One of the biggest, and often most heart-wrenching decisions you have to make when you embrace the expat lifestyle, is what to do with your pets. Many people choose to rehome their pets with friends or other families before heading abroad, while dedicated pet-lovers refuse to be parted from their animals and take them with on their expat adventures. The next question is how receptive is your new country to animals arriving from abroad? Here are some things to consider:

What to consider when emigrating to these countries with pets:

The EU Pet Travel Scheme

Many countries in Europe will welcome your pets if they comply with the rules of the EU PET Travel Scheme:

• The Netherlands

Amsterdam is a very pet-friendly city and will welcome pet carnivores like dogs, cats and ferrets from other countries that comply with the PET Travel Scheme. Your animal will not need to be quarantined provided they meet all the anti-rabies, anti-worm, anti-tick and other hygiene requirements. Your pet will be required to give a blood sample and will need to be fitted with a microchip. It will also need an official pet passport or a Pet Travel Scheme certificate.

• The UK

The British love their animals and is a wonderful country to have pets in. If you are emigrating from an EU country you will need to comply with all aspects of the PET Travel Scheme and the importation process will only begin once all the passports and licenses are obtained. If you are arriving from North America, your cats and dogs will be quarantined on arrival.

• Switzerland

While the Swiss love their pets, their rules are tighter than the rest of Europe. You cannot bring in more than five pets or you will be treated as an importer. In addition your pets must accompany you at the time of entry, be micro chipped and have all the relevant vaccine certificates and a PETS Passport. If you are travelling with a puppy younger than 56 days, it needs to be accompanied by its mother.

• France

France is often voted as the most pet-friendly destination in Europe, but they do have strict regulations in place with regard to importing animals. Certain breeds like Pit-bulls and Boer-bulls are not allowed into the country at all, and if you own a Rottweiler or an American Staffordshire terrier, it will be need to be leashed and muzzled whenever you are out in public.

Australia

Australians love animals but they are very protective over their unique eco-system and bringing any animal into the country can be complex. You need to fill out an application form to seek approval for your pets to travel to Australia. If they are approved an import permit is issued. On arrival your pets will need to be quarantined until the authorities are satisfied they are not carrying any diseases with them. This usually takes six months. It’s also important to note that certain pets like guinea pigs, hamsters and ferrets are not allowed in at all.

The USA

America is a very pet-friendly destination but their regulations are different to many countries in the world. You do not need a pet passport, but you will need a special import permit from the authorities. Your animal will also need to be micro chipped and have all the required vaccines.

If you thinking of moving abroad and need any advice about your financial migration, contact us today and we’ll help you on the path to financial freedom in your new home.
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