Hi there. We moved from SA to switzerland end Feb 08, then looked for house here and then arranged for our dogs (Boerboel and Jack Russell) to join us (for 4 months they were with a friend in SA). We used petwings in SA and here, I would definitely use an agent unless you speak the language of where you stay. Just a word of warning - the Jack Russell has adjusted fine, but our Boerboel seemed to very traumatised by the whole experience. To be honest, I am also traumatised by having to clean the house full of dog hairs every week :-) If you want more info, send me a PM and we can always chat about the details. Good luck with the decision!