How to Prepare Your Pets for Immigration

It's a known fact that animals have the amazing ability to calm their owners and promote positive emotions. So, besides the fact that if they're left behind, they most probably will suffer from separation anxiety, if you migrate with your pets, they'll most likely help you ease into your new home and country.

If you want to migrate with your pets - this is what you need to know!!

Restrictions

There are a few restrictions in regards to pet immigration in various countries. Pet Immigration is not a very simple process but it is very possible. For example, if you've decided to migrate to New Zealand  consider that this country only accepts cats and dogs. Unfortunately, no other kinds of pets can gain access to New Zealand. So, if you have a parrot or pet rabbit called bunny, you'll have to find a loving home for it in your homeland, and bid them farewell. Also, consider the following. Animals are required to come through Auckland International Airport. Most animals are subject to quarantine. This depends on which country they are from. Your pet will typically spend at least 6 months in their departure country and will require full vaccinations. Rest assured a subcutaneous chip comes standard.

Pet Lab Tests

In most instances, pets will also require a rabies lab test at least three weeks after vaccination. Vaccinations for your pets include the following: For dogs (Rabies (Except UK and Australia), Distemper, Hepatitis, Adenovirus 2, Parainfluenza, Bordatella , Leptospirosis , Parvovirus. For cats; (Rabies (Except UK and Australia), Panleukopnia, Rhinotrachetis, Calicivirus. If you need more information regarding the rules and regulation of pets, visit the Ministry for Agriculture and Forestry. The lab test result identifies the animal by its identity chip number. This chip must be at least 6 months old before the animal will be eligible for importation. Be sure to handle this in advance. If you fail to do so, you may be without your pet for several months.

A Permit to Import may be required.

Exceptions

This does not apply to animals migrating from Australia and the UK. Your pet may also have to undergo a period of quarantine. There's no way of telling what the specific set period will be. So, keep this in mind. In fact, your pet could be kept in quarantine for up to a month or longer. Take into consideration that shipping pets is a very expensive exercise and could currently cost you over $1000 NZ Dollars!

Contact a quarantine facility

If it's not necessary for your pet or pets to be quarantined before applying for a permit to import, you must contact a quarantine facility in New Zealand to reserve a space for your pet/pets. When you book a space the quarantine facility will send you a letter of confirmation. This letter must be included with your permit application.

Prepare your pet

You'll need to ensure that your loved one is prepared well. All animal products, this includes pet food and poultry feather meal products require Import Health Standards. If your pet requires medication, you may be able to import the medicine. You'll need approval from Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Group. You’ll require The Import Health Standards (IHS) documents. These are documents that detail the import conditions for live animals and animal products into New Zealand. These documents define the conditions that must (if an import is made), be met in the country of origin or of export. This applies to the period during the transit of importation and quarantine. What's more, the ISH will be able to tell you whether you'll need a permit to Import or Post Entry quarantine.

Factors to consider

These factors are important as to they'll ensure that your pet arrives safely and is well cared for. If you intend to import your cat or dog, be sure to check the requirements in the personal travel section. Note that cats and dogs coming from Australia, United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Hawaii and Singapore are not required to undergo a period of quarantine, but they do require certification. These pets will however be inspected for ticks on arrival.

Pets Immigrating to Canada

If you immigrate to Canada, you'll need to have medical documents showing that your pet is healthy. You'll also be required to follow certain procedures while crossing the border. Take into account that all documents for your pets are required to be documented in English or French.

Canadian Requirements

If you're importing puppy pets under 3 months old, you don't require documents for them. Although, for all cats and dogs older than 3 months, you'll have to prove, via medical certificates for example, that they don't have rabies. Thankfully, if you're coming from a country recognised as rabies-free, you're required to secure a document from a veterinarian who works for a government veterinary service in your home country. The vet will then have to state that there have been no cases of rabies in your country for at least 6 months. The vet will also be required to state that your cat or dog have been in the country throughout this time.

Consider the following

Currently, the following countries are recognised by the government of Canada as rabies-free. These countries are: Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Finland, Iceland, Ireland (Republic of), Jamaica, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla , St. Lucia , St. Martin (Netherlands Antilles), St. Pierre et Miquelon Islands , St. Vincent , Sweden , Taiwan, Turks and Caicos Islands , United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) and Uruguay.

Pets Immigrating to Australia

In regards to pet registration, you should contact the National Pet Register (NPR) which is a wide free pet ID service. The NPR operates throughout Australia for 24 hrs a day through the year. There’s simply no excuse not to register your pet! A valid passport will come in handy too!

By the looks of it, it’ll do you and your pet good to research about your future countries animal import policies. Be sure to check the rules of the carrier that you plan to use to transport your pet. At the end of the day, all the trouble’s well worth it when you hold your pet in your arms, in your new country.

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