Domestic animals as freight

[Milly-wig]

Hello - Firstly I apologise if I am posting here and I shoudn't be really.:uhoh:

:ugh: However, I have had little joy elsewhere and hope someone will be able to help me. I am not a 'PPruNer' but a teacher of infants. I am also a newbie to this kind of thing (esp the aviation stuff) and just would appreciate any information in simple jargon free speak.

I am due to go to Cyprus for two years with my husband. I would like to take my two small dogs with me. I know all about the rules, regs, PETS scheme and DEFRA etc, but want I really want to know is what actually happens to my animals once I leave them with the airline? How will they treated? Can crates be locked? How do you know they have air to breathe/heat? I understand they will be in the dark in the hold? Will they be safe? All sorts of things!

Sorry if this sounds soft, but I don't know your job like you probably wouldn't know mine. ;)

I just want lots of information and assurance that the dogs will be fine and not just forgotten about. They are already crate trained at home and I know the flight will only be 4-5 hours but I am still concerned. I intend to travel on the same flight as them anyway, but still doesn't make it any easier not ever having had to leave them with strangers.

Hope you can help me. Happy New Year have a safe 2007.

Milly-wig

[wheelbarrow]

Hi Milly-wig,

You don't really have much to be worried about. Most likely you will have to go through one of the specialist pet handiling companies, as most airlines will not let you ship animals directly. The size of crate is pretty generous for each animal, won't be accepted if it is too small, and will have to have provision for water.
Once in the crate they are delivered to the airline quite close to the departure time so won't spend too long in the crate. The hold is dark, but is fully airconditioned and heated and most animals are quite happy to travel and sleep most of the journey. On arrival they will be taken off and their condition will be checked and then fed and watered as required, though this will not really be a consideration for such a short flight. They will become slightly dehydrated as you do given that it is a pressurised/ airconditioned hold much as the cabin in which you will travel.
The only warning I could offer is that if Cyprus is not part of the Pet passport scheme, i.e. no quarantine requirement for returning to uk then I would think very carefully about taking them if you want them back in UK at end of contract. Having once put a dog through quarantine I would never subject one again to that ordeal.
Hope this has answered some of your concerns.

[moufflon]

Well this is the perfect forum for such a question!
Firstly, don't worry they'll be fine, the Captain is notifed that he has live animals on board, including their location on the plane, and he'll make sure the temperature is ok.
As for the logistics of it, if you're travelling on the same flight it is both easier and cheaper. You basically take them as excess luggage and pay the charge by weight. Once you've decided which airline you're flying with, call them or visit their website to find out how they operate with animals. Most have a dedicated cargo number, and someone can tell you the procedure and requirements. You should be able to 'lock' the cage by using a plastic tie wrap that can only be cut once fitted. Don't think a padlock would be a good idea.
You can use an animal shipper to facilitate all this, or with a straightforward direct flight like this you could do it yourself. A vet can tell you the vaccination requirements, some have to be done within a certain time of flying. Watch out for hidden charges at the other end (customs/immigration/vet). Ask the airline how to organise a vet to meet the flight in cyprus if necessary.
And finally a handy hint- get an old tupperware box, drill holes near the top so you can tie it on the inside of the cage door with plastic tie wraps. Before the flight, fill it with water and freeze. Then it won't spill while the cage is moving around. Once in flight it should have defrosted enough to drink!
Good luck!
Moufflon

[icemel_aratt]

Hey moufflon, you wanna go on Blue Peter....:)

[Milly-wig]

Moufflon and Wheelbarrow - thank you so very much for getting back to me. I was really relieved that you didn't mind me intruding on the forum this way :uhoh: and I am delighted that you understood my dilema and replied in such a nice way. It was really interesting to find out how things work. I suppose you guys and girlies do this all the time and I don't, so it is really fear of the unknown for me.

Thank you again. Oh by the way, thanks for the frozen water and tie wrap tips and yes, Cyprus is part of the PETS scheme so 'my duo' should be fine on their return.

If anyone else has any other info they can pass on to me, please feel free to post. All posts acknowledged.

Best wishes

Milly-wig

[moufflon]

Blue Peter would probably tell you to stick the dogs to the plane with sticky back plastic- think of the money you'd save!