Y
ou’ve got the house
packed up, the school
place sorted and the plane
tickets booked, but have
you started researching what to do
with your four-legged friends? We
all know how furry critters become
irreplaceable members of the family
(we might even prefer their company
to some of the great-aunts out there!)
and parting with them just because
you’re leaving the country is often
unthinkable. But the pet relocation
process can be far from easy.
The steps you need to take vary
widely depending on what country
you’re moving to and what pets you
need to transport, but the key element
to ensuring the process goes smoothly
is having time on your side. Some
countries require a minimum six-
month gap between blood tests and
the move; similarly, there are also
maximum limits between when health
certificates are obtained and when
your pet flies, so timing is essential.
Suited to move?
But first, a warning for owners of
exotic species and “small furries”,
like rabbits. Dr Jamie Gallagher,
assistant senior veterinary surgeon
at SPCA Hong Kong, advises that in
some cases, finding them a new home
in Hong Kong may be preferable to
relocating them abroad: “The export
of reptiles is a very [specialised] area
requiring special licenses from the
government, as many species are
either protected or illegal to both
import and export. The husbandry
requirements are so specific that
transport can be very dangerous
to their health, even resulting in
death.” Meanwhile, some countries
have banned the import of “small
furries” (Australia considers rabbits
to be pests, rather than pets). Further,
these animals are highly susceptible
to stress, meaning transportation can
prove fatal.
Dogs and cats are the most
commonly exported animals from
Hong Kong – but again, owning
certain breeds can be problematic.
Many airlines impose restrictions on
flying “snub-nosed” breeds, like shih-
tzus, chow chows, pugs, bulldogs,
Persians and Burmeses, due to their
genetic breathing difficulties; Cathay
Pacific refuses to carry them, whilst
other airlines may insist they fly only
during cooler temperatures. Once
again, having time on your side pays
off.
What’s involved?
In general terms, the requirements
for dog or cat relocation are
straightforward. First, ensure your pet
has a microchip (many pets sold here
already have them); these are used as
international identification for your
animal, meaning your pet can be
matched with the correct paperwork
wherever you are in the world.
Secondly, ensure that your pet
has all the vaccinations needed
for international travel; contrary
to popular belief, cats need rabies
injections, too. Rabies vaccinations
are typically valid in Hong Kong
for three years, but some countries
(such as New Zealand, Taiwan
and the Philippines) require your
pet to have an annual booster jab
prior to their import. You must also
visit your veterinarian seven to ten
days before flying to gain a general
health certificate – which, in some
unfortunate cases, may rule out older
pets or those with existing health
conditions.
Have pet,
will
travel
Well, it might not be as simple as packing your pooch
along with your passport!
Rachel Read
examines the
complications and challenges of pet relocation.
78
Playtimes
