Dear PetRelocation,
I currently reside in Hong Kong. I am considering adopting a puppy around 6 months in age. My husband and I will relocate to Canada next year and I want to know the best way to relocate the dog without causing any trauma.
The flight is direct, 16 hours with Air Canada. I know they have a pet policy and most likely the dog will be bigger which will entail going in cargo. How do I prepare, and is the length of the trip advisable for relocation?
(If you think I should just hold off and wait to adopt until after we've relocated due to length of trip, I will.)
Thanks,
Nirupa
Hi Nirupa,
Great question! It's very smart to think ahead when it comes to being a responsible pet owner. (Also congratulations on your future dog!)
When the right choices are made, it's possible to move pets very safely, so this is mostly a matter of how much time and money you're willing to spend on a possible relocation. For your reference, here are a few basic pet travel questions and answers that may help you understand the process a little better.
Here are a few more things to know: the pet import requirements for Canada state that you need to secure specific vaccines and paperwork. You also need to buy a travel crate that is airline approved and the correct size, and you would need to work on crate training to help your dog feel comfortable spending time in the crate (this cuts down on his/her stress level immensely).
It's important to choose a pet friendly airline and, if you're not traveling on the same plane as your dog (which is common when it comes to pet cargo travel), you'll need to arrange transportation to/from the airport and customs clearance assistance.
If you're interested in speaking to one of our Specialists, please contact us via phone or by filling out our online consultation form. In terms of pricing, every pet relocation is a little different, but you can expect to spend several hundred dollars at least. (We can give you a more accurate quote once we have the chance to gather a few more details.) If you're interested in keeping costs lower, we recommend locating local agents through IPATA.org.
Hopefully this helps to get you started! As you can see, it would take a considerable amount of time and money to arrange a dog move from Hong Kong to Canada, so it's up to you to decide if you're willing to do that or if you'd rather wait.
Again, when handled correctly the move can be very safe, but it's best to enlist the help of experts and/or allow yourself plenty of planning time.
Please let us know if you have more questions, and good luck with your decision!
Pet Travel Question Details:
Name: Nirupa
From: Hong Kong
To: Toronto, Ontario
Pet: TBD