How to Find a Good Vet Abroad After Relocating with Your Pet
Finding a new vet after an international move is something most pet owners leave until they need one urgently – which is the worst time to be doing the research. A little preparation goes a long way.
Before You Leave: Gather Your Pet’s Records
Ask your current vet for a complete written summary of your pet’s health history. Specifically:
- Full vaccination history (with dates, product names, and batch numbers)
- Microchip number and implant date
- Any chronic conditions, medications, or ongoing treatment plans
- Recent blood test results (useful for your new vet to establish baseline values)
- Dental history (scaling/extractions – relevant if your pet is older)
- Surgical history (especially any orthopaedic work, BOAS surgery, etc.)
- Titre test results (if applicable)
- Prescription details for any repeat medications
Get these in a folder, with digital copies emailed to yourself. Some practices use cloud-based systems that can share records internationally – ask your vet about this.
Finding a Vet in Your Destination Country
Expat communities: The quickest route to a personal recommendation. Facebook groups like “British Expats in [City]”, Reddit communities, or InterNations groups for your destination almost always have threads about local vets. Personal experience counts for more than review sites.
National veterinary associations: Most countries have one. They often have searchable directories of registered practices. Examples:
- France: Ordre National des Veterinaires
- Germany: Bundestierarztekammer
- Australia: Australian Veterinary Association
- USA: American Veterinary Medical Association
- Spain: Consejo General de Colegios Veterinarios de Espana
WSAVA member practices: The World Small Animal Veterinary Association promotes international standards. Practices affiliated with WSAVA tend to follow vaccination guidelines and practice standards that align with what you are used to.
Your relocation agent: If you used a specialist pet relocation agent, ask for local vet recommendations in your destination city. Good agents have built these relationships over years.
What to Look for in a New Vet
- Communication: Can they communicate in your language, or do they have staff who can?
- Equipment: A modern practice has digital X-ray, ultrasound, and in-house blood analysis. For ongoing conditions, this matters.
- Emergency cover: Does the practice have emergency hours, or do they refer to a 24-hour emergency clinic?
- Familiarity with your breed: For unusual or breed-specific conditions, a vet with experience in your breed is valuable.
Registering Your Pet Locally
Many countries require you to register your pet with a local authority within 30 days of arrival (Germany, France, Austria, Italy, Spain, and others). Your new vet can usually help with this. They will also advise on any local vaccination requirements that differ from your home country’s standards – annual rabies boosters, for example, are mandatory in France and Germany.
Continuing Prescription Medications
If your pet is on a repeat prescription, bring enough medication for at least 60 to 90 days after arrival – long enough to register with a new vet and get a local prescription. Most medications are available internationally under different brand names; your new vet can substitute generics where needed.
Finding a good vet in your new country is worth the effort. Your pet’s ongoing health depends on continuity of care.