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by Carol Fleming - 01/09/2011
"Many expatriates love their pets and when accepting a position to working in the Middle East region wish to bring their pet with them. Is it possible? Pets in the Middle East region discusses the factors to take into consideration of shipping a pet."
Pets in the Middle East Region
A query that comes up often when an expatriate has accepted a position in the Middle East region is whether he or she can bring their pet. When an individual has a pet, that pet does become a part of the family. However the first thing an expatriate must ask is whether bringing their pet to the Middle East is in the best interest of the pet. There are questions to take into consideration when making a decision on whether or not to bring a pet.
What is the age of the pet? Just like people where age can impact on abilities to adapt or travel, the same applies to pets. If a pet has not traveled before, it will get stressed. Depending on where one is traveling from the journey can take 15 hours or more before arriving at the destination. For example, flying non-stop from Washington, DC to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is a 15 hour journey. Not all destinations may have direct flights either. It is recommended to consult with the veterinarian who knows the pet on whether the pet is fit enough for travel.
Has the pet ever traveled long distances before by air? Depending on the size of the pet carrier and the individual airlines policy, a cat or dog may have to travel as cargo. However the pet is not placed in a compartment with the luggage! The pet would travel in a pressurized temperature controlled area in the underbelly of the aircraft. While it may seem natural to want the pet to be given a tranquilizer prior to travel so it would be more relaxed, this is not recommend. Tranquilizers decrease respiratory functions which can in turn lead to breathing difficulties during travel. Additionally, over sedation is the leading cause of animal deaths during airline transport.
What is the term of the contract for the expatriate? The term of a contract should also be taken into consideration when contemplating on bringing a pet. Additionally some contracts may state that the initial 90 days are a trial period for both the expatriate and the employer. It may be better for the pet to have it sent at a later date once an expatriate knows that he or she does plan to stay for a length of time.
Is the country “pet friendly?” Not all countries in the Middle East region are pet friendly. For example, in many Muslim countries a dog may be viewed as “haram” or unacceptable. Cats have been better tolerated than dogs. Therefore an expatriate who wishes to have a dog might have more difficulty in finding accommodations which would accept the presence of a dog. Last but not least the quality of available veterinary services should be known prior to bringing a pet to a new country.
Now if the answers are favorable for the above questions, just how does one go about shipping a pet? How involved is the process? It depends on which country to one is traveling but most countries will require the same documentation in order to allow a pet into the country. All of the pets shots must be up-to-date and for some places, a pet may also require a microchip. A pet must have an international health certificate which clears it for travel. The health certificate is generally valid for no longer than ten days. For the Middle East region most of the documents must also be certified and attested by the home country and local embassy of the country to which the pet is being shipped.
Close coordination is necessary between acquiring the requisite documents and the airline reservation. Airlines will generally post specific information on the requirements for pet travel. The requirements can vary from airline to airline.
When traveling with a pet, make sure that the carrier has either a towel or old shirt with the scent of its owner. That will give comfort to the pet during travel. Have a picture of the pet affixed to its carrier along with all contact information and emergency contact information for both the departing and arriving destinations.
An expatriate can make all the arrangements for shipping a pet themselves. Alternatively there are international pet shipping services which will acquire and process all documentation in addition to making all transport reservations.
Keep in mind that on arrival at the new destination, just like individuals, pets also experience jet lag. It may take a pet several days to adapt to its new location.
Carol Fleming
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hussein hamad