Importing pets
#2
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 5
Re: Importing pets
Hello, I moved back to the UK from Canada with my cat and the process for dogs should be similar.
We travelled in April and at the time, cargo transports (directly arrange with a cargo company) were not allowed and I had to use a pet transport agent. It was costly but worth it as you need to make sure all the paper work is in place and they will guide you through it. You are already stressed to relocate in the middle of the pandemic, so I found the guidance from the agent really helpful.
I started to contact various agents to request for a fee quote in January but only a few responded. Also, the actual booking was confirmed only a couple of weeks before my flight which was at the end of April. They are also experiencing challenges because of many flight cancellations/rescheduling, etc. I suggest you contact as many agents as you can.
The UK government website explains what is required for a pet travel but please PM me if you would like to connect.
We travelled in April and at the time, cargo transports (directly arrange with a cargo company) were not allowed and I had to use a pet transport agent. It was costly but worth it as you need to make sure all the paper work is in place and they will guide you through it. You are already stressed to relocate in the middle of the pandemic, so I found the guidance from the agent really helpful.
I started to contact various agents to request for a fee quote in January but only a few responded. Also, the actual booking was confirmed only a couple of weeks before my flight which was at the end of April. They are also experiencing challenges because of many flight cancellations/rescheduling, etc. I suggest you contact as many agents as you can.
The UK government website explains what is required for a pet travel but please PM me if you would like to connect.
#4
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 5
Re: Importing pets
It was Worldwide Animal Travel. I paid $2k for my cat's travel and the other agents (the ones responded) quoted something similar. I flew with Air Canada and their recommended agent is this company. They checked all the paperwork for my cat and he arrived safely with no issue. They also coordinated having the health certificate stamped by the Canadian authorities and kept me updated on my cat's boarding. I also had my cat home delivered once arrived in the UK which was done by their UK counterpart.
So, what I did myself were:
1. having my cat microchipped
2. having my cat vaccinated after microchipped (a tapeworm treatment is required for dogs, I believe)
3. buy a crate (you have to buy one following the specific guideline)
4. complete necessary documents with my and cat's details
5. having my cat health check done
6. taking my cat and the original paperwork to the agent which is based in Mississauga
When are you planning to travel? The UK is still using the health certificate template for EU but I think it will change soon. The agent should be able to provide copies of the applicable certificate form though.
I know the relocation is stressful and travelling with you pet makes it much harder. Please let me know if there is anything you would like to know.
So, what I did myself were:
1. having my cat microchipped
2. having my cat vaccinated after microchipped (a tapeworm treatment is required for dogs, I believe)
3. buy a crate (you have to buy one following the specific guideline)
4. complete necessary documents with my and cat's details
5. having my cat health check done
6. taking my cat and the original paperwork to the agent which is based in Mississauga
When are you planning to travel? The UK is still using the health certificate template for EU but I think it will change soon. The agent should be able to provide copies of the applicable certificate form though.
I know the relocation is stressful and travelling with you pet makes it much harder. Please let me know if there is anything you would like to know.
#5
Re: Importing pets
Rebecca Pratt
Pet Travel Specialist
Ladyhaye International Pet Travel Ltd
Unit 7,Starborough Farm, Starborough Road, Edenbridge, Kent, TN8 5RB
Tel: +44(0)1342 832161 Fax: +44(0)1342 770194
Member of IPATA since 1993 and Fully Accredited IATA Agent