here are numerous reasons someone might choose to emigrate to a new country. But making such a significant transition involves careful planning and consideration. The three important factors to smoothly navigate this journey and integrate into your new environment include research, finances and mindset. Here we’ll delve into the practical steps to establish a new life in a different country, and get advice from some fellow groomers who made the big jump.

So many questions need an answer. Have you visited the country? Which region of that country would you like to settle in? Is there an expat community to make your transition easier? Have you considered the area’s weather and potential natural disasters? Do you speak the language? What are the governmental requirements? And will you need a lawyer to navigate those requirements? Do you have any medical considerations? What is the cost of living? Will you rent or buy a home? Will you have to transport pets? And what are the government’s rules for doing so? Have you contacted area professionals to line up a job? Or will you start a new business? A job lined up or a detailed business plan may be a requirement to get a visa.

“Emigrating to America was not all plain sailing. There were many times when the language, words, and colloquialisms differed greatly from Ireland to the point where I had to learn a new brand of English. I was schooled very quickly by my new friends that saying ‘let’s go and have some crack’ was not acceptable. (‘Craic’ in Irish Gaelic means fun.) Twenty-six years later, and I’m still learning.”  – Groomer, Amanda Madtes

How much money have you put aside to cover expenses while you settle in? What’s the currency rate exchange? Do you have a pension or social security directly deposited into a bank account to which you have access from both countries? Do you need to sell a home or business? What about shipping your possessions? Have you created a business plan or budget? I can attest that you don’t know how much stuff you have until you put everything into boxes. I decreased my possessions by 75% and still made four moving-van trips across the country.

“Well, for me, I moved myself and my two cats. I did fly my sister over with me so I could have both cats in the cabin. The flights, the cats, the health certificates, and the Airbnb for two months were about $10,000. To move into my apartment with a security deposit costs about $5,000. I only brought four suitcases, so I’ll be shipping some stuff over when I visit in March. But with living in Nice (France), I’ll be saving money. I set a budget of $4k per month. I’ll find out if I overestimated or underestimated in a few months.” – Groomer, Kris Lietz

Why do you want to emigrate? Are you leaving family, friends and a way of life you are used to? Is this retirement, finding your roots or a new career opportunity?

“I moved to Honduras from the U.S. to pursue another career as a scuba instructor. I also moved because the cost of living and healthcare is much cheaper. I am the only dog groomer on Utila, the island I moved to in Honduras.” – Groomer, Lara Latshaw

“It was a tough decision to make 13 years ago, as there weren’t apps to help with keeping in contact. I struggled for a long time, and there are times I still struggle. Without that struggle, I would never have found a career I love and I love doing every day. I got the American dream.

Even though I’ve been gone for a long time, I consider this my home. Going through customs in Dublin and seeing friends, they will always say ‘welcome home.’” – Groomer, Mary Briney

“I chose the area where I live because it has an expat community, which would make up my client base. I groom part time, and I have a small dog hotel. I can have a sweet life on my small social security and the extra income. I have private health insurance, which is amazingly affordable and very efficient. Although we also have free healthcare available from the government. Initially, I came here with four dogs and lived in a rental cottage until I found my forever home. I now have an amazing Quinta, a small farm, which I purchased outright with the proceeds I made from selling my home in California. I brought a 40-foot shipping container with some of my furniture, family heirlooms, all of my artwork, all of my sporting equipment, and all of my grooming equipment. I used a professional overseas relocation company to pack and move all my belongings.” – Groomer, Leslie Craig

The good news is that you have colleagues who have successfully emigrated and have great advice to offer. While this is not an easy process, doing your research ahead of time will lessen the learning curve in moving to a new country. Only you can decide if a move is in your best interest!