Moving cats without using an agent?
Apr 5th 2016, 5:57 pm
#16
Was in Canada, now home.
Joined: Aug 2011
Location: Devon
Posts: 3,388
Re: Moving cats without using an agent?
We came from Canada in 2014, and went to Gatwick. The change must be since then.
Apr 5th 2016, 9:39 pm
#17
Concierge
Joined: Jan 2013
Location: Western Australia
Posts: 21,139
Re: Moving cats without using an agent?
They all now have to go through Heathrow anyway. Changed it very recently. Even if they are going to other cities, the animal has to go via Heathrow unless coming from Europe.
We didn't find it as crazy expensive as I had dreaded. It goes on the size of the crate. Ours was able to travel in the smallest crate - same a an average cat. From Australia is came in at AUS$2000 including agents fees. That's about £1000.
We didn't find it as crazy expensive as I had dreaded. It goes on the size of the crate. Ours was able to travel in the smallest crate - same a an average cat. From Australia is came in at AUS$2000 including agents fees. That's about £1000.
EDIT: I had a look, there are approved routes, depending on which airline you fly with. See here for the latest list (Feb 2016) https://www.gov.uk/government/public...vement-of-pets
As well as Heathrow and Gatwick, many airlines fly pets to other UK cities without going through a London airport, eg Glasgow, Manchester, Bristol, Doncaster, Edinburgh
Last edited by spouse of scouse; Apr 5th 2016 at 9:50 pm.
Apr 6th 2016, 7:45 am
#18
Was in Canada, now home.
Joined: Aug 2011
Location: Devon
Posts: 3,388
Re: Moving cats without using an agent?
According to Expedia, it is possible to fly to Gatwick coming from Bangkok. It is just a question of which airline you choose. If it is really the case that you might have to wait 3 hours to pick up the cats from Heathrow, I think it is an option worth exploring.
Apr 6th 2016, 7:55 am
#19
`
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 38,613
Re: Moving cats without using an agent?
Welcome to the wonderful world of BE.
I hope yo and your felines settle well into the UK.
My own cat is now nearly 18 years old and he will always remain my heart and soul.
Apr 6th 2016, 8:11 am
#20
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 5
Re: Moving cats without using an agent?
Ahh - We cat lovers are special lot! My eldest ever lived to be almost 23! This latest lot were born on the building site next to my house 2 summers ago. 7 kittens in all! I've now found homes for the other 4, so these 3 are embarking on an Awfully Big Adventure with me! Latest update: I've asked for quotes from several companies that are agents at Heathrow. Most sent an automatic reply, one responded in person with a very friendly email. Rates differ between the companies (a good thing) - so shop around. I found the names and emails on the Defra website. Haven't committed to a company yet, but the one who replied in person appear to be the cheapest and they are very helpful.
Apr 6th 2016, 6:50 pm
#21
Was in Canada, now home.
Joined: Aug 2011
Location: Devon
Posts: 3,388
Re: Moving cats without using an agent?
One of our cats is about 23 (we got her from a shelter, so can't be sure). She is arthritic, but she still seems to enjoy life, provided she gets enough tuna.
Apr 7th 2016, 6:04 am
#22
Misses Los Angeles
Joined: Dec 2010
Location: London
Posts: 436
Re: Moving cats without using an agent?
The agent is the company who books and facilitates the travel. Depending on the package you buy, they may book tickets, arrange all or some paperwork, transport your pet to the airport, keep them in kennels before or after the trip.
You don't have to use an agent to arrange your pet's travel into the UK. It's up to the airline. Many airlines allow you to book directly. Some do require you use an agent. This varies by route, too; for example, last I checked, BA lets you fly animals into the UK without an agent, but insisted you used one for any flights out.
You 'must use an approved transporter and route' means you can't turn up in your own boat or private plane (or any old airline), and only some UK airports are authorised to accept and process animals.
at the other end (Heathrow) the key things that the agents do are this: collect the pet/s from the plane, clear them through customs and take them to the Animal Reception Centre where they and their paperwork are checked. The owner collects them after that. It IS possible for the owner to do the job of the agent, but the airport authorities still charge large fees, currently totalling £320!! I've had a quote from an agent who will do it for me for £430. So, they are making £110. Not bad really. I'm waiting for other quotes. Agents are not allowed to say that your paperwork is correct, that is your responsibility, but some offer to look at it for you and they obviously know what you need as they process these papers every day, so I'd choose an agent who is prepared to do this. Oh the stress!
Also, I've never heard that agents 'aren't allowed to say that your paperwork is correct'. If you're paying them to deal with the paperwork, it should be correct, and mistakes should be their liability. But if they're just offering to check over it for free, as a courtesy, then fair enough it's your responsibility.
Apr 7th 2016, 7:03 am
#23
Was in Canada, now home.
Joined: Aug 2011
Location: Devon
Posts: 3,388
Re: Moving cats without using an agent?
An 'approved pet transporter' isn't the same as an agent. The transporter is the airline/ferry/train.
The agent is the company who books and facilitates the travel. Depending on the package you buy, they may book tickets, arrange all or some paperwork, transport your pet to the airport, keep them in kennels before or after the trip.
You don't have to use an agent to arrange your pet's travel into the UK. It's up to the airline. Many airlines allow you to book directly. Some do require you use an agent. This varies by route, too; for example, last I checked, BA lets you fly animals into the UK without an agent, but insisted you used one for any flights out.
You 'must use an approved transporter and route' means you can't turn up in your own boat or private plane (or any old airline), and only some UK airports are authorised to accept and process animals.
Aren't all animal arrivals at Heathrow handled by James Cargo? They are the main (only?) company, AFAIK, who are authorised to be onsite, take the animals off the plane, and transport them to the ARC (Animal Reception Centre). I thought the airport clearance fee included this service? So I'm not really sure what you'd be paying another £110 for? If in doubt, ask the ARC. They're really helpful.
Also, I've never heard that agents 'aren't allowed to say that your paperwork is correct'. If you're paying them to deal with the paperwork, it should be correct, and mistakes should be their liability. But if they're just offering to check over it for free, as a courtesy, then fair enough it's your responsibility.
The agent is the company who books and facilitates the travel. Depending on the package you buy, they may book tickets, arrange all or some paperwork, transport your pet to the airport, keep them in kennels before or after the trip.
You don't have to use an agent to arrange your pet's travel into the UK. It's up to the airline. Many airlines allow you to book directly. Some do require you use an agent. This varies by route, too; for example, last I checked, BA lets you fly animals into the UK without an agent, but insisted you used one for any flights out.
You 'must use an approved transporter and route' means you can't turn up in your own boat or private plane (or any old airline), and only some UK airports are authorised to accept and process animals.
Aren't all animal arrivals at Heathrow handled by James Cargo? They are the main (only?) company, AFAIK, who are authorised to be onsite, take the animals off the plane, and transport them to the ARC (Animal Reception Centre). I thought the airport clearance fee included this service? So I'm not really sure what you'd be paying another £110 for? If in doubt, ask the ARC. They're really helpful.
Also, I've never heard that agents 'aren't allowed to say that your paperwork is correct'. If you're paying them to deal with the paperwork, it should be correct, and mistakes should be their liability. But if they're just offering to check over it for free, as a courtesy, then fair enough it's your responsibility.
