Hello everyone,

unfortunately I haven't had lot of opportunities to talk with you guys, but on the other hand I followed most of your discussions by reading them! You are so funny and entertaining..

Well, the day of leaving Switzerland is around the corner for me as well. In January 2012 I will be leaving Switzerland for an STA (short-term assignment) for the company that I'm currently working for. I will be sent overseas in the US (San Diego) for a period that could vary from 3 to 9 months with the option of extending my stay there of 1 year.

Now, the "problem" is this: I have a dog (she's two years old) and she means a lot to me. But the fact is that I still don't know whether my initial stay will be 3 months, 6 months, or 9 months and I don't know whether I will have the chance to find a place where I could take her with me or not. Now I have a garden where she can stay during my working day, but once I'll be there I doubt at least for the first 3 months that I will be able to have my dog with me. I will first receive an apartment from my company and then I will try to look for a place more suitable for my needs.

I don't even have somebody here in Switzerland who would take care of her for such a long period. So now I am a bit confused and I don't know how to proceed.

What suggestions do you have for me? I hope someone could have a brilliant idea to submit!

Thank you all in advance if you will help me..

Definitely explore the possibility of finding a foster home for your dog.

Post some information about her - whether she is spayed, age, breed, habits, needs etc. The more info you post, the more likely you are going to get a response. Cute pictures will definitely help too

Also, have a think about how you can guarantee the prospective foster family that you will come back for the dog as well as emergency vet bills etc etc - to set their mind at ease. Its a huge commitment and risk on their part too.

Good luck - I hope you'd sort something out soon.

There are a number of families who moved here and are missing owning a dog, but could not commit to having one longterm due to travel, length of assignment here, etc.
Advertising here and at The American Women's Club, ZIWA, etc. may result in a wonderful temporary living situation for your dog. I agree with the previous post re: a written agreement regarding emergency vet bills, assurance of your return, etc. Good luck!

well you have more than 6 months to look for an apartment in the USA. I am sure you could work something out with the company to get your own place with a garden, where they pay full or part if you do not move into the first apartment. and I mean the USA does not really have the same housing issue as here....

Just a heads up though , you should really start looking into bringing her over as I remember some things had to be done 3 months before (USA to Europe)

good luck with it

First, try to bring your dog with you. Negotiate with your company to cover the costs of your dog's travel and to provide you with dog-friendly housing. Your dog will be better off with you, and you will be happier having her with you. (FYI, you will be spoiled for choice for dog care options in the San Diego area - unlike here in Switzerland.)

Failing that, push them to help you find an appropriate solution, including covering the extra costs a fostering agreement might entail. They want you in the US so they need to step up to the plate. My husband and I have always taken this approach if he (with or without the family) moves at the company's behest.

Be aware that anyone fostering your dog for more than 3 months will have to complete the SKN course with her - and will have to be registered in the ANIS database as her temporary owner. Make sure that you understand the legal implications of this.

As others have mentioned, a fostering contract detailing all rights and responsibilities and 'what ifs' is necessary.

But do push your company for help to bring your dog with you. They created the situation, they need to provide the solution.

Best of luck to you and your doglet.

FYI - if you do leave Switzerland with your dog, you will need to de-register the dog. I was told when I de-registered that this was not needed, but the hundekontrolle said it was. You can do so with a quick phone call to your hundekontrolle office. This will save headaches later when licensing renewals begin and you are not here to pay them!

In my experience, the dog registration (and deregistration) is linked to the owner. If the owner moves, the dogs do as well. Dogs are not registered without the link to their owner.