This is a hard article to write, and it may be a sobering one to read, because it deals with something we don’t like to think about.
We lost our beloved basset hound of nearly 13 years last weekend. In yet another case of Life and Work intersecting, I got to thinking about the people we serve every day, and the kinds of decisions – and sometimes heartbreak – they encounter as pet owners.
From the very beginning of an assignment or relocation, pets factor into our choices. At the very least, we face the practical questions of entry into the host country and finding accommodation that accepts animals. Quarantine laws and recreational opportunities drive our decisions. There are questions of culture and whether our type of pet is common, or at least commonly accepted enough that foods and veterinary care are reliably available.
We also ask ourselves questions with more subjective answers, like will our move prompt a material change in our pet’s quality of life? Will our new schedule allow us to care for them?
Certainly, those of us who love a pet want them with us, especially when facing a major life change. For children especially, a pet is a loving anchor, a bridge between their old home and the new one.
Moving with a pet that has existing medical needs adds a layer of decisions. Find out, early, what the veterinary care situation is where you will be living. Again, cultural norms may dictate choices in ongoing treatment and medications; what’s available abroad can differ from what was prescribed at home.
When the assignment will be long and the pet is elderly, check into end-of-life care and what options are available to you if they pass away. Country regulations vary. Fully vet any business offering burial or cremation services; check for licensing or accreditation as required in your location. Also know that environmental laws can dictate where your pet’s remains may be buried or ashes scattered.
One poll of U.S. Air Force personnel revealed that more than half chose not to accept an overseas tour because of their pets. That said, pets are enormously comforting, enriching their household members with acknowledged mental health benefits.
The choice is as individual as every pet owner. Thinking ahead about your animal’s needs in the context of your move will make both of you happier and better prepared for what lies ahead.
See the International Relocation Center’s ‘Relocation Essentials’ section for further discussion on bringing pets abroad, and Reference Pro’s ‘Pet Moving Services’ for links to pet resources. Destination reports also cover country-specific topics related to bringing and living with pets in the location.
Rest in peace, Hoover. You were a great dog.❤️
Written by Ellen Harris, GMS, Product Manager, Content Group
