I am considering a move from the US to the UK in 8-12 months and have begun researching what is required to bring my cats along. The UK requires following a 6+ month certification process, involving blood tests, vaccines, treatments, microchipping, USDA endorsement, and much, much more. There are lots of things that can go wrong, all of which could result in a 6 month quarantine for the animal upon arrival, so it is an intimidating prospect.

My question is: has anyone here successfully brought a cat into the UK under this program? I have some cat-specific questions and would appreciate some advice. For instance the PETS web site indicates the animal must be shipped along an approved route in an approved kennel with an unbroken approved seal. The implication is that the animal has to travel in the cargo hold, but has anyone ever managed to take this trip with the animal in the passenger compartment?

Thanks in advance.

I haven't specifically gotten a cat into UK but recently was successful in getting my brother's dog over there without quarantine. It wasn't easy but we're happy he's finally there (my brother has lived there for over two years without his dog).

As I'm sure you're aware, the information on this program is overwhelming. I found that I'd learn something new every time I reread the requirements. We also found that there was conflicting information between the web site, the people we spoke with directly at the PETS program, and the airline we were using. Very frustrating was a last-minute (for us) rule change that turned out to be something the Customs officers at LGW weren't even aware of.

I really recommend using a checklist, marking your calendar carefully for each step and when it needs to be done, and going over everything by phone with the PETS staff.

If I can help answer any specific questions, I'll be happy to try. Send me an email.

Edited to add: There didn't seem to be any leeway about the animal traveling in cargo.

[This message has been edited by janey (edited 10-29-2003).]

[This message has been edited by janey (edited 10-29-2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by janey:

There didn't seem to be any leeway about the animal traveling in cargo.

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that was my experience ( a friend wanted to bring his cat to the UK - wound up finding another home for her...) as if the animal travels w/ you in the passenger compartment you COULD open the seal...

It's bizarre though, because if you did open the seal, you would arrive in the UK with a broken seal and the animal wouldn't be allowed in without 6 months further quarantine. Seals can be broken while the animal is out of your control too (ie, in the cargo hold), but if that happens there are provisions for an 'airline representative' to re-seal the kennel, indicate the new seal's serial number on the animal's paperwork, and certify that the animal was not in contact with other animals.

The more I learn about this process the less I understand it! http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif It's definitely an exercise in bureaucracy.