Pets to England Via Ship!

TRAVELING TO ENGLAND BY SHIP

We are often asked about how to get pets to London without putting in them in the cargo hold of a plane. Because the UK is rabies free, they only allow certain "approved routes" for pets to enter. The only other option is via the cruise The Queen Mary 2.

The Queen Mary 2 is the only cruise liner that allows you to carry your pets on board the cruise! More and more people are interested in traveling with pets and Cunard Line, the company that operates the Queen Mary 2, is responding to the trend by extending its luxurious cruise services to four-legged passengers. Cunard recently enhanced its "Pets on Deck" program to include amenities such as fresh-baked biscuits at turndown, a choice of beds and blankets, and even a QM2-logo coat.

Queen Mary 2's kennel program is overseen by a full-time kennel master who takes care of such things as feeding and walking the pets and cleaning the ship's 12 spacious kennels. Travelling dogs and cats also receive a complimentary gift pack featuring a coat, Frisbee, name tag, food dish and scoop, a portrait with their owners, a crossing certificate and personalized cruise card. The kennels and adjacent indoor and outdoor walking areas are open throughout the day, so guests can spend time with their pets. Reservations for the kennels may be made when booking and are based on availability. Fees range from $300 (U.S.) to $500 (U.S.) per cruise. For information, visit http://www.cunard.com.

Drinking With Your Dog! - Pets in London

What better pastime to spend with your best friend than to sit and toss back a pint. Unfortunately it is a difficult proposition here in the States as health regulations keep our fine furry friends out of our favorite watering hole.

However, our brothers and sisters in the UK do not have as many restraints.

Here is a list of pubs in London area where you and your favorite canine can enjoy refreshments of the hoppy variety!

Bottoms and tails up!

Quarantine in the UK - Dog Shipping

From Amy Christy - International Personal Move Counselor

While the UK now allows pets to effectively serve the mandatory 6 month quarantine in the U.S. if all of the Pet Travel Scheme requirements are met, some pet owners who must move quickly to the UK or for various other reasons may prefer to send their pets to a UK approved quarantine facility.

All approved quarantine premises in the UK are privately owned, and have different fee structures. Payment of all costs associated with the quarantine of your pet is the responsibility of the owner. You should make arrangements directly with a UK approved quarantine facility prior to sending your pet. When selecting a facility, you will want to ensure that it is within reasonable travelling distance of your home so that you can visit your pet easily.

The quarantine facility you select will apply directly to DEFRA for an import license, referred to as a “Boarding Document,” which will be required to travel with your pet. Your pet must travel with the following documents:

1. Boarding Document issued by DEFRA

2. UK Red Rabies Label

3. International Health Certificate issued within 10 days of arrival.

All pets transported into quarantine must travel as manifest cargo and must land at specific airports. We can assist you in determining the best airlines and itinerary for your pet.

In some cases, your pet may not be required to serve an entire 6 months at the quarantine facility and may qualify for early release. This is true, for instance, if your pet has already started the veterinary work for the Pet Travel Scheme, but 6 months have not elapsed after the rabies titre test before you must transport your pet. In this case, you should provide the quarantine facility with all supporting veterinary documentation (proof of microchip implant date, rabies vaccination certificate, and results of the rabies titre blood test), and the facility’s veterinarian will complete an application for early release on your behalf. We can also review all veterinary documents to ensure that all is in order for your pet’s early release.

We have worked closely with many of the quarantine facilities in the UK, will make all necessary travel arrangements, provide veterinary instructions and all required kennel labeling, including preparing the UK Red Rabies Label on your behalf. We have found them to be staffed by professional, caring individuals that strive to offer a high level of comfort and care for your pet during their stay at their facilities!

Pet Resources in London - Dog Shipping

London is one of our most popular destinations. We have previously posted on how to avoid quarantine for pets going to the UK, and thought we would list some resources once you get there.





Veterinarians



The Hyde Park Veterinary Center

Website: www.hydeparkvet.co.uk

Email: hydeparkvet@aol.com

Telephone: 020 7723 0453



Portman Veterinary Clinic

Website: www.portmanvetclinic.co.uk

Email: info@portmanvetclinic.co.uk

Telephone: 020 7723 2068



The Park Veterinary Practice

Website: www.parkvets.co.uk

Email: info@parkvets.co.uk

Telephone: 020 8542 4524


Complete List of Veterinarians in the London Area by Location


Boarding Facilities



Loggerheads Cattery

Website: www.loggerheads.org.uk

Email: info@loggerheads.org.uk

Telephone: 020 8531 2134


Silverdale Boarding Kennels
Website: www.Siverdale-kennels.com
Email: info@Silverdale-kennels..com
Telephone: 020 8890 1784


Windmill Farm
Website: www.windmillfarm.com
Email: info@windmillfarm.com
Telephone: 020 8660 7511


Complete List of Boarding Facilities in the London Area by Location



Pet Sitting


Paws & Claws
Website: www.pawsclaws.co.uk
Email: enquiries@pawsclaws.co.uk
Telephone: 07985 743719 or 07739042391


Fetch
Website: www.fetchdogcare.co.uk
Email: jcooper49@btinternet.com
Telephone: 020 8480 7061

Pets to London - Avoiding Quarantine

One of our most popular destinations is London, England. There is officially a "six month quarantine" period which used to mean six months in a facility upon landing in London. However, with the enactment of The Pet Scheme, pets can complete the waiting period in the comfort of their own home.

The key is start the process at least six months prior to departure and to do it correctly. These are the steps.

1. Insert a microchip - AVID and Home Again are the most popular
2. Give your pet a rabies shot - It doesn't matter if he had one a month ago if he didn't previously have a microchip inserted
3. Blood draw for the Rabies Titre - We can provide your vet with details

The six month clock starts ticking the date the blood is drawn. This sounds easy, but I can't tell you how many clients we inform that they have to start over because it was done incorrectly.

We have a one page PDF form which you can print out and take with you to the vet (or you can email it ahead). Please drop us an EMAIL and we will be glad to send it along.