

However, having the advantage of hindsight it would have been a lot easier and less stressful to have simply hired an agent. This does however cost considerably more (1.5-2 times more, which amounts to thousands of dollars). It is understandable why so many people simply hire an agent to complete the entire process for them. completed in Cambodia yet Malaysia does and yet Australia accepts Malaysian documents when Malaysian authorities may have relied upon the very tests/results completed in Cambodia previously rejected by Australian authorities. For example, Australia doesn't recognise any of the vaccinations etc. Furthermore, there are discrepancies between each country's approval standards.

This further complicates and confuses things because timing can get tight. Combine that with the fact you may have to coordinate and satisfy the requirements of two separate, independent countries' import conditions. However, even with the step-by-step guide it can still be confusing and because there are so many steps a little overwhelming. Also Airlines have certain breeds that they won't accept (ie. Each country has certain breeds of dog that are banned or restricted. If you decide to get a dog also consider where you plan to travel/move to in the future. It is a very expensive process exporting and importing a live animal not to mention the amount of planning and time required to complete.

If you don't think you will go to the lengthy effort of bringing your pet with you when you plan to leave then you shouldn't get a pet. This is a 10-15 year commitment you are making and if you are going to benefit from the joy of having the pet then certain responsibilities apply. If you are in a similar position and would like to get a pet, whilst living overseas, really consider the ramifications of that decision. I hold very strong views as to our responsibility to all animals on this planet, especially the ones we take personal ownership of. People are always coming and going as is the nature of the transient lifestyle. Personal situations can change rapidly, especially within the expat community. I've met many other expats who have gotten pets in Cambodia and selfishly abandoned the animal to fend for itself on the streets or dumped the responsibility on a 'friend' when it came time for them to leave the country. Before I tell you the lessons I learnt over this period I want to add a word of caution. Thus began my journey into exporting my dog from Cambodia to Australia via Malaysia. Fast forward two years, my circumstances had changed and so leaving Cambodia became a reality. Through travelling I ended up living over 2.5 years in Cambodia in which time I decided to get a puppy.
