Recent experience at Heathrow ARC
Aug 26th 2011, 2:40 pm
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 112
Recent experience at Heathrow ARC
We returned to the UK from the US on Wednesday after 16+ years away and had our two dogs, Oreo and Otis on the BA flight with us. Despite our worries they both came bounding through at ARC to meet us full of energy and non the worse for the trip. One thing we did not expect however was the 3+ hour wait at the centre whilst they were processed, some people waited up to 5 hours and a few unfortunate ones came away without pets as their paperwork was not correct.
We used Pet Express who were ok, they handled the paperwork well but weren't particularly good at the information and communication. They told us our furkids would board last and be off first. In fact they were boarded an hour before us, the ramp handler came to the BA Lounge to let us know they were on board. We were concerned because, unusually for SF it was a hot day. They didn't arrive at ARC until at least 2 hours after landing, we got there before they did.
Thankfully the facilities at ARC at much better for animals than humans, I had completely forgotten how awful vending machine coffee is.
Glad to be home but will be happier once it stops raining! Serves us right for returning just before August Bank Holiday I suppose
We used Pet Express who were ok, they handled the paperwork well but weren't particularly good at the information and communication. They told us our furkids would board last and be off first. In fact they were boarded an hour before us, the ramp handler came to the BA Lounge to let us know they were on board. We were concerned because, unusually for SF it was a hot day. They didn't arrive at ARC until at least 2 hours after landing, we got there before they did.
Thankfully the facilities at ARC at much better for animals than humans, I had completely forgotten how awful vending machine coffee is.
Glad to be home but will be happier once it stops raining! Serves us right for returning just before August Bank Holiday I suppose
Aug 26th 2011, 3:01 pm
#2
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Joined: Dec 2009
Location: Norfolk UK
Posts: 447
Re: Recent experience at Heathrow ARC
We returned to the UK from the US on Wednesday after 16+ years away and had our two dogs, Oreo and Otis on the BA flight with us. Despite our worries they both came bounding through at ARC to meet us full of energy and non the worse for the trip. One thing we did not expect however was the 3+ hour wait at the centre whilst they were processed, some people waited up to 5 hours and a few unfortunate ones came away without pets as their paperwork was not correct.
We used Pet Express who were ok, they handled the paperwork well but weren't particularly good at the information and communication. They told us our furkids would board last and be off first. In fact they were boarded an hour before us, the ramp handler came to the BA Lounge to let us know they were on board. We were concerned because, unusually for SF it was a hot day. They didn't arrive at ARC until at least 2 hours after landing, we got there before they did.
Thankfully the facilities at ARC at much better for animals than humans, I had completely forgotten how awful vending machine coffee is.
Glad to be home but will be happier once it stops raining! Serves us right for returning just before August Bank Holiday I suppose
We used Pet Express who were ok, they handled the paperwork well but weren't particularly good at the information and communication. They told us our furkids would board last and be off first. In fact they were boarded an hour before us, the ramp handler came to the BA Lounge to let us know they were on board. We were concerned because, unusually for SF it was a hot day. They didn't arrive at ARC until at least 2 hours after landing, we got there before they did.
Thankfully the facilities at ARC at much better for animals than humans, I had completely forgotten how awful vending machine coffee is.
Glad to be home but will be happier once it stops raining! Serves us right for returning just before August Bank Holiday I suppose
were non the worse for the trip.Timing I guess depends on workload. We don't know when ours was loaded, but we did see the ARC van arrive at the plane as soon as we pulled up to the gate.
Sad that some 'parents' were turned away with incomplete paperwork, it is definitely something that needs real close attention - but if done right you can just sail through, problem is there is only one chance to get it right. Hopefully it will get easier / simpler with the new upcoming rules.
Golly yes, how about this Bank Holiday rain, good ol' UK, but wait a while and it will change. Welcome back.
Aug 26th 2011, 4:44 pm
#3
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Joined: May 2008
Location: Houston
Posts: 439
Re: Recent experience at Heathrow ARC
Everyone should be prepared for a few hours wait at ARC. (It has been talked about on here quite a bit). Both times I picked up my animals I waited about 4 hours but had been warned about that before hand so it was no surprise. They told me also when I arrived that they were there so I was not concerned as I knew they were being well cared for.
Aug 27th 2011, 10:56 pm
#4
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 928
Re: Recent experience at Heathrow ARC
Glad your babies made it back safely, welcome back to the UK, coulda brought better weather with you? 
