Relocating With Pets

Moving to a new country is complicated and stressful. Bringing a pet with you makes it more so, but as always, the more research you do and information you have in advance, the more smoothly things will go when the time comes. Rest assured though, that pets are a huge part of the Island lifestyle, and after a settling in time, your pet will be as happy with the move as you are. Be in touch with your own veterinarian early in the process to discuss your move and its implications for your pet. Be sure to have your pet’s boosters up to date and you will need additional shots and blood work closer to your departure date. You or your vet will need to contact your own Government agency that deals with these issues, (in the UK, DEFRA, http://www.defra.gov.uk/). Rules vary depending on if you are bringing a family “pet” or a commercial animal for breeding. There is likely a strict “window” for paperwork and last minute shots and blood work and if all the boxes are not ticked, your pet won’t be getting on that plane.

Come travel time there are two ways to go. We have had clients who brought their pets with them - the pets travelled as cargo on the same plane and were retrieved in Vancouver; and clients who used a service (in this case Airpets at http://www.airpets.com/), which took the pets a day or so before the move, kenneled the pet, dealt with the complex export paperwork, arranged for the required state approved vet inspection, arranged for all travel, and finally, let you know where and when to pick up your pet. We’ve had one family who used both options; they brought a cat and a pregnant Chihuahua with them, but had their larger Husky type dog looked after by a pet service and picked it up a month after they arrived once they were in their new home.

Whichever route you decide to go, you will need an IATA approved transport carrier. A pet service such as Airpets can provide one. Most of our clients bought their own and used them after the move as well. If you have purchased your carrier, keep its size in mind when renting or buying a vehicle on this end of the trip! Whether you are picking up your pet a couple hours after you land in Vancouver, or a month later, you will need all your import documentation and some dollars. In terms of documentation, you may need a permanent address and a point of contact, (contact person) to get an export certificate for your pet. We have acted as contacts for several of our clients.

If you want your pet to travel with you, be aware when choosing your airline that not all airlines transport pets. Contact the cargo section of your airline to see if they will be able to put your pet on your flight. Again, you will need a carrier and it must meet your airline’s regulations. The cargo staff of the airline should provide you with a list of contact numbers, guide you through the paperwork and forms, tell you how your crate should be labeled and give you pre-flight feeding instructions and arrival time at the cargo bay.  They will tell you where to pick up your pet on arrival. It is helpful to have a copy of your paperwork attached to the crate and to carry a copy with you. Your pet will travel in a heated cargo area. One of our immigrating pets traveled with the crew’s luggage and so had visits from the flight attendants en-route. On arrival, you will be directed to where, with the appropriate documents and cash in hand, you can pick up your pet.

How you choose to transport your pet will depend on your own housing situation at the end of the trip. If you have already purchased a home and you will be moving in right away, you have more options than if you are coming into a rental situation. The vacancy rate in Nanaimo is low, and rentals that allow pets are difficult to find. If you plan to purchase soon after arriving, you could board your pet in a local kennel, and there are hotels that will allow small pets.

Canadian Regulations

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is the Government Agency that deals with bringing pets into Canada.

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/import/petse.shtml

Airlines and Air Carriers that transport pets

This is not an all-inclusive list, but it should provide you with a place to start.

http://www.airpets.com/

http://www.jet-a-pet.com/

http://www.flypets.com/

http://www.britishairways.com/travel/pet/public/en_gb

http://www.swiss.com/web/EN/services/special_needs/Pages/animals.aspx

City of Nanaimo Pet Regulations

In Canada, many municipalities require that your pet is licensed, (not a common practice in the UK or other countries).

http://www.nanaimo.ca/EN/main/departments/Permits-Bylaw-Properties/5294/AnimalControl.html

Boarding Facilities Nanaimo and Area

If you are temporarily renting when you arrive in Canada you may need to find a kennel for your pet. Here are some boarding kennels in the Nanaimo area.

http://www.michaellakekennel.com/

http://www.tallcedarskennels.ws/page1.html

http://www.puss-n-boots-lodge.com/index.htm

Traveling with your Pet

Some hotels, motels and B&B’s will accommodate pets. You will need to confirm when you make reservations to stay, as there is a charge for your pet. You will most likely need a carrier or crate for your pet in the hotel, motel or B&B. Again, it is important to check to make sure the hotel still is pet friendly.

http://www.petscanstay.com/pet-friendly-hotels/british-columbia/features_british_columbia.html#Nanaimo

This is a quick overview of the process of bringing a pet into Canada but it is not all inclusive. It is important to check with the appropriate Government Agency as regulations can change.

NOTE: The information contained herein is provided as a public service. All critical information should be independently verified. We make no representation or guarantee as to the correctness or suitability of the information provided or of any linked information. The information and/or services provided may change at any time without notice. Gary and Toni Bowen