Help with an international move

[AimeeHernandez]

So, I have a 2 and a half year old Sulcata tortoise that I love dearly. I am currently living in Mexico, and we are planning on moving to Chile. I am not sure if it is possible to import Strannik (my tortoise) into Chile. Does anyone have any experience with international moves? Are there possible import/exporters that could do it? He is captive-bred and has legal papers from Mexico. I really can´t imagine giving him away. We are not planning on moving for at least another year, but I need sufficient time to plan for Strannik. Can anyone give me any recommendations?

 

[RandyTortoise]

So, I have a 2 and a half year old Sulcata tortoise that I love dearly. I am currently living in Mexico, and we are planning on moving to Chile. I am not sure if it is possible to import Strannik (my tortoise) into Chile. Does anyone have any experience with international moves? Are there possible import/exporters that could do it? He is captive-bred and has legal papers from Mexico. I really can´t imagine giving him away. We are not planning on moving for at least another year, but I need sufficient time to plan for Strannik. Can anyone give me any recommendations?

I personally would not try an international move. But it very well may be possible with Chile, but you will need help for importation. It should be treated like a dog or cat if chile does not have sulcatas on their own protected species lists. You need to do some research into how Chile treats this species and go from there.

If you do this, it will be very expensive and you run the risk of confiscation of the tortoises if not done properly with a shipping company that handles international relocations.

 

[AimeeHernandez]

Thanks. We are planning on a permanent move, or I would not be considering it. I am aware that it is going to cost a lot. Since we aren't moving for at least a year, I have time. Do you have any idea where to start?

 

[RandyTortoise]

Thanks. We are planning on a permanent move, or I would not be considering it. I am aware that it is going to cost a lot. Since we aren't moving for at least a year, I have time. Do you have any idea where to start?

I moved from China back to the USA and our shipping company offered services for pets. We brought back our dogs. I know it is not a parallel situation and rather simple, but I would start there with international movers. Find one moving people to chile and simply call and ask blunt questions. They will be very friendly to you thinking you may use them someday so you can pick their brains on how to do this yourself or they will tell you how to do it.

 

[Blackdog1714]

Would depend on where in Chile, as there is a very diverse climate. Also googles says Importing tortoises to Chile is not permitted because Chile's pet import rules specifically state that only dogs, cats, and ferrets can be brought into the country, with other animals like reptiles being explicitly forbidden. Even for those animals that are allowed, a complex set of requirements must be met, including a health certificate issued by a veterinarian, microchip, and proof of vaccinations and parasite treatment.

 

[longevity]

If you’re going to Chile for work, try contacting your local office administration to see if they can help you find information about import and transportation procedures.
At my former company, the person who handles international transfers and paperwork also helps foreign employees with their pet relocation, maybe your office has a similar arrangement.

 

[AimeeHernandez]

Would depend on where in Chile, as there is a very diverse climate. Also googles says Importing tortoises to Chile is not permitted because Chile's pet import rules specifically state that only dogs, cats, and ferrets can be brought into the country, with other animals like reptiles being explicitly forbidden. Even for those animals that are allowed, a complex set of requirements must be met, including a health certificate issued by a veterinarian, microchip, and proof of vaccinations and parasite treatment.

I also read that on Google. However, there are many exceptions that you can apply for if the animals are captive-bred and not used for breeding purposes, and are contained in a specific area (like an enclosure or yard)