How to relocate your pet abroad

According to the laws applicable in India (Veterinary Practice Regulations of 2008), a veterinarian is not bound to treat each and every patient and can exercise his discretion in the same. In such a situation take your pet to some other veterinarian. However, it is not applicable in case of an emergency.

Emergency services (for example, in case of a heart attack) must be provided according to the Veterinary Practice Regulations of 2008 and the veterinarian cannot refuse treatment/operation. If any veterinarian refuses to attend to the patient in an emergency situation, then you can file a complaint in the district civil court (i.e. session's court) under the aforementioned regulations. This is also covered under the Consumer Protection Act of 1986 (as per medical negligence liability). In order to file a complaint, first identify the jurisdiction of the court under which the complaint is to be filed according to your district).

You will be required to pay a prescribed fee along with your complaint, accompanied with the authorization letter and your signature. Don't forget to mention the name, description and address of the complainant and the name, description, address of the opposite party or parties against whom relief is claimed. You also need to provide the copies of all the documents supporting your allegations. You can also ask for compensation costs which should be specifically mentioned in the complaint. Besides compensation, you can also ask for the refunds, damages, litigation costs, and interest amount. Thereafter, the case proceedings shall begin.

Yes, you can claim damages as per the medical negligence liability under the Consumer Protection Act of 1986. You have to prove that the veterinarian owed a duty of care to you, and the deterioration of health of your pet was a direct result of the breach of that duty. You can do so by getting precriptions, medical reports and by photographic evidence. You can also take statements from expert witnesses (practicing veterinarian) as a form of evidence. Thereafter, you can file a complaint in your regional consumer court under the aforementioned act.

In order to file a complaint, first identify the jurisdiction of the court under which the complaint is to be filed (territorial jurisdiction according to your district). You will be required to pay a prescribed fee along with your complaint, accompanied with the authorization letter and your signature. Don't forget to mention the name, description and address of the complainant and the name, description, address of the opposite party or parties against whom relief is claimed. You also need to provide the copies of all the documents supporting your allegations. You can also ask for compensation costs which should be specifically alleged in the complaint. Besides compensation, you can also ask for the refunds, damages, litigation costs, and interest amount..

The procedure for taking your pet to another country varies from one country to another. However, it usually requires you to obtain a pet passport (in the case of India as well) along with other necessary permits including a medical clearance. You can also contact the embassy of the country that you are planning to move to in this regard, to know more about their rules and regulations. You can also seek assistance from a pet relocation company (For example: Furry Flyers, Air Pets Relocation Services), to make this process easier. You have to get vaccinations and file the proof that you have done so.