moving to USA via QM2
Apr 18th 2012, 4:19 pm
#31
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Joined: Jan 2012
Location: Windsor, U.K.
Posts: 7
Re: moving to USA via QM2
Hi cy1982 - Can you tell us a little about your experience on the QM2 with the kennels? I've written a post about our experience booking the kennel but it hasn't been added to the thread yet! We are on the May 22 voyage with our 7-year old Border Terrier, Ted. I've read lots of blogs about the Eastbound crossing, but nothing very recent and nothing about embarkation at Southampton. We are leaving from Ocean Terminal and have been told to go to the enquiry desk with our dog before we check-in and that we'll be allowed to accompany him to the kennels. I'm curious, what paperwork did you have with you? Were you allowed to visit when ever you wanted? Do you have any recommendations for things (toys/ food/ blankets) we should bring with us?
Thank you!
Thank you!
Apr 18th 2012, 4:22 pm
#32
SUPER MODERATOR
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 88,022
Re: moving to USA via QM2
Hi cy1982 - Can you tell us a little about your experience on the QM2 with the kennels? I've written a post about our experience booking the kennel but it hasn't been added to the thread yet! We are on the May 22 voyage with our 7-year old Border Terrier, Ted. I've read lots of blogs about the Eastbound crossing, but nothing very recent and nothing about embarkation at Southampton. We are leaving from Ocean Terminal and have been told to go to the enquiry desk with our dog before we check-in and that we'll be allowed to accompany him to the kennels. I'm curious, what paperwork did you have with you? Were you allowed to visit when ever you wanted? Do you have any recommendations for things (toys/ food/ blankets) we should bring with us?
Thank you!
Thank you!
Apr 18th 2012, 4:23 pm
#33
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Joined: Jan 2012
Location: Windsor, U.K.
Posts: 7
Re: moving to USA via QM2
My guess is that your post contains a link/url...therefore as a new member your post has automatically been picked up by our spam filter. If you made the post less than 2 hours ago you can edit the link out of your post if you wish. Alternatively it's a waiting game...until your post has been approved.
Apr 18th 2012, 4:26 pm
#34
Just Joined
Joined: Jan 2012
Location: Windsor, U.K.
Posts: 7
Re: moving to USA via QM2
Hi there,
I am the USC married to Jaffy23. If you are thinking of taking the QM2 with your dog, plan ahead. We were originally planning to move in April taking the 27 April transatlantic crossing which is the first crossing of the year. I first called Curnard in November 2011 to find out how far in advance we should book and was told that the first opening in the kennels was in Aug 2012. We booked the cheapest possible stateroom and went on a waiting list for the kennels on the 27 April voyage. If you cancel 90 days before the voyage, you don't get your deposit back but you don't pay anymore. We kept in close contact with Robert at the Cunard kennel department, and in January, a spot opened up on the 22 May voyage. Robert gave us the heads-up and we moved our booking over and secured the spot for Ted in the kennel. We were so lucky.
The Queen Mary 2 can take a max of 12 dogs on each voyage and there are some restrictions on breed and size. For the upper kennels, the weight limit is 25lbs. I am not sure about the lower kennels.
If you Google "QM" kennels" you will find a lovley video posted about Pepper! We found this really useful for getting an idea of what the kennels would be like. I hope it is still this nice!
We have always dealt with Cunard directly and have found their customer services teams to be excellent. Robert and Debbie in the Kennel dept are very helpful and very nice; I am sure they are used to dealing with nervous doggie parents! Cunard are also on Twitter, @CunardLines, and they have answered some of my questions today on the embarkation procedure.
Hope that helps! We'll blog about our journey!
I am the USC married to Jaffy23. If you are thinking of taking the QM2 with your dog, plan ahead. We were originally planning to move in April taking the 27 April transatlantic crossing which is the first crossing of the year. I first called Curnard in November 2011 to find out how far in advance we should book and was told that the first opening in the kennels was in Aug 2012. We booked the cheapest possible stateroom and went on a waiting list for the kennels on the 27 April voyage. If you cancel 90 days before the voyage, you don't get your deposit back but you don't pay anymore. We kept in close contact with Robert at the Cunard kennel department, and in January, a spot opened up on the 22 May voyage. Robert gave us the heads-up and we moved our booking over and secured the spot for Ted in the kennel. We were so lucky.
The Queen Mary 2 can take a max of 12 dogs on each voyage and there are some restrictions on breed and size. For the upper kennels, the weight limit is 25lbs. I am not sure about the lower kennels.
If you Google "QM" kennels" you will find a lovley video posted about Pepper! We found this really useful for getting an idea of what the kennels would be like. I hope it is still this nice!
We have always dealt with Cunard directly and have found their customer services teams to be excellent. Robert and Debbie in the Kennel dept are very helpful and very nice; I am sure they are used to dealing with nervous doggie parents! Cunard are also on Twitter, @CunardLines, and they have answered some of my questions today on the embarkation procedure.
Hope that helps! We'll blog about our journey!
Apr 18th 2012, 4:38 pm
#35
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 88,022
Re: moving to USA via QM2
You don't have to save your post to edit. Take a look at your post...at the bottom right hand side is a blue edit tab. Click on it and you and delete or add to your post. This feature is only available up to 2 hours after originally posting.
Apr 18th 2012, 4:40 pm
#36
Just Joined
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 29
Re: moving to USA via QM2
Hi cy1982 - Can you tell us a little about your experience on the QM2 with the kennels? I've written a post about our experience booking the kennel but it hasn't been added to the thread yet! We are on the May 22 voyage with our 7-year old Border Terrier, Ted. I've read lots of blogs about the Eastbound crossing, but nothing very recent and nothing about embarkation at Southampton. We are leaving from Ocean Terminal and have been told to go to the enquiry desk with our dog before we check-in and that we'll be allowed to accompany him to the kennels. I'm curious, what paperwork did you have with you? Were you allowed to visit when ever you wanted? Do you have any recommendations for things (toys/ food/ blankets) we should bring with us?
Thank you!
Thank you!
So yes, we booked to leave from Southampton. Once we made the booking, Cunard provided us with a checklist and information on what to expect. One of these is a very extensive list of dog food that you can choose from. They will provide it for the journey and as far as I am aware, it is included in the price. As out dog had a heart condition, we brought our own food for him. You can choose to do this, but do let them know in advance so they can check it off their list for the kennel.
We were also given a list of documentation we should have prepared for arrival in New York. You'll need to make sure vaccinations are up to date (especially rabies) and that you receive a 'certificate to travel' from your veterinarian, preferably around 48 hours prior to travel. It's all included in the documents they send over and if you've any questions, they're excellent at helping you out.
One of the benefits of traveling with a dog is that you are automatically 'VIP' passengers. Upon arrival at the terminal, we headed upstairs where the kennel master was waiting for us. We were taken to a special check in area (so didn't have to queue
). Once we checked in, we waited for one other couple and their dog to check in, upon which we were escorted on board to the kennels. This'll be the only time in the voyage that your dog will be allowed outwith the kennel area so enjoy it and if possible, take some pictures!We left our dog with the others for departure. Unfortunately, we can't stay with them as the ship prepares to depart but once we were on our way, we got to head straight back to the kennels.
We brought his favourite blanket, his toy monkey and tennis balls (he loved them) to help him get used to the new surroundings. All of the dogs might be a little nervous for the first day or two (the kennel master told us this was always the case). If yours is overly nervous regularly, why not see if your vet can prescribe some medicines to help? We had two types; zyklene, a herbal pill and valium (which was a little over the top but given his heart condition, just one of these things we had to consider). The zyklene is best taken up to 3-4 days in advance of travel so they can get used to it.
At sea, visiting times are very generous - from 8am to 9am, 10-12noon, 3-6pm and 7-8pm. We devoted our days on board to spending time with our boy, as did every passenger with a dog
The kennel master takes care of feeding and walking if you want him to. There's not a lot of space, but it's great fun!On one of the days, the dogs have their pictures taken by the onboard photographer. You'll be given a little invite the day before, keep a hold of it. It also functions as a voucher so you can go down to the photo gallery and pick one out, free of charge. Not everyone noticed this, but we did and have a lovely picture to remember our journey by. You'll also get a little bag containing a certificate and food bowls embossed with the QM2 logo. It's a nice touch.
When we arrived in New York, despite all our planning and preparation, no one checked his paperwork!!! It was a busy day at the dock, so perhaps this was why! However, this isn't an excuse not to be prepared, because if there's any problem, then they can legitimately quarantine your pet. I'm sure you don't want that!
We had our dog checked out by a family friend vet a couple of weeks later but apart from that, there was nothing else special to take care of after arrival.
Tip the kennel master when you leave! They really do look after each and every dog as though it was their own and go out of their way to be accommodating. Ours was Dennis and I made a point of writing to Cunard after we'd arrived to let them know how enjoyable he'd made the experience.
It's a blast, it really is. We had a nice time onboard, tempered only by the fact we knew our boy didn't have long left with us. He died in February, but had we not discovered that we could travel by sea, we would have had to have given him up before leaving. That just wasn't an option for us!
Does this help? If you've any other questions, feel free to let me know. I'm sure others on here will be able to help out as well.
Apr 18th 2012, 4:50 pm
#37
Just Joined
Joined: Jan 2012
Location: Windsor, U.K.
Posts: 7
Re: moving to USA via QM2
Certainly! I hope this helps:
So yes, we booked to leave from Southampton. Once we made the booking, Cunard provided us with a checklist and information on what to expect. One of these is a very extensive list of dog food that you can choose from. They will provide it for the journey and as far as I am aware, it is included in the price. As out dog had a heart condition, we brought our own food for him. You can choose to do this, but do let them know in advance so they can check it off their list for the kennel.
We were also given a list of documentation we should have prepared for arrival in New York. You'll need to make sure vaccinations are up to date (especially rabies) and that you receive a 'certificate to travel' from your veterinarian, preferably around 48 hours prior to travel. It's all included in the documents they send over and if you've any questions, they're excellent at helping you out.
One of the benefits of traveling with a dog is that you are automatically 'VIP' passengers. Upon arrival at the terminal, we headed upstairs where the kennel master was waiting for us. We were taken to a special check in area (so didn't have to queue). Once we checked in, we waited for one other couple and their dog to check in, upon which we were escorted on board to the kennels. This'll be the only time in the voyage that your dog will be allowed outwith the kennel area so enjoy it and if possible, take some pictures!
We left our dog with the others for departure. Unfortunately, we can't stay with them as the ship prepares to depart but once we were on our way, we got to head straight back to the kennels.
We brought his favourite blanket, his toy monkey and tennis balls (he loved them) to help him get used to the new surroundings. All of the dogs might be a little nervous for the first day or two (the kennel master told us this was always the case). If yours is overly nervous regularly, why not see if your vet can prescribe some medicines to help? We had two types; zyklene, a herbal pill and valium (which was a little over the top but given his heart condition, just one of these things we had to consider). The zyklene is best taken up to 3-4 days in advance of travel so they can get used to it.
At sea, visiting times are very generous - from 8am to 9am, 10-12noon, 3-6pm and 7-8pm. We devoted our days on board to spending time with our boy, as did every passenger with a dog The kennel master takes care of feeding and walking if you want him to. There's not a lot of space, but it's great fun!
On one of the days, the dogs have their pictures taken by the onboard photographer. You'll be given a little invite the day before, keep a hold of it. It also functions as a voucher so you can go down to the photo gallery and pick one out, free of charge. Not everyone noticed this, but we did and have a lovely picture to remember our journey by. You'll also get a little bag containing a certificate and food bowls embossed with the QM2 logo. It's a nice touch.
When we arrived in New York, despite all our planning and preparation, no one checked his paperwork!!! It was a busy day at the dock, so perhaps this was why! However, this isn't an excuse not to be prepared, because if there's any problem, then they can legitimately quarantine your pet. I'm sure you don't want that!
We had our dog checked out by a family friend vet a couple of weeks later but apart from that, there was nothing else special to take care of after arrival.
Tip the kennel master when you leave! They really do look after each and every dog as though it was their own and go out of their way to be accommodating. Ours was Dennis and I made a point of writing to Cunard after we'd arrived to let them know how enjoyable he'd made the experience.
It's a blast, it really is. We had a nice time onboard, tempered only by the fact we knew our boy didn't have long left with us. He died in February, but had we not discovered that we could travel by sea, we would have had to have given him up before leaving. That just wasn't an option for us!
Does this help? If you've any other questions, feel free to let me know. I'm sure others on here will be able to help out as well.
So yes, we booked to leave from Southampton. Once we made the booking, Cunard provided us with a checklist and information on what to expect. One of these is a very extensive list of dog food that you can choose from. They will provide it for the journey and as far as I am aware, it is included in the price. As out dog had a heart condition, we brought our own food for him. You can choose to do this, but do let them know in advance so they can check it off their list for the kennel.
We were also given a list of documentation we should have prepared for arrival in New York. You'll need to make sure vaccinations are up to date (especially rabies) and that you receive a 'certificate to travel' from your veterinarian, preferably around 48 hours prior to travel. It's all included in the documents they send over and if you've any questions, they're excellent at helping you out.
One of the benefits of traveling with a dog is that you are automatically 'VIP' passengers. Upon arrival at the terminal, we headed upstairs where the kennel master was waiting for us. We were taken to a special check in area (so didn't have to queue
). Once we checked in, we waited for one other couple and their dog to check in, upon which we were escorted on board to the kennels. This'll be the only time in the voyage that your dog will be allowed outwith the kennel area so enjoy it and if possible, take some pictures!We left our dog with the others for departure. Unfortunately, we can't stay with them as the ship prepares to depart but once we were on our way, we got to head straight back to the kennels.
We brought his favourite blanket, his toy monkey and tennis balls (he loved them) to help him get used to the new surroundings. All of the dogs might be a little nervous for the first day or two (the kennel master told us this was always the case). If yours is overly nervous regularly, why not see if your vet can prescribe some medicines to help? We had two types; zyklene, a herbal pill and valium (which was a little over the top but given his heart condition, just one of these things we had to consider). The zyklene is best taken up to 3-4 days in advance of travel so they can get used to it.
At sea, visiting times are very generous - from 8am to 9am, 10-12noon, 3-6pm and 7-8pm. We devoted our days on board to spending time with our boy, as did every passenger with a dog
The kennel master takes care of feeding and walking if you want him to. There's not a lot of space, but it's great fun!On one of the days, the dogs have their pictures taken by the onboard photographer. You'll be given a little invite the day before, keep a hold of it. It also functions as a voucher so you can go down to the photo gallery and pick one out, free of charge. Not everyone noticed this, but we did and have a lovely picture to remember our journey by. You'll also get a little bag containing a certificate and food bowls embossed with the QM2 logo. It's a nice touch.
When we arrived in New York, despite all our planning and preparation, no one checked his paperwork!!! It was a busy day at the dock, so perhaps this was why! However, this isn't an excuse not to be prepared, because if there's any problem, then they can legitimately quarantine your pet. I'm sure you don't want that!
We had our dog checked out by a family friend vet a couple of weeks later but apart from that, there was nothing else special to take care of after arrival.
Tip the kennel master when you leave! They really do look after each and every dog as though it was their own and go out of their way to be accommodating. Ours was Dennis and I made a point of writing to Cunard after we'd arrived to let them know how enjoyable he'd made the experience.
It's a blast, it really is. We had a nice time onboard, tempered only by the fact we knew our boy didn't have long left with us. He died in February, but had we not discovered that we could travel by sea, we would have had to have given him up before leaving. That just wasn't an option for us!
Does this help? If you've any other questions, feel free to let me know. I'm sure others on here will be able to help out as well.
Your tips are really helpful! I'm pleased to know that we will be able to go with him to the kennel. I read somewhere that the kennel master collects "the pet" from you! We'll pack Ted's favorite blankie and his monkey too and we've already arranged that we will supply our own dog food as he is on a special "Adult" diet and is a very picky eater.
We got the rabbies vaccine a while ago and had planned to get the heath certificate in early May. Is it better if it is issued just before travel? Did you have to bring anything else with you? I find it hard to believe that they don't require more documentation considering how hard it is to bring a dog into the UK. But hey-ho, I'm not complaining!
Apr 18th 2012, 5:10 pm
#38
Just Joined
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 29
Re: moving to USA via QM2
Thank you for taking the time to write about your voyage. It is really helpful and I'm so sorry for your loss. It's great that you got a chance to spend a little more time with your boy.
Your tips are really helpful! I'm pleased to know that we will be able to go with him to the kennel. I read somewhere that the kennel master collects "the pet" from you! We'll pack Ted's favorite blankie and his monkey too and we've already arranged that we will supply our own dog food as he is on a special "Adult" diet and is a very picky eater.
We got the rabbies vaccine a while ago and had planned to get the heath certificate in early May. Is it better if it is issued just before travel? Did you have to bring anything else with you? I find it hard to believe that they don't require more documentation considering how hard it is to bring a dog into the UK. But hey-ho, I'm not complaining!
Your tips are really helpful! I'm pleased to know that we will be able to go with him to the kennel. I read somewhere that the kennel master collects "the pet" from you! We'll pack Ted's favorite blankie and his monkey too and we've already arranged that we will supply our own dog food as he is on a special "Adult" diet and is a very picky eater.
We got the rabbies vaccine a while ago and had planned to get the heath certificate in early May. Is it better if it is issued just before travel? Did you have to bring anything else with you? I find it hard to believe that they don't require more documentation considering how hard it is to bring a dog into the UK. But hey-ho, I'm not complaining!
We had to give up our UK insurance, which meant losing coverage for the heart condition. Although Petplan was our agent of choice in both countries, they're underwritten by different companies in the UK and USA so our American policy determined the heart disease to be 'pre-existing'. We made sure we had medicine to cover travel and a few weeks after and then once this ran out, we had to buy it out of pocket, as we did vet treatments.
I highly recommend Petplan and their 'covered for life policies'. We will be using them for our next dog.
The kennel master will meet you and take the dog, but you'll be with him too.
Apr 18th 2012, 6:42 pm
#39
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2012
Location: Plymouth Meeting, PA!
Posts: 443
Re: moving to USA via QM2
Certificates for pets fitness to travel must be issued within 10 days of travel - this is certainly the case with flying, so I would imagine it would be the same for sailing.
