I am due to fly Monday 20th and am really freaking out about what the dogs are going to have to go through (too late to back out now!). Can anyone who has flown dogs tell me what happens from check in to check out (treat me like I'm simple - include things like should they arrive at the check in desk crated or walking? etc) We're flying nonstop Manchester to Toronto and have to check in 2.5 hours before departure. Many thanks in advance.

Hiya, I would like to say relax all will be ok. But i know you wont relax so i wont.

We flew our dog Canada to the Uk so it was a little differant.

Our dog had to be Crated at Calgary, ( she travelled in the car with us) to the air port. She had her last ran and natural habbits. Then it was into her box with a treat that had a tablet from the vet . ( we are not sure if it was a sleeper? Sedative or valium???)
. One thing though no matter how tempted you are DONT feed your dog. One day wont matter, treat it as much as you like once you get to the other side !!!

A. it wont get as travel sick
b. would you like to sit in a small box for 5-6 hours in your number two, get my drift.

Put some toys in the box especially chews.

Our pet could not be cheched in at check in, she had to be taken to cargo!! so give your airport a call.


Hope this helps a little

I don't know if this will be any help (its American so skip any references that don't apply) http://www.petlifeweb.com/thearticles/pt3.htm it lists some things to do before the trip, ie get your pet used to the crate before flying (take for trips in the car, let if sleep in there etc.), also place a favourite blanket or toy in there and attach a bottle of water and a container so the staff can give a drink before the flight (dehydration is a big problem). Don't get too anxious as pets tend to pick up on 'human vibes' so be as calm as possible.

If the dog has become accustomed to the crate and has a favourite scent in there like a toy or blanket it will make the ordeal less harrowing. Make sure a contact number and owner details are placed on the crate too.

What happened with Quarantine? DId your dog have to go into it?

Thanks,

Byron.

Hiya - the pet passport scheme has now been extended to US and Canada so quarantine not needed since December 2002. HOWEVER - if you do decide to go down this route allow 7 months to organise. This is because a microchip has to be fitted and then rabies injection done and then 1 month later a rabies test must be done followed by a 6 month wait before the passport can be issued. Plus the rabies test MUST be done at a government recognised lab. so its a lot to organise. Still - much better than 6 months in quarantine

The link for more info. is http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quar...usa_canada.htm

Esme,
Bit late to reply but please don;/t worry. I don't EXACTLY know what happend at Calgary when we landed as we paid someone to take them to a kennell overnight (overpriced and unnecessary). The Custom bods go into overdrive and are really sweet when they find out its not food but pets you're 'carrying'. Had we been collecting them, we'd have been whisked away to the dog lot to sort them out before we'd cleared (I suspect!). Check with the airline how long before flight they want them.

As a comfort - we were given back our crates and they were dry and they had approx 8 hour flight!

I'm flying my Jack Russell to DC Sunday week with BA. They seem to offer best value for money as they charge the animal as extra luggage.

Cheers

Thanks for the advice Smokey - you've given me a bit of reassurance and it wasn't too late!! We're counting hours!!!!!!