I am American and our company is relocating us to Novosibirsk within the next few months. We have a dog and I was wondering if it was a good idea to bring her? If so, are there any vets located in Novosibirsk or Akademgorak (sp?)? Also, if we were to return home for a vacation, is there anyone that can watch our dog (kennel, in home nanny, etc.)? Please let me know as soon as possible because this is a major factor in our decision. Thanks!

I brought my dog with me to Russia when I moved there (1993-1996). With the exception of the flights themselves, the whole situation worked very well. Russians really, really love dogs and are quite used to the concept of having them in apartments, on public transport, in taxis, etc. There are plenty of vets around, and plenty of pet supplies.

There is no quarantine on bringing pets from the US to Russia or from Russia to the US. The one tricky part was leaving with my dog when I moved back to the US--there was, in 1996, a Russian regulation that prohibited the export of purebred dogs under the age of 9. Before I left, I had to get a certificate from the Russian Sporting Dog Owners Association, or something like that, stating that my dog was over 9 years old (which was true). This rule may not exist anymore, and I doubt anyone would really care in any case these days. Things are a lot looser than they were at that time.

The flights are going to be the most difficult issue to work out, esp. since you will have internal flights within Russia. I suggest (1) breaking up the flights into single segments with at least one overnight in between each--that is, take a nonstop from the US to Moscow, stay over there for at least one night, and then take the next flight to Novosibirsk. The dog will thank you. If the dog is going to be crated in the cargo hold, you will have to make a separate reservation for the dog AND probably pay extra for the extra baggage.

Novosibirsk is third biggest city in Russia. Of course there are vets in Akadem-Gorodok (Academic-town) as in every big city. It should be a kennel also, but usually this service in Russia is rather expensive as it is consider to be some luxurious one. It is easier to agree with your future neighbours to watch after god.

What is more importaint - you need special vet passport for dog to take it in Russia. I even know that there are some restrictions to bring pets to Russia. You need to check it in consulate or embassy.

P.

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