Pets and moving overseas
Now, I know I'm jumping the gun A LOT, but in case he gets the job, but how difficult would it be to move the animals overseas? I know the requirments, but it is really stressful for the animal? They're all babies - Jasper is the oldest at 19 months, Socks and Mara just turned 1 year, and Joy is only about 6 months old. They haven't even boarded before. They either come with us or stay over my parents' house. I can't imagine not taking them, and I can't expect my parents to easily hand them over after two years if they keep them - that's longer than we've had them! Jasper and Socks aren't even an option for me - I have a close bond with them. Joy and Mara are more of my husband's pets. I like them, but I don't really spend as much time with them because they gravitate towards Jason. It's mean, but right now, I'm hoping he doesn't even get an interview so we won't have to worry about it. Not only that, Jake is starting school soon, and I'm not sure about taking him away from his class and his new friends. I know he's young and he'll adjust, but it'll still be difficult. Also, the boys are very close to my parents, so it would be hard on them to only see them a couple of times during those two years. We also have our house - it can't sit idle for two years, but I would prefer not to rent it out. I just don't like the idea of a stranger living in my home. At the same time, I think it would be a once of a lifetime opportunity to live in one of those spots and the cultural aspect would be a wonderful learning experience for us all. I've never lived more than a hour away from where I grew up though, so it will definitely be new (and scary) to me too. I told him I would support whatever decision he made, since it is his career and my "job" is being a supportive wife to him. Other than family and friends, I don't really have any major obligations here. I guess what's meant to happen will happen. |
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| Wow... it certainly is a huge life change for all of you, but the experience will probably be amazing. The kids are young enough that I think they would adapt ok, and with internet and video conversations available, they can still "see" their grandparents, and other family and friends.
You and your family will make the best decisions for you.... I know if it was me I'd want to take advantage of those opportunities  |
| WOW what an exciting prospect and an awesome experience.
The animals will be fine if you want to take them with you. They are young enough to cope with a change in any situation. You just have to find out about individual countries quaranteen laws etc. England I suspect might be testing on the animals to see if they are rabies free. Not sure if they have to go into a quaranteen situation if you go there. Europe you again have to look into all that as well, but better to take them then leave them for 2 years +, they are young and will cope with change or whatever. 
If you came to Australia well that is 4 weeks that they have to stay in quaranteen kennels as well as prior to arrival quite a few months of testing etc due to us being a rabies free country. We can send dogs and cats straight away to any country without any restrictions. I have a strong feeling that in England they will have to go into quaranteen too for a period of time then you are issued with what they call a Pet Passport so you can travel anywhere in the UK and Europe once they have been declared rabies free. Anyhow, don't stress about it, they will do fine and keeping fingers crossed for you that this will happen, such an exciting experience, adventure for your whole family and a special life adventure for your children too. Good luck and hoping your husband does get this position overseas, just awesome!!!!  |
| wow--that would be quite an exciting change!
Maybe if he gets an interview you can start by sending Jasper and Joy to a doggie daycare or board them overnight every once in a while, just to see how they do away from you guys and get them used to different circumstances. That way, when the real time comes, they won't be so freaked out because they aren't at home or with you. But I think that 2 years is definitely long enough to take them with you, even with quarantine periods. Plus, it will be nice to have something from home to keep you company. It would be hard and a change, but I think it'd be a great opportunity. And 2 years really isn't THAT long. I am being the supportive wife and am sacrificing 4 years out here in VA and although at times it seems like it'll never end, I can't believe that I've been here for almost 3 years already. Time will fly... Oh, and I think moving while the kids are this age would be easier than if they were older. Younger kids make friends so easily, whereas teens are set in their ways and friends that it is harder to make friends... |
| I would try and take them all, well the dogs anyways...what if the cats don't like the new place and they take off. I might leave them behind.
The boys should be okay, I was thinking of the video calls as well. I know how hard it is to make a change, I have Parker who hates change he gets really stressed out by new things and experiences...he's my worry wart with a million questions before he's okay with it. He's 5 as well. For example going from K to grade one was a major deal, he was crying when I picked him up on his last day, and really wanted a comfort toy (specific bear I had no idea where it was), but it's a change that he doesn't understand what it will be like, and it wasn't until I found that bear when we got home, he was okay to talk about it. Anyways he understands more of grade 1 and its all okay now. |
| That would be a great experience no matter where you end up.
Here is a site to check the UK rules out. http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm |
| Thanks everyone. It's a scary possibility for me. I think it'll do me good to get away from my parents for a while...not that I don't love them, but I'm still very much their little girl. I think that little bit of independence might do me good, but I know I'm going to miss them and get homesick also. I know the internet is a wonderful thing, but it's nothing like going over to see them nearly every weekend and everything. It'll be just as hard on me as it is the boys.
That's a good idea about the boarding. I'll have to start doing that (maybe once a week?) if Jason gets an interview. |
| I'm not sure if this has been mentioned yet - but I would apply for a euro pet passport. I believe it works in most of the countries you mentioned and it works just like a human passport. Also - make sure all of your vetrinary materials are in the languages of the countries you will be staying in.
*ah! I noticed someone mentioned the passport already* |
| From what I read, you should run down to your vet and get the microchip and start the bloodwork and paperwork TODAY! It is a six-month waiting period, so get that clock started NOW just in case you want to go! |
Ron wrote: From what I read, you should run down to your vet and get the microchip and start the bloodwork and paperwork TODAY! It is a six-month waiting period, so get that clock started NOW just in case you want to go!
We've already got the microchip, but I do need to do the other things. Maybe I'll wait until he gets the interview. Lord knows with government jobs, it'll probably be six months before we leave if he gets it, lol |
| Gail, I totally understand the independence thing, and I think it's a great idea. I was the same way-- lived within a half hour of my parents my whole life--then I moved across country and it was tough...a lot of adjustment, but I've definitely become more independent, even if I DO talk to my parents every day. |
| I think it would be great! Two years is a perfect amount of time too-- not too long if you really hate it and fast enough to fly by if you love it. Keep us posted and I'll cross my fingers that it'll be someplace good! |
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