Job Discussion Forums

jsrr1991 · Joined: 20 Jan 2015 Posts: 1 Location: Canada

Has anyone tried travelling and taking jobs with a cat or dog? Are most companies fine with it within their accommodation or is it sort of assumed to be a "no."

water rat · Joined: 30 Aug 2014 Posts: 1098 Location: North Antarctica

I dunno, but China in any case seems to be the kind of place that if you raised chickens and goats in your apartment no one would find it odd. I didn't have a dog when I moved into my place, but I picked up a poor little puppy from the street. My landlord and landlady who live one floor below me and used to live in my place could hardly object since they have two dogs. I don't know if they reasoned it through thus, or just don't care what I do "animalwise".

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

It depends on which country you're headed to. Some cultures are not pet friendly, especially with dogs (e.g., the Middle East). So read up on your target countries to see if your pets would be welcome. Keep in mind, individual landlords may not be cool with it either, so you take a risk bringing your animals with you.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

My dog's lived in four different countries with me, and without problems. This is however in Europe and Canada, where culturally dogs are welcome. In fact, he's quite used to going out to restaurants and pubs on the European side, and wonders what's happened to his social life when we are in Canada.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

grahamb · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945

Each country has its own animal import regulations, such as obligatory vaccinations. Another point to consider is the cost, which can vary enormously between airlines and destinations.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

peripatetic_soul · Joined: 20 Oct 2013 Posts: 303

Dear jsr,
If you are intending to go to the UAE or need general info about airlines, PM me. An excellent website for starters is expresspets.com which lists requirements and contact numbers for various airlines and points out third-party agents who are scammers. If that agent does NOT provide you with a detailed outline of charges, that's a red flag. As others posted, it is very expensive to ship a pet overseas and a time-consuming process with veterinarian certifications (e.g., must have the 14-digit microchip). I found it easier in terms of paper work returning home but again, the cost with the airline can be prohibitive. One thing all pet owners should know is this: whether your pet travels via "cargo" status vs. "excess luggage" (except for carryon -- restrictions apply as to wt and size of kennel, e.g., a teacup chihuahua may accompany you on certain airlines), your pet will be placed in the exact same holding area. The only difference is, per US's money-making TSA regs, pets must travel "cargo" status in all cases, where one will incur thousands of dollars, whereas if you choose a foreign airline (KLM and Lufthansa are the most pet friendly with trained personnel), you can fly your pet via "excess baggage" which costs around $100-150 per pet, a significant difference. Again, your beloved critter is in the same area of the plane (with climate control). Other important considerations: Does your pet have a restricted diet? Pet food is not always so readily available. Does your pet have allergies? Can your pet tolerate the desert heat? Who will dog sit when you are traveling? This was a serious concern, as not all "experienced" animal sitters have your pet's best interests at heart, as I learned. Leaving a pet at a local shelter for boarding can be very expensive. Etc.
PS

likwid_777 · Joined: 04 Nov 2012 Posts: 411 Location: NA

I really love my cat, but I'd really prefer to travel with a dog. All that you need is a lead and some reassurance for a dog. My cat is also used to being outdoors, and she would not accept being cooped up in Asia and/or wherever else.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I think the standard wisdom is that cats get attached to a place, while dogs are attached to their people. It's not entirely true (I know some cats who are all about their people), but some truth in it.

Have to say I've truly enjoyed every minute of travelling with the schnauzer. He's an absolute pro at airports, with far more patience than I with the lines. No-one ever even realizes he's flying with me, except whoever's next to us. And it's also nice to relax together over a beer after arrival:-)