Bringing Pets From the UK

[kisschick1976 0]

Does anyone know anything about bringing a bunny to the US?

I'm from Texas currently living in the UK but eventually we would like to move back to Texas. I now have a pet bun-bun named Starsky. I don't want to have to leave him behind just because we decided we've had enough of the cold weather and ####### Mexican food!

How could I leave this little guy behind?

I figure he's small enough for carry on and his poops don't smell, they might roll around the floor of the plane though Has anyone here tried it or heard of it?

[Furious Biscuit 0]

Does anyone know anything about bringing a bunny to the US?

I'm from Texas currently living in the UK but eventually we would like to move back to Texas. I now have a pet bun-bun named Starsky. I don't want to have to leave him behind just because we decided we've had enough of the cold weather and ####### Mexican food!

How could I leave this little guy behind?

I figure he's small enough for carry on and his poops don't smell, they might roll around the floor of the plane though Has anyone here tried it or heard of it?

I know Airpets handle rabbits..

http://airpets.com/index.html

Good luck He is SO cute. I love bunnies.

[KnightAndMagpie 7]

I know Airpets handle rabbits..

http://airpets.com/index.html

Good luck He is SO cute. I love bunnies.

You totally broke my brain, that bunny is ADORABLE. You might want to check with your airline if they allow rabbits into the cabin...I know they allow cats and dogs, but they might insist on having rabbits in the hold. Some airlines do allow bunnies and some think that they're vermin . Oooh, wascawwy wabbit!

Eee, want bunny.

Magpie.

[KnightAndMagpie 7]

Just need some advice, guys, having looked over this thread again...

Knight got me a beautiful sherpa bag for my kittycat, and he'll be sending it over for Valentine's (along with other things, I hope ) so I can put the bag in Bean's little chalet and let him get used to it. I've only got concerns for the likely length of the flight to Alaska. I know that some can be under 15 hours, but he'll not have eaten for 12 hours before the flight or drunk water for 7. I'm really scared that he'll get dehydrated or something if we have to have a layoever or something, but I'm going to do my best to find a flight that has it minimally. Throw on another hour or two for baggage retrieval and such...and we'll have one hungry, thirsty kitty.

What would you guys suggest I do to ensure my kitty is alive by the end of the journey? I did see something about letting him lick water off my fingers, but anything else? And what should I use to line the carrier?

Magpie.

[Mags 112]

Just need some advice, guys, having looked over this thread again...

Knight got me a beautiful sherpa bag for my kittycat, and he'll be sending it over for Valentine's (along with other things, I hope ) so I can put the bag in Bean's little chalet and let him get used to it. I've only got concerns for the likely length of the flight to Alaska. I know that some can be under 15 hours, but he'll not have eaten for 12 hours before the flight or drunk water for 7. I'm really scared that he'll get dehydrated or something if we have to have a layoever or something, but I'm going to do my best to find a flight that has it minimally. Throw on another hour or two for baggage retrieval and such...and we'll have one hungry, thirsty kitty.

What would you guys suggest I do to ensure my kitty is alive by the end of the journey? I did see something about letting him lick water off my fingers, but anything else? And what should I use to line the carrier?

Magpie.

If you take him in cabin with you I'd dip your fingers in water every hour of so and let him lick them. I did it on my flight a couple of years ago. Other than that, line the carrier with newspaper and, if your flight is delayed, let him have a few laps of water. If he pees it will be absorbed.

You can also get special liners that are super absorbent (a bit like nappies but flat and for cats!) and lay on the bottom of the carrier.

[KnightAndMagpie 7]

If you take him in cabin with you I'd dip your fingers in water every hour of so and let him lick them. I did it on my flight a couple of years ago. Other than that, line the carrier with newspaper and, if your flight is delayed, let him have a few laps of water. If he pees it will be absorbed.

You can also get special liners that are super absorbent (a bit like nappies but flat and for cats!) and lay on the bottom of the carrier.

I've actually bought some puppy training liners for his little carrier...someone also suggested that I use a drip bottle but I'm not sure how to attach it to his carrier. It's one of the American Kennel Club ones and it looks like I'll have to put it on the inside instead of feeding the tube through a hole in the mesh.

That failing, I'll let him lick my fingers =D. Thank you!

Magpie.

[SusieK 3]

If you take him in cabin with you I'd dip your fingers in water every hour of so and let him lick them. I did it on my flight a couple of years ago. Other than that, line the carrier with newspaper and, if your flight is delayed, let him have a few laps of water. If he pees it will be absorbed.

You can also get special liners that are super absorbent (a bit like nappies but flat and for cats!) and lay on the bottom of the carrier.

I've actually bought some puppy training liners for his little carrier...someone also suggested that I use a drip bottle but I'm not sure how to attach it to his carrier. It's one of the American Kennel Club ones and it looks like I'll have to put it on the inside instead of feeding the tube through a hole in the mesh.

That failing, I'll let him lick my fingers =D. Thank you!

Magpie.

LOL damn our cat loved the flight - SHERPA is too cool and he was in that sucker for over 15 hours xxxxx bless that git

thanks all for the previous help and info - always put animals in cabin with ya

Meow lol

[frali 2]

SusieK... good to see you back on VJ.

How have you been?

If you take him in cabin with you I'd dip your fingers in water every hour of so and let him lick them. I did it on my flight a couple of years ago. Other than that, line the carrier with newspaper and, if your flight is delayed, let him have a few laps of water. If he pees it will be absorbed.

You can also get special liners that are super absorbent (a bit like nappies but flat and for cats!) and lay on the bottom of the carrier.

I've actually bought some puppy training liners for his little carrier...someone also suggested that I use a drip bottle but I'm not sure how to attach it to his carrier. It's one of the American Kennel Club ones and it looks like I'll have to put it on the inside instead of feeding the tube through a hole in the mesh.

That failing, I'll let him lick my fingers =D. Thank you!

Magpie.

LOL damn our cat loved the flight - SHERPA is too cool and he was in that sucker for over 15 hours xxxxx bless that git

thanks all for the previous help and info - always put animals in cabin with ya

Meow lol

[nickandkayte 0]

I would like to bring my 8kg dog (Caboose!) to the USA with me...Not really sure how to go about it. I already have the dog living with my fiancee and I know how to ship within the continental US (because my fiance's dog arrived that way) but not internationally :-S. I think he may be to big/Noisy for the cabin but I would like to have him up there, and I know I am going to have to get sedatives for him as hes a bit of a shaky traveler.

Can anyone recommend how to take him across with me? I was thinking of flying with Virgin in to the USA from London. Or if anyone can give me a step by step guide to booking him on a flight with estimates that would be grand :-) Many thanks!

[RUSSandRACHEL 3]

I would like to bring my 8kg dog (Caboose!) to the USA with me...Not really sure how to go about it. I already have the dog living with my fiancee and I know how to ship within the continental US (because my fiance's dog arrived that way) but not internationally :-S. I think he may be to big/Noisy for the cabin but I would like to have him up there, and I know I am going to have to get sedatives for him as hes a bit of a shaky traveler.

Can anyone recommend how to take him across with me? I was thinking of flying with Virgin in to the USA from London. Or if anyone can give me a step by step guide to booking him on a flight with estimates that would be grand :-) Many thanks!

Hi Nick and Kayte,

I am also going through the same thing. i have a 100lb+ labrador (her name's Honey) I'm going to bring with me when I have my K1 visa next year. Hopefully, all going well, we're going to make the move in late April. I have been researching transporting Honey for at least 12 months now, so while I havent done it already I can probably pass on the info that I have learnt. It took me absolutely ages! There are so many myths out there and there's not many people who can give you a straight answer but I have been in touch with every organisation you could think of (including a vet who's a pet passport specialist) and this is what I have discovered:

In order for your dog to travel to the USA, the USDA only require:

Ø Health Certificate dated within 10 days from flight departure

Ø Rabies Vaccination certificate (older than 30 days and not expired)

However, should you wish to cover all eventualities of being able to return to the UK, or travel within the EU, your dog with need to apply for a PETS Scheme Pet Passport to enable him/her to re-enter the UK without being held in quarantine.

To apply for this you will need your dog to have:

Ø Identified with Microchip

Ø Vaccination against rabies issued before 30 days of flying (in accordance with the recommendation on the vaccine manufacturer’s data sheet).

Ø Blood tested at an EU approved laboratory and get a satisfactory result.

Ø Issued with an EU Pet passport or, in a non EU country, a third country official vetinary certificate.

Ø Treated against Ticks and tapeworms prior to travel.

Ø Export health certificate – Dated within 10 days of departure.

We're applying for the Pet Passport and are getting started with it after Christmas.

Two things in your post that you mentioned, will not be permitted though - your dog will not be allowed to travel in the cabin, unless he is the size of a cat and can fit into a small crate suitable to cats or other small animals (although some airlines still dont permit this). He will have to be checked in and fly as 'cargo' underneath the plane. And the other is absolutely no pet will be allowed to fly after taking any sedative or tranquiliser.

I do understand though, my dog is a very nervous dog as well but giving them any kind of medication may apparently alter their blood pressure which could be fatal in an aircraft. I've found something called DAP spray which Im going to spray on her crate instead. Its a hormone that nursing mothers naturally excrete to calm their puppies. Also, why not include a t shirt of your in the crate too? That way he/she'll have your scent to make her feel calm?

Hope that helps!

Edited August 27, 2009 by RUSSandRACHEL

[Jessica&Carl 1]

merging the two medical theads is a great idea, I'll see what i can do about the wiki entry...

Ah! I'm sooooo happy I found this thread. My Fiance and I have been really worried about what a hassle it's going to be to get our Orion here too, but I don't think it will be too bad now! Thank you so much! My only question is, Orion is a crier. He just likes to talk, so should we consider putting him in the cargo hold? Or should we just let him talk and piss the other passengers??/

[BadWolfProphecy 0]

For anyone looking to bring pets from the Uk to america, I did this in sept 2009.

I had my two cats shipped to me from my fiance. I would recommend Breeny Kennels in Belfast they have great shipping prices £900 for both my cats including carriers and all. Way cheaper than the republic of ireland or anywhere else! Ask for Will. Also your pet will stay at the kennel the night before not some loud tin room till their flight, so less stresseful on your pet.

By the way dont rush to collect your pet from their POE they have to clear customs which takes an hour or so after their flight lands. I learned that at Newark when they came in on a continental flight. Oh and also newark airport has free parking spaces at the terminal next to the pet pick up area. I put a note in my windscreen saying I had a pick up at pet cargo, and flight info just incase. I was alittle overcome at the thought of free parking at an airport lol didnt want to take a chance, even though they said it was free.

But it was all good, no problems at all. My kitties were happy to see me I could tell, but not happy about the 7 hour drive to my house lol. But we did stop occasionally and I took them out of the car so they could have a nosey around and a change of scenery. They settled straight in no problems at all.

[RUSSandRACHEL 3]

Thanks BadWolfProphecy!!!

Its good to hear everyones success stories! We're taking our labrador, Honey with us next year and everyones face just falls when we tell them, like we're doing the worst thing in the world to her. People dont realise that pets travel all the time.

Well, our latest update is...

Be warned of the pet shipping company Pet Air UK everyone. I thought they were really nice at first, with all the sales speil and everything, and they always answered my queries promptly and helpfully. The responses to my emails changed tone eventually and I started to get the feeliing, they were not really interested anymore and this was around the time when we were about to pay them our deposit. So, my last query was more than 2 weeks ago and they still havent got back to me!!!! Hence, we have now gone with PBS - their website is www.shipyourpet.com. Emma who has been dealing with us has been fantastic and Honey's crate was delivered yesterday evening.

Its a bit scary though, it seems so real now!! Especially looking at the Live Animal Stickers that came with it. But I know she'll be in good hands. My fiance Russ also happened to meet someone who used to work for Continental the other day (who we'll be flying with) and she assured us that Continental really do take care of the animals they transport. They are the only airline with temperature controlled areas and she urged us to insist that the airline staff check that she has boarded and is ok. Apparently they are happy to do that.

Good luck everyone!! We have a provisional date to fly as 27th April (pending my interview though) Can't wait!!!

Edited November 25, 2009 by RUSSandRACHEL

[BadWolfProphecy 0]

Thanks BadWolfProphecy!!!

Its good to hear everyones success stories! We're taking our labrador, Honey with us next year and everyones face just falls when we tell them, like we're doing the worst thing in the world to her. People dont realise that pets travel all the time.

Well, our latest update is...

Be warned of the pet shipping company Pet Air UK everyone. I thought they were really nice at first, with all the sales speil and everything, and they always answered my queries promptly and helpfully. The responses to my emails changed tone eventually and I started to get the feeliing, they were not really interested anymore and this was around the time when we were about to pay them our deposit. So, my last query was more than 2 weeks ago and they still havent got back to me!!!! Hence, we have now gone with PBS - their website is www.shipyourpet.com. Emma who has been dealing with us has been fantastic and Honey's crate was delivered yesterday evening.

Its a bit scary though, it seems so real now!! Especially looking at the Live Animal Stickers that came with it. But I know she'll be in good hands. My fiance Russ also happened to meet someone who used to work for Continental the other day (who we'll be flying with) and she assured us that Continental really do take care of the animals they transport. They are the only airline with temperature controlled areas and she urged us to insist that the airline staff check that she has boarded and is ok. Apparently they are happy to do that.

Good luck everyone!! We have a provisional date to fly as 27th April (pending my interview though) Can't wait!!!

I was told by family and fiance that I should find them homes and get new ones. I said no way these are my kitties, my oldest Jaynie I have had since she fit in the palm of my hand, and my youngest my son picked out from cats protection agency (shelter). He would have been heart broken, if I got rid of his cat. Pets are for life not just for christmas.... yes I am repeating someone else's slogan lol.

[doghandler 2]

Thanks BadWolfProphecy!!!

Its good to hear everyones success stories! We're taking our labrador, Honey with us next year and everyones face just falls when we tell them, like we're doing the worst thing in the world to her. People dont realise that pets travel all the time.

Well, our latest update is...

Be warned of the pet shipping company Pet Air UK everyone. I thought they were really nice at first, with all the sales speil and everything, and they always answered my queries promptly and helpfully. The responses to my emails changed tone eventually and I started to get the feeliing, they were not really interested anymore and this was around the time when we were about to pay them our deposit. So, my last query was more than 2 weeks ago and they still havent got back to me!!!! Hence, we have now gone with PBS - their website is www.shipyourpet.com. Emma who has been dealing with us has been fantastic and Honey's crate was delivered yesterday evening.

Its a bit scary though, it seems so real now!! Especially looking at the Live Animal Stickers that came with it. But I know she'll be in good hands. My fiance Russ also happened to meet someone who used to work for Continental the other day (who we'll be flying with) and she assured us that Continental really do take care of the animals they transport. They are the only airline with temperature controlled areas and she urged us to insist that the airline staff check that she has boarded and is ok. Apparently they are happy to do that.

Good luck everyone!! We have a provisional date to fly as 27th April (pending my interview though) Can't wait!!!

Hey Russ & Rachel

So glad I've found this - I have been speaking to the very Pet Air UK, Jackie L'Anson, to be exact, and am now heeding your warning!

I'm a good bit behind you, just waiting for my NOA2, but the thought of moving my dogs is way more stressful than this visa process. I've also been talking to Matt Kincaid from PetRelocation.com - heard good stuff about that company but he quoted me around $7000 to fly 2 dogs, shocking I know, but if that's what it costs, I'd pay it, but am at the early stages of researching it all! What is the quote from shipyourpet?

Nice to hear you good dog owners out there, a "dog is for life, not just for Christmas" folks! Love me, love my dog, and no, we're not dumping the pooch just cos we're moving! Some bloke on here read a post of mine and said "it would be far cheaper to drive somewhere your dogs do not know and let them out the car and drive like hell away" (it's astonishing anyone has agreed to marry him!)

Getting advice from you and BadWolfProphecy all good and am grateful.

Big Honey is not the only big dog going then! - I have Big Bruno, 40kg cross great dane/rottweiler (gentle giant) and mad Ozzy, cross ginger collie.

And you two, lovely looking couple, been reading all your posts, riding high on your excitement. And Honey's not bad looking either!

love and licks (as they say at the Dogs Trust)

Christine x