Exit Planning When You Have Pets

My last article focused on planning an exit. But noticeably absent from that article was a consideration of pets! How could I be so remiss when I cannot imagine leaving my dog Hugo behind? I am sure all of you with pets feel similar. They are part of our family. So of course we have to take the logistics of our pets into account. So in this article I will address ways that your fur babies can exit with you.

Know the Rules for Countries of Interest

Every country has its own regulations around importing pets, and they vary a lot. Some but not all are particularly strict. Here are some general types of restrictions you may encounter:

• Vaccination and microchip requirements (especially rabies)

• Quarantine periods which range from none (e.g. Canada) to months (e.g. New Zealand, Japan)

• Banned breeds as some countries won’t allow certain dog breeds in at all

• Health certificates signed by USDA-accredited vets

• Timing windows for when vaccines or blood tests must be done before entry

You’ll need to start research on these matters ideally 4 to 6 months ahead of time if you want to keep all your options open.

Some Countries Welcoming Pets

• Canada: Rabies certificate required, but no quarantine, nnd they’re pretty relaxed otherwise. Ground travel makes it even easier (flights are stressful for pets and can add significant cost as well as possibly restrict what time of year you can travel).

• Mexico: Straightforward process that is relatively easy.

• Portugal: Pet-friendly culture with no quarantine if paperwork is in order.

• France: Loves dogs, including in cafes and trains. Though from personal experience I have found it challenging to find places to dog walk in Paris. Rabies vaccination + EU Pet Passport required once you’re in.

• Costa Rica: Allows most pets with some Vet paperwork.

• Germany: Bureaucratic but reasonable. Rabies, microchip, and health certificate. From my experience, the German airline Lufthansa has been especially professional with relocating pets to Europe.

Some Countries Posing Challenges for Pets

• New Zealand & Australia: Require lengthy pre-approvals and minimum 10-day quarantine. Must start the process months in advance.

• Japan: 180-day quarantine if steps aren’t perfectly timed.

• UK: Now outside the EU, with different (and occasionally confusing) rules.

Flight Issues

Small Pets

• Normally only small pets (usually under 8-10kg) can fly in the cabin. This varies by airline and route.

• Booking fills up fast as airlines limit how many in-cabin animals can be on a single flight.

• Fees range from $100-200.

Large Pets

• Larger dogs must fly as cargo under enhanced conditions, and while it’s safe most of the time, it comes with stress for you and for your pet.

• This option can be limited under certain weather conditions.

• You’ll typically need to get a crate that meets specific criteria.

• Do your research on airlines: Some are better than others in terms of their reputation for transporting animals and what they offer. I found this article offers several summaries to get you started.

In all these cases, plan flights during cooler months, discuss with your vet potential sedation alternatives, and line up housing that accepts animals before your arrival.

The Canada-Mexico Combo

For many Americans, Canada or Mexico serve as perhaps the easiest exits, especially if you have pets. They could also be places that could be a staging ground until you find a longer term set up elsewhere.

Some Benefits of Canada with Pets:

• Drive across the border so avoid the cost and stress of flights.

• Pets need only rabies certificates and visual inspection at the border.

• Housing can be harder to find with pets, but rural areas and smaller cities are often more flexible.

Some Benefits of Mexico with Pets:

• No quarantine unlike some countries.

• Pet-friendly housing easier to find in many areas.

• Good veterinary care in urban centers.

• If you plan to eventually go to Spain or Portugal, you can get your pet’s EU paperwork sorted in advance.

For Seniors or Those Seeking Long Stay Exits: Retirement Visas & Pet Logistics

Many of the retirement or long-stay visa programs (as found in Portugal, Panama, Costa Rica, or Mexico), allow you to bring your pets with you.

Portugal’s D7 visa, for example, is friendly to both retirees and remote workers, and its pet import rules mirror EU standards (no quarantine with paperwork).

Costa Rica’s Pensionado visa is an easy match for seniors with pets, and the cultural attitude is welcoming.

Panama has a pet import program that allows pets to quarantine at home if certain steps are followed.

Pet-Proofing Your Exit Plan: A Checklist

• Research your potential destinations to determine the rules for your pet(s)

• Research the best airlines for transporting your pet to your country of choice

• Microchip your pet (with international ISO standard)

• Rabies vaccine at least 21–30 days before travel

• USDA Health Certificate within 10 days of travel (Form 7001)

• Book pet-friendly airline route early

• Prep a crate (one that meets your airline rules) and start acclimating your pet well in advance

What If I Just Can’t Bring Them?

This is the hardest scenario. Maybe your pet is too old or ill to fly. Maybe the destination won’t allow them. Or maybe you’re making a fast move and can’t take them yet.

If that happens, here are some next best alternatives:

• Consider trusted family/friends who can care for them temporarily.

• Consider Trusted House Sitters if you are leaving your pet and your home behind: It is a great resource to find experienced and rated people to stay in your home with your pet (in return for free accommodation). I’ve used them many times.

• Look into pet fostering networks, such as Home to Home, Paws For Hope, or The Bond Between that provide respite and foster care for pets when their owners face life emergencies. You may also find local rescue organizations who may be able to help you keep them safe until you’re ready to reunite.

• PLEASE do not surrender them unless there’s no other option. Many shelters are overwhelmed, and your pet will be confused, scared and grief-stricken to lose his family.

If you’re forced to depart without your pet, or to a destination where your pet can’t follow, maybe you can devise a halfway plan. For example, one location in the short run with a longer term plan that works better for you both.

Final Thoughts

In all the political chaos and pain facing us today, thank god for our pets that keep us grounded and human, help us with our stress and provide daily reminders as to what really matters. Although it is a special challenge to relocate, temporarily or longer, with a pet in tow, you are also very fortunate in many ways to have this challenge.

Thanks for reading!
Canada Resists