Anyone use a pet relocation service?

[charlestongirl]

Probably an odd question and doesn't really fit anywhere. I would be surprised if very many of you could even answer this.

We are moving overseas and I refuse to leave my dogs behind. I know what shots they need; among other things; but it's transportation I'm needing, pick up, ticketing, the extra care, etc. So much to think about I could use an advisor.

Anyway I have been looking at some pet relocation services, as it's all a bit confusing and I don't want to risk a mistake that could mean quarantine or lots of money for my dogs.

So one service is about 3500 dollars, including ticket. I figure from what I hear without the service it may be close to 2000 dollars. Money is really tight but an extra 1000 to make sure my babies are safe won't make a huge difference so I'd do it. But still, that's an extra 1500 at least.

Another service wants 5600 dollars. Yikes! That's a bit much.

I did a search and there are a lot of services to comb through. Also any suggestions or ideas of a good service? I know I'll pay extra, I am just hoping it won't have to be more than 2 grand extra.

[charlestongirl]

We are moving to the U.K. There is no longer a quarantine should you take care of matters here in the U.S. first. You can do the quarantine time at home. It's 6 months, and unfortunately we don't have that much time. I was told I could quarantine them for the remaining time and have them released when the 6 months is up, which means a quarantine time of only 2-3 weeks. We'll need them to be kenneled anyway while we look for our house.

It's a military move... no, the military will not help you ship your animals. We can't go on a special military flight with them. We're on our own here.

I considered relocation services for several reasons:

1. there seems to be a lot of paperwork involved; I'm afraid if I mess up one detail I'm screwed.

2. we can't fly with them; and they have to fly only out of certain airports/airlines. The military will not let us select specific times around our dogs departure, so I would worry that I couldn't get the 2 schedules to go well enough together, therefore I may need someone to transport them for us. We have no family/friends in the area that could do this. I would be asking them to drive up to 5 hours one way and I really can't rely on anyone to do this. If they back out last minute we'd be in big trouble.

3. I would need someone to pick them up on arrival in London. I don't know if the kennel will or not.

4. We travel in August; pet movers insure that the dogs are in temperature controlled holding areas, cargo areas, etc at all times.

5. One site says I have to use only British Airways in one specific airport; another site tells me I can use another airline in another airport; in other words, I've got so much conflicting information I'm going insane. A pet mover would help with so much of this. I've checked with Defra and all that, still so many questions and I can't seem to get a straight answer from anyone!

Ugh I am really stressed. We are moving mid-August.

[Corinna]

Ask the sirrah bunch they had Boomer the kitty transported from japan or china I don't remeber which. try sirrahbed shes the mom and it was her grandkitty.

[pitc9]

You could try to PM doggiesarethebest, she would be able to answer all of your questions. She's moved from the US to Germany and back with her dog Drake.

[sammy101]

We moved to Germany with my RB Dalmatian and RB cat Bear.We traveled with them though with Lufthansa. I've never used pet relocation services though.We never had a problem getting them in the country. We just needed their shot records,and they didnt even check the records :rolleyes:
Sorry i'm not much help.