Do pets need quarantine when relocating?
Written by
John Williams
Reviewed by
Prof. Edward Clarke, Ph.D.The quarantine requirements vary greatly depending on the destination country and are an important consideration in the international relocation of pets. Many countries impose compulsory quarantine for periods ranging from 10 days to 6 months to prevent the dissemination of a disease. I arranged a removal where the quarantine of a dog in Australia, due to documentation issues, was extended from 10 days to 30 days.
Facility Standards
- Government-approved facilities with veterinary supervision
- Climate-controlled individual kennels ensuring comfort
- Daily socialization and exercise routines
- Webcam access for owner monitoring
Documentation Impact
- Complete vaccination records reduce quarantine duration
- Proper CITES permits prevent extended isolation for exotics
- Rabies titer tests meeting destination requirements
- Health certificates signed within validity periods
Preparation Strategies
- Pre-quarantine crate training reduces stress
- Familiar item inclusion in quarantine packages
- Veterinary-prescribed anxiety management protocols
- Owner visitation scheduling when permitted
Professional relocation services manage quarantine logistics with ease. They reserve government-approved facilities months in advance. They schedule veterinary checks during the isolation period. They provide daily updates. A customer requested provision for webcam access for his quarantined cat in Melbourne. Frequent viewing reduced anxiety for the owner.
Anticipate quarantine costs that can be a large percentage of your overall relocation budget. In Australia, a standard kennel may cost an estimated $40-$60 per day. Exotic animal facilities are in the range of $100 or more. The quoted price includes general care and veterinary monitoring, but typically not medications and specialized diets.
Familiarize yourself with post-quarantine procedures. Most countries demand that owners collect animals personally; for some, you'll also need to get additional checks from a veterinarian before you're allowed to collect. Always check transportation arrangements from facilities. My team coordinates door-to-door service, inclusive of quarantine pick-up.
Read the full article: Comprehensive Pet Relocation Services Explained
