| While moving to Europe may provide a virtual laundry | | | | 1) Microchip: Each Pet shall be identified by means of |
| list of exciting opportunities, traveling overseas with | | | | a microchip. No other form of identification is |
| your furry friends can often seem a bit | | | | acceptable. The microchip used should comply with |
| overwhelming when confronted with the myriad of | | | | ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard |
| descriptions of import requirements, quarantine | | | | 11785- otherwise the pet will need to be sent with |
| timelines, airline regulations, and other flotsam floating | | | | it's own scanner attached to the top of the crate. |
| along the currents of the web. Fortunately, traveling | | | | 2) All animals need to have Full Vaccinations: |
| with your pets can be a simple, stress-free, and | | | | Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo, Leptospirosis, |
| sometimes fun process, as long as you take the time | | | | (DHLPP) and Rabies within the last 12 months or a |
| to plan ahead and understand the intricacies of the | | | | minimum of 4 weeks before arrival. |
| import/export process. | | | | Cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, |
| To begin, realize that advance planning is crucial. | | | | Panleukopenia (FVRCP), and Rabies within the last 12 |
| International relocations for pets, just like their human | | | | months or a minimum of 4 weeks before arrival. |
| counterparts, require months of advance planning and | | | | 3) EU Vet Health Certificate (Form EC#: 998) - (Form |
| careful attention to paperwork and details. Find your | | | | provided to you by PetRelocation.com) - This is the |
| resources early and figure out how to best utilize | | | | standard Health Certificate to be filled out by your |
| them. In the long-run, information is your best friend | | | | accredited Veterinarian. Although this certificate is |
| when it comes to Pet Relocation, and preparing a | | | | technically valid for 4 months, it is recommended to |
| timeline will help to take the stress off both you and | | | | be completed and endorsed by the USDA within 10 |
| your pet's shoulders. | | | | days of travel to avoid any customs issues upon |
| Here are some tips that will help to make your pet's | | | | arrival. |
| trip as safe and comfortable as possible: | | | | 4) Government Endorsement (USDA when departing |
| Crate Training - Perhaps the most important step in | | | | from the United States): The below referenced |
| the entire process. By acclimating your pet to its | | | | forms: |
| travel kennel well ahead of the travel date, this | | | | Microchip Implantation Record Rabies Certificate EU |
| allows your pet to feel comfortable in its soon-to-be | | | | Vet Health Certificate |
| travel environment. Not only do travel kennels serve | | | | 4. International Health Certificate: Your vet should |
| as a means to protect your pet physically, but | | | | have these in stock. It's a good idea to call ahead |
| emotionally as well. The more familiar your pet is with | | | | and ask. This is an international health certificate that |
| its travel kennel at home, the more it will be used as | | | | needs to be completed by your vet within 10 days |
| a "safe zone" during travel. | | | | of departure. Depending on the logistics of your |
| Airline Selection - What may often appear to be the | | | | particular pet relocation and the specific health |
| best route of travel for you is not always the best | | | | certificate being used (APHIS Form 7001 when |
| route for your pets. Very few airlines implement | | | | departing from the United States) an additional USDA |
| complete "pet-safe" programs, so it is very important | | | | Endorsement maybe required on this health |
| to do your research and ask which airlines are most | | | | certificate. |
| pet friendly. "Pet-safe" policies include, but are not | | | | 5. All original documentation must travel with the pets. |
| limited to, making sure your pets are always climate | | | | International Pet Relocation Services - There are also |
| controlled, never leaving them out on the tarmac, | | | | many full service Pet Relocation agencies available |
| and making sure they are the last ones on the plane | | | | worldwide which are more than able to facilitate all of |
| and the first ones off. In addition, a majority of | | | | your pet's travel arrangements. Services can include |
| airlines only accept live animals within certain outside | | | | residential pickups and deliveries, flight bookings, |
| temperature constraints, so seasonal traveling can | | | | airport check-in, customs clearance and import |
| often prove difficult. By using a "pet-safe" carrier, | | | | handling, assistance with health documentation, and |
| these climate restrictions can be easily avoided. When | | | | anything else you or your pet might need. These |
| traveling to Europe, we recommend Continental, KLM, | | | | services make life much easier, but with the service |
| British Airways, and Lufthansa Airlines, all of which | | | | come added costs. |
| have excellent pet programs in place. | | | | As can be seen above, many variables need to be |
| Import Requirements - Pets moving into the EU fall | | | | carefully accounted for when relocating your pet to |
| under the jurisdiction of Commission Regulation (EC) | | | | Europe. While daunting at times, if taken piece by |
| No 998/2003 of the European Parliament and of the | | | | piece, your pet's move can be a snap. Just |
| Council. In summary, with the exception of the UK, | | | | remember to plan accordingly and enjoy your new |
| Sweden, and Norway, EU import requirements for all | | | | home! |
| dogs, cats, and ferrets are as follows: | | | | |