１）After having actually experienced moving your pet overseas, what were you worried about or struggled with?

A.My main worries were making sure I understood the export process properly. As Australia has very strict import guidelines that are required to be followed several months in advance, it was stressful ensuring that no mistakes were made - as any mistake could mean that we would have to restart the months long process again.

２）Please tell us if there was an incident that helped you to alleviate your worries or concerns.

A.On the day I had to drop off my dog Bear, I was also very anxious about leaving Bear as she can get anxious and easily scared. She was quite stressed when I left, which made me worry even more. However, I was so relieved to hear that Shima-san took care of her really well prior to her flight by walking her, giving her food and water, and helping to assure her she will be okay. I could easily see that Bear was much calmer and in the best state possible prior to her flight because of this, and I really am so grateful!

３）Please let us know if there was anything in particular you paid attention to until the day of departure.

A.I made sure to continuously cross check the export paperwork and vaccine certificates with the official Australian Government guidelines prior to departure. As any issue could mean a delay or a rejection at the quarantine facility on arrival, it was extremely important to ensure everything was correct. Shima-san was so helpful in understanding everything that Australia required - and how to officially follow these steps also according to Japan's export guidelines. As Shima-san also corresponds frequently with Japan Quarantine Service, and is very experienced with exporting hundreds of dogs, I was very assured that all paperwork was being reviewed carefully not just by me but also by a professional and that all the important schedule dates for my dog's vaccines and tests were followed. If I had any questions or was confused by anything, Shima-san was quick to answer and explain in great detail, which was so helpful!

４）What was it like when you reunited after arriving at your new home?

A.It was so surreal to be reunited with Bear again! I was so happy that everything worked out well and all the hard work was worth it. Bear was cared for well before her flight and at the quarantine facility, so she has settled into Australia very smoothly.

５）Please tell us if there was anything in particular you paid special attention to in order to help them get used to life in a new environment.

A.At the moment I try give Bear consistent routines to help her feel secure in her new home, and lots of positive reinforcement for when she has new experiences.

７）How did you find a local veterinary clinic? (Please tell us any tips for finding a clinic.)

A.At the destination country, I found it best to work with a clinic that can provide a trusted clinic plan/membership that includes vaccinations, general check-ups, and more general procedures. Especially as my dog settles in and will require more vet visits in their first few months for pet registration and health reviews, having this membership plan saves on costs whilst ensuring all initial procedures are responsibly cared for by a clinic with a good reputation.

８）Please let me know if there are any recommended walking areas, cafes or pet shops that allow pets in the area where you are moving.

A. Australia is very dog friendly! It is typical that most cafes which have outdoor seating will allow you to bring your dog without question as long as they are calm, well behaved, and on a leash. Many will also have bowls of water and dog treats available for the dogs. There are many spacious dog parks where dogs can play with each other in Sydney. We take our dogs to Epping Oval in Norfolk Road North Epping, where dogs can play off leash in a huge field. Lots of dogs come every afternoon!

９）Do you have any advice or messages for people who are considering moving their pets overseas?

A.It made the biggest difference doing my own research on finding a local agent that could help with the export process. Originally, I was consulting Australian pet moving agents because I was moving to Australia, but they themselves contract local agents in your export country and therefore don't have direct contact or experience with local procedures. So it was so much better to find a local agent who you can speak to directly, and who has full understanding of your export country's guidelines and close contact with their official government bodies. I feel so lucky that I found Economove to work with for my dog's export because of this. It was truly so much more efficient and transparent! Prior to that, when I was unclear about any of the export procedures, I would have had to go through multiple phone calls with Australia-based agents who had to confirm key information with their own contacts, to then relay back to me. Furthermore, Economove was already familiar with vet clinics in Japan and their procedures, so they could easily provide the best support in guiding the process. Further, Economove could actually be at the Animal Quarantine Service office in person to help with the final handover of my pet. I am truly so grateful!

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I was so relieved and happy to see Bear walking with such a happy expression. It is wonderful to hear that she is healthy, settled in well, and starting her new life in Australia.

You prepared everything so carefully throughout the process, and I truly believe that Bear’s smooth relocation was made possible thanks to your kind cooperation and support.

I hope Bear continues to enjoy her new surroundings, plenty of space to run around, and making friends with your family’s dogs.

Wishing you, Bear, and your family continued happiness in Australia, just as you enjoyed in Japan. We sincerely wish you all good health and every success in the future.