Taking a pet overseas for school

[futurevet3000]

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So through various other threads regarding vet schools abroad, it has come up that people have in fact brought their critters along with them. If I am lucky enough to get in, I would fall into this category. I do work for a vet, so in terms of getting all the medical business taken care of, I am not too worried... but I actually don't know where to begin. I should probably be starting stuff just to be on the safe side, if I did end up getting in.
There may be a thread like this somewhere buried deep in the forum, but I am at work now (yes surprisingly there is a lull in the morning appointments for me to get on!) and did not want to be spending my whole morning searching for it 😛. I am sure there are tons others like me out there too, right? I am not sure if getting a dog before going to vet school was the smartest decision, but it was definitely the BEST one I have ever made... so with that said... lets open up the discussion for how the heck do I go about taking my dog abroad. I would rather fly him, if that is a good idea, I know people do it all the time but I guess people take a long boat ride as well? Just wanted to get an idea of what other people have done, or plan on doing...
Thanks!

 

[FinleyMonkey]

Depending on where you might be going the rules vary. UK requires proof that an animal doesn't have rabies. Plan in advance if you can. Basically, animal gets microchipped, animal gets rabies vaccine, a month after vaccine animal gets titer done (to be sent off to Kansas State laboratory). If the titer comes back high enough then said animal can travel to the UK 6 months after blood was drawn for titer. An animal has to have at least 2 rabies vaccines in its life so if it is a puppy or kitten then the animal would need to have two rabies vaccines, I think a month apart. Keep records of everything, the steps need to be in that order. If for instance, your pet is already microchipped, and up to date on rabies you can go ahead and draw for the titer, provided you can prove that with paperwork. Google DEFRA guidelines for more info. Start planning now! 🙂 Good luck.

 

[New Foundland]

hope the pet doesn't get seasick 😀

 

[NStarz]

You also need to be mindful of breed bans in the location you're traveling to (UK= no pitties). You're probably aware already, just wanted to point that out!

 

[Whyevernot55]

The DEFRA website has all the regulations about their Pets Travel Scheme if you will be taking pets to the UK. FinleyMonkey gave a nice summary.
If you are talking about Australia, the regulations and steps you need to take are even MORE complicated, but detailed here: http://www.daff.gov.au/aqis/cat-dogs

Basically, no matter where you go, your pet will need to be microchipped, vaccinated, and have a rabies titer checked. They are also generally required to be treated for ticks and tapeworms within 48 hours of getting on the boat/plane. Most people elect to fly, but you can also take pets to the UK aboard the Queen Mary 2 cruise line - the kennel service is limited and books up VERY quickly. You will also need a Health Certificate, which NEEDS to be signed by a Government vet - they can be found through the state - I found ours through the USDA APHIS website, and they need to sign off on the rabies titer. Please, for your sanity, get it done early. We had a client who didn't realize this regulation and had to drive 2 hours to get it signed the day before they were supposed to leave.

Moral: do your research. Know EXACTLY what you need to have done. Hassle government officials if necessary. Do not assume that your vet knows - mine sure doesn't. I'm the only person in the clinic I work at that has a clue what's going on, and I'm basically in charge of helping people who are going overseas. 😉 I'd strongly recommend doing your research now if you think there's even a chance, so your pets are ready when you are, as you have to wait 6 months from a passed rabies titer for the pet to travel.

 

[futurevet3000]

Ironically enough, as soon as I posted this thread, a client of ours called in (she has an appoinment for her rabies titer Thursday) and was asking me a million questions. I told her I would look in to everything, which I have taken on as my project for the day. Its so crazy 😱. I knew it was a lot of work, but I am learning its pretty intense, makes sense though. Everything I have found matches up with what you guys wrote, so its definitely helpful! Thanks so much.

Its worth all the hassle isn't it?! (I am not going anywhere without my little dude)

 

[Whyevernot55]

Ironically enough, as soon as I posted this thread, a client of ours called in (she has an appoinment for her rabies titer Thursday) and was asking me a million questions. I told her I would look in to everything, which I have taken on as my project for the day. Its so crazy 😱. I knew it was a lot of work, but I am learning its pretty intense, makes sense though. Everything I have found matches up with what you guys wrote, so its definitely helpful! Thanks so much.

Its worth all the hassle isn't it?! (I am not going anywhere without my little dude)

It'll definitely help you get ready - I just wish clients would do their OWN research sometimes! Arg! 🙄 But yes, I think it would be worth it. As terrified as I am about the possibility of taking the kitties with me, I don't think I could live without them.

 

[DogTyred]

You also need to be mindful of breed bans in the location you're traveling to (UK= no pitties). You're probably aware already, just wanted to point that out!

Yup, no pits, but there are staffies up the yin yang over here. This place is hard to understand sometimes.

 

[NStarz]

Yup, no pits, but there are staffies up the yin yang over here. This place is hard to understand sometimes.

Classic example of: if you ban one breed, the bad people will just find another one 😉 Okay, now back to your regularly scheduled programming... 😉

 

[that redhead]

The only school I've applied to this year that's out of the country is UPEI, and I would likely just drive the dog up with me. If I need to reapply next year, I've considered UK and Carribean schools, but overall I'd strongly prefer to stay on the same continent, if at all possible. A friend at Ross told me that they aren't allowed to bring pets, and if that's the case I'd either leave my dog with my long-term boyfriend (who she loves as much as she does me) or my parents. I think she'd be happiest with my boyfriend, to be honest, and we've discussed the possibility that I might have to leave her with him.

So long as its permissible, I want to take her with me. She's a really one/two person kind of dog and I really can't imagine her being happy away from me, as silly as that sounds. I even worry that when I get in somewhere and move, that she'll miss my boyfriend (who probably won't be coming along). Not that we won't still see him, but still. It'll be a bit of a ruckus for her at first. In all honesty, if I didn't already have a dog, I probably wouldn't get one in vet school just because I feel bad enough leaving her at home for eight hours while I'm off at class, even with a long walk when I get home.

Like you said, though, I wouldn't have it any other way, and I hope that when its time to make the transition to vet school, it will go smoothly.

 

[flyhi]

Classic example of: if you ban one breed, the bad people will just find another one 😉 Okay, now back to your regularly scheduled programming... 😉

just had a REALLY bad experience with a Staffie and his owner over here this past weekend. Staffie was off his leash and came running up to me and my two 6 pound Yorkies. Prey drive kicked in and i yanked them up in the air and had to firmly 'plant' my foot on Staffie to get him off of me (was jumping in air/on me trying to get to my dogs). Owner went ballistic and thought he was going to yank my dogs right out of my arms and kill them.

Anywho.......back on track. I travelled by boat and have posted extensively on it...but, all in all, it was a difficult trip for me and one dog. It's great if your animals can't fly, but if they can, I would fly them. Another issue, is they book up fast. They are already booked through beginning of 2012 for trips to the UK from the US.

I can go on forever, but am going to bed early for once. PM me if you have specific questions!

 

[lareinesoleil]

Its worth all the hassle isn't it?!

Yes. I am teaching in France this year and I brought my dog along - everybody thinks I'm nuts, but it was 100% worth it. There is absolutely no way I could have left her behind - and this gig is only 1 year, not 4.

Now, granted, France is a lot less of a paperwork nightmare (NEVER thought I'd say that about France) but still, I think it would be worth it.

 

[DogTyred]

Why is it so bloody expensive for them to fly? It costs more for them in the belly of the plane than a human in the cabin!

 

[laurafinn]

For New Zealand, importation of dogs and cats from the US is covered by this document:

http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/imports/animals/standards/domaniic.spe.htm

and the FAQ is here:

http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/node/1604/related_faqs

Basically, when I came here, it was: microchip and rabies vaccination 7 months out, rabies titre 6 months out, a bunch of tests 1 month out (Ehrlichia canis, Babesia gibsonii, Brucella canis), and flea/tick treatment and a final health check a few days out. It looks like they've added a heartworm test requirement since then.

Once here, your pet must be quarrantined at one of 3 quarantine stations for a month.

The whole process costs about $5,000 for my dog.


They don't allow any pitbulls, dogos, filas, or tosas, or mixes containing these breeds. (And yes, there are plenty of pit bulls and staffies here. Go figure.)

 

[zap86]

I applied to schools in the UK and if I get in, I want to bring my dog. To those of you who have done so, how did your dog cope with the flight and adjusting to a new home? My dog has been on road trips before and has done well, but she's never been on a plane. Also, was it hard to find flatmates who are ok with pets? Did you find flatmates who have pets too and do the animals get along? I am trying to think of every scenario so I can figure things out before moving abroad. Thanks!

 

[flyhi]

Plenty of my classmates flew their dogs and/or cats on planes and they all did just fine. I sailed over. Most of them had not been flown before. They all also had no issues finding a good place to live...I mean, we ARE at vet school with lots of vet students that are pet-less and love having them around. I was worried about my two little guys adjusting, but honestly, they don't know we are in the UK...as long as I'm around, they get fed and taken to the park, all is good in life. They have adapted beautifully. The biggest issue is making sure you get your paperwork straight. I would allow at least 8 months if you have to start with the microchipping.

IF you don't have ISO chip, you can still bring them over here, you just need to provide a reader. however, keep in mind if your animal gets lost, they won't be able to read the chip Due to time, I re-chipped them with ISO's when we got here. If you want to get a pet passport (to travel in EU, back to US, back to UK, etc, without having to do all paperwork again) you will need to re-chip with ISO. So, if you have the time and it works with your rabies vaccination schedule, just go ahead and re-chip with ISO before you leave. Lots easier.

 

[laitmanvet]

I remember reading that in Australia/NZ the animal has to be quarantined. Is this also the case in the UK? (I have a cat...don't know if its different from dogs.)
Also, what's an ISO chip?

 

[lareinesoleil]

ISO are the 15-digit chips that can be read by the frequency of European scanners. We have them here too, I know the Bayer Res-Q chips are ISO-compliant.

I just re-chipped my dog before I came to France. It was the cheapest option, but even more than that, I wanted her chip to be readable if she got lost over here.

And after all that work, they just waved me through customs without a second glance! 😕

 

[zap86]

Thanks for that info, flyhi. One more question...when you go do EMS, do you bring your pets with you or leave them at home with a sitter? Is it feasible to bring them with you to do EMS or too difficult?

 

[flyhi]

Thanks for that info, flyhi. One more question...when you go do EMS, do you bring your pets with you or leave them at home with a sitter? Is it feasible to bring them with you to do EMS or too difficult?

For the most part, you are going to have to leave them at home for EMS. With that being said, SoBeVet just got a lambing placement approved to bring her dog on. It would depend on if you are being housed by the placement or are getting your own. If you get your own (B&B, hotel, villa), then I suppose you could bring your dog if it were allowed. I am doing most of my placements locally so that I do not have to worry about this factor.

 

[zap86]

I have a few questions about the PETS travel scheme. I have been looking everywhere but can't find out how much time has to pass between getting microchipped and rabies vaccine given. Does anyone know if they can they be done at the same time? Also do you know how much time has to pass between giving the rabies vaccine and drawing the blood? Thanks!

 

[Cautionary Tail]

Regarding Ross, you actually can bring pets... there's a whole section of their site devoted to the process. I think freshmen are discouraged from doing so, but you can get things waived and obtain pet-friendly housing.

Unfortunately for me, though (if I end up going there), FIV+ cats get a big "👎" from customs, so Thomas would have to stay stateside with my parents. 🙁

 

[Whyevernot55]

I have a few questions about the PETS travel scheme. I have been looking everywhere but can't find out how much time has to pass between getting microchipped and rabies vaccine given. Does anyone know if they can they be done at the same time? Also do you know how much time has to pass between giving the rabies vaccine and drawing the blood? Thanks!

From the DEFRA website: "After the microchip has been fitted your pet must be vaccinated against rabies. There is no exemption to this requirement, even if your pet has a current rabies vaccination."

The only requirement is that microchipping comes FIRST. It can indeed be done the same day, but you had better make sure the microchip number is ON the rabies certificate.

"The vaccine manufacturer’s data sheet will give the best time for a blood sample to be taken after vaccination."
There is no required waiting period, but most vaccine manufacturers will recommend a 2 week wait between the vaccine and the blood draw. That was how I did it, and all my cats passed just fine. If your cat has had multiple vaccines, you can most likely have it done sooner after the vaccine, but you run a higher risk of having a failed test and having to redo it.

 

[flyhi]

I have a few questions about the PETS travel scheme. I have been looking everywhere but can't find out how much time has to pass between getting microchipped and rabies vaccine given. Does anyone know if they can they be done at the same time? Also do you know how much time has to pass between giving the rabies vaccine and drawing the blood? Thanks!

I replied to your PM, but thought i would post here for everyone. I have never ever seen reference to time between microchipping and rabies vaccination given. Just obviously make sure vet records microchip PRIOR to rabies vacc, and you are golden.

With regard to drawing the blood after the vaccine... my vet told me we had to wait at least 21 days. This is what I have found in the regs:

After being vaccinated, your pet must have a blood test to make sure that the vaccine has worked. This can be carried out after your pet has travelled to another EU country unless a blood test is required for entry to that country.
Your vet will tell you the best time for the blood test to be done and will take a blood sample to be analysed at an EU-approved laboratory. Take your pet’s
vaccination record with you when the blood sample is taken. Ask your vet to
read the microchip and to give you a signed record of the date the sample
was taken that accurately shows your pet’s microchip number.

As they say here, make sure you get that microchip scanned and recorded at every opportunity. You seriously cannot have your vet do it too often and put it on every document and medical record you can think of.

Hope this helps 😀

ALSO, there is a great defra PETS helpline at 0870 241 1710. They are open M-F 0830 - 1700 UK time. They are extremely helpful. They will take your surname and give you a reference number after the call. I would recommend taking notes on any of your conversations...what was discussed, etc and recording the ref #.

 

[zap86]

Thanks for the advice, everyone! Are there any RVC students who have brought their pets abroad? I have heard of many students at Edinburgh who have done so but none at the RVC. I am considering those 2 schools the most but I haven't heard of anyone bringing their pets to London. Is it much harder to find pet-friendly housing in London than Edinburgh? Anyone know? That could definitely be a factor in which school I choose if it's impossible to find a place in London.

 

[futurevet3000]

Hey everyone! Figured I would bump this thread because well, since I started it, a few of us were I guess tentatively going overseas, and well now some of us actually are!
For me... not sure exactly where yet, but will be jumping over to the UK with my dog for sure.

I thought I'd get a discussion going on what people have done already to make sure their pet is a-ok for the ride, and what needs to be done still. This is clearly for my own personal craziness, but I have to assume there are others out there just like me (panicking about what they still have to do).

I have my dogs rabies titer done (did that back in December) and have official documentation on it.

Left to do? Everything else, like get him a pet carrier (train him to use it)... etc. etc. I know in the summer I will have to set up an appointment with a USDA cert. vet (unfortunately this does not include the vet I work for), and make sure I have all paperwork filled out properly. Also need to figure out airlines and such... once I actually figure out where I will be! Did I miss anything...

 

[AngSchmange]

Thanks for the advice, everyone! Are there any RVC students who have brought their pets abroad? I have heard of many students at Edinburgh who have done so but none at the RVC. I am considering those 2 schools the most but I haven't heard of anyone bringing their pets to London. Is it much harder to find pet-friendly housing in London than Edinburgh? Anyone know? That could definitely be a factor in which school I choose if it's impossible to find a place in London.

If you're attending RVC, don't bring your pet the first year. You'll be in London and it would be crazy to try to find a place to live alone, not to mention one that allows pets, plus you'll be too busy doing AHEMS requirements. I've been told to bring your pet once you move to the Hawkshead campus (Year 2 for the 4-year accelerated). Hawkshead is where a lot of students live off campus in houses with other students, and it is MUCH more pet friendly. Then you'l have roommates for babysitters too 😀 This is what I'm doing, so I'm going to start the microchipping/rabies/titer process this summer and be done with it so I can more easily get my cat (19 pound siamese...hahaha) over during my 2nd year at RVC 🙂

 

[futurevet3000]

I wish that was an option for me... I think my dog would literally die if left behind for a year... he is my shadow, and has extreme separation anxiety. I know I will make it work, somehow 🙄

 

[awaring1]

How are people planning on sending their pet overseas? Personally, the thought of them being in the cargo hold terrifies me. I have heard many horror stories of pets dying due to the drop of pressure/temp/stress. Right now I am working on getting my lab to be certified as an aide dog so he can ride in the plane with me. If anyone is doing anything different I would love to hear about it.

 

[Ricegrad]

How are people planning on sending their pet overseas? Personally, the thought of them being in the cargo hold terrifies me. I have heard many horror stories of pets dying due to the drop of pressure/temp/stress. Right now I am working on getting my lab to be certified as an aide dog so he can ride in the plane with me. If anyone is doing anything different I would love to hear about it.

My two dogs travelled from Texas to South Korea several times in the cargo hold, and they were just fine. I was extremely worried about them too, but they didn't seem to have any problems with it! They had a water bowl, a blanket in the crate, and a couple of chew toys, and were perfectly fine. Just be prepared to run through the airport terminal to let him go to the bathroom 😉

 

[Whyevernot55]

How are people planning on sending their pet overseas? Personally, the thought of them being in the cargo hold terrifies me. I have heard many horror stories of pets dying due to the drop of pressure/temp/stress. Right now I am working on getting my lab to be certified as an aide dog so he can ride in the plane with me. If anyone is doing anything different I would love to hear about it.

Plenty of pets go over in the cargo hold just fine - it's just that you mostly hear about the horror stories! There's a good link to the FAA's most recent report about incidents involving animals.

Not that I'm not absolutely panicking about flying my kittens over in the cargo hold. 🙄 My kids all had their titer tests done and I'm just waiting until we get a little closer to buy carriers and get the USDA paperwork verified and health certificate signed.

 

[Packen]

How are people planning on sending their pet overseas? Personally, the thought of them being in the cargo hold terrifies me. I have heard many horror stories of pets dying due to the drop of pressure/temp/stress. Right now I am working on getting my lab to be certified as an aide dog so he can ride in the plane with me. If anyone is doing anything different I would love to hear about it.

Many of the people in my training club are also certified handlers for FEMA and their dogs are all certified for SAR, so they fly their dogs EVERYWHERE. This past Sunday a bunch of them just returned from Japan. My GSD was also shipped to me when she was about 4 months old. Make sure you talk to the airline shipping your dog (about things like climate control, pressurization, etc.) but it should not be an issue.

Now, I did want to mention something about training a service dog - which is great - I have helped train a few service dogs and am currently helping my brother adopt a service dog. I want to start off by saying that I am not assuming anything about your situation, and I don't want to intrude, but I also don't want non-disabled people to get the wrong idea. Please don't think it is ok to train a dog and "label" it a service dog just to get it in the cabin with you on a plane. This is something I feel VERY strongly about, especially since it is still a HUGE uphill battle for disabled citizens to take their dogs places. It makes me so angry when I see people abusing the system, because it just makes it harder for those who really need the assistance. Ok, sorry for the rant, I just wanted to clarify what you said earlier - again, not directing this at you (I want to keep this thread friendly!) just don't want others to get the wrong idea.

 

[awaring1]

Now, I did want to mention something about training a service dog - which is great - I have helped train a few service dogs and am currently helping my brother adopt a service dog. I want to start off by saying that I am not assuming anything about your situation, and I don't want to intrude, but I also don't want non-disabled people to get the wrong idea. Please don't think it is ok to train a dog and "label" it a service dog just to get it in the cabin with you on a plane. This is something I feel VERY strongly about, especially since it is still a HUGE uphill battle for disabled citizens to take their dogs places. It makes me so angry when I see people abusing the system, because it just makes it harder for those who really need the assistance. Ok, sorry for the rant, I just wanted to clarify what you said earlier - again, not directing this at you (I want to keep this thread friendly!) just don't want others to get the wrong idea.

I should have clarified: My dog is a lab that I was raising through Guiding Eyes for the Blind who was released from the program for medical reasons. He has an amazing temperament (he was bred for it) and has been through the basic training and has been to public places etc. I always felt it was such a shame that his great pedigree and training could go to waste. He had a half-sibling who was also released from the program and that went on to become a therapy dog and I thought that would be a great idea. It was something that I was planning on doing but am now expediting the process so I can have it done before I move. Working with guiding eyes has given me a huge appreciation for service dogs and the people that they help. If/when my dog becomes certified as a therapy dog I fully intend on using him for that purpose for many years.

But yes, I agree that there are some people who abuse the system. Sorry if that is how I sounded!

 

[Packen]

No, not at all - I just didn't want someone to get the wrong idea and slap a vest on their dog and then try and take them on a plane.

 

[dier930]

Okay, hopefully you guys can help me out with this mystery.

So the PETS Scheme was introduced in 2001, and supposedly before that time, all dogs/cats entering the UK had to wait in quarantine for 6 months. When I heard this for the first time years ago, the first thing that popped into my head was "What about all those show dogs??" Crufts is the largest dog show in the world and has been taking place at an international level for somewhere around 100 years. And there is absolutely no way that those dogs were all waiting around in quarantine for 6 months to run around the astroturf before the PETS Scheme came to be in 2001... Sooo have show dogs somehow always gotten a 'free pass'? Or did the PETS Scheme evolve from something that at one point was only allowed for these dogs?? I've never found an answer, but then again I've never searched too hard...

Also, I know you can't bring your pet into the UK until 6 months after the titer, but is there some expiration date AFTER the 6 months? Is it only good for 12 months? So you always only have a 6 month window?? Or is the proof via titer good for x months/years?

 

[dier930]

Also, I know you can't bring your pet into the UK until 6 months after the titer, but is there some expiration date AFTER the 6 months? Is it only good for 12 months? So you always only have a 6 month window?? Or is the proof via titer good for x months/years?

To answer my own question, the DEFRA fact sheet says it is valid for 4 months. SOURCE
So don't do it too early!

Also, there will potentially be a big change in the PETS Scheme on 31 December 2011. There may or may not be a 6 month wait after titer (no need for titer, just proof of vaccine). There may or may not be a tick/tapeworm treatment between 24 and 48 hrs before flying/sailing/teleporting.
SOURCE
If you google "defra 31 december 2011 pets" you will see many vague mentions from multiple sources.

 

[Whyevernot55]

To answer my own question, the DEFRA fact sheet says it is valid for 4 months. SOURCE
So don't do it too early!

Also, there will potentially be a big change in the PETS Scheme on 31 December 2011. There may or may not be a 6 month wait after titer (no need for titer, just proof of vaccine). There may or may not be a tick/tapeworm treatment between 24 and 48 hrs before flying/sailing/teleporting.
SOURCE
If you google "defra 31 december 2011 pets" you will see many vague mentions from multiple sources.

Let's be clear - the veterinary certificate is valid for 4 months from the date of completion. The titer test is valid for ever as long as you update the rabies vaccine by the required date (which should be on the rabies certificate). I just finished talking to someone at DEFRA about this.

I'm also in charge of helping people get overseas at my vet clinic (as a side note, why couldn't we go to Finland? It's way easier!) so I'm trying to put together notes for when I leave 🙄 If you contact your local USDA APHIS area office they can help you figure out the guidelines, too. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/area_offices/

 

[dier930]

Ah yes I see, thanks for clearing that up. As I understand, the certificate is basically just for saying that the titer results were good, so I assumed that meant the titer results themselves were ineligible after 4 months... You know what they say about when you 'assume' har harr...

It just seems a little counterintuitive that the certificate would only last 4 months. The EU pet passport can last forever (or until full) as long as you stay up to date on rabies vacc, but the certificate is only valid for 4 months even if you stay up to date. There's probably a good reason, it's just too early in the morning for me to think of it.

 

[futurevet3000]

I'm also in charge of helping people get overseas at my vet clinic (as a side note, why couldn't we go to Finland? It's way easier!) so I'm trying to put together notes for when I leave 🙄 If you contact your local USDA APHIS area office they can help you figure out the guidelines, too. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/area_offices/

I have taken on that role too but I feel very underprepared and inadequate to take on this role 🙄 I may or may not be hitting you up for some knowledge! And we may be going to the same school soooo perhaps we can coordinate things haha

 

[Whyevernot55]

I have taken on that role too but I feel very underprepared and inadequate to take on this role 🙄 I may or may not be hitting you up for some knowledge! And we may be going to the same school soooo perhaps we can coordinate things haha

It's pretty overwhelming! Just be glad you're not going to Australia, it's wicked complicated. 😱 Just finished working with a client who is going there in a month!
Let me know if you have questions. Or if you're coming to Edinburgh! 😀 I'm super nervous but excited about the whole process, and trying to decide what to do about the creatures. I have 4 cats, all of whom I'd like to bring, but I just don't know if that's going to be feasible. And then there's the monumental task of deciding, if I only bring 2, WHICH ones to bring. And if they come at the same time as me, or if I send them later. And what transport company to use if I do. Not to mention where I'm going to put my horse for 5 years while I'm in school. *head explodes*
Anyone want a roommate with 4 cats? Only the deaf one is obnoxious!

 

[twelvetigers]

Anyone want a roommate with 4 cats? Only the deaf one is obnoxious!

And he is ADORABLE so that makes up for it. Who wouldn't want to vacuum a cat at some point in their life? This is your big opportunity, people!

 

[Whyevernot55]

And he is ADORABLE so that makes up for it. Who wouldn't want to vacuum a cat at some point in their life? This is your big opportunity, people!

Step right up, folks! If you live with me in Edinburgh, you can vacuum a cat at your leisure! Once in a lifetime chance right here! It's a good thing he's really, really cute. Plus he's trained to sit on a hand signal, and walks on a leash!

 

[that redhead]

So I'm not going overseas, but I am taking my dog to another country so I figured I'd pop into this thread 🙂 I'll be making the ~17hr drive up there with the dog but she's old and calm and so relaxed in the car that I'm not too worried about it. I'm going to have to figure it out, though, because my SO and I both drive pick ups without much room for her if we're both riding up together. Still thinking through that one!

Anywa, to get into Canada: "Valid rabies vaccination certificate (including an expiration date usually up to 3 years from the actual vaccine date and a veterinarian's signature). If no expiration date is specified on the certificate, then the certificate is acceptable if the date of the vaccination is not more than 12 months before the date of arrival. The certificate must show that the dog had the rabies vaccine at least 30 days prior to entry."

This is for dogs 3mos and older, which mine definitely is 🙄 Also, no quarrantine - yay!

 

[Packen]

Let's be clear - the veterinary certificate is valid for 4 months from the date of completion. The titer test is valid for ever as long as you update the rabies vaccine by the required date (which should be on the rabies certificate). I just finished talking to someone at DEFRA about this.

Ok, so I had my dog's titer pulled on January 28, 2011 and I already have the results, no problems there. The microchip and vaccine were given in accordance before drawing the titer, so all of that is in compliance with PETS. I was going to wait to have DEFRA's vet certificate filled out right before leaving (when he applies the tick and flea meds). According to what you stated above, the titer should still be valid even if I wait to bring her over at Christmas time, right?

Anyone else concerned about what to do with your pets on breaks? If you plan on coming back to the US, it seems too expensive to bring them with you.

 

[Whyevernot55]

Ok, so I had my dog's titer pulled on January 28, 2011 and I already have the results, no problems there. The microchip and vaccine were given in accordance before drawing the titer, so all of that is in compliance with PETS. I was going to wait to have DEFRA's vet certificate filled out right before leaving (when he applies the tick and flea meds). According to what you stated above, the titer should still be valid even if I wait to bring her over at Christmas time, right?

Anyone else concerned about what to do with your pets on breaks? If you plan on coming back to the US, it seems too expensive to bring them with you.

Yup, your titer test will still be valid, and she can travel as long as her rabies vaccine is kept up to date.
Just make sure you have the vet certificate filled out and signed by the proper people. The certificate has a spot for verification of the titer test, which HAS to be signed by the "official veterinarian OR veterinarian authorised by the competent authority (in the latter case, the competent authority must endorse the certificate.)" Basically this means the Area Vet employed by the USDA, NOT your regular vet! We had a client who didn't realize this and had to drive down to the USDA office the afternoon before her flight to get it signed. It was seriously panic-inducing. 😱

I'm hoping to find fellow vet students to look after the kitties when I go home for breaks. Obviously most of the US students will head home for Christmas, but hopefully some locals will stick around and feed them! I agree - bringing them back and forth seems both expensive and stressful, for them and me. We'll have to get together and take turns pet sitting. 😀

 

[futurevet3000]

Anyone else concerned about what to do with your pets on breaks? If you plan on coming back to the US, it seems too expensive to bring them with you.

I thought maybe if I end up at Edinburgh with you we could just let em loose in the apartment or something 😉. But I am sure between the two of us we could think of something! My dog is just a freak about being away from me (I was told this is my fault, but I mean, he's a shepard mix rescue...)

He had his titer done in December... so I am set too for that. And the whole USDA thing is annoying... it costs like a hundred or something I think to get it certified by the vet there. Ugh, more money.

 

[Packen]

@Whyevernot - thanks! I didn't realize it had to be the USDA vet who signs this, good to know!

I thought maybe if I end up at Edinburgh with you we could just let em loose in the apartment or something 😉. But I am sure between the two of us we could think of something! My dog is just a freak about being away from me (I was told this is my fault, but I mean, he's a shepard mix rescue...)

Hahaha, my girl is somewhat neurotic herself🙄

I think you guys are right though, it shouldn't be too hard to try and work something out...I hope...

 

[Whyevernot55]

@Whyevernot - thanks! I didn't realize it had to be the USDA vet who signs this, good to know!

Hahaha, my girl is somewhat neurotic herself🙄

I think you guys are right though, it shouldn't be too hard to try and work something out...I hope...

Yup, just make sure you read carefully - some things are the "official vet" or "gov't vet" (aka USDA), some are "gov't approved vet." Nope, not confusing at all. 🙄

You can let your dogs loose with my cats. It will keep them all entertained until we get back from breaks! Not sure the neighbors would appreciate it tho... 😉

 

[flyhi]

Yes, the USDA vet needs to sign the vet cert. I believe the cert is good for 4 months, so I would get it done early. I think i did mine a month before I left.

 

[futurevet3000]

Hey folks, I am bumping this thread from a ways back to see if anyone has any good pet travel agents they would recommend! I vaguely remembering reading it somewhere, but since I am not thread savvy... I thought I would ask just in case I never found it. I am going to be going to Edinburgh, Scotland and am so excited, just not thrilled with the notion of leaving my little buddy behind for too long.
Thanks!