what to do about pets?

[timwhistle]

Hi all. Putting plans in place for a mini retirement to Ireland. Very doable. Only drawback is my cats. Ireland has a 6-month quarantine program for any animals brought in from abroad. I'm wondering if I need to have a friend adopt my pets stateside for awhile. Of course the guilt is a big issue... :0

Has anyone else had to deal with this? Thanks much.

tim

[kamakiri]

I have 2 dogs as well, and am pretty much resigned to hiring a dog sitter to stay at my house. I live in Japan, and with the proper paperwork, a trip to the US isn't so bad, but I really am not interested in quarantine.

Just an FYI, I am looking at Ireland as well, and they only really require a 1 month quarantine. If you build a suitable 'quarantine facility' in your house, you can keep them there for the other 5 months. It just takes the help of a vet and some paperwork.

You could just feed your cats to a dog and get new ones as well.

[Marcie]

I know some people whose dog died while in quarantine - they were trying to get him into the UK, I think. Very sad. I'd try to find a petsitter...

[timwhistle]

Thanks for the words of advice. Kamakiri do you have some info you could direct me to spelling out the quarantine scenario you mention above?

Thanks again.

tim