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This Funny Pupper is Taking the Internet By Storm Moving abroad is a huge decision for anyone and can be a rather daunting process. There is an exhausting to-do list involved in booking tickets, finding accommodation and ensuring passports and visas are in order. Then there is packing up the house, organising transportation of your belongings and getting the family safely across the water; and this includes your furry friend.
Unfortunately, we have all heard the horror stories about moving pets from one place to another. There are many checks and regulations in place, but we have to remember that these are for good reason. While the red tape and sometimes frustrating quarantine process can seem over-the-top, ultimately we all need to work together to ensure our animals are safe. With some prior planning, some expert guidance and a little patience, you and your team will be together in your new home in no time.
Mike Clark, Queensland State Leader of Dent Global, knows the process well. Mike and his wife Alma moved their family from the UK to Australia in May last year, and bringing their Working Cocker Spaniel, Rockit, was non-negotiable.
“As far as I’m concerned, he was part of our family, my son. We weren’t going to just leave him,” Mike said.
Step one: Recruiting the right help
Countries have been grouped by the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources according to the rabies risk, and requirements differ slightly according to the category. From here, there are a series of steps to take to obtain a permit, then a minimum of 10 days quarantine is required once the animal reaches Australia.
In Mike and Alma’s case, the UK is classed as a lower risk point of origin; however, the process still took seven months to have Rockit ready to get on a plane. The family identified early on in the plan that they would need some help navigating the requirements, just as he had sought assistance with his visas while working in the UK. Knowing the importance of working with the right person, Mike began making enquiries and found a consultant that ticked all the boxes.
“You could tell he had a strong passion for helping us get from A to B in the best way. He was really personable, asked the dog’s name and showed a lot of interest. He was also very knowledgeable and talked me through all the things that needed to happen,” Mike said.