Australia and a full list can be found here

First up, all dogs must be microchipped and need to receive a rabies virus vaccine after which they are then scanned for the Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre (RNAT) test. There are strict rules around the test and dogs are not eligible to be allowed into Australia until at least 180 days from the date the blood test was drawn.

Once this is complete you will then need to apply and pay for an import permit, book tentative post entry quarantine accommodation, take out various other tests on your dog, including an external parasite treatment before obtaining a Completion of Veterinary Health Certificate.

Once your pet has arrived in Australia they will be subject to 10 days quarantine, but if there are any health issues, this time can be extended. Clear step-by-step information can be found here. Information about transporting cats can also be found at the same address.

It can cost anything from £1,900 to £3,000 to transport a dog or cat from the UK to Australia, so once again factor this all in when you are pulling together a budget. It actually may be more expensive to take your dog abroad than it is a young child.

If you are considering a move abroad PSS International removals can help. We are a family run company and our desire is to ensure your family receives a friendly, professional and stress free overseas move. We have specialised in international removals for over 34 years, so whether you are planning on sending a full or part household removal, excess baggage or a vehicle we recognise the importance of ensuring our customers receive the same level of care and attention that we would expect ourselves.