Job Discussion Forums

[Lizorus123]

I'm wondering if anyone can give some advice or input: I have a German Shepard dog that would be coming with me. He's well behaved, 1 year old, but pretty big (not a purse dog)
I would prefer to teach in the Middle East, preferably an Arabic speaking country- I know the cultural and religious norms there aren't "pro-doggie" but I'm wondering if anyone has had experience trying to move to a ME country (Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Egypt, N Africa) with a dog.
I'm most concerned about not being able to find housing because of him.

My other question: what other countries or regions would people say are pet friendly, especially in regards to being able to find housing and overall friendliness towards a dog.?

Thanks so much!

[spiral78]

The best region I know for dogs is probably off-limits to you, assuming you are a US citizen. North Western (and to some degree, central) Europe is fantastic for dogs. Talking Netherlands, Germany, Czech Rep, Austria especially. They're not only welcome by many landlords, but most public areas also allow them (most shops, restaurants, hotels, etc.).

Unfortunately, on the list above if you are a US passport holder only, the Czech Rep is the only place you are likely to find legal work.

[Sashadroogie]

I think Moscow seems to be OK for dog owners. Don't have one myself, but Muscovites seem to love the beasts. The bigger, the better.

Personally, I think they are better served guarding the laagers...

[nomad soul]

[grahamb]

Are you sure that's "laager" with double "l", Sasha?

[peripatetic_soul]

Hello,
Some important questions to answer before deciding to transport your beloved pet to another country:
1) Can you find decent dog food at affordable prices and consistency for your pet? Supermarkets can run out of inventory or prices can be prohibitive.
2) Will there be a reputable, affordable vet nearby who can provide all the services your pet may need?
3) Will the accommodations be adequate space for your large pet? Will there be an outdoor area for your pet to exercise with safety? E.g., many ex-pat petowners in one ME area were distraught when they learned the form of animal population control was poison and their pet had perished
4) Will you be able to find decent care for your pet should you desire to travel during holidays? Don't count on a nanny. I've heard horror stories there as well.
5) Will your pet be able to tolerate the heat or other conditions of the country?
6) Will you be able to afford cost of microchipping, international vet affirmation, country processing fees, airline-approved crate, etc.?
Please know that each country has its own strict guidelines about transporting pets INTO their region. It is often a very laborious, time-intensive and expensive one. Many ME countries require that your pet travel via "cargo" status which is very costly and not necessarily safe in spite of third party agents promising you otherwise. For one, I'd never use certain airlines in the US for transporting a pet. As for third party agents, numerous scans abound. You can find all you need to know at this website: actionpetexpress.com. I won't name the airlines here but there are many outstanding lawsuits for negligence. I don't mean to burst your bubble but after I researched the country where I was going, it was apparent that my pet was safer and better taken care of by family.
As other posters here have indicated, Europeans love their pets but it is not quite the same at all in the ME. Good luck. You can PM me if you have any specific questions.

[MotherF]

Hundreds of people drive across the US-Mexico boarder with a dog everyday. I know many teachers who keep dogs, some of the dogs are US born, some Mexican born.

[grahamb]

If your accommodation is provided by your employer, find out in advance if you'll be allowed to keep a pet.

[grahamb]

I meant to say "laager" with a double "a".

Red wine interfering with my system.