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Can we send food with our Pet?

Only under very special circumstances, due to the USDA stringent regulations on animal food products, it is very difficult to import pet food unless the food concerned is exempt from these regulations. We suggest unless your pet has got a medical dietery requirement, not to ship pet food. (NO FOOD IS ALLOWED IN THE TRAVEL KENNEL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES)

Should I sedate my pet before travel?

Absolutely not! Airlines will not accept sedated animals, purely for their welfare and health and safety. Sedation can alter blood pressure, this combined with the increase of altitude may have an adverse affect on your pet's health.

What documentation will my pet need?

Please see detailed information under the relevant headings pets out of the uk or pets into the uk, we also recommend confirming with the destination authority to be absolutely certain of what is required, sometimes certain states of the USA have specific requirements which do change.

Can we place toys in the travel container?

No, there is a possibility that your pet could choke whilst confined in it's travel kennel. However, we do recommend a small item of clothing with the owners scent (such as a sock or t-shirt) this will make your pet feel more comfortable whilst travelling.

Please see specific information on kennel acclimatisation

Can we place a blanket or bedding in the travel kennel?

Yes we do recommend this, bedding should be of an absorbant material. We do supply some kennel liners, newspaper can be used, but this is not particulary comfortable for your pet to lie on so soft bedding is recommended, but nothing too thick and bulky. Collar leads, toys etc can be sent, but must be attached and secured to the top of kennel.

Can I ship my pet to Europe without a Pet passport?

You can ship to most EU countries without a pet passport but if you are returning and just visiting, your pet would have to go into UK quarantine UNLESS a full EU/UK Pet passport is issued either before departure of during your say in Europe (their is a 6 month period due to the rabies test and vaccinations) Most EU countries will allow importation under the full EU pet passport scheme

Click here for a list of EU approved countries

What is the check in time for departure?

Please allow plenty of time to check your pet in before departure, particularly if you are also travelling the same day (due to the recent security restrictions), normally minimum time is 3 hours before the flight. If this does prove prohibitive, we can arrange overnight kenneling in our approved contracted local kennels and cattery.

When should I feed my pet?

We recommend feeding your pet the night before the morning departure. We suggest not feeding your pet the morning of departure for obvious reasons!

What innoculations do I require for my pet passport?

We recommend using a LVI DEFRA approved vet, who can administer all the necessary innoculations and process the Pet Passport.

Do I need a Pet passport for the USA?

This is not necessary, but is recommended if you are returning within a year. The pets scheme (different to pet passport) can be processed in the USA and can enter the UK if all the criteria is met. For further information please click here for the DEFRA website.

Can I use a carry box that I purchased from a pet store?

You can if it is airline approved, the standard pet carry boxes are usually not airline approved, we hold a large stock of vari kennels which we can supply at a competitive cost.

Can you collect my pet from my residence?

Yes we can anywhere within the UK.

Can you arrange boarding/kenneling prior to our departure?

Yes, however all animals being kenneled will need to have distemper and kennel cough vaccinations before kenneling is permitted.

Can you arrange health certificates on our behalf?

We can do this through an approved vet we use locally.

Can I get air miles for my pet's travel?

If your pet travels on Continental and you have a "one pass membership" (apply to Continental airlines Reservations) you can claim airmiles for pet travel. We need your one pass membership number with your booking. N.B it takes approx 6 weeks to be processed to your account.

What documentation do I need for the USA?

A valid health certificate is always required. This is obtained from your vet stating that your pet is fit and healthy to travel, this must be issued within 10 days of departure and we suggest that your pet be examined as late as possible.

We also, recommend that your pets be micro chipped and have a rabies vaccination. Some airlines will refuse your pet without a current rabies certificate.

Please note these are guidelines only, as all countries have different requirements. You must check with your vet & local authorities at your chosen destination to confirm specific requirements.

An Acclimation Certificate is required for all US Flag Carriers apart from Continental Airlines and British Airways click here for info.

What happens in my pet's flight is delayed?

After a set period of time (4 hours) your pet will be transferred to the ARC (animal reception centre) where your pet will be taken from its kennel and cared for until the flight is ready to depart.

How long does it take for my pet to clear customs?

Normally 2-3 Hours after flight arrival.

Where do I go to collect my pet?

Please contact us at least a week before arrival so we can go through the procedure.

What charges do I pay?

If travelling with Continental under the Pets scheme all charges are prepaid, apart from extra services. If you are travelling on other airlines please contact us so we can advise you of the specific costs.

Can you arrange transport to my home?

Yes we can. Again please contact us well before arrival so we can arrange appropriate transportation.

Can you transport myself and my pet?

Yes we can, but as above, please contact us well before arrival so we can arrange this.

Can I import my pet at the weekend?

Yes you can, however it does incur some extra charges which if travelling on Continental will be included in your pets travel paid in the USA.

How do I find the customs C5 form?

This is downloadable, please click here. This must be transmitted to us by fax or email before your pets arrival.

Can my pet travel unaccompanied?

Please contact us, as in certain circumstances this can be permitted.

How do I know if my pet's documents are correct?

This is the responsibility if the shipper and the issuing vet. If you have some doubts, please contact us and we will refer you to the Animal Reception Centre who will check the paperwork. Note: as these are copies only it will mean that the ARC can only advise the content is correct, ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS must accompany your pets travel.

Can I import my pet bird?

Yes you can BUT we have to have prior permission from DEFRA, and we will require copies of ALL your veterinary paperwork in order to get this permission.

When does the Tick and Tapeworm treatment need to be administered?

Tick and Tapeworm treatment has to be administered 24-48 hours prior to tendering to the airline. In addition, a certificate signed by an approved vet in the country where the treatment was administered. Note: Only Praziquantel, one of the main ingredients in Drontal, is approved by the PET Scheme to control tapeworm (veterinary treatment).

What happens if my pet fails the DEFRA checks?

In the worst case scenario your pet may have to return to the country of dispatch. This is very unusual and would only be done in certain situations and circumstances, please ensure that all documentation is correct before shipping is arranged.

Note: For detailed information on importation please click here.