Relocating overseas with your family is a major undertaking, and it can be incredibly exciting—especially when your beloved family pet is moving with you. At the same time, there’s a lot to organize. It’s completely natural to worry about certain details, too. For instance, will your precious pet receive high-quality veterinary care in your new country?
If you’re based in North America or the UK, you’re probably accustomed to state-of-the-art veterinary services. What kind of care will you find in your new location? That will depend on where you’re headed, but in many destinations, you can expect your pet to remain in very capable hands.
In recent years, pet ownership has climbed significantly across the globe. As household incomes have risen, dogs and cats have also benefited—moving from life on the streets (or, in some regions, even being considered food) into homes as cherished family members. With that shift, protecting them from harm and keeping them healthy becomes non-negotiable. As a result, demand for modern, high-quality veterinary care has grown as well.
That said, every country is a bit different. So what can you expect when you and Walter visit a new vet after your move? Here are a few examples of what to expect when visiting a vet in Dubai and Italy.
Clear communication with your veterinarian is essential. If you already speak the language of your new home, that will make things much easier. Even if you don’t, English is widely spoken in many places you might not expect. In addition, many veterinarians complete part or all of their medical training in the US or UK.
Just as you are preparing to become an expat, some American and British vets also choose to relocate and practice abroad. So you may find that discussing your pet's health in English is easier than you anticipated.
You can begin your search for a new veterinarian before you even board the plane:
Just like you’re making a checklist to prepare your pet for their international move, a list of questions for potential new vets will help ensure you don’t miss anything important. As you research, jot down any answers you’re able to find. You may still need to ask some (or most) of these questions in person, but gathering information in advance will give you a clearer picture of the veterinary landscape in your new home.
If you’re moving to a place where veterinary care is still developing, it’s especially important to understand what is and isn’t readily available. Ask about referral options and where—or if—your pet can receive advanced care if needed. Consider questions such as:
In many countries, veterinary practices offer a broader range of non-medical services, which can make it easier to access what your pet needs. Your new vet’s office may feature a well-stocked retail area, grooming services, and even boarding options if you need to travel without them.
Before you leave, make sure you obtain copies of your pet's medical records to pass along to your new veterinarian. You'll also want to make sure you have copies of their international health certificate and any required vaccinations, blood test results or import forms for your records. You should share these with your new vet so that they can establish a current medical history for your pet and advise the next steps for keeping your pet healthy in their new home. Request copies of these records before you depart and pack them in your hand luggage so they’re easy to access when you’re ready to schedule your pet's first appointment in your new home.