I know that there are many mixed opinions as to whether you should move with a pet or not. For us leaving our Labradoodle, Bella behind was simply not an option. With our first move from NZ to China we used an agent as it all seemed so difficult, we were both working and to avoid quarantine we sent her via Hong Kong. There is no way we could have done this on our own. This time we are working without an agent and we are trying to juggle this along with the other highly exciting things that need to be done to move country.
When considering a move we only considered countries with minimal to no quarantine, that also offered us what we were looking for. The Doodle is a top priority and she likes it that way. It is often difficult to type as she has a tendency to lie across the laptop if she believes that she is not getting enough attention. Any activity that may be taking your attention from her and she will try and get in your line of sight.
For our move we have about 12 weeks remaining. We bought the paperwork with instructions from an internet based company and it cost a mere $25. Bella has taken a private car to Shanghai and had a couple of shots for $75, transport included. One more vet trip required and we are nearly there. Our destination want to know when we are arriving, easy. Booking a flight for a dog, difficult.
We've only found 1 airline that will fly direct from A to B. There is technically another airline, but they code-share with the other and that puts it to just 1 choice. It is not my favourite airline at all, but it is my only option. So, we did some research on the website and no real answers. Phone the call centre 6 times and try to get answers. The final answer is: "Go to Shanghai and ask at the office as we don't know". What an excellent company.
A rainy tomb sweeping festival and we find ourselves heading to the airline office. Spend 15 minutes asking questions and the result is that we need to book our flights, return to the Shanghai office, to complete a form and then go back with the export certificate 2 days before the flight. I'm not quite sure why the call centre employees were unable to tell us this. Interestingly we received a quote from a pet transport company and for them to do everything for us would be around $4000, whereas for us to do it ourselves we are looking at $500. You have to question whether these pet removal companies care about animals at all or just profits.
In a few weeks we'll be able to see Bella back on the beach, kicking up the sand and avoiding swimming at all costs.
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