Hi Guys. So a decision has been made to have my 2 Chihuahua's move with me to California.
I am still in the process of my petition, no medical yet, in the process of setting that one up.
So my question is:

1) When at one point of the process of the petition do we start getting the dogs sorted.
2) What do they need to be able to move to the US?
3) Anyone had experience of doing this and how much did it cost and what company or service did you had to use?
4) Best airlines for travelling with them?
5) Is it safe? Because they are small breeds they are very nervous dogs and get scared easily I can imagine the noise and separation anxiety will cause them distress, but I know that in the long run, they would be happy to have their mummy back and get back to normal with life asap
6) How do I go about getting this whole thing started and when should I?
7) Do they have to go into quarantine?

I know its a lot of questions and my apologies. I am so worried about their health during the flight. I know this happened often, but my big concern is and I have read it somewhere, that sometimes the dog doesn't even make it on the arrivals, which I don't think I could bear. I cannot leave them here as no one can or wont have them, but I need them with us anyway, so that isn't an option. I'd rather pay to have them come along with us.

Thank you everyone. I thought I ask now in case, I need to make arrangements now or think about it from answers from this thread.

I did a bit more research. Anyone used Petair Uk or Airpets Uk? I think the other one Jet for pets? Theres so many out there, but also I has come across some terrible experiences from dog owners, which doesn't help. Ahhhh!!

We used pet air UK. They were very good, I would highly recommend them. It cost about 800 pounds (we took the slightly cheaper route of getting our own vets certificates).

Thank you Natasha. How recent was that? Was this to the USA? Aswell as the 800, what other expenses were involved aswell?
I had read very good reviews with this company so glad that you mentioned this one.

OH.. What breeds are your dog/s? Were they ok on arrivals? How was their crate? Health? Any lay over? Direct flight? What airline? Sorry for the questions. Just want to hear your recent experience first hand rather than read online. I trust this site. Thank you.

I'm using passportforpets.co.uk to move my Border Collie to Phoenix, AZ and it is costing me £1700. He is going over with me in October but on seperate flights and seperate days.

My quote from petair was £1800.

It was actually a cat that we shipped (from London to Detroit). The 800 included everything - pet air uk's fees and our vets certificate, about 4 years ago. They also picked him up from my home the evening before and sent me text updates to let me know that he was doing OK. I think my husband had to pay a small fee ($50 or so) when he picked him up at the airport. No layover, the crate was a little larger than the carry boxes you use to take them to the vets, they have to be able to stand up in it. Cat was fine although pretty shell shocked for a long time afterwards. To be honest if it wasn't for the fact my stepdaughter would have been heartbroken to leave him behind, I wouldn't have put him through it. I know that's not what you want to hear though.

Hi. Was that for everything needed to move your dog? Or did you had to do purchase anything else on your time elsewhere?
Thank you for the reply. Did it all go really well? Very professional and caring towards your dog? Did your dog look healthy and happy on arrivals? Sorry for questions again. Just want a true picture of what my Chi's will have to endure..
Thank you.

Thank you for your full reply. I know what you mean about a choice of leaving them behind. I could leave with a family member, but I know I would just keep on thinking about them both and knowing there'll be other chi's in CA area, as ive seen lots while on holiday visiting my USBF, I know that they'll just love it out there!! Plus chi's love the SUN!! Thank you

Thhere must be more threads on moving dogs than anything else.

The favoured option from those worried seems to be the QE2.

QM2 ...... Fully booked through May 2016 the last time I heard, with a waiting list for each sailing.

Yea it's £1700 all in. Includes 2 nights board, fitness to fly certificate, custom crate etc, collection of him and meeting someone in Phoenix Sky Harbor airport who will take me to collect him.

Can't tell you much more I'm afraid, as like I said, it isn't until October.

Bringing Pets : British Expat Wiki

Some U.S. airlines allow one small cat/dog per person to travel in the cabin from the UK. Continental used to...don't know if that's still the case now they are United. Same applies to some European carriers.

Oops time passes.

They are only smal pseudo dogs, you would have thought they could be squeezed in.

Just thought of anybody has been following the Johnny Depp story there is another option.

Is that just for those with pets?

Yes, it is the kennels that are fully booked. There are only a few of them.
From what I have heard, it is not possible flying out of the UK (probably because the UK isn't part of Europe. ) It is possible with Lufthansa and perhaps Air France.