I know I've asked this before, but should I bring my pets with me to Europe?

[Writer]

There's a possibility that we may move to Europe for a year. I have a 17 lb. dog and a 10 lb. cat. The flight to our destination would be anywhere from 13 to 17 hours depending on whether we make a stop on the east coast. The dog takes daily medication for anxiety and has a loud, screechy bark (he's a mini Eskie, for those of you who know).

Should I bother taking my pets with me? I don't want to give them up! If I give up my dog, especially to a shelter, he'd most likely be destroyed because of his behavior. He trusts us, so we want him to stay with us. Our cat is fairly mellow, but a 17 hour flight? Would that be too much for him?

They're both healthy 6 year-old pets, but is it worth it?

I'd be so sad to leave them behind. :cry:

[Kali]

1. take them

why wouldn't you? Saw two cats going on a flight yesterday. Know somebody who brought two dogs and two HORSES over! Drugs are your dog's friend, the cat can actually be a carry-on if you want.

[Writer]

3. I appreciate the encouragement.

I'm so worried that my dog will suffer a lot. My cat's hardier. I'm unfamiliar with all of this, so I'm very scared.

[Rosie1223]

2. You might be able to find a pet-sitter stateside

to keep your pets for the year.

[Writer]

4. Yeah... that would be wicked expensive, though.

Many of my friends have pets and would be happy to care for the cat... but the dog is another story. He is very, very difficult to care for. His behavior is unpredictable and we already medicate him for anxiety.

I don't know. This is all very stressful. :(

[Rosie1223]

5. I'm sorry

A year in Europe should be exciting, not stressful. I hope you can resolve your situation.

:hi:

[racaulk]

6. If you take them with you, make sure you research and plan well in advance.

A big concern for your host country will be to minimize the transmission of diseases. Each country is different, but your pets will likely need to have very specific vaccinations prior to traveling abroad. Also, IIRC, some countries impose a period of time where your pets will need to be quarantined for observation and tests before being released to you after you arrive in your host country. In some places, that quarantine period may be lengthy.

Also, if you want your pets to travel with you, make sure you check your airline's guidance on carrying pets aboard. There are also some companies that will transport your pet for you, if you want to trust a third party to do that (I, personally, would be skeptical of this).

Again, start your planning and research as soon as possible. Perhaps this link will help get you started:

http://www.transitionsabroad.com/tazine/0810/moving-overseas-with-pets.shtml

By the way, I'm insanely jealous -- living abroad in Europe for a year sounds like an awesome experience. And having two cats that I adore (ages 15 and 9), I completely understand your desire to take them with you. They really are like our kids, aren't they? :)

Best of luck! :hi:

[Writer]

7. Aaaaaaawwww. Thanks, man.

I really appreciate the information. I have heard about the quarantine issue. I don't think my host nation has it, but I will double-check.

Thanks again!

[we can do it]

8. Check To See If They Need To Be Quarenteened

[Sky Masterson]

9. Yes.

You just gotta take Gandalf and Pippen.
You have enough worry in your life ,my friend.
Pets are very calming and in this world we need all of the calm we can get.
:pals: :hug:

[riderinthestorm]

10. Okay here's how I see it.

Your pets will be unhappy without you for A YEAR! 17 hours of misery in their lives will be miniscule in the greater scheme of things. You will be there at the beginning (and more importantly the end of their ordeal).

Yes, it will be stressful. Will it be worth it?

Imho, YES!! If your host country doesn't impose a further quarantine period on your stressed pet(s?) (you think the cat will cope fine but the dog will be stressed) that might prolong the misery, I say short term pain for long term gain.

They are only 6 years old. You have another decade with them at least. Bring them with. I would.

signed,
riderinthestorm: owner of 3 cats, 3 dogs and 9 horses. Owner of a boarding/training farm with 40 horses who has actually shipped animals internationally, even temperamental shitty ones who I thought would explode in transit but handled it all with aplomb.

[NV Whino]

11. Remember, you have to bring them back

Be sure and check regulations for returning.

[InvisibleTouch]

12. By all means, take them.

I've traveled with pets quite often - usually small ones who were carry-ons, but also larger ones who had to fly in cargo. I've also sent unaccompanied animals by plane. As airlines go, Continental is fantastic with their pet service, and Delta has a good reputation as well, but I haven't used them in recent years.

You will need a health certificate from a vet within 10 days of travel. Check on what vaccinations you need for your specific country, and how far in advance. Unless you are going to England, you shouldn't have quarantine issues flying to Europe, but double-check for your destination. If you call Continental's Pet Safe program, they can give you those details, including kennel requirements and necessary paperwork.

Web site is here: http://www.continental.com/web/en-us/content/travel/animals/default.aspx

And their 24-hour Live Animal Help Desk is here: 800.575.3335 or 832.235.1541