Dogs

[rwestie37]

Hi,

I am relocating to the UK but read online since they have such strict importation laws over animals being brought into the UK. I read that I could fly into France with my dogs in the cabin with me, of course I would have their health certificates, pet passports etc. go through customs and them take the ferry to england without any problems.

Can anyone help me out with this? Has been hard researching online to verify this information.

Thanks!

[Bevdeforges]

Airlines have varying restrictions on carrying animals in the cabin - usually only those that can fit into a carrier that will go under the seat in front of you - and some airlines limit the number of animals that can be carried in the cabin to one or two.

The UK is a bit stricter than other EU countries, but at a minimum, you'll need to have your dogs chipped (with the EU standard chip - which is different from the chips generally used in the US, though the EU chip is available there) and their health and vaccination records brought up to date. For the UK, there is an additional step which involves validating the most recent rabies vaccination. You can ask about that over in the UK section for details. And you'll need that, whether you enter the UK from France or from the US or anywhere else.
Cheers,
Bev

[john lafrance]

Originally Posted by Bevdeforges

Airlines have varying restrictions on carrying animals in the cabin - usually only those that can fit into a carrier that will go under the seat in front of you - and some airlines limit the number of animals that can be carried in the cabin to one or two.

The UK is a bit stricter than other EU countries, but at a minimum, you'll need to have your dogs chipped (with the EU standard chip - which is different from the chips generally used in the US, though the EU chip is available there) and their health and vaccination records brought up to date. For the UK, there is an additional step which involves validating the most recent rabies vaccination. You can ask about that over in the UK section for details. And you'll need that, whether you enter the UK from France or from the US or anywhere else.
Cheers,
Bev

The rabies vac aslo applies for the US and must be done within 10 days before flight.

[rwestie37]

Yeah they've got their international microchip, rabies etc. they're both small dogs, 2 pounds and 5 pounds. Really don't know how to go about verifying if I can enter the UK from France via ferry or train.

I am trying to avoid sending my dogs as baggage or through travel companies. I've heard horror stories and with them being so small, it just really wouldn't take a lot for them to be injured. Especially my 2 pound full grown chihuahua. She's tiny.

[Bevdeforges]

This is the official word on the subject: http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/

Rather than taking your dogs first to France and then by ferry or train to the UK, it's probably easier (on them, at least) to just fly directly to the UK.
Cheers,
Bev

[rwestie37]

The problem is, all pets that arrive in the UK must be brought in as cargo.

[baldilocks]

Originally Posted by rwestie37

The problem is, all pets that arrive in the UK must be brought in as cargo.

Since when? It is my understanding that if you bring them in via Eurotunnel, you have them in the car with you. This is the least stressful way for them to travel.

[rwestie37]

That's what I have been trying to confirm, if I can take my dogs on the Eurotunnel. In my last post, I was referring to flying into LHR, all pets must arrive as baggage.

[jojo]

Originally Posted by rwestie37

That's what I have been trying to confirm, if I can take my dogs on the Eurotunnel. In my last post, I was referring to flying into LHR, all pets must arrive as baggage.

AFAIK yes, to fly in or out of the UK, they do have to go as cargo and have to have specially approved crates. That said, it isnt quite as horrific as it sounds. They are kept in a specially designated area of the planes hold, thats heated and lit and they are given water for their journey. Unfortunately, due to altitude issues, I dont think they can be sedated (that was what I wanted for my dogs)). There are specialist pet carrying companies that will look after all yours and your pets needs, including the paperwork. Its simply not practical to have dogs or cats in the cabin. I only know of one airline that allows one small pet per flight in the cabin - and I'm fairly sure that even they have stopped it (a Dutch airline I believe???)???

They can go on a ferry (some have special kennels if its a long crossing) or theres the euro tunnel and the dogs can stay in the car with you

Jo xxx

[stirlk]

Dear RWestie,

I found your posts through a Google search and wanted to find out if you have successfully transported your pets to the UK?

We will be moving to the UK in May and I am looking at going through France with our cats and ferrying over to the UK as well. Any insights, words of wisdom, helpful tips, etc would be so welcomed.

What airlines did you take to the UK? Did you take a train from Paris (I am assuming Paris) to a ferry port? I have found not all the ferries take foot passengers, so I have to be certain about the ferry before heading there from the airport.

Hope all went smoothly and I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank You!