So, serious consideration...
I now have Glasgow and RVC (WOOOOOO
)...if I did go abroad, which I think I do really want to do, how difficult is it to bring dogs? What is the procedure, and is there a quarantine everytime you come back to the states with them? Do you bring them back when you come home for summer vaycay, or is there no summer vaycay? I just want to bring my Sophie to school with me...
I can speak to this process, as i am currently going through it. It was a huge consideration for me and i ended up deferring a year in order to get my dogs ready to go (i got accepted late spring due to UofE opening up a late application cycle)
The most important thing to remember is that it will take you 8 months minimum to prepare. There is a procedure to follow which can be found here:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/index.htm
and it must be followed to a T. The good new is that if you complete the PETS scheme, there is no quarantine.
You can choose to not go through all of this, but then there is a 3 month (i believe) quarantine.
The PETS scheme is this: basically, the animal must be microchipped and THEN vaccinated for rabies. After a 21 day wait period, a blood sample is taken and sent to Kansas for a titer. Assuming the titer comes back acceptable, you are now 6 months out from being able to enter the country. The 6 months i believe officially starts from the day the blood is drawn, but you should allow it from the day the test was performed (from what i'm told).
The website goes into detail, but basically the paperwork has to be precise. You must get a Certificate within the 10 days prior to departure and flea/tick treatment within 24-48 hours prior to departure.
I am not flying my little guys over....couldn't bear the thought of them being in a crate for about 12-13 hours (must arrive 2 hrs prior to flight and then go through customs) or so, and in the cargo bin. They are only 5 pounds each, so i worried about this aspect a lot. i was an airline pilot and know baggage handlers and how inconsistent our temp control was in there
. Not to freak you out cause i flew a really small airplane and not one that was Transatlantic. There are specific airlines and routes you must take in order to comply with the PETS scheme.
I had actually ruled out UK schools until i saw that they had one route by sea on the Queen Mary 2. Just so happens I had already cruised on this ship and felt very comfortable with taking this route. I reserved a 7 day transatlantic cruise and 2 kennels for my boys. They have a kennel master on hand and you can see your pet(s) whenever you please. They have an indoor and outdoor play/visiting area. They contacted me months ago for my dog's information and sent me a very informative overview of the PETS scheme. I tried to attach it here, but if it doesn't come through, PM me and i'll email it to you. It dummies down the information on the website.
The cruise was not inexpensive, but by the time i figured flying me, both dogs and transporting all of my stuff, i swear i think i came out on top. Going by cruise ship, i can essentially take whatever i want (including my bikes) and not pay extra for luggage. Plus, i get to take another person with me (since all cruises are based on 2 people). If i split the fare (i paid it all), i would have definitely made out.
I will essentially have to 'live' in Scotland for 4 years with short trips home if i find someone to watch the pooches. I am hoping this will not be an issue at vet school
All in all, it is such a pain in the arse, but SO worth it in the long run. Oh, and once you get there, you can get a 'pet passport' and you can travel to/fro to certain countries. Pretty certain you can go back and forth to the US, but you MUST keep your rabies up to date and duly recorded. i am still learning about this part.
Oh, and if your pet is not microchipped yet, get a ISO one. Mine had ones that are not readable by an international chip reader and i now have to rent one so they can read the chip for customs. Another good thing about taking the QM2 is that you clear customs essentially before you leave NY. There may be a formality clearing on the other end, but they make absolutely certain you will clear on the other end. This is a huge weight off the shoulders...otherwise you are sweating the flight over and don't really know if all your I's are dotted and T's are crossed.
Sorry for the super long post, but hopefully this helps you and any others considering transporting their buds over to the UK.
PM me if you need any additional info.
I still haven't gotten the packet! I guess I have to email them...
