There is no longer a requirement for the rabies antibody test (FAVN-OIE) before pets enter the UK from the USA. Air Animal also recommends dogs receive a flu vaccine before travelling because the canine flu is rampant.
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Moving Your Pet To The United Kingdom
Moving to the United Kingdom
Moving to a new home can be both exciting and daunting. Moving turns daily routines upside down and backward. Pet owners face additional challenges relocating to a new home. That is particularly true if a pet will make the move on a commercial flight. Professional pet movers can take the stress out of such a move for you and your pet. Pet shipping or animal transportation companies manage your pet's move from origin to destination. They may also provide specific services for your pets.
Selecting the right animal transportation company can be a little confusing if you are a first-time client. Ask questions. If you have trouble getting answers or are apprehensive about the answers you receive, contact another provider. A reputable pet shipper should be patient with you as you ask about their company and experience. With proper research and carefully selecting a reputable and experienced pet mover, you can help ensure that your pet arrives safely and comfortably at your family's new home.
No quarantine for pets entering the United Kingdom. Sounds fantastic! Yet there are lots of details to attend to before Fido, the kitty, or the ferret may fly to the United Kingdom.
Pets have always flown to the UK as manifest and booked air cargo. DEFRA regulations do not permit pets in the passenger cabin. Today a move from the US to the UK requires only 30 days preparation providing the DEFRA requirements are followed.
To avoid delays and unexpected short-term quarantine, Air Animal Pet Movers follows these six steps in this order:
1. Microchip the pet for identification purposes with a 15-digit ISO chip
2. Certify a current rabies vaccination. If your pet enters the UK with a current 3-year rabies vaccination which is more than one year old, then additional documentation will be required. Please inquire for details.
3. At least 21 days after the most recent rabies vaccination, book an appointment with your veterinarian to issue an international pet health certificate. Your veterinary appointment for the international health certificate must be within 10 days of flight arrival in the UK.
4. The next step is USDA export endorsement.
5. Dogs must be treated for internal parasites within 24-120 hours before flight arrival.
6. There are no requirements for treating dogs, cats or ferrets for external parasites.
Professional pet shippers like Air Animal Pet Movers know which airline to use for pet air cargo flights worldwide. They are familiar with each airline’s conditions for accepting pets, seasonal weather restrictions, and they stay current on the ever-changing pet import rules around the globe. While moving a pet internationally is not low cost, it is high benefit. Using an expert pet shipper reduces expensive delays and unplanned quarantines.
Professional pet shippers which meet strict eligibility requirements are listed on the International Pet & Animal Transportation Association website.
When contacting a pet mover, ask if they have an international pet health certificate programme, which makes it simple for local veterinarians to certify their relocating patients. Ask if they offer a VIP door-to-door service and other service levels that meet your family's relocation budgets. If you travel back and forth between the UK and the United States, Air Animal offers US Customs Clearance for pets through all major US gateways. They also offer airport concierge services, and an international pet health certificate programme. The new Air Animal app puts your pet move in the palm of your hand on your Android or Apple device.
Pet import into the UK is ever-changing
Exiting the European Union seems to be changing UK policy. Whether your pet is going to the UK for the first time or your pet has her own UK Pet Passport, Air Animal carefully tracks changes. We know and understand the language and sequencing of the DEFRA Pet Travel Scheme.
After you move:
Please register with a local veterinarian to keep your pet's rabies vaccination up to date. Veterinarians typically send reminder notices when vaccinations are due. If another move is in your future, you and your pet will be ready.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
Ask All the Questions You Wish
1 Price:
Using a professional animal transportation service is not a less expensive alternative to arranging the move yourself. Professional animal movers draw on their experience and relationships with airlines and overseas service partners to make pet moves go smoothly. Such expertise comes with a price. Ask for an all-inclusive written estimate in advance of the move. The estimate should be customised to your pet's itinerary and delineate the specific services you and your pet will receive. It should also spell out what you are expected to provide and when.
2 Experience & Services:
Make sure the company you consider has the kind of experience and services you need. Ask how many animals the company moves each year and whether their credentials match your needs. Are you moving a cat, dog, horse or exotic pet domestically or internationally? Ask about experience with the specific destination or origin country. Ask how they streamline the documentation and health certificates that may be needed.
3 Relationships:
Does the company have relationships with just a few or all of the major airlines? What about their understanding of the international marketplace and the varied cultural customs and differences of each foreign country? Probe to determine if the relocation specialists who will assist you and your animal regularly manage moves to dedicated geographic regions. Do the relocation specialists manage moves all around the world making relationship building an integral part of their employment?
4 Background:
Request a summary of the principals' credentials. Are they licensed veterinarians or business professionals? A veterinarian will be able to better advise you on medical requirements and techniques to prepare your pet for the move, and can render medical services if required. Ask if they and their staff own pets. You'll want to work with people who understand how important your pet is to you.
5 Professionalism:
A mark of a reputable animal mover is involved in professional associations. Look for affiliates of the IPATA, ATA and IATA as a baseline. These organisations keep members current on regulation changes, research developments, new trends and products, in addition to providing a forum for sharing best industry practices.
6 References & Referrals
Ask for references and check them. If you know other pet owners, ask them for referrals to animal movers they've used. And don't overlook the value of the Internet for researching pet moving service testimonials from satisfied customers.
7 Longetivity:
Your first consideration should be how long the company has been in business. The complexities of the industry tend to weed out less competent providers within the first few years, so choose a well-established firm. Ask if the current owner has been involved since the inception or is new to the company. Experience can make a difference, particularly in an international move.
