Taking your Cat Overseas

Want to make a big move but don’t want to leave your beloved pet behind? Here’s how to do it…

Cat Diaries has already provided information on travelling with cats and renting with cats, but what if you want to make a really big move, to an overseas country? What happens if, say, the job of a lifetime comes up in some exotic location? You’d love to accept, but you don’t want to go without your cat. What do you do?

Actually, travelling overseas with pets is now far easier than it used to be. Because of historical and family ties, many Australians move to and from the UK. Previously, that would mean your cat spending six months in quarantine in the UK before you would be allowed access to her. A horrible prospect for pet and owner alike. And one that was also very expensive.

Pet passports
Now, though, you can apply for a pet passport to enable you to bypass quarantine. In order to qualify for this, your cat must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. A blood test is then required to ensure the vaccination has been successful.

Other countries have had traditionally had less stringent requirements. However, there is still an awful lot of paperwork involved. At a minimum, you will be required to fill out innumerable forms and have a health check carried out by an Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service-approved vet within 48 hours of travel.

Practical considerations
•    The expense – It costs more to fly a pet overseas than it does a person.
•    Travelling container – Strict regulations govern these. Airlines will be able to inform you what they require. However, you may be better off using an accredited pet transport company who will handle all the arrangements (from tickets to containers, and everything else) for you. Australia-based companies include All Creatures Air Road (1800 44 11 33) and the Dr Katrina Warren-recommended Jetpets (1300 668 309).
•    Sedation – Although it may seem logical to sedate a pet for a long, unsettling journey, it is not advisable. Speak to your vet for guidance and further information.

No-one can pretend that moving overseas with a pet is a straightforward – or cheap – operation. But by doing your research, consulting experts and talking to your vet, you can make the move with the minimum of stress caused to you, or your cat.

Images by: Imapix and Araleya