dogs
 

Is it an easy process to take your dogs to Canada???:)

Re: dogs
 

I used Ladyhaye (www.ladyhaye.co.uk) to do all the paperwork and make all the arrangements. You can do it yourself but if you get it wrong or forget something your dog may not get here.

We had two dogs (Giant Schnauzer & Yorkie) and two cats to bring over last June, it cost £1,400 plus the required vaccinations.

Cheers

Russ...

Re: dogs
 

That's not quite true since there are no paperwork requirements and no vaccination requirements for a dog from the UK to enter Canada ;) More info here - http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Transporting_Pets

Depending on the weight of your dog and your routing OP, you'll have limited options for the DIY route but the cost savings are phenomenal if you can do it :thumbup:

Re: dogs
 

Quite. And companies such as Ladyhaye have a vested interest in making it seem difficult and complicated in order to justify the huge amount they charge! They play on the insecurities of their customers. "Just leave everything to us (pay us $$$) and you won't have to worry about a thing"

Of course, if you can afford that and are willing to pay to "leave it to the experts" it's up to the individual. I quite understand people going for that. At the end of the day when you are coming to the finishing line (as it were) of the immigration process, it is tempting to let somebody else take charge of at least one aspect! However, it is not as necessary as they claim.

Re: dogs
 

Also some airlines will not carry snub-nosed dogs i.e. Boxers, Bulldogs etc.

Re: dogs
 

Biiiiink is correct, you need a fit to fly certifiicate, you do not need rabies shots, (Although you will when the dog is resident in Canada) or any other shots for that matter.

I have sent quite a few dogs over now, and the only time I had a problem was when the airline, (Air Canada) lost the dogs paperwork and he had to wait until a vet checked him to be allowed out of customs.

I have paid around £450 - £500 when sending dogs to Toronto. But I would see if your airline will allow a dog as excess baggage, that is definately the cheapest way to go.

I dread to think what my bill will be when we come over, ...I currently have 12.....eeek!!

Re: dogs
 

Actually that's not strictly true, if you check out the Canada food agency link. http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/...chien_2e.shtml

Dogs, if they don't come with an export certificate, must have a valid rabies certificate or they will have to have the vaccination on arrival in Canada.

Re: dogs
 

You're right. Having thought about it I remember the reason we had the vaccinations is because we were going to have them kenneled for a couple of weeks before we moved into our new house. The kennel wouldn't have them without the vaccinations.

In the end we brought the moving in date forward so we didn't have to use the kennel. Or need the vaccinations.

We did contact Air Canada to see how much it would cost to do it ourselves. For the Schnauzer alone it was £1,250. But AC no longer carry dogs on passenger flights.

But you are required to have DEFRA paperwork to show any animal is fit to fly. This must be obtained no longer than 7 days prior to travel.

Russ...

Re: dogs
 

The "Fit to Fly" documentation does not have to be DEFRA. A letter from your vet identifying the breed, sex, weight etc of the animal and saying when they examined them (usually within the week) and found them fit to fly is sufficient.

The DEFRA paperwork (export certificate) can take the place of rabies vaccination certification.

Re: dogs
 

We bought two dogs over last May. They had rabies vac and needed a fit to fly certificate. We arranged everything ourselves and they came on the same flight as us with Air Transat. We had to buy crates which cost about 150 pounds for the two and the cost for the dogs to fly was $250 each. We also had to make a small payment at the airport when we arrived of about $30. It was very easy to do.

Re: dogs
 

We did exactly the same, back in October 2003, and the cost was $125 at that time to Calgary. However, I'm not sure this route still exists??? There seems to be more and more people saying AT no longer permit this. :unsure:

This is a quote from their website:
We would like to remind you that no animals of any kind are accepted on flights going to, from or connecting in the United Kingdom (except service animals – see below). Animals are also not accepted on flights going to or connecting in Ireland (cargo only) or Jamaica.



Doesn't say WHY though .... anyone know why this might be?

I believe that the word "from" might actually be an error!

Re: dogs
 

Becuase we could not bring Archie over with us we chose to use a company -my son took him to the vet and had the company fit to fly certificate, we chose to have the rabies shot cos it put my mind at rest that nothing would go wrong. It cost me 806 pounds to get Arhcie over but to me it was worth every penny. We did have a problem that the connecting flights were not right but they put Archie up in Calagary in a kennel overnight and flew him into Regina the following day.

The wbsite is
http://www.petairuk.com

Re: dogs
 

True :) I was just making the point that nothing is required to get your dog through Canadian customs - for the OP not to worry on that count. There are no vets or vaccination at airports (as I was led to believe when I first joined this forum), so even if you're asked to vaccinate against rabies, your pet can still enter Canada - you just have to go to your local customs office and show proof of having had it done within whatever timeframe they give you.

Still, that's all academic if you can't get a flight :unsure: Seems to be more and more difficult, glad I got mine over when I did - he was on the last ever Air Canada Glasgow-Toronto flight, and I assume because they were all redundant the next day and had other things on their mind, they even forgot to charge me for him :thumbsup:

Re: dogs
 

We transported our two (collie x and lab x) over in November last year. We decided to use a company as we had to come over in 3 flights (Aberdeen-Heathrow-Halifax-St John's to make it easier, also because they included up to 5 days boarding which we needed to fit in with our plans at the time. We used a company called Pet Travel Services who were pretty good and took care of everything - paperwork, flight bookings, built to measure crates, vet checks. It also meant that when our dogs were delayed in heathrow due to the flight to halifax being cancelled (snow), there was no problem at all they were well looked after and we were kept up to date with everything.

Re: dogs
 

Sorry to hijack your thread with another Dog related question :)

Im really worrying about this - I have a boxer and want him to come with us!.

Im confusing myself because one minute im thinking its ok for dogs to go as Cargo and then next thinking that most planes don't do that now so I'll have to go another route?

IM SO CONFUSED! Im so worried too! Anyone sent a Boxer over, as cargo, in a crate purchased yourself? Air Zoom/Air Canada or someone else?

All help appreciated - I looked at sites Defra/AC/AZ but stopped short of calling them just yet - I'll do that tomorrow to ask more questions.

Would just be interested in boxer owners experiences though.

Thanks
Nats

Re: dogs
 

Hi first posting here.

We have not brought over a Boxer but did bring a 9 year old Newfie and a 7 year old Lab.

Due to Newfie's size!!!! she had to go Cargo and so if sending one by cargo we decided to send both by Cargo.

Very easy to do went Air Canada and there was no stress involved.

I cannot see a problem with bringing a Boxer over, after all a Newfoundland is WAY bigger and ours was an old girl for a giant breed.

That was 2 years ago but hubby works in the industry and he assures me that carriers no longer put animals in Baggage but do put them in CARGO. And that he has flown many boxers, but yes some carriers do have rules regarding specific breeds so he suggests you phone up the Cargo department of the airline that you wish to fly on.

Re: dogs
 

Air Canada told me the following:

Each Dog = $245

Dog & Crate not to exceed 32Kg
(Male dog now in training to get down to bantam weight)

Inspection fee for first dog = $30
-------- " ------- Second dog = $6.50

Min of 72hrs notice required to enable them to travel on same flight as owner

Re: dogs
 

Just a quick question.

Is it the same process/requirements for taking cats? I have been told that as we will be taking out cats from Holland they will need rabies injections to enter Canada, which is ok for our two, as they have there full pet passports and were vaccinated for rabies about 1yr ago. I think the vaccination lasts for 2yrs.
Has anyone took there cats over? We are looking for a rough idea of costs.
Thanks.

Re: dogs
 

Here's the cat page - http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/...rt/catse.shtml - remember that most discussions here refer to UK pets, the UK being a recognised rabies-free country by Canada. Holland is not, so be sure to follow the instructions for countries with rabies. Hope that helps :)

Re: dogs
 

Thanks Biiiiink, I will check it out.

Our cats passports are UK issued ones, although they are resident in Holland at the minute. I will look into it further, but I have been told they are fully vaccinated, and it should not be a problem.

Re: dogs
 

:( We have a Nepolitan mastiff and a Alaskan malamute so they will have to go on there own because they are big dogs????

Re: dogs
 

They have to go on there own anyway, whatever the size. The airlines cannot risk a problem with two dogs fighting or whatever, and it is MUCH safer for them to travel separately anyway.

I remember once trying to send some food with a dog, and having it taken away to be tested....in case I was trying to send drugs over in a sneaky manner!!

Re: dogs
 

I have 2 small dogs, Lhasa Apso and Shih-tzu I was told "if the dogs weigh less than 14kgs each they can travel in one crate providing the combined weight and box is less than 35kgs.

Air Canada and BA seem to be the only airlines left that will take snub-nose dogs. Not sure if that will change very soon!

Re: dogs
 

I am really suprised that you were told they could travel together, the dogs I send are all less than that weight and I have always been told no way Hose. I would not do it anyway if I were you, they are in the aircrate, on their own for 7 + hours depending on where you are going and I just would not risk a squabble happening, even the best mates can get fed up when together in a tiny area for any length of time.

Re: dogs
 

Thank you Caroline. Hes not mega snub nosed anyway but is pedigree - so does have the Boxer nose - hopefully we'll be fine!

I was going to get Air Canadas recognised crate as suggested and then ask for Cargo. Thanks so much.

I'll give them a call tomorrow and post what they tell me - just in case it helps anyone else!

Thanks
Natalie

Re: dogs
 

Good point - never thought of that. I am just worried that they will not cope as my Shih-tzu has to be near my other dog (they have never been apart) I thought it was the best option.

Re: dogs
 

YES! We found the whole process pretty straight forward and completed the whole thing ourselves. The most complex part was picking him up at YVR where animal control really didn't seem to know what they were doing!

We found a lot of the companies who aided with paperwork charged way over the odds for what they were doing. We paid just under £600 to bring our large male Golden Retriever to Vancouver in August 2007.

If you want any further help or info feel free to PM us and I'll have a look through our paperwork and give you any gguidanceI can.

Heather :)
</IMG>

Re: dogs
 

Also some airlines will not carry snub-nosed dogs i.e. Boxers, Bulldogs etc.

Sorry to hijack your thread with another Dog related question

Im really worrying about this - I have a boxer and want him to come with us!.

Im confusing myself because one minute im thinking its ok for dogs to go as Cargo and then next thinking that most planes don't do that now so I'll have to go another route?

IM SO CONFUSED! Im so worried too! Anyone sent a Boxer over, as cargo, in a crate purchased yourself? Air Zoom/Air Canada or someone else?

All help appreciated - I looked at sites Defra/AC/AZ but stopped short of calling them just yet - I'll do that tomorrow to ask more questions.

Would just be interested in boxer owners experiences though.

Thanks
Nats
.................................................. ...................................

Please let us know your outcome.
We are looking at taking our choc lab with us, any new and updated info would be great.
Im sure loads of people are in the same boat and what with some airline no longer accepting pets, its a nightmare.

Re: dogs
 

Some information from Air Canada - hope its ok to post it here - thought it was helpful (will no doubt get a slap from someone!). There are alternative airlines which you may with to use/or find out the info on.

Pets in the cabin
The "pets in the cabin" service is no longer available on Air Canada.
Only certified, professionally-trained service animals assisting customers with disabilities will continue to be carried

Pets in the baggage compartment
Pets may no longer be transported in the baggage compartment on Air Canada flights within Canada. For any travel within Canada with a pet, Air Canada Cargo (AC Live Product) must be used.

For travel on international flights, including flights to and from the U.S.A., your pet travels in a temperature controlled and ventilated baggage compartment on the same flight as you do when pre-registered with Air Canada Reservations within 24 hours of booking travel. Air Canada transports the majority of pets this way. Be sure to check specific government regulations of any countries you are travelling to with your pet.

Charge for one way travel
(applicable taxes not included)
North America $105 CAD/USD
International $245 CAD/USD

Please note that these rates do not apply when your pet is travelling as Air Canada Cargo (AC Live Product).

Annual holiday blackout dates
From December 18 to January 7 (no pets as Cargo)

Additional winter restrictions
From 01 November through 31 March and at any other time when temperature is 0 degrees Celsius

Note: Although not restricted, the cargo compartments on our Airbus A319, A320, and A321 aircraft are not heated and temperatures can be as low as two degrees Celsius, so it is not recommended to transport animals on these aircraft during the winter season.

Making a request to travel with your pet
Please note that requests to travel with an animal must be made within 24 hours of completing your booking with Air Canada Reservations at 1-888-247-2262.

Pets that have not been pre-registered with Air Canada Reservations will not be accepted at the airport.

Dimensions of the kennel and weight and breed of your pet must be given at the time of your call to Air Canada Reservations.

A pet and kennel with a combined weight of less than 70 lbs (32.5 kg) is accepted for travel in the baggage compartment provided the owner is flying on the same flight.

A passenger may not travel with more than two animals.

Two pets travelling in one kennel are counted as two pets regardless of combined weight.

A passenger may not travel with an animal that is being shipped for any commercial purpose.

If the above conditions are not met, Air Canada Cargo (AC Live Product) must be used. The number of animals accepted is limited by aircraft type and may require the modification of your reservation to allow us to accommodate your pet.

Choosing the right kennel
You can now purchase an Air Canada-approved kennel online delivered to your doorstep so that your pet may travel in safety and comfort. It's fast and convenient! Purchase must be made at least 72 hours prior to travel. Air Canada-approved kennels are now available from North America, The United Kingdom, and Germany.

All pet carriers must meet all of the following conditions or they will not be accepted for travel:

Only hard-sided kennels are accepted as checked baggage. The majority of carriers are made of hard plastic with holes for ventilation. No part of the animal is allowed to protrude from the carrier. As a result, wire carriers are not permitted. All carriers must be secure and leakproof. Collapsible kennels are not accepted.

International regulations state that the pet carrier must be big enough to allow the animal to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. If the pet carrier does not allow the animal to do this, Air Canada must refuse transport. Whether your pet is a Chihuahua or a Labrador, there's a pet carrier to match.

Animals over 31 lbs (14 kg) must have their own separate kennel. A maximum of 2 dogs not weighing more than 31 lbs (14 kg) each may travel together in same kennel.

If you go to Air Canadas uk site - it has a section on pets. The info above has recently been updated because it didn't use to have any fees mentioned etc. (Ive edited it here so check out the site - a useful link to Pet Crates is also there as well as preparing your pet for travel!)

SEEMS to be quite straight forward - I'll be ringing soon to ask if we have to have the Pet Passport or not. Im sure there has to be some paperwork from the Vet to say he fit and healthy and clear of any diseases (Rufus is up to date with Jabs/Kennel Cough and all that so hopefully a worming and Rabies Jab will be it!).

Nats