Need help in moving dogs out of the US

[Fritz]

Good Evening, This is the first time I have been to this site and hope another dog lover can help me with some advice. I will be moving from the US to Germany this summer. I plan on taking my two dogs; 5 year old Flatcoat and 14 year olds IG. and one cat. I have been told by a very close friend, a Pilot of a major airline that many animals don't make the trip by plane. This was confirmed by a relocation represenitative when she reports having to make many calls to clients advising them that their pet didn't make it. I have looking at curise lines and Freighters and no luck. I have contacted a pet mover but they send the dongs by air. Most likely I would have to pay them to do what I could do on my own and hope they make it. Although they tell me they never lost a pet. If anyone has a suggestion or advice in the matter please contact me at redenz@prodigy.net Thank you

[Carol]

I can sure understand your concern due to the huge publicity when there is a tragedy but not much news about the successful ones.
Make sure you know what will happen after your dog arrives.
A friend of my daughter moved from Canada to Australia with her older dog. It will be quarantined for a period of time after arrival.
I would be concerned about this as much as the flight.
Good Luck to you in your research into this dilemma. There are lots of people who have done it successfully with happy outcomes.

[tavollbracht]

Hello,
I live in the UK and am from the US. When we moved here 6 years ago we have a MUCH loved newfoundland, SuzyQ.

Because there are rabies in the US and not here in the UK, there is a 6 month qurantine in an APPROVED facility. The approved facility was 200 miles from where we were moving. They just keep the dog in a kennel for six months. We thought that this would be just too hard on her, and as hard as it was for us to leave her, it was best for her and that is what we did.

Germany is part of the EU and they have a 'pet passport' system that you have to do BEFORE you travel. If you fail to do this, your pets will be stopped at the first port of entry whether by boat or plane and kept there until the proper paperwork is filled in or sent back. They have a harsh no questions asked system. Do you homework now and you could possibly surpass quarantine altogether, but get on the internet and phone today.

Most deaths in transport are caused by the tranqualizers given, not mode of transport. I have moved two cats and a dog from the UK to the US (no quarantine due to no rabies) and they were fine.........but I am sure it is a gamble.

Hope this helps,
Amy

[Carol]

tavolbracht I sure would have made the same decision as you did. 6 months is an eternity to be in a cage missing your family.
I am so glad you made the decision to not take her to UK under those conditions. It is heartbreaking but I am sure it was best for your dog and that is what counts.
Yes on the internet the info is readily available as to the countries that quarantine and which countries are rabies free.
At least when/if you return to US you will not have to face quarantine.

[Fritz]

Thanks for the information. I am pleased to hear that Germany doesn't required a quarantine if the paperwork in in order. So that doesn't seem to be a problem. My main concern is still the transport over seas. The IG just will not make it in the belly of the plane. The Flat coat is a much younger. If you know of any company that moves animals over seas please let me know.
Thanks
Fritz

[k9mania]

Fritz,

You might contact some breeders in your area and see how they handle such situations and any top agility people because they travel overseas and know all the tricks of the trade. They also know the best airlines etc. I hope this helps.:)

[DaisyMae]

Fritz,

I have transported my dogs from Kathmandu to Canada (3 day trip), from Canada to the Cayman Islands and then back from the Cayman Islands to Canada. I have never had a problem and have found the airline staff (Lufthansa and American) to be helpful and concerned. As tavellbracht stated, I have heard that most deaths are caused by sedation. As per the vet's (and airlines) advice, none of my dogs were sedated during their various trips and, although p.o.'d, came through with no problems.

As previously mentioned by various posters, just make sure that your paperwork is all in order. Double and triple check with all the authorities involved before you head out and you should be fine. If your pets' shots are current, you should have no problem going from the states to Germany.

Best of luck!