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《Don’t Leave Them Behind – How to Immigrate Together With Your Pets? 》

《Don’t Leave Them Behind – How to Immigrate Together With Your Pets? 》

Don’t want to leave behind your beloved pets when moving overseas? What are your options? 

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In fact, consumers do not need to rely on a third party service provider. They can handle their pets´ relocation process on their own. It is important to choose companies with relevant experience in this area in order to avoid mistakes such as wrong documentation or vaccination and unnecessary quarantine period. Let's take a look at the areas that consumers should beware of when they choose to handle the  pet relocation process on their own:

  1. Check the import requirements for pets at the destination:

The first step is to check the relevant import requirements and restrictions for animals at the destination. The relocation procedures will depend on these import requirements, including species that can be imported, pet health and vaccination documents, and quarantine period upon arrival, etc. The regulations of different countries may also differ. For example, Australia has a designated certificate format. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) can issue or endorse Animal Health Certificates. If necessary, please click link: https://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/quarantine/qua_ie/qua_ie_eapao/qua_ie_eapao.html
 to browse the AFCD website for more information.

  1. Set aside sufficient time to prepare vaccination documents
According to the relevant rules and regulations in Hong Kong, all dogs above the age of 5 months old must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and licensed. A number of countries only allow pets that are microchipped for entry. Pet owners should check the requirements beforehand.
  1. Ensure the pets are microchipped
According to the relevant rules and regulations in Hong Kong, all dogs above the age of 5 months old must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and licensed. A number of countries only allow pets that are microchipped for entry. Pet owners should check the requirements beforehand.
  1. Find out the quarantine period upon arrival
Taking the U.K. as an example, if you bring ferrets, cats or dogs into the country from a “listed” country, the pets do not need to undergo the 4-month quarantine as long as they can meet certain relevant requirements. For details, please refer to the U.K. government website:  https://www.gov.uk/bring-pet-to-uk
  1. Check if the pets are suitable to fly

Generally speaking, airlines only allow customers to bring small cats or dogs on board.  Most large pets will have to be shipped in a special heated and ventilated cargo compartment which allow the pets to rest in a dark environment. 

  1. Choose a suitable airline

Some airlines have restrictions on the types of pets allowed, and consumers should find out the airlines’ rules and regulations. Some airlines may limit the number of animals on the flight, so consumers should book in advance. It is best to send your pets on working days when there are more staff on duty, which makes the communication easier during the journey.。

  1. Consider choosing special flights for pets

Some airlines operate special flights for pets only, which provide consumers an alternative way to fly their pets.

  1. Restrictions on pet travel crates
The size, material and structure of pet travel crates must meet the relevant requirements of different airlines. For further details, please refer to the website of the International Air Transport Association (https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/live-animals/pets/#tab-1), you can also check the website of the selected airline or inquire directly so that you can make proper arrangements ahead of time.

Are you having a headache already by reading the above summary? No doubt, using a third party service provider can save time and effort! However, you must also choose carefully. There was a complaint about entrusting pets to the wrong service provider which resulted in irreparable losses.

In this case, the complainant engaged a pet company to relocate a tortoise and 2 lizards. After receiving the payment, the company only issued a simple handwritten receipt and made a verbal commitment on the consignment date, but it did not carry out any specific procedures of relocation, such as preparing import / export documents and purchasing air tickets. Later on, the complainant was asked to make additional payment into the personal account of a staff member. Although the complainant asked about the progress from time to time, the company would make up different excuses for the delay.

Later on, the complainant’s friend discovered that the company was selling a tortoise which looked very similar to the one that the complainant was trying to relocate, and suspected that the company was selling his pet. The complainant immediately asked the company to provide photos of the tortoise and 2 lizards to prove their safety. But this was met with rude and evasive. In the end, the company told the complainant that the 2 lizards had died, and the complainant could only retrieve the tortoise.  Instead of moving together, the complainant had lost his pets forever. 

  1. 1. Find a reputable company
Dishonest pet shops may switch your pets
  1. Contracts and receipts must be clear  
If you engage a company to handle the pet relocation process that involves a lot of procedures, then a written contract should be signed. The contract should clearly specify the responsibilities of the company, the estimated processing time for each procedure, and the arrangements for failed consignment. Never rely on verbal promises.
  1. Avoid making payments into personal accounts
After entering into a contract, if consumers are asked to make additional payments or to deposit into personal accounts, they should evaluate the appropriateness of such requests. Even if they agree to such requests, they should still ask for official receipts.

For more information on pet services, please refer to the article, “A Review on the Complaints About Pet Services Owners Were Saddened by Pets’ Injuries and Death”. CHOICE Magazine, Issue 528 (Chinese version only).

You may also want to refer to the Council´s smart consumer tips on pet care: “Choose Smartly to Give the Best to Your Pets” (Chinese version only).

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