Hi all,

After months and months of soul searching and research, and a job offer in Perth that fell through for stupid reasons, we decided we would take the gamble and go on a student visa.
I was going to send my application of to Murdoch Tafe today but thought i would double check with Quantas that they still take French Bulldogs.... and they dont!! They changed it 4 weeks ago. Im pretty sure no airlines will take them. Does anyone know different?
We feel sick, its only the thought of a new life in Oz thats been getting us through lately and now it would seem like its over!
Going without 'Mac' just isnt an option. That may seem daft to some but thats how it is.
Has anyone else had a similar problem? Is there a way around it?

Julian

I really do feel for you Julian but the airlines have implimented this rule because snub nose breeds can sometimes suffer breathing difficulties at high altitude - not all I might add but it is always a gamble.

When I worked in the vets, my boss was always against flying breeds such as boxers/bulldogs etc due to the risk of breathing problems.

However in my career as a vet nurse I have known some dogs do OK on the flight, I say do 'ok', I guess we don't know if they suffer any respiratory discomfort on the flight as they are in the hold of the plane.

But for sure at that altitude, the respiratory system is affected - it is just a matter of to what degree and studies have proven that snub nose dogs suffer more so than other breeds.

Whether or not any other airline will still carry these breeds I do not know but I sincerely hope you find a solution.

Student visa is a hugely expensive option, one of the guys on here did it - Paul&Nic and he will tell you it cost him heaps, even a trip back to the UK to try and make some more money. He got there in the end but by god it was hard for him and fair play to the bloke, he did it, he might be able to advise you on that option.

I think its best to be financially secure in order to do that to cope with anything unexpected.

Good luck and I am so sorry about your dog.

You obviously want it badly enough, or you wouldn't be looking at the student visa.
Is it possible to leave your dog with parents or friends for a year whilst you see what happens?

Have all airlines banned the dogs flying? Check with Airpets and others to find out first. Qantas may not do it, others might still, I don't know.

Hi

We flew two Boxers out with Airpets on a British airways flight, them and Quantas fly them but i have heard that most won't fly French Bulldogs because of there breathing, but i would give Airpets a call just to double check you never know.
I know how you feel if it was a choice of coming here and leaving the dogs back in England i would never of moved.
Hope everything works out for you.

Kerry

Another one here who would not have come over if the dog couldn't come to (also on a student visa).
I would contact one of the shipping companies and see if they know of anyone who will fly them.
We used Golden Arrow and they were great.

Fingers crossed for you.

Cant you come out here on a boat and bring the dog? Somthing to look in to.

If it's a deffo no no without the dog. Would it be possible, rather than fly him over, to send him by ship? I know it'd take a lot longer but if the airlines are not flying them because of the dangers, I wouldn't be happy sending them by plane.

Thanks everyone!

We are sure no airline will take Mac. We used Airpets at the start of the process and found that Quantas were the only ones who would, untill yesterday that is! So it seems like a no go.
After months and months of stress over whether Mac would be ok on a flight, sorting out the house (we were going to rent it to the council), sorting out finance to cover the whole adventure (we were fully aware of how expensive it was going to be, after following Paul&Nic's story etc), talking to agents, going to seminars and generally getting over every hurdle that was put in our way time and time again, this feels very much like one hurdle too many and we are GUTTED about it!
We really needed this fresh start as we have been on an emotional rollercoaster for the last 5 years. In this time we have had 3 lovely sons but Nici and i lost both of our mums to cancer aswell.
We could leave Mac witrh someone for a while but we know that in our heart of hearts he wont be joining us, and that is im afraid unthinkable. He is family!
Some may find that strange but some wont.
We will endeavour to find a solution.
Thanks again
Julian

Julian the ship option is worth considering. From what I can remember although you would have to check, if he does the 6 weeks or so on the ship then he wouldnt have to do quarantine - worth checking out.

If you went on the ship with him then you get to see him every day.

LOL, I have visions of you all in a pen together in the hold of the ship now

It is certainly worth looking into anyway!

I think taking a dog on a ship for weeks is not the ideal to be frank. It's a long time to confine an animal. And sea travel can be anything but smooth sailing...

I think if you really want to live in Australia, then look to rehome your dog. That's the bottom line.

If you decide not to come because of the dog, then you have to make sure that you don't regret that in 10 years time.

It's difficult but it's your lives... so I wish you luck with your decisions.

You know what....if it were possible to all fit in a pen and sail to the other side of the world we would. Mind you anyone who knows Mac will tell you that wouldnt be the most fragrant of experiences!

I seem to be having trouble locating any info on transporting dogs by sea, does anyone have any info?
To be honest it seems an unlikely option but i have to exhaust every avenue before i make "the big decision!"

As has been said it basically boils down to do we not go to Oz because we couldnt leave Mac and maybe regret it it the future.
Of course we could leave him and then not get PR in the future anyway because the student path is no guarentee!
Oh dear! oh dear! what to do?

You can get him to America on the Queen Mary 2 - "Queen Mary 2’s kennel programme is available on all crossings between New York and Southampton in either direction, and is overseen by a full-time Kennel Master who takes care of responsibilities such as feeding, walking and cleaning the ship’s 12 spacious kennels. Travelling dogs and cats also receive a complimentary gift pack and other animal amenities.The kennels and adjacent indoor and outdoor walking areas are open throughout the day, enabling passengers to spend significant time with their pet. Reservations for the kennels may be made at time of booking, and are based on space availability. Contact Cunard for fees and additional requirements".

You could then travel overland to the west coast but I don't know anything about the onward journey or quarantine issues, sorry.

You might find something helpful here - http://www.pettravel.com/

Thanks Louie thats much appreciated!