Hi all,
I have received a job offer to work in the UK (near London). If I take it (and I think I will), I will need to move my cats from Singapore to UK. It's about a 13 hours direct flight.
Now the difficulties. UK is extremely strict with the import of pets. I have already given them Microchips and the rabies vacs. On 01.09. they need to go for a blood test after which they can only enter UK after 6 months (if the test is successful). This means they need to go into quarantine or remain in Singapore until they are allowed to enter the country. I will most likely move mid October so you can see how long they'd normally need to go into quarantine.
I have checked facilities in UK for quarantine and they are very small and very expensive. And I could only visit once a week as I would work 5 days a week and they are only open Saturdays on weekends. Does anyone have experience with putting their cat(s) into quarantine for that long?
I am thinking of leaving them with my bf in Singapore as he will only be moving to UK in March/April next year. We have been living together the past 3 years so the cats know him well, but once I move, he will be moving back to his parents before he comes to UK.
So I am not sure what the best option is at the moment. I'm leaning more towards leaving them in Singapore for the time being, though they will be in a new house with unkown people. My bf works full day so I'm not sure how the cats will take it. I'm a bit afraid they'd dart out the door and run off.
Now for the move itself. UK has rules on how they are transported as well. They need to fly cargo and there are only few carriers that I am allowed to use. British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong), Emirates (via Dubai). Of course I'd want to get the direct flights on British Air or Singapore Airlines. Does anyone have any feedback to the 2? I heard Singapore Airlines, though they offer excellent service to passengers, are not good with pets. Any experience?
As for the crates to use. I have one big sturdy plastic carrier, suitable for a medium sized dog. Can I put both cats in one carrier? I think they may be more comfortable travelling together. But then again I'm afraid they may injure each other...
What do I generally need to prepare them for flight? I heard I should not give sedatives as it could be dangerous for them when they are unmonitored.
I really appreciate your input. The flight is really long and I know it's heaps of stress for them. Unfortunately, UK pet import requirements don't make it any easier.
Cheers,
Vera
I have received a job offer to work in the UK (near London). If I take it (and I think I will), I will need to move my cats from Singapore to UK. It's about a 13 hours direct flight.
Now the difficulties. UK is extremely strict with the import of pets. I have already given them Microchips and the rabies vacs. On 01.09. they need to go for a blood test after which they can only enter UK after 6 months (if the test is successful). This means they need to go into quarantine or remain in Singapore until they are allowed to enter the country. I will most likely move mid October so you can see how long they'd normally need to go into quarantine.
I have checked facilities in UK for quarantine and they are very small and very expensive. And I could only visit once a week as I would work 5 days a week and they are only open Saturdays on weekends. Does anyone have experience with putting their cat(s) into quarantine for that long?
I am thinking of leaving them with my bf in Singapore as he will only be moving to UK in March/April next year. We have been living together the past 3 years so the cats know him well, but once I move, he will be moving back to his parents before he comes to UK.
So I am not sure what the best option is at the moment. I'm leaning more towards leaving them in Singapore for the time being, though they will be in a new house with unkown people. My bf works full day so I'm not sure how the cats will take it. I'm a bit afraid they'd dart out the door and run off.
Now for the move itself. UK has rules on how they are transported as well. They need to fly cargo and there are only few carriers that I am allowed to use. British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong), Emirates (via Dubai). Of course I'd want to get the direct flights on British Air or Singapore Airlines. Does anyone have any feedback to the 2? I heard Singapore Airlines, though they offer excellent service to passengers, are not good with pets. Any experience?
As for the crates to use. I have one big sturdy plastic carrier, suitable for a medium sized dog. Can I put both cats in one carrier? I think they may be more comfortable travelling together. But then again I'm afraid they may injure each other...
What do I generally need to prepare them for flight? I heard I should not give sedatives as it could be dangerous for them when they are unmonitored.
I really appreciate your input. The flight is really long and I know it's heaps of stress for them. Unfortunately, UK pet import requirements don't make it any easier.
Cheers,
Vera