Hundreds of FCDO officers and families around the world love their pets, and there is evidence suggesting that attachment to pets is good for human wellbeing and even helps build community. This is increasingly evident with the proliferation of #diplodogs, #diplomogs and #petsatpost across the network; a cheap yet extremely popular medium to promote the softer side of diplomacy on behalf of the Foreign Office.

Yet whilst our four-legged friends provide a boost to the FCDO's social media ratings, when it comes to moving them to/from post, they are treated as PNG's - pet non grata ;-)

At present, all pet relocation costs are to be borne by the FCDO officer. There is zero financial or logistical support from our employer. The process can be costly, but it is also extremely time-consuming and stressful. Meanwhile, other corporations, international organisation and other countries' foreign services are increasingly recognising that pets are part of the family and provide relocation services accordingly.

In addition:

• Existing travel package conditions do not allow officers to spend TP money on the cost of relocating their pets. Even if they finish their tour without spending 100% of their travel package allowance, it is not permitted to spend the remainder to contribute towards to cost of repatriating a pet.
• Many officers spend the entirety of their transfer grant to cover the costs of relocating their pet, which is not what it is intended for. Any planned reduction in the transfer grant will make it even harder for an officer to meet the cost of relocating their pet.
• There is zero information in Post Reports about bring a pet to post and the more challenging process of returning to the UK. This should change.

If you think it's time that the FCDO reconsidered their position regarding pets at post, please sign this petition and share it with your colleagues!