If you have much-loved cats or dogs, it may feel like they are part of the family, but travelling to a new destination to live and work may bring you face to face with very different cultural attitudes towards pets.
In Singapore, some breeds are banned from altogether, and those pets arriving from countries with a high risk of rabies are quarantined when they arrive. Space has to be booked three months in advance and all pets have to be up to date with vaccinations and be microchipped.
For Thailand, the rules are similar, although quarantine on arrival is not compulsory if paperwork is in order. Pets need to be microchipped and up to date with vaccinations and each must have a pet passport or a permit from the Department of Livestock Development.
Similar rules apply in South Africa, which requires microchipping and up to date vaccinations together with a health certificate from a vet. Owners must apply for an import permit and dogs from some countries are quarantined for two weeks automatically, as well as any pet which does not satisfy the requirements on entry.
And if you cannot bear to be parted from Fido, then you might decide to give Saudi Arabia a miss. You can take cats, but a dog must be used as a guard or guide dog, and you need to obtain an import permit from the Saudi embassy at home, before you travel.
Thanks to the HSBC Explorer Survey 2021 for the pet guidance in its destination guides. If you need any guidance or pet relocation planning, let us connect you with one of our specialist experts. Ask your Life Porter.