Many different entities have rules about traveling with a pet. It is important to do a lot of research, because the rules for the airline may be different from those of your arrival country. This is what you need to find out.
country rules
Find out what it takes to bring your dog to your new country. Is there any particular paperwork they will need? Will your dog be subject to quarantine? An excellent source for this type of information is the website of the Embassy of your destination country in Washington, DC. Additionally, it’s helpful to explore expat forums and message boards to gain insight into the experience of others moving their pets to your specific country.
The city/town rules
An often overlooked aspect of moving a pet abroad is local registration. Find out in advance what the steps are to register your dog in its new home and how long you will have to do it. There is a small chance that your local municipality may want additional information documents about your dog. It is best to know before you arrive what those requirements are.
airline rules
You often read on expat forums that airport officials in arrival countries don’t even ask to see the pet’s paperwork. But, I will tell you who cares that everything is in order: the airline. Just because Italy, Germany, or Japan allow your dog into the country doesn’t mean the airline is going to let your pet fly.
You need to find out:
- Does the airline allow pets on international flights? Not all airlines do this and assuming otherwise is a big no-no.
- Does the airline allow pets on all international flights? Another bad assumption to make. Not all aircraft are equipped with safe spaces for pets. Be sure to ask about particular flights as soon as possible.
- Does the airline accept your race? Certain breeds simply can’t fly, while others can only fly during certain times of the year.
- How much will your pet ticket cost? Costs vary greatly from airline to airline.
Research Tip #1
You probably don’t want to hear this, but we recommend asking at least 2-3 different airline representatives these questions, especially if you’re on the phone. Misinformation is not uncommon. Hopefully they will all tell you the same thing, but in case you receive different information, you can use your best judgment to decide on the actions to take.