My dog
May 21st 2003 | 12:10 pm
#1
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 214
My dog
I can't express how much of a stress the welfare of my dog has been in all this immigration quagmire. Months ago I researched taking him to the US and posted questions regarding flying him out there and got slammed for being cruel. Further down the road and visa in hand, I am still experiencing the same dilemnas as i was then. I really want to try and mimimise the distress for my dog, partly because i dont want him to suffer but moreso because my youngest daughter would never forgive me if anything happened to him!!!
I have a fair handle on the requirements of the US regarding allowing him into the country but getting him a flight over there is proving more taxing. Some airlines wont allow pets on transatlantic flight (typically Continental airlines, the one that just happens to have the best price for us three..... me and kids) Other airlines want you to use their kennels (i am wanting to buy it asap so he can get used to it for a few weeks beforehand)
The most efficient airline company that seems to have their act together regarding the welfare of transporting animals is British Airways and they dont fly to NASHVILLE!!! arrggg
I spoke to hubby last night regarding the "mutt" and he said WE should take the cheap flight and send the dog a day or two earlier on the most convenient flight for him. Sounds simple???
So why cant i do it?? Why cant I find anyone other than BA willing to make an effort to look after our pet??
Maybe after all this immigration stuff I am all "researched out".
If anyone can shed any light I would appreciate it?
And my sincere best wishes and good luck to all those that are waiting to be reunited with their loved ones.... i am waiting too but at least I am not being strangled by the BCIS anymore...(for now
)) I really dont know how some of the long waiting people survive???
I can honestly say you all need a medal...or preferably a visa!!!!!!!!
I have a fair handle on the requirements of the US regarding allowing him into the country but getting him a flight over there is proving more taxing. Some airlines wont allow pets on transatlantic flight (typically Continental airlines, the one that just happens to have the best price for us three..... me and kids) Other airlines want you to use their kennels (i am wanting to buy it asap so he can get used to it for a few weeks beforehand)
The most efficient airline company that seems to have their act together regarding the welfare of transporting animals is British Airways and they dont fly to NASHVILLE!!! arrggg
I spoke to hubby last night regarding the "mutt" and he said WE should take the cheap flight and send the dog a day or two earlier on the most convenient flight for him. Sounds simple???
So why cant i do it?? Why cant I find anyone other than BA willing to make an effort to look after our pet??
Maybe after all this immigration stuff I am all "researched out".
If anyone can shed any light I would appreciate it?
And my sincere best wishes and good luck to all those that are waiting to be reunited with their loved ones.... i am waiting too but at least I am not being strangled by the BCIS anymore...(for now
)) I really dont know how some of the long waiting people survive???I can honestly say you all need a medal...or preferably a visa!!!!!!!!
May 21st 2003 | 12:47 pm
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 159
From: Used to be England...... now....... Indiana
Puppy love
Hiya Northspoon,
gimme end of play tomorrow, i think i will be able to find some useful info for ya........ gives me something todo at work
Shaun
gimme end of play tomorrow, i think i will be able to find some useful info for ya........ gives me something todo at work
Shaun
May 21st 2003 | 1:01 pm
#3
Whimsical in the brainpan
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 407
What is easiest is having your dog transported "baggage", with you on board the plane. Yes, this may mean it's more expensive. It may also mean an expense to take the dog with you. And buying the airline's kennel. But then, most airlines will take "airline approved" kennels, which are hard plastic kennels with sufficient ventilation (like vari-kennels).
If your dog is not used to crates, you may want to get into that NOW. Most dogs take to crates easily. Mine sleep in theirs all the time and are crated when I'm away from the house and can't keep an eye on them.
BE CAREFUL - not all airlines will ship your pet if it's too hot outside. There's no way for you to know how hot it will be before you travel, and the airline isn't going to give you the go-ahead until 24 hours before your flight. That means you could end up not being allowed to take your pet with you. The baggage holds are pressurised AND have air conditionning, so you don't have to worry about that - what you DO have to worry about is the temperature on the tarmak while they are loading your pet and the baggage onto the plane. Remember that your pet also has to be able to "hold on" for about 12 hours for a transatlantic flight. He will need to be at the airport 2 hours at least before your flight, and will be about an hour behind you upon arrival (before offloading and special transport to the terminal).
Alternately: You can ship your pet cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Destinations may also be limited (for example, I know that Minneapolis/St Paul airport does not accept live cargo). AVOID non direct flights if you can. That also applies to when you fly in with a dog as baggage. Don't want to lose them on the way. IF you have a connecting flight - be sure you have LOTS of time between flights to give your pet the time to connect. Avoid overly long connections if their bladders arent going to make it, or if it's really really hot.
There are also agencies that specialize in the relocation of pets. They are expensive, but may be worth your while.
Please note that your pet will have to have a valid vet certificate with all its jabs listed on it, along with a vet exam 10 days or less before you fly (depends on the airline, could be 48 hours) to say that the dog is well enough to fly.
My service dog org has often shipped dogs, and sometimes we've had puppies shipped from overseas. They do okay, as long as you're prepared!
It's not necessarily cruel - it just requires PLANNING in advance. LOTS of it.
Good luck - send me Private Message if you need more info - I may be able to help.
Elly
If your dog is not used to crates, you may want to get into that NOW. Most dogs take to crates easily. Mine sleep in theirs all the time and are crated when I'm away from the house and can't keep an eye on them.
BE CAREFUL - not all airlines will ship your pet if it's too hot outside. There's no way for you to know how hot it will be before you travel, and the airline isn't going to give you the go-ahead until 24 hours before your flight. That means you could end up not being allowed to take your pet with you. The baggage holds are pressurised AND have air conditionning, so you don't have to worry about that - what you DO have to worry about is the temperature on the tarmak while they are loading your pet and the baggage onto the plane. Remember that your pet also has to be able to "hold on" for about 12 hours for a transatlantic flight. He will need to be at the airport 2 hours at least before your flight, and will be about an hour behind you upon arrival (before offloading and special transport to the terminal).
Alternately: You can ship your pet cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Destinations may also be limited (for example, I know that Minneapolis/St Paul airport does not accept live cargo). AVOID non direct flights if you can. That also applies to when you fly in with a dog as baggage. Don't want to lose them on the way. IF you have a connecting flight - be sure you have LOTS of time between flights to give your pet the time to connect. Avoid overly long connections if their bladders arent going to make it, or if it's really really hot.
There are also agencies that specialize in the relocation of pets. They are expensive, but may be worth your while.
Please note that your pet will have to have a valid vet certificate with all its jabs listed on it, along with a vet exam 10 days or less before you fly (depends on the airline, could be 48 hours) to say that the dog is well enough to fly.
My service dog org has often shipped dogs, and sometimes we've had puppies shipped from overseas. They do okay, as long as you're prepared!
It's not necessarily cruel - it just requires PLANNING in advance. LOTS of it.
Good luck - send me Private Message if you need more info - I may be able to help.
Elly
May 21st 2003 | 2:56 pm
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: My dog
Great post .. you are obviously used to shipping pets and have given great
advice.
One other point I would like to add .. at each point in your flight (if your
pet is flying with you), make sure that you tell the flight attendant when
you board the plane that you are travelling with a pet (particularly if you
have a transfer). Ask him/her to have the pilot confirm that the dog is on
board PRIOR to take-off. This way you know the baggage handlers have done
their job in getting the pet on the plane PLUS the pilot knows there is a
dog on board.
No reason to leave your pet behind if you can afford to bring them with you.
Sharon
"Elenfair" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> What is easiest is having your dog transported "baggage", with you on
> board the plane. Yes, this may mean it's more expensive. It may also
> mean an expense to take the dog with you. And buying the airline's
> kennel. But then, most airlines will take "airline approved" kennels,
> which are hard plastic kennels with sufficient ventilation (like
> vari-kennels).
> If your dog is not used to crates, you may want to get into that NOW.
> Most dogs take to crates easily. Mine sleep in theirs all the time and
> are crated when I'm away from the house and can't keep an eye on them.
> BE CAREFUL - not all airlines will ship your pet if it's too hot
> outside. There's no way for you to know how hot it will be before you
> travel, and the airline isn't going to give you the go-ahead until 24
> hours before your flight. That means you could end up not being allowed
> to take your pet with you. The baggage holds are pressurised AND have
> air conditionning, so you don't have to worry about that - what you DO
> have to worry about is the temperature on the tarmak while they are
> loading your pet and the baggage onto the plane. Remember that your
> pet also has to be able to "hold on" for about 12 hours for a
> transatlantic flight. He will need to be at the airport 2 hours at
> least before your flight, and will be about an hour behind you upon
> arrival (before offloading and special transport to the terminal).
> Alternately: You can ship your pet cargo. Temperature restrictions
> apply. Destinations may also be limited (for example, I know that
> Minneapolis/St Paul airport does not accept live cargo). AVOID non
> direct flights if you can. That also applies to when you fly in with a
> dog as baggage. Don't want to lose them on the way. IF you have a
> connecting flight - be sure you have LOTS of time between flights to
> give your pet the time to connect. Avoid overly long connections if
> their bladders arent going to make it, or if it's really really hot.
> There are also agencies that specialize in the relocation of pets. They
> are expensive, but may be worth your while.
> Please note that your pet will have to have a valid vet certificate with
> all its jabs listed on it, along with a vet exam 10 days or less before
> you fly (depends on the airline, could be 48 hours) to say that the dog
> is well enough to fly.
> My service dog org has often shipped dogs, and sometimes we've
> had puppies shipped from overseas. They do okay, as long as
> you're prepared!
> It's not necessarily cruel - it just requires PLANNING in advance.
> LOTS of it.
> Good luck - send me Private Message if you need more info - I may be
> able to help.
> Elly
> --
> Elly, waiting patiently in Canada
> 1st NOA Feb. 19, 2003
> 2nd NOA sometime in the next century...
> Posted via http://britishexpats.com
advice.
One other point I would like to add .. at each point in your flight (if your
pet is flying with you), make sure that you tell the flight attendant when
you board the plane that you are travelling with a pet (particularly if you
have a transfer). Ask him/her to have the pilot confirm that the dog is on
board PRIOR to take-off. This way you know the baggage handlers have done
their job in getting the pet on the plane PLUS the pilot knows there is a
dog on board.
No reason to leave your pet behind if you can afford to bring them with you.
Sharon
"Elenfair" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> What is easiest is having your dog transported "baggage", with you on
> board the plane. Yes, this may mean it's more expensive. It may also
> mean an expense to take the dog with you. And buying the airline's
> kennel. But then, most airlines will take "airline approved" kennels,
> which are hard plastic kennels with sufficient ventilation (like
> vari-kennels).
> If your dog is not used to crates, you may want to get into that NOW.
> Most dogs take to crates easily. Mine sleep in theirs all the time and
> are crated when I'm away from the house and can't keep an eye on them.
> BE CAREFUL - not all airlines will ship your pet if it's too hot
> outside. There's no way for you to know how hot it will be before you
> travel, and the airline isn't going to give you the go-ahead until 24
> hours before your flight. That means you could end up not being allowed
> to take your pet with you. The baggage holds are pressurised AND have
> air conditionning, so you don't have to worry about that - what you DO
> have to worry about is the temperature on the tarmak while they are
> loading your pet and the baggage onto the plane. Remember that your
> pet also has to be able to "hold on" for about 12 hours for a
> transatlantic flight. He will need to be at the airport 2 hours at
> least before your flight, and will be about an hour behind you upon
> arrival (before offloading and special transport to the terminal).
> Alternately: You can ship your pet cargo. Temperature restrictions
> apply. Destinations may also be limited (for example, I know that
> Minneapolis/St Paul airport does not accept live cargo). AVOID non
> direct flights if you can. That also applies to when you fly in with a
> dog as baggage. Don't want to lose them on the way. IF you have a
> connecting flight - be sure you have LOTS of time between flights to
> give your pet the time to connect. Avoid overly long connections if
> their bladders arent going to make it, or if it's really really hot.
> There are also agencies that specialize in the relocation of pets. They
> are expensive, but may be worth your while.
> Please note that your pet will have to have a valid vet certificate with
> all its jabs listed on it, along with a vet exam 10 days or less before
> you fly (depends on the airline, could be 48 hours) to say that the dog
> is well enough to fly.
> My service dog org has often shipped dogs, and sometimes we've
> had puppies shipped from overseas. They do okay, as long as
> you're prepared!
> It's not necessarily cruel - it just requires PLANNING in advance.
> LOTS of it.
> Good luck - send me Private Message if you need more info - I may be
> able to help.
> Elly
> --
> Elly, waiting patiently in Canada
> 1st NOA Feb. 19, 2003
> 2nd NOA sometime in the next century...
> Posted via http://britishexpats.com
May 21st 2003 | 9:11 pm
#5
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 214
Thanks very much for your detailed response Elly and also for your input Sharon. It is so nice when people take the time to really try and help. Sadly I am still where I was before (I think im feeling sorry for myself...lol) My dilemna still exist for one very important reason which affects the decisions made about my dog and I know only I can make the choice. We want the flight to go to JFK or Newark first, as from Manchester, it is the shortest route from the UK to the US (so hubby says) Myself and my children hate flying and we are dreading it. It really makes us ill. So my decisions regarding the dog are affected by this, i care about my dog but i care about my kids more (and me too). I am prepared to pay anything for the welfare of the pooch but money IS an issue and I am trying to lesson the blow..last friday, with accomodation etc, I added over 13 hundred pounds to my credit card for the three visas we obtained. (consulate fees alone for 3 people were 6 hundred and 47 quid)
We did know we had to buy a crate and we budgeted bout 80 quid for that...but I also know that some airlines expect you to use theirs and as you pointed out, temperature restrictions apply to some airlines, and some wont ship pets at all (including the flight we are getting to Nashville via Newark) so I need to find a flight for him, unnacompanied, where he will be looked after and in a temperature controlled environment, that flys to Nashville!!!! so my dilemna still exists!!!!! I really am brain dead with all this doggy research and I think i just want someone to do it for me...lol I think I will give myself a break for a few days and try again but the stress of having to pack up and dispose of my entire possesions of a lifetime for myself and three kids seems at present to be a mammoth task!!!
I think I might put the dog on a surfboard pointing west and just give him a really big push.....lol
Well thanks again ladies and thank you for the offer of the PM'd Elly, I am sure I will need to ask you something over the next few days so be prepared...lol
Lorna
We did know we had to buy a crate and we budgeted bout 80 quid for that...but I also know that some airlines expect you to use theirs and as you pointed out, temperature restrictions apply to some airlines, and some wont ship pets at all (including the flight we are getting to Nashville via Newark) so I need to find a flight for him, unnacompanied, where he will be looked after and in a temperature controlled environment, that flys to Nashville!!!! so my dilemna still exists!!!!! I really am brain dead with all this doggy research and I think i just want someone to do it for me...lol I think I will give myself a break for a few days and try again but the stress of having to pack up and dispose of my entire possesions of a lifetime for myself and three kids seems at present to be a mammoth task!!!
I think I might put the dog on a surfboard pointing west and just give him a really big push.....lol
Well thanks again ladies and thank you for the offer of the PM'd Elly, I am sure I will need to ask you something over the next few days so be prepared...lol
Lorna
May 21st 2003 | 10:59 pm
#6
Whimsical in the brainpan
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 407
Regarding crates: Talk to local breeders, see if you can buy a used one off of them. They're usually not *that* expensive - depending on the size of the dog.
If you are shipping your dog cargo (unaccompanied), they will not necessarily swap planes, especially if you are changing carriers (companies). Find the airport nearest Nashville who will take live cargo and send the hubby there to pick up the dog. Some airlines will ship pets cargo for you (they do it for some breeders who send sires out to father litters!) even in the summer, but you have to be careful and sure about temperature requirements again. Health requirements still apply, too.
The *other* thing about shipping cargo is that most airlines will do it by something called "dimensional weight". This means they will take the size of the crate (kennel) and assign it a weight according to the size it takes up. This makes flying the dog out more expensive than flying them baggage in many instances.
For example: When my puppy (donated to our program) was flown from Chicago to Toronto, Cargo, she was 8 weeks old, not very heavy, in a small kennel. Total cost for shipping? 120.00CDN. If she had been flying baggage with me, it would have been 50.00CDN as excess baggage.
With cargo, most airlines will require you to be present 3 hours before you ship your dog, at the cargo desk (not the regular checkin desk - usually it's completely separate from the airport itself, like 0.5km away...) They take the crate/dog from you and off they go. At the other end, you can expect a 1.5 to 2hour wait until they offload the pet from the aircraft and take it to the cargo desk.
With either shipping cargo *or* baggage: the crate needs to be labelled on three sides and the top with "LIVE ANIMAL"/"This way up" stickers (you can print some out yourself, just laminate them and use a lot of clear packing tape!) There needs to be a water container in the crate that the agents can fill up if there's extra wait. The crate needs to be labelled as to its destination and most importantly THE PERSON THE DOG IS CONSIGNED TO!
Whatever you do, don't sedate your pet for the flight. It has been known to cause some serious health problems during long flights - especially transatlantic flights.
Ideally, you want a flight straight to Nashville. Your best bet would be to call up the airlines and ask them yourself directly. KLM (its US partner is NorthWestern) has some good pet care services for flights. They may or may not to transatlantic flights with pets. BA may well do it, but I do not know if they have a deal regarding live cargo with the US.
Good luck! There are some companies which specialise in this kind of thing - transatlantic moves of pets. I'm sure you could find one online...
Elly
If you are shipping your dog cargo (unaccompanied), they will not necessarily swap planes, especially if you are changing carriers (companies). Find the airport nearest Nashville who will take live cargo and send the hubby there to pick up the dog. Some airlines will ship pets cargo for you (they do it for some breeders who send sires out to father litters!) even in the summer, but you have to be careful and sure about temperature requirements again. Health requirements still apply, too.
The *other* thing about shipping cargo is that most airlines will do it by something called "dimensional weight". This means they will take the size of the crate (kennel) and assign it a weight according to the size it takes up. This makes flying the dog out more expensive than flying them baggage in many instances.
For example: When my puppy (donated to our program) was flown from Chicago to Toronto, Cargo, she was 8 weeks old, not very heavy, in a small kennel. Total cost for shipping? 120.00CDN. If she had been flying baggage with me, it would have been 50.00CDN as excess baggage.
With cargo, most airlines will require you to be present 3 hours before you ship your dog, at the cargo desk (not the regular checkin desk - usually it's completely separate from the airport itself, like 0.5km away...) They take the crate/dog from you and off they go. At the other end, you can expect a 1.5 to 2hour wait until they offload the pet from the aircraft and take it to the cargo desk.
With either shipping cargo *or* baggage: the crate needs to be labelled on three sides and the top with "LIVE ANIMAL"/"This way up" stickers (you can print some out yourself, just laminate them and use a lot of clear packing tape!) There needs to be a water container in the crate that the agents can fill up if there's extra wait. The crate needs to be labelled as to its destination and most importantly THE PERSON THE DOG IS CONSIGNED TO!
Whatever you do, don't sedate your pet for the flight. It has been known to cause some serious health problems during long flights - especially transatlantic flights.
Ideally, you want a flight straight to Nashville. Your best bet would be to call up the airlines and ask them yourself directly. KLM (its US partner is NorthWestern) has some good pet care services for flights. They may or may not to transatlantic flights with pets. BA may well do it, but I do not know if they have a deal regarding live cargo with the US.
Good luck! There are some companies which specialise in this kind of thing - transatlantic moves of pets. I'm sure you could find one online...
Elly
May 21st 2003 | 11:03 pm
#7
Whimsical in the brainpan
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 407
OH!
And don't forget to send hubby ALL the vaccination/health certificates! He will need them for the dog to clear customs!
(you can tape a copy, in an envelope, securely, to the crate, too.)
And don't forget to send hubby ALL the vaccination/health certificates! He will need them for the dog to clear customs!
(you can tape a copy, in an envelope, securely, to the crate, too.)
May 21st 2003 | 11:05 pm
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hey,
Im shipping three cats on Continental on the 2nd of June. We are flying Gatwick-Cleveland. Not only do Continental fly animals across the pond but they are one of the few who can do this through the summer as they have air conditioned areas throughout the whole process. If you want to ship a pet with them you have to go through their pet shipping agent, Lady Haye. I have been organising our for the last few weeks and thay have been so helpful.
www.ladyhaye.co.uk
If you need any more infor let me know.
Good Luck.,
D
Im shipping three cats on Continental on the 2nd of June. We are flying Gatwick-Cleveland. Not only do Continental fly animals across the pond but they are one of the few who can do this through the summer as they have air conditioned areas throughout the whole process. If you want to ship a pet with them you have to go through their pet shipping agent, Lady Haye. I have been organising our for the last few weeks and thay have been so helpful.
www.ladyhaye.co.uk
If you need any more infor let me know.
Good Luck.,
D
May 22nd 2003 | 12:47 am
#9
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 214
Hi Darren
I rang Continental direct and was told they do not take dogs on transatlantic flights...gez i wish people would be consistent with there information...i better call them back as I would much prefer him travelling with us
I rang Continental direct and was told they do not take dogs on transatlantic flights...gez i wish people would be consistent with there information...i better call them back as I would much prefer him travelling with us
May 22nd 2003 | 1:01 am
#10
Whimsical in the brainpan
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 407
Lorna - just a quick question...
How big is the dog?
How big is the dog?
May 22nd 2003 | 1:06 am
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally posted by northspoon
Thanks very much for your detailed response Elly and also for your input Sharon. It is so nice when people take the time to really try and help. Sadly I am still where I was before (I think im feeling sorry for myself...lol) My dilemna still exist for one very important reason which affects the decisions made about my dog and I know only I can make the choice. We want the flight to go to JFK or Newark first, as from Manchester, it is the shortest route from the UK to the US (so hubby says) Myself and my children hate flying and we are dreading it. It really makes us ill. So my decisions regarding the dog are affected by this, i care about my dog but i care about my kids more (and me too). I am prepared to pay anything for the welfare of the pooch but money IS an issue and I am trying to lesson the blow..last friday, with accomodation etc, I added over 13 hundred pounds to my credit card for the three visas we obtained. (consulate fees alone for 3 people were 6 hundred and 47 quid)
We did know we had to buy a crate and we budgeted bout 80 quid for that...but I also know that some airlines expect you to use theirs and as you pointed out, temperature restrictions apply to some airlines, and some wont ship pets at all (including the flight we are getting to Nashville via Newark) so I need to find a flight for him, unnacompanied, where he will be looked after and in a temperature controlled environment, that flys to Nashville!!!! so my dilemna still exists!!!!! I really am brain dead with all this doggy research and I think i just want someone to do it for me...lol I think I will give myself a break for a few days and try again but the stress of having to pack up and dispose of my entire possesions of a lifetime for myself and three kids seems at present to be a mammoth task!!!
I think I might put the dog on a surfboard pointing west and just give him a really big push.....lol
Well thanks again ladies and thank you for the offer of the PM'd Elly, I am sure I will need to ask you something over the next few days so be prepared...lol
Lorna
Thanks very much for your detailed response Elly and also for your input Sharon. It is so nice when people take the time to really try and help. Sadly I am still where I was before (I think im feeling sorry for myself...lol) My dilemna still exist for one very important reason which affects the decisions made about my dog and I know only I can make the choice. We want the flight to go to JFK or Newark first, as from Manchester, it is the shortest route from the UK to the US (so hubby says) Myself and my children hate flying and we are dreading it. It really makes us ill. So my decisions regarding the dog are affected by this, i care about my dog but i care about my kids more (and me too). I am prepared to pay anything for the welfare of the pooch but money IS an issue and I am trying to lesson the blow..last friday, with accomodation etc, I added over 13 hundred pounds to my credit card for the three visas we obtained. (consulate fees alone for 3 people were 6 hundred and 47 quid)
We did know we had to buy a crate and we budgeted bout 80 quid for that...but I also know that some airlines expect you to use theirs and as you pointed out, temperature restrictions apply to some airlines, and some wont ship pets at all (including the flight we are getting to Nashville via Newark) so I need to find a flight for him, unnacompanied, where he will be looked after and in a temperature controlled environment, that flys to Nashville!!!! so my dilemna still exists!!!!! I really am brain dead with all this doggy research and I think i just want someone to do it for me...lol I think I will give myself a break for a few days and try again but the stress of having to pack up and dispose of my entire possesions of a lifetime for myself and three kids seems at present to be a mammoth task!!!
I think I might put the dog on a surfboard pointing west and just give him a really big push.....lol
Well thanks again ladies and thank you for the offer of the PM'd Elly, I am sure I will need to ask you something over the next few days so be prepared...lol
Lorna
I did the Manchester=Newark=Dallas trip (the Manchester-Newark being the bit that concerns you) with Continental in December. I had no dog but I did, like you, have two kids who had never flown. One was 6 and one 8. We used Continental because they were cheapest and they were brilliant. Comfortable, friendly, helpful, special meals for the kids and in addition to the usual movies there was a whole selection of nintendo-like games for them to play. I was nervous about the trip but they loved the flight - it was like a holiday for them. My eldest played games all the way across the Atlantic and my youngest ate, slept and listened to groovy music. The whole thing was much easier than going to London for the visas which, with two young children and the crowded tubes etc was nothing short of a nightmare.
Good luck and try not to worry.
Regards
-=-
Scarlett
May 22nd 2003 | 1:23 am
#12
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 214
Originally posted by Elenfair
OH!
And don't forget to send hubby ALL the vaccination/health certificates! He will need them for the dog to clear customs!
(you can tape a copy, in an envelope, securely, to the crate, too.)
OH!
And don't forget to send hubby ALL the vaccination/health certificates! He will need them for the dog to clear customs!
(you can tape a copy, in an envelope, securely, to the crate, too.)
I have just spoken to the Ministry in Lincoln and have been told that i dont have to have any vaccinations etc to take the dog to the US. All that is required is a private health certificate given by the vets no more than 7 days before entering the US. I was told that the rabies vaccine is not a requirement to enter the US.... however some states want animals vaccinated againsts rabies and some states dont.
Why isnt life more straight forward?
Lorna
May 22nd 2003 | 1:25 am
#13
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 214
Originally posted by Elenfair
Lorna - just a quick question...
How big is the dog?
Lorna - just a quick question...
How big is the dog?
He is approx 80 cm long and 60cm high
a medium size dog
May 22nd 2003 | 1:30 am
#14
Thread Starter
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 214
Originally posted by ScarlettHill
Hi Northspoon,
I did the Manchester=Newark=Dallas trip (the Manchester-Newark being the bit that concerns you) with Continental in December. I had no dog but I did, like you, have two kids who had never flown. One was 6 and one 8. We used Continental because they were cheapest and they were brilliant. Comfortable, friendly, helpful, special meals for the kids and in addition to the usual movies there was a whole selection of nintendo-like games for them to play. I was nervous about the trip but they loved the flight - it was like a holiday for them. My eldest played games all the way across the Atlantic and my youngest ate, slept and listened to groovy music. The whole thing was much easier than going to London for the visas which, with two young children and the crowded tubes etc was nothing short of a nightmare.
Good luck and try not to worry.
Regards
-=-
Scarlett
Hi Northspoon,
I did the Manchester=Newark=Dallas trip (the Manchester-Newark being the bit that concerns you) with Continental in December. I had no dog but I did, like you, have two kids who had never flown. One was 6 and one 8. We used Continental because they were cheapest and they were brilliant. Comfortable, friendly, helpful, special meals for the kids and in addition to the usual movies there was a whole selection of nintendo-like games for them to play. I was nervous about the trip but they loved the flight - it was like a holiday for them. My eldest played games all the way across the Atlantic and my youngest ate, slept and listened to groovy music. The whole thing was much easier than going to London for the visas which, with two young children and the crowded tubes etc was nothing short of a nightmare.
Good luck and try not to worry.
Regards
-=-
Scarlett
Thanks again
Lorna
May 22nd 2003 | 1:44 am
#15
finally home with thing1
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 278
From: Michigan USA, originally London, UK
I'm flying over with my cat (this weekend YAYYY ) but the principles are the same
I'm flying Gatwick to Grand Rapids via Detroit on Northwest Airlines. The cost for my cat is $110
You'll need an IATA Airline Approved Pet Carrier - try either Pet Cargo 500/600/700 etc or Varis carriers
https://www.petplanet.co.uk/shop/fro...asp?dept_id=39
http://www.thingsfor-pets.co.uk/acat...nnels_119.html
Your pet should be able to stand in the carrier without his/her head touching the top, be able to fit in lengthways, and turn around. I also have to clip on an empty food and water bowl to the door, and mark the carrier as outlined below by Elenfair.
I'll report on our journey *home* sometime next week
Here's some other links you may find useful
http://www.airpets.com/
http://www.airanimal.com/destination_usa.asp
http://www.i-love-cats.com/meow/ramb.../airlines.html - airlines policies
http://www.iata.org/cargooperations/...mals/index.htm
http://www.nwa.com/travel/tips/pets.shtml
http://www.independenttraveler.com/r...87&category=11
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/ukcust1.html#pets
) but the principles are the sameI'm flying Gatwick to Grand Rapids via Detroit on Northwest Airlines. The cost for my cat is $110
You'll need an IATA Airline Approved Pet Carrier - try either Pet Cargo 500/600/700 etc or Varis carriers
https://www.petplanet.co.uk/shop/fro...asp?dept_id=39
http://www.thingsfor-pets.co.uk/acat...nnels_119.html
Your pet should be able to stand in the carrier without his/her head touching the top, be able to fit in lengthways, and turn around. I also have to clip on an empty food and water bowl to the door, and mark the carrier as outlined below by Elenfair.
I'll report on our journey *home* sometime next week
Here's some other links you may find useful
http://www.airpets.com/
http://www.airanimal.com/destination_usa.asp
http://www.i-love-cats.com/meow/ramb.../airlines.html - airlines policies
http://www.iata.org/cargooperations/...mals/index.htm
http://www.nwa.com/travel/tips/pets.shtml
http://www.independenttraveler.com/r...87&category=11
http://www.usembassy.org.uk/ukcust1.html#pets
