St Martin Island: A Guide To St Martin Island

by George Eastman House

Immigration; Will your furry family members immigrate with you?

Article by Lindsay Wagner

Passports for pets are becoming increasingly popular among potential immigrants. There’s no question about it – your pets are family. Fortunately, there’s no need to cast your pets aside. Your furry friends can immigrate with you.

Just because they’re not human, doesn’t mean that they haven’t made a difference in your life. It’s not crazy to view your pet as a very important part of your family. In fact, many people, like you regard their pets to be loving, feeling and generous beings.

It’s a known fact that animals have the amazing ability to calm their owners and promote positive emotions. So, besides the fact that if they’re left behind, they most probably will suffer from separation anxiety, they will most likely help you ease into your new home and country.

Of course, there are a few restrictions in regards to pet immigration in various countries.

Besides considering the pet fare, you’ll have to get into the ‘nitty gritty, of pet immigration. It’s not a very simple process but it is very possible. For example, if you’re immigrating to New Zealand consider that this country only accepts cats and dogs. Unfortunately, no other kinds of pets can gain access to New Zealand. So, if you have a parrot or pet rabbit called bunny, you’ll have to find a loving home for it in your homeland. Also, consider the following. Animals are required to come through Auckland International Airport. Most animals are subject to quarantine. This depends on which country they are from. Your pet will typically spend at least 6 months in their departure country and will require full vaccinations. A Subcutaneous chip comes standard.

In most instances, pets will also require a rabies lab test at least three weeks after vaccination. Vaccinations for your pets include the following: for dogs (Rabies (Except UK and Australia), Distemper, Hepatitis, Adenovirus 2, Parainfluenza, Bordatella, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus. For cats (Rabies (Except UK and Australia), Panleukopnia, Rhinotrachetis, Calicivirus. If you need more information regarding the rules and regulation of pets, visit the Ministry for Agriculture and Foristry.

The lab test result identifies the animal by its identity chip number. This chip must be at least 6 months old before the animal will be eligible for importation. Be sure to handle this in advance. If you fail to do so, you may be without your pet for several months.

A Permit to Import may be required.

This does not apply to animals from Australia and the UK. Your pet may also have to undergo a period of quarantine. There’s no way of telling what the specific set period will be. In fact, could be kept in quarantine for up to a month or longer. Take into consideration that shipping pets is a very expensive exercise and could cost you over 00 NZ Dollars!

Although, if your pet or pets do not need to be quarantined before applying for a permit to import, you must contact a quarantine facility in New Zealand to reserve a space for your pet or pets. Keep in mind that when you book a space the quarantine facility will send you a letter of confirmation. This letter must be included with your permit application.

Certainly, you’ll need to ensure that your loved one is well kitted.All animal products, this includes pet food and poultry feather meal products require Import Health Standards. If your pet requires medication, you may be able to import the medicine. You’ll need approval from Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Group.

What is The Import Health Standards (IHS)?These are documents that detail the import conditions for live animals and animal products into New Zealand. These documents define the conditions that must (if an import is made), be met in the country of origin or of export. This applies to the period during the transit of importation and quarantine. What’s more, the ISH will be able to tell you whether you need a permit to Import or Post Entry quarantine.

Pretty Useful, don’t you think?

There are many factors to consider and to remember. These are important as to ensure that your pet arrives safely and is well cared for. If you indent to import your cat or dog, be sure to check the requirements in the personal travel section. Note that cats and dogs coming from Australia, United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, Hawaii and Singapore are not required to undergo a period of quarantine, but they do require certification. These pets will however be inspected for ticks on arrival.

Canada Immigration – So, what if you’re immigration to Canada? If you are immigrating to Canada, you will need to have medical documents showing that your pet is healthy. You’ll also be required to follow certain procedures while crossing the border. Take into account that all documents for your pets are required to be documented in English or French.

Note that if you’re importing puppy pets under 3 months old, you don’t require documents for them. Although, for all cats and dogs older than 3 months, you’ll have to prove, perhaps via medical certificates, that they don’t have rabies. Thankfully, if you are coming from a country recognised as rabies-free, you have to get a document from a veterinarian who works for a government veterinary service in your home country. The vet will then have to state that there have been no cases of rabies in your country for at least 6 months. The vet will also be required to state that your cat or dog have been in the country throughout this time.

Have a look at the following. At present the following countries are recognised by the government of Canada as rabies-free. These countries are: Antigua, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Fiji, Finland, Iceland, Ireland (Republic of), Jamaica, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla, St. Lucia, St. Martin (Netherlands Antilles), St. Pierre et Miquelon Islands, St. Vincent, Sweden, Taiwan, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) and Uruguay.

As for Australia?

In regards to pet registration, you should contact the National Pet Register (NPR) which is a wide free pet ID service. The NPR operates throughout Australia for 24 hrs a day through the year. There’s simply no excuse not to register your pet!A valid pass port will come in handy too!

By the looks of it, there are many factors to keep in mind. It’ll do you and your pet good to research about your future countries animal import policies. Be sure to check the rules of the carrier that you plan to use to transport your pet.

At the end of the day, all the trouble’s well worth it when you hold your furry friend in your arms, in your new country.

If you’re not keen to leave without your loved ones, perhaps you should chat to a contact an Immigration consultant?

About the Author

Copywriter and freelance Journalist