Go Back  British Expats > Living & Moving Abroad > Moving back or to the UK
Reload this Page >

Bringing pets back to the UK (from "approved" countries)

Bringing pets back to the UK (from "approved" countries)

Old Aug 9th 2020, 1:56 pm
  #16  
Just Joined
 
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 21
lauraloulou is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: Bringing pets back to the UK (from "approved" countries)

Originally Posted by OriginalSunshine
Thankyou Kay. You will find that some folks are negative on this site regardless of what you post.
I'm not sure if you're saying that my post was negative, it certainly wasn't meant to be. it's incredibly helpful to have all of this information with one post as you have done here. What I did want to point out to some people is that it's not necessarily just the paperwork that makes it worth paying for a transporter if it's an option. I certainly was not super thrilled by the cost I just wanted to share my own experiences for those that may be wondering what not doing that looks like. so yes that person is right, people can be negative about what you write and no matter the intent!
​​​​​​
lauraloulou is offline  
Old Aug 9th 2020, 2:09 pm
  #17  
 
Lion in Winter's Avatar
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: East Seaxe
Posts: 72,374
Lion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Bringing pets back to the UK (from "approved" countries)

Originally Posted by lauraloulou
I am choosing to go with assistance. I moved my 2 dogs from Georgia to California and though the process was less complicated due to not having some of the paperwork, it was incredibly stressful, took a lot of time and required people on either end to help wrangle as I wasn't flying on the same flight. The cost is A LOT to do this, but I will try to save the money elsewhere. I am going to save some $$ by not using their services to get the paperwork done with the vet piece, but am paying to have my dog collected from a friend's house the day after I've already left for the UK so that I can meet her there with the car and bed and food and everything all setup. It's a choice for sure - it's possible, but I can't tell you how relieved I am not to have to go through it again!
What company are you using? And what made you go with them?
Lion in Winter is offline  
Old Aug 9th 2020, 5:23 pm
  #18  
Auntie Fa
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Seattle
Posts: 7,344
Kooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Bringing pets back to the UK (from "approved" countries)

Such a useful post, thanks for taking the time.

We've moved our cats twice now and both times we have used agents, because we figured we had enough to think about and didn't want to get anything wrong.

The first time - Singapore to Sydney - we were not on the flight with them. The second time - Sydney to Vancouver - my husband was on the same flight (they all came to Seattle by road, saved hanging around airports in transit) and got to see them at the cargo terminal (they'd overnighted with the agents) and then loaded, unloaded, etc. Crew even took photos for him - Air Canada, so understanding.

Neither move was problematic but we maintained some feeling of being in control by him being on the flight with them. Will try to do similar in future, with or without an agent.
Kooky. is offline  
Old Aug 9th 2020, 11:49 pm
  #19  
Just Joined
 
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 8
Britgirl13 has a reputation beyond reputeBritgirl13 has a reputation beyond reputeBritgirl13 has a reputation beyond reputeBritgirl13 has a reputation beyond reputeBritgirl13 has a reputation beyond reputeBritgirl13 has a reputation beyond reputeBritgirl13 has a reputation beyond reputeBritgirl13 has a reputation beyond reputeBritgirl13 has a reputation beyond reputeBritgirl13 has a reputation beyond reputeBritgirl13 has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Bringing pets back to the UK (from "approved" countries)

Thank you for the time to send such a detailed description of your pets transportation. I have a daushund, she is a rescue and will be 16 in October. My vet has said that a senior dog should not be travelling as it's too stressful. I have sold my home and returning the the UK in a few months. Due to her age, the original plan was that she would live out her final years with my son as she is very close to him. He is now in a flat with flat mates who say that they do not want a dog in the house. My heart is broken and I am struggling with my choices for her. She is not friendly towards other people or dogs. She is only comfortable with me and my son. My question to this group is would you listen to the vet or take the chance and fly her. Friends have said that they wouldn't put her on a plane due to the stress and I have agreed however I am now having second thoughts. I would appreciate any advice as I love her dearly and don't want to cause her any stress in her senior years.
Britgirl13 is offline  
Old Aug 10th 2020, 12:00 am
  #20  
Auntie Fa
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Seattle
Posts: 7,344
Kooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Bringing pets back to the UK (from "approved" countries)

Originally Posted by Britgirl13
Thank you for the time to send such a detailed description of your pets transportation. I have a daushund, she is a rescue and will be 16 in October. My vet has said that a senior dog should not be travelling as it's too stressful. I have sold my home and returning the the UK in a few months. Due to her age, the original plan was that she would live out her final years with my son as she is very close to him. He is now in a flat with flat mates who say that they do not want a dog in the house. My heart is broken and I am struggling with my choices for her. She is not friendly towards other people or dogs. She is only comfortable with me and my son. My question to this group is would you listen to the vet or take the chance and fly her. Friends have said that they wouldn't put her on a plane due to the stress and I have agreed however I am now having second thoughts. I would appreciate any advice as I love her dearly and don't want to cause her any stress in her senior years.
A few thoughts:

Where are you, how long a journey would it be, and do you have any alternative options to flying?

Is your little dog healthy for her age, and can you get a second opinion? (I don't mean shop around until you get a favourable one, I'm sure you would put the dog's well-being first.)

Alternatively, can your son find a new place to live where he can take the dog?

I hope you find a solution.
Kooky. is offline  
Old Aug 10th 2020, 12:55 am
  #21  
Just Joined
 
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 8
Britgirl13 has a reputation beyond reputeBritgirl13 has a reputation beyond reputeBritgirl13 has a reputation beyond reputeBritgirl13 has a reputation beyond reputeBritgirl13 has a reputation beyond reputeBritgirl13 has a reputation beyond reputeBritgirl13 has a reputation beyond reputeBritgirl13 has a reputation beyond reputeBritgirl13 has a reputation beyond reputeBritgirl13 has a reputation beyond reputeBritgirl13 has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Bringing pets back to the UK (from "approved" countries)

I am in Toronto and will be landing in Manchester.

Sadly, this last year she seems to be slowing down. As mentioned earlier the vet advised against two years back and due to COVID my circumstances have changed.

As for my son, I just got him settled in a flat downtown Toronto. On of my priorities prior to leaving Canada. Lease is signed and we had no idea that his flat mates would be against the dog. It was discussed prior to all of them moving in together. I flew back home this past Dec/ Jan and when I returned he said they were not responsive to a dog in the home. She is a very good dog. Quiet and just wants to cuddle.

I am returning to the vet this week and I am afraid of what they will say.
Britgirl13 is offline  
Old Aug 10th 2020, 8:20 pm
  #22  
Just Joined
 
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 21
lauraloulou is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: Bringing pets back to the UK (from "approved" countries)

Originally Posted by Lion in Winter
What company are you using? And what made you go with them?
I'm using Starwood. I reached out to a number of pet shippers to get a quote, only got a couple of responses. I had also pinged one in the UK, not realizing that they couldn't initiate from their end but they ended up recommending Starwood in their response as a partner they had worked with multiple times in the past. Also when I was talking to the person at Starwood I was comfortable with all his responses to my numerous questions. I'm sure there will be someone that has had a negative experience with them as well as positive, and I do possibly wish I had spent more time researching but I am still happy with my decision and can say thus far they have been extremely responsive and we are proactively chewing through all the necessary preparation.
lauraloulou is offline  
Old Aug 11th 2020, 12:58 am
  #23  
Just Joined
 
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 14
lesleyeblen is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: Bringing pets back to the UK (from "approved" countries)

Originally Posted by KayCooper
If you have any questions - don't hesitate to ask
How did your cat cope with the trip? I worry that our cat will be extremely stressed.
lesleyeblen is offline  
Old Aug 11th 2020, 1:09 am
  #24  
Auntie Fa
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Seattle
Posts: 7,344
Kooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Bringing pets back to the UK (from "approved" countries)

Originally Posted by Britgirl13
I am in Toronto and will be landing in Manchester.

Sadly, this last year she seems to be slowing down. As mentioned earlier the vet advised against two years back and due to COVID my circumstances have changed.

As for my son, I just got him settled in a flat downtown Toronto. On of my priorities prior to leaving Canada. Lease is signed and we had no idea that his flat mates would be against the dog. It was discussed prior to all of them moving in together. I flew back home this past Dec/ Jan and when I returned he said they were not responsive to a dog in the home. She is a very good dog. Quiet and just wants to cuddle.

I am returning to the vet this week and I am afraid of what they will say.
Ah, I'm sorry, I hope you find a way to get a good outcome.
Kooky. is offline  
Old Aug 11th 2020, 1:12 am
  #25  
Auntie Fa
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Seattle
Posts: 7,344
Kooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond reputeKooky. has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Bringing pets back to the UK (from "approved" countries)

Originally Posted by lesleyeblen
How did your cat cope with the trip? I worry that our cat will be extremely stressed.
I know you didn't ask me but ours did a 15 hour flight last year and bounced back really well. Our girlcat was nearly 17 then.
Kooky. is offline  
Old Aug 11th 2020, 1:35 am
  #26  
 
Lion in Winter's Avatar
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: East Seaxe
Posts: 72,374
Lion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Bringing pets back to the UK (from "approved" countries)

Originally Posted by lauraloulou
I'm using Starwood. I reached out to a number of pet shippers to get a quote, only got a couple of responses. I had also pinged one in the UK, not realizing that they couldn't initiate from their end but they ended up recommending Starwood in their response as a partner they had worked with multiple times in the past. Also when I was talking to the person at Starwood I was comfortable with all his responses to my numerous questions. I'm sure there will be someone that has had a negative experience with them as well as positive, and I do possibly wish I had spent more time researching but I am still happy with my decision and can say thus far they have been extremely responsive and we are proactively chewing through all the necessary preparation.
Thanks. I'm checking them out. Did you get the "regular" package or the luxury one?
Lion in Winter is offline  
Old Aug 11th 2020, 1:27 pm
  #27  
 
Lion in Winter's Avatar
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: East Seaxe
Posts: 72,374
Lion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond reputeLion in Winter has a reputation beyond repute
Default Re: Bringing pets back to the UK (from "approved" countries)

Edit to add: Starwood quoted me about $3,000 to ship one cat, O'Hare to Heathrow, and not the "luxury" package. I would still have to get all the vet paperwork etc done myself. Ouch.
Lion in Winter is offline  
Old Aug 14th 2020, 12:39 pm
  #28  
Just Joined
 
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 4
Jmuir is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: Bringing pets back to the UK (from "approved" countries)

Hi, How much did Air Transat charge for your dog?
Starting to research feasibility to take to Nova Scotia and bring back 5 months later. Easy to get there but complicated to come home. Thanks.
Jmuir is offline  
Old Aug 18th 2020, 12:38 pm
  #29  
Forum Regular
 
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 66
Gloriajean is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: Bringing pets back to the UK (from "approved" countries)

[QUOTE=KayCooper;12889076]Hi Everyone,

My husband and I have just moved back from Canada to the UK with our German Shepherd / Husky cross and tabby cat and having stressed about the whole thing for months, I wanted to write a post for those of you who are thinking of embarking on the same adventure. With some planning and double (triple?) checking along the way, the process is NOT as complicated as it's made out to be and can be easily done without the help of a pet relocation specialist. Quite honestly, other than the specialist informing you of what you need to do, and perhaps transporting your pets to / from the airport, you would have fill out the paperwork and do all the visits yourself anyway!

All pets must arrive in the UK as cargo (you cannot fly with them in the cabin, nor can they fly as "luggage"). All airlines have a specific cargo company they use - generally this information is found on the airline's website. This doesn't mean that your furbabies will be flying on a separate plane - it just means the paperwork is handled by the cargo company rather than the airline itself. We flew back with Air Transat - they use Swissport as their cargo carrier.

In short, here is the process we just completed, with some notes added for each step:
1. Get pet microchipped
Straightforward enough. Make sure your vet provides you with the reference numbers and the details of the date the animal(s) were chipped - these are needed for the health cert later on.
2. Sort out rabies injection (MUST be done after your pet is microchipped)
Ensure your vet gives you the original copy of the rabies certificate with the sticker from the vial of liquid they use. This is required for entry in the UK. We made colour copies of the cert to attach to the animal's crates, but we kept the original and provided it at the Animal Reception Centre at Gatwick.
3.
Get the right size crate(s). The animal must be able to stand up and turn around. We went one size bigger than necessary to be absolutely sure. Also, a lot of airlines require the nuts AND bolts to be metal (Air Transat doesn't) You can order these replacement kits online (from the US). They must also have a crate water bottle (same style that you use on a rabbit hutch).
4. Complete Transfer of Residence form (online) to obtain a ToR number from UK Government
If you are shipping furniture etc, then you only need to fill in this form once for animals and furniture. This is only done to avoid paying VAT on your "imports". If you don't have it, it doesn't impact whether your pet is allowed to enter the UK, it just means you'll pay VAT on them (not sure how they calculate it!) You can even complete this form after you land, and claim the VAT paid at the end of the tax year once you have a ToR number.
5. Within 5 days (120 hours) before landing in the UK, your pet(s) must have a health check done by your vet. This involves filling in the Non-Commercial Movement of Five or Less Dogs, Cats or Ferrets form and if you have a dog, they need to be de-wormed at the same time.
It's worth asking if your vet is familiar with this form. If not, I would suggest finding one who is. We didn't use our regular vet because although he was lovely, he wasn't the best at paperwork. We went to another vet and they were great. They provided us with the completed form (both animals were listed on the same form). They also requested the full health history from our original vet to include with the form, just in case. The vet has to watch your dog eat the de-wormer to complete the form.
6. If you are in Canada, you will then need to get that form stamped by the Canada Food Inspection Agency.
You have to contact the agency separately and make an appointment. Once you have your flight details, I would recommend contacting them right away to secure your appointment.
7.
Day of Flight. Take your pets to the cargo place 4 hours before the flight. CHECK THE OPENING TIMES before you fly. Our headache is too long to write out here, but the depot had changed their opening hours due to COVID which meant a mad dash / panic which was eventually resolved, but we could have totally done without it at 6am!) Also check if someone qualified will be there to inspect and weigh the crate / animal. Again, there was an issue with this because they didn't have a supervisor there when we arrived.
8. The paperwork that you must attach to the crate is as follows:
a) A notice of time/date when they had their last feed / water
b) A notice with their Name, Breed, Age, Your name, Flight details, contact details, and emergency contact
c) we also made some of our own "Live Animal" and "This Way Up" notices (but these are also provided by the cargo people)
d) The cargo company also asked us for a copy of the Health Check form and copies of their rabies certificates. I also included the page of the medical history which noted the date they had been microchipped for good measure.
9. When you land in the UK, they asked us for the original rabies certificates, the original Health check form, and proof of microchip. Their processing took about 3 hours (at Gatwick. I've heard Heathrow takes longer). We met a couple who were on the same flight with their dog. Their vet had written one digit wrong on the Health Check form when copying the rabies batch number and so they wouldn't release the dog. They had to sit and wait until their vet (in Canada) was open and get him to scan and email a copy of the original paperwork over. I'm going to assume they managed to get it sorted, but we left before they spoke to their vet.

So, that's the basics. It seems like a lot, but when you break it down, it's not complicated at all.I'm


can you show me what you add to the Tor 1 for pets going back to UK From Canada. Thanks
Gloriajean is offline  
Old Aug 18th 2020, 12:46 pm
  #30  
Forum Regular
 
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 66
Gloriajean is an unknown quantity at this point
Default Re: Bringing pets back to the UK (from "approved" countries)

Originally Posted by KayCooper
Hi Everyone,

My husband and I have just moved back from Canada to the UK with our German Shepherd / Husky cross and tabby cat and having stressed about the whole thing for months, I wanted to write a post for those of you who are thinking of embarking on the same adventure. With some planning and double (triple?) checking along the way, the process is NOT as complicated as it's made out to be and can be easily done without the help of a pet relocation specialist. Quite honestly, other than the specialist informing you of what you need to do, and perhaps transporting your pets to / from the airport, you would have fill out the paperwork and do all the visits yourself anyway!

All pets must arrive in the UK as cargo (you cannot fly with them in the cabin, nor can they fly as "luggage"). All airlines have a specific cargo company they use - generally this information is found on the airline's website. This doesn't mean that your furbabies will be flying on a separate plane - it just means the paperwork is handled by the cargo company rather than the airline itself. We flew back with Air Transat - they use Swissport as their cargo carrier.

In short, here is the process we just completed, with some notes added for each step:
1. Get pet microchipped
Straightforward enough. Make sure your vet provides you with the reference numbers and the details of the date the animal(s) were chipped - these are needed for the health cert later on.
2. Sort out rabies injection (MUST be done after your pet is microchipped)
Ensure your vet gives you the original copy of the rabies certificate with the sticker from the vial of liquid they use. This is required for entry in the UK. We made colour copies of the cert to attach to the animal's crates, but we kept the original and provided it at the Animal Reception Centre at Gatwick.
3.
Get the right size crate(s). The animal must be able to stand up and turn around. We went one size bigger than necessary to be absolutely sure. Also, a lot of airlines require the nuts AND bolts to be metal (Air Transat doesn't) You can order these replacement kits online (from the US). They must also have a crate water bottle (same style that you use on a rabbit hutch).
4. Complete Transfer of Residence form (online) to obtain a ToR number from UK Government
If you are shipping furniture etc, then you only need to fill in this form once for animals and furniture. This is only done to avoid paying VAT on your "imports". If you don't have it, it doesn't impact whether your pet is allowed to enter the UK, it just means you'll pay VAT on them (not sure how they calculate it!) You can even complete this form after you land, and claim the VAT paid at the end of the tax year once you have a ToR number.
5. Within 5 days (120 hours) before landing in the UK, your pet(s) must have a health check done by your vet. This involves filling in the Non-Commercial Movement of Five or Less Dogs, Cats or Ferrets form and if you have a dog, they need to be de-wormed at the same time.
It's worth asking if your vet is familiar with this form. If not, I would suggest finding one who is. We didn't use our regular vet because although he was lovely, he wasn't the best at paperwork. We went to another vet and they were great. They provided us with the completed form (both animals were listed on the same form). They also requested the full health history from our original vet to include with the form, just in case. The vet has to watch your dog eat the de-wormer to complete the form.
6. If you are in Canada, you will then need to get that form stamped by the Canada Food Inspection Agency.
You have to contact the agency separately and make an appointment. Once you have your flight details, I would recommend contacting them right away to secure your appointment.
7.
Day of Flight. Take your pets to the cargo place 4 hours before the flight. CHECK THE OPENING TIMES before you fly. Our headache is too long to write out here, but the depot had changed their opening hours due to COVID which meant a mad dash / panic which was eventually resolved, but we could have totally done without it at 6am!) Also check if someone qualified will be there to inspect and weigh the crate / animal. Again, there was an issue with this because they didn't have a supervisor there when we arrived.
8. The paperwork that you must attach to the crate is as follows:
a) A notice of time/date when they had their last feed / water
b) A notice with their Name, Breed, Age, Your name, Flight details, contact details, and emergency contact
c) we also made some of our own "Live Animal" and "This Way Up" notices (but these are also provided by the cargo people)
d) The cargo company also asked us for a copy of the Health Check form and copies of their rabies certificates. I also included the page of the medical history which noted the date they had been microchipped for good measure.
9. When you land in the UK, they asked us for the original rabies certificates, the original Health check form, and proof of microchip. Their processing took about 3 hours (at Gatwick. I've heard Heathrow takes longer). We met a couple who were on the same flight with their dog. Their vet had written one digit wrong on the Health Check form when copying the rabies batch number and so they wouldn't release the dog. They had to sit and wait until their vet (in Canada) was open and get him to scan and email a copy of the original paperwork over. I'm going to assume they managed to get it sorted, but we left before they spoke to their vet.

So, that's the basics. It seems like a lot, but when you break it down, it's not complicated at all. Just get copies of the necessary information, and check reference numbers where applicable.

I'm also happy to answer any questions you may have - just reply to this thread

Good luck!
Can you send what you completed on your Tor 1 in pets. TY
Gloriajean is offline  

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.