Moving Internationally with Pets?

You are so excited because you finally got that new job in that new city that you have always dreamed of! Great! Now, reality sets in and you realize that you have a whole slew of packing, organizing, and transporting in order to get you from your old home to your dream home.  If you have pets, this can be even more complicated. I am sure you are now thinking about the best way to move your dog, cat, turtle, fish etc.  The larger the pet, the harder they are to move. If you add international travel to the mix it can be even more complicated.  Don’t you worry, Student Movers has examined all the options for pet transport, from the basic to the luxurious. Just find a solution that fits for you, and call Student Movers if we can be of any assistance! Find the best moving companies in your city.

International Pet Transport Options:

1)   Cruise – Yes! Your pets can take cruises too. Pet kennels are a great option for pets that need to travel a long distance and are not good with flying. Just be warned that pet kennels on cruises fill up super quickly. They are often booked a year in advance, so this may not be the best option if you are looking for a quick move.

2)   Pet Wranglers – This travel option is usually only useful for larger pets such as dogs.  Pet wranglers will pick up your pet at your home, fly with them on a pet-friendly airline and then deliver them to your new home. Only downside with this option is the huge cost. It can cost a few thousand dollars to get your pet to your new home.

3)   Normal Air Travel – The easiest and most cost-effective way to transport your pet is through a normal airline. Yes, they will be in a crate, but there are a few things that can make it an easier trip for them. The crate they travel in should be large enough that they can stand up and turn around. Most airlines will provide suggestions on the size of the crate in relation to the size of the pet. You should also get them to know their travel space before hand so it is not such a shock

No matter what option you choose, there are a few things to keep in mind whenever you move your pet.

1)   Are their shots up to date? Make sure they have a recent rabies vaccine. It is not only required by the government, but a safety mechanism for your pet. You want to make sure they cannot be infected by another animal.

2)   Visit a vet – Make sure your pet is healthy in other ways as well. You want to make sure they are up for the voyage as well. Even though you will make it as comfortable an experience as possible, travel is always tough on animals because they aren’t sure what is happening.

3)   Get them accustomed – Your pet will probably not want to be chummy with the crate, but make sure they are aware of it and introduced to it before hand. It is helpful for your pet to interact with it, so it has one consistent part of the travel equation. To help them get acquainted, read below!

4)   Give them comfort – Make sure they have lots of familiar things in the crate with them. Toys, blankets, their favorite treat. All of these things will bring them comfort and help bring down their stress level for the trip.

Traveling with pets can be difficult, especially if you are traveling internationally. Luckily, it is much easier than it seems and there are loads of resources out there to help you put your mind at ease. Just remember that your pet needs the same things as you when you travel:  comfort food, showings of love, and familiar items to remind them of home. If you follow these tips, it will be an easy transition for all!

Remember, that Student Movers is here to help you with your moving day needs. We would be glad to help you make you and the rest of your family as comfortable as possible. If you need a new vet or want to learn more about dog parks in your area, be sure to check out our Explore Your City Page. Just type in the address you are moving to, and click on the city closest to yours! It will be filled with useful information about your new home. Just another way that we want to help you move from your past home into your present!