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Import and Export

Import and Export

At the International Veterinary Hospital, (IVH) we’re full members of International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA), the leading international network dedicated to moving pets safely and humanely. Our number one priority during an import or export process is the wellbeing of the pet. We understand that pet travel can be stressful, but take every step possible to minimise the stress experienced and ensure pets are always in safe hands.

At the International Veterinary Hospital, our experienced staff members are fully cooperative with dealing with the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA), the leading international network that made the service easy to move pets safely and humanely in an accurate time. This is our top listed priority during the import or export process is the well-being of the pet and its safety. We understand that pet travel can be stressful, but take every step possible to minimize the stress experienced and ensure pets are always in safe hands.

Using a professional pet shipper will minimize the stress of pet relocation and make it more seamless for you and your pet. Each pet is different and each pet relocation is going to be unique. Our expert team is available to minimize your concern and can provide you with the support you need when you feel the time is right, the team will be helping to answer any concerns you may have and choose the right service for you.

Ipata
  • Phone: +965.909.50404
  • Email: ie@ivhq8.com
IMPORT / EXPORT ASSISTANCE

• An import permit is required from the Animal Health Department. Each permit is valid for a month from the date of issue, up to date vaccinations are required, and it can take up to four days for the permits to arrive.

• If a pet is travelling unaccompanied in cargo, customs clearance is required. This is an area we can provide support with, obtaining the import permit for both the owner and pet to get through customs. You can do this yourself, but you will need to ensure you have all the correct paperwork to hand, someone who speaks Arabic, and an understanding of the system. It takes approximately two to three hours to clear pets.

• If a pet is travelling with the owner as excess baggage, they must arrive in the airport with the luggage. You will still need to obtain an import permit, which the airline may ask to see before departure and you may need to show it on arrival.

• A Health Certificate is required from the Animal Health Department. The certificate is only valid for seven days from the date of issue, the pet must be microchipped, and original, valid vaccination records are also a requirement. The necessary vaccinations must have been completed at least 90 days prior to travel prior to travel. A letter from a veterinarian dated seven days prior to travel is also needed by the authorities to confirm that the animal is fit and healthy to travel.

• Pets can travel unaccompanied as cargo, providing there is no change of airline. If a change of airline is required, pets can travel with any airline to the USA transitioning in Europe but cannot travel to the USA by changing airline in Europe. Airlines insist that carriers have to be plastic, although some airlines will allow us, as an official shipper, to use a wooden carrier.

• Pets may also travel as excess baggage, with a health certificate still being a requirement. This is typically the cheaper and easier way of getting a pet to a destination and can be done by making a direct booking with the airline that a customer is travelling with.

• Every country has different import and export regulations. It is the responsibility of the pet owner to check with the country they are travelling to/from and with the airline to establish the exact requirements and procedures.