Quarantine in Australia - is my dog too old?

Question

My dilema is should I take my 13 year old dog with us when we move to Australia next year. He's fit (at the moment) but a bit stiff like all older dogs. I have a friend who'll take him and give him a good life. I will miss him and he'll miss us, but I'm trying to make my decision based on what's best for him not us. He'd need to spend a month in quarantine and put up with the flight... is it too much for him or would leaving him be more cruel?

Answer 1

I say take him with you.  It'll be hard on him if you leave him.  My dog is 17! So I wouldn't say your dog is too old.

Answer 2

given his age, it is cruel to take him along. older dogs do terribly on trans-atlantic flights. the complications are more numerous if you choose to take him, because he will only pine for you when you move and leave him.

Answer 3

Have the vet assess him and see what the vet thinks.  13 may be old..  but he may still have another 4-5 good years left.

If your vet feels that he will be able to handle the flight and quarantine, then take him with you.  If the vet advises against it, then it sounds like you have a good home for him with your friend.