Shipping Animals...

Hi everyone,

To say I am shocked by the cost of shipping our two dogs is an understatement!!!

We have quotes all around the ?5K mark.... 'Me thinks they are going 1st Class!'

;o( Cal

First class?!

I think they must be going on the Queens private jet for that kind of money!!

I am having a similar experience. What size are your dogs? We have been quoted 3-4 thousand for our 2 medium sized dogs. The really annoying thing is that after paying all that money you have to organise a vet to carry out all the necessary vaccinations which all has to be done within amonth.

I had a really high quote to ship my small mongrel terrier from UK to christchurch. Iam now looking into arranging all the tests, immunisations and health certs myself - our local vets have been really helpful and supportive. I intend to fly with Singapore Airlines and they accept animals as cargo as long as all the relevant paper work is in order. Just sent them an email requesting all the requirements.

Ive done all the immigration matters myself rather than pay an agency - I will try the DIY method with the dog aswell :))

I had a really bad experience shipping my dog through Singapore, the other way ie From NZ to the Middle East. I was warned to avoid Hong Kong because dogs are often left out in the heat there, so sent the dog via Singapore where he was to be transferred from one plane to another for the ongoing journey.
When the plane arrived in Bahrain, no dog. A few frantic phone calls later we discovered the dog had been offloaded in Singapore because the plane was carrying a dead body in the hold. Dogs and dead bodies do not travel together apparently. But I was assured that all would be fine, he was being cared for in an approved quarantine facility at no extra charge. A week later the dog arrived in Bahrain, dehydrated and thin, he had not been fed or watered. In addition he was very ill, had infected eyes, and very nearly died. It took a lot of very expensive vet care to bring him back. When we made the return trip we decided not to take him and left him with friends. It was a hard decision but I couldn't put him through it again.

Yes, it is a very hard decision to make. It is a very long and frightening journey for an animal, there is no doubt about that. We have thought long and hard about whether to leave the dog here. In the end we decided to take him - he is fit, young and a really hardy little chap, we got him from an animal sanctuary and he has had a bad start to life. The kids will have to leave alot of toys behind and all their friends - leaving the dog aswell would be unthinkable for them. I am just looking forward to it all being over.

Hi everyone,

Thanks for all your thoughts!

I think we have narrowed our choice down to two carriers now...

1) Reislip - recommended by mother in law, who breeds West highland terriers.

2) Golden Arrow - (think thats the name) recommended in a book written by Paul G. (Bloke from "Get a New Life" in New Zealand. Apparently they sorted out all vet visits too... will let you know when I have their prices!

Good luck on doing the pets immigration on DIY, can't say I am that brave and even if I was, I just don't have the time.

C ya,
Cal :icon_rolleyes:

After makeing some enquiries I have discovered that DIY is not an option - Air NewZealand will only deal with agencies.

I got loads of quotes... Airpets, Golden arrow, Jet 4 pets, Pinehawk, Ladyhaye, Skymaster Par Air and a couple more who havent replied yet. It was really difficult to do a straight comparison as the quotes included different services.

Have decided to go with Golden Arrow for a couple of reasons. They have been recommended, the quote was middle range of all the ones I received, but mainly they offer 3 days board included in quote and they will meet us at Manchester airport and take the dog down to their kennels in Shropshire free of charge (others quoted 150-200 for collection from Yorkshire) Another main reason is that they do absolutely everything and guarantee that if anything is incorrect they will put it right at their expense. The information they sent was detailed and yet easy to follow, with step by step guides.

hi do you have any contact details for golden arrow ? either web addy or phone number thanks lainyxx

[quote:8a0bfcb7a1="lainy"]hi do you have any contact details for golden arrow ? either web addy or phone number thanks lainyxx[/quote:8a0bfcb7a1]

Hi,

Golden Arrow: Tel: 01 588 680 240 and ask for Chris

I have just phoned and they are going to send me a quote including all vets charges along with 1 months board (gives us time to find property over in NZ).

I have been on a few forums to try and get some feedback on others experiences and Golden Arrow keep coming up with glowing reports.

We have two dogs one of which is 12 'ish (from manchester dogs home, hense not 100% on his age) so we are quite concerned over how this trip will affect him - although he is very lazy and will probably cope better than our other dog cause he can just lie on his back with his paws in the air and sleep most of the way! :icon_wink:

c ya,
Cal :icon_cool: