Teddy123

We had our visa interview today and were granted the L1 and L2 visas.

My husband will be working in Manhattan and has to be there on the 1st of April. Our 2 children, dog and I will follow soon after.

All of a sudden I'm feeling very overwhelmed by the whole thing and wondering if anyone has any words of wisdom? Good air freight companies? Anyone cheaper than PetAir so my husband stops hyperventilating over the cost of getting the dog over?

I've been so calm but now it's actually happening my mind has gone blank.

scrubbedexpat099

I would check what your relocation package will cover.

Teddy123

We have been given $30,000 to sort it out ourselves, adjusted so it's tax free.

Jerseygirl

Welcome to BE

do you have accommodation arranged that allows dogs?

Teddy123

We have hired a realtor who has been sending through properties that allow dogs.

Jerseygirl

OK that’s good.

Teddy123

The dog is key to my sanity so she is at the forefront of my planning

Jerseygirl

we moved to NJ in 1996 for a year or so. I couldn’t find a rental to accept my Doberman, so the breeder agreed to look after her. It was probably one of the worse decisions I have ever made.

Teddy123

Those kinds of decisions are always so tough.

I wonder if people are more accepting of pets these days?

Jerseygirl

sorry I don’t know. The problem may have been the breed and/or size of the dog.

jjmb

Is that just for the flights, moving and containers etc. My son used PBS specialist pet travel when he brought his dog, a smooth coat border collie ,back with him in September 2019. It cost just under £2000 but they did insist on the dog having a rabies shot before travelling. Apparently its an airline policy, more than a requirement by the States. Can only be administered by a government vet which seemed to be difficult in Edinburgh but a lot of that was due to my Son's working hours. Good luck with the move. We had just over 2 weeks for our move in 2000! Arrived on !st April!

Teddy123

Wow, 2 weeks?! I would have been a mess.

That money is to cover flights, air freight of my books and the children's toys, new furniture, we can use it however we like but I expect the total move to cost a bit more. Especially when I look at the baffling price of cars.

I've been quoted £1500 including pick up and vet clearance so maybe that's not so bad.

Nutmegger

I can understand that! Add to the list ensuring that she has all the essential shots and parasite protection needed for the US -- rabies, DHLP, and Lyme shots, heartworm medication and flea/tick medication. When I say needed, I don't mean to get her in the door (though rabies may be mandated, I'm not sure), but to keep her safe in her new home. Good luck.

Jerseygirl

Re the rabies shot...you need to know if NJ require a live vaccine or not...then inform your vet.

Teddy123

Thank you for the advice on vaccinations (now to get the children vaccinated), I will have a word with our vet tomorrow.