Blog

Travelling or relocating with a pet can be complicated even in the best of times, but during a global pandemic, it has become especially stressful and difficult. With COVID-19 creating global uncertainty, pet travel, international and domestic, has been disruptive, with constant changes and updates depending on the COVID-19 conditions in the origin and destination countries.

With countries slowly reopening their borders for pets and people, pet travel is possible to more and more destinations but may take longer due to the reduced numbers and capacities of operating flights. If you are planning to travel with your 4-legged family members, consider these tips to keep them safe. Before you leave, review the checklist below to make sure you are ready to travel with your pet.

Research, Research, Research!

It is a good idea to look thoroughly into the specific travel restrictions for your destination country as many places continue to enforce strict rules about who and what are able to enter. Keep yourself updated about changes in required documentation or travel times to reduce stress and to plan ahead. We advise being flexible on your moving dates given that you or your pet’s flight(s) could be subject to changes or cancellations to reflect the latest updates surrounding COVID-19.

Airlines, too, have adjusted their policies around pet travel. Some airlines have halted the transport of pets completely, some are travelling at reduced capacity, while others have resumed pet travel as before. For this reason, familiarize yourself with the airline options available to you.

Be Prepared for Delays

With restrictions and consequently delays increasing, be prepared for longer wait times and quarantine periods. With social distancing norms in place, it might take longer for officials to process your pet and its documents. Regarding animal quarantine, some countries have also increased quarantine time periods for pets before releasing them to their owners. It is highly recommended that all such possible delays be factored into your travel plans by making suitable arrangements such as extra supplies for your pet or flexible travel accommodations.

Speak to your Vet

It is very important to make sure your pet is updated on necessary vaccines and that you have the proper paperwork to show vaccination proof available on your trip. This will help bring down processing time for your pet at examination centres prior to travel. Before you leave, get an extra copy of your pet’s medical records to keep in handy in case unforeseen accidents or delays happen.

Call in the Experts

Pet relocation experts stay constantly informed of both country and airline updates by partnering with a network of service partners all over the world. They are the best source of up-to-date information on what travel is or is not possible for your pet during this pandemic, and also to offer logistical solutions and plans for your pet if you and your family must travel before pet restrictions are lifted. For some locations, only authorised pet travel agents are allowed to drop off and collect the pet on behalf of the pet parent from the quarantine centre or the airport.

For a hassle-free approach towards travelling with your pet during this time, it is highly suggested to engage the services of a trusted pet relocation agency. We understand how stressful moving to a new place can be, despite having to do it with a pet as well as during the middle of a pandemic.

Contact us today by calling +91-9257-123-123 or write to us at [email protected] so that we can assist with your future relocations and travelling with your pet.