Can I book my cat a cargo spot or not? Really confused about options.

I can't seem to get a direct answer about this anywhere. Can I or can I not book a flight from the US to the UK and pay the fee to have my cat transported via cargo? As long as it's an airline & airport that's on the govt approved list, right?

I've seen multiple places that say I am required to use a service/shipper.

I cannot afford $1000+ to transport my cat. I was under the impression that I would be able to do it myself and save the money.

I can't seem to get a direct answer about this anywhere. Can I or can I not book a flight from the US to the UK and pay the fee to have my cat transported via cargo? As long as it's an airline & airport that's on the govt approved list, right?

I've seen multiple places that say I am required to use a service/shipper.

I cannot afford $1000+ to transport my cat. I was under the impression that I would be able to do it myself and save the money.

I think some of the airlines that used to allow you to ship yourself are now requiring shippers to be used. But even without using a shipper you're looking at over $1,000 to fly your cat into the UK.
If that amount is going to be a problem, you could try researching shipping your pet via France where they can travel as excess baggage (for around $200) rather than manifest cargo which they have to be classified as to fly direct to the UK. The difference is only in the title, the conditions would be the same for the pet.

If you do go through France, you would also need to research how to get to your final destination from there. There are a couple of recent threads on the subject here on the forum though. 

Those are the options I would research, and don't forget the USDA vet bills to have the forms completed. They are lengthy so it's a long appointment. Between that and overnight shipping/fees for the APHIS certification it was over $200, closer to $300 if I remember correctly.

I lived on the border with Canada so we used a company up there to book the cargo spot, and that saved us a bit with the exchange rate.

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If that amount is going to be a problem, you could try researching shipping your pet via France where they can travel as excess baggage (for around $200) rather than manifest cargo which they have to be classified as to fly direct to the UK. The difference is only in the title, the conditions would be the same for the pet.

I've been looking into this option, however I'm discovering that the ferry does not allow foot passengers to bring pets aboard. So back at square one.

Those are the options I would research, and don't forget the USDA vet bills to have the forms completed. They are lengthy so it's a long appointment. Between that and overnight shipping/fees for the APHIS certification it was over $200, closer to $300 if I remember correctly.

I lived on the border with Canada so we used a company up there to book the cargo spot, and that saved us a bit with the exchange rate.

I'm strictly looking at transport costs right now. I'm aware of the vet costs and have already budgeted for those.

I've been looking into this option, however I'm discovering that the ferry does not allow foot passengers to bring pets aboard. So back at square one.

There are other ways though, have someone meet you there for example or there are pet taxis that specialise in this although they are not cheap. Take a look at the other threads if you haven't already. 

Oh, and I think one of the longer/less direct ferry routes does allow foot passengers with pets. I read that recently.

There are other ways though, have someone meet you there for example or there are pet taxis that specialise in this although they are not cheap. Take a look at the other threads if you haven't already. 

Oh, and I think one of the longer/less direct ferry routes does allow foot passengers with pets. I read that recently.

My fiance does not drive/have a car, so there's no way to have someone meet me unfortunately. I did see that DFDS does allow foot passengers to have a pet, but when you try to book the ferry online it doesn't allow you to add a pet to the booking? So confusing.

My fiance does not drive/have a car, so there's no way to have someone meet me unfortunately. I did see that DFDS does allow foot passengers to have a pet, but when you try to book the ferry online it doesn't allow you to add a pet to the booking? So confusing.

Perhaps you could give them a call to confirm? I found when I moved my cats over that there was limited information available on the websites and I really had to speak to someone about each stage of the process.

For some reason, I didn't think that the train allowed cats either...  hopefully I'm wrong!

And while I'm not a fan of credit...  I AM a MASSIVE fan of our fur babies.  They ARE our children.  So maybe look at taking out a 12 month interest free credit card and paying a bit towards it each month?  I moved my two kitties over 8 years ago and it was the best money ever spent.  My boy is helping me type this!

And while I'm not a fan of credit...  I AM a MASSIVE fan of our fur babies.  They ARE our children.  So maybe look at taking out a 12 month interest free credit card and paying a bit towards it each month?  I moved my two kitties over 8 years ago and it was the best money ever spent.  My boy is helping me type this!

I definitely agree that I cannot, will not move without my fur baby. She is my emotional support and I love her more than anything.
I was discussing everything with my fiance and we're considering either postponing the move a little bit longer in order to come up with the money OR leave her here with a friend until we can pay to ship her over OR flying into France and taking that route.

Unfortunately, my credit is absolute crap (thanks to a vengeful ex), so taking out any sort of loan or credit card isn't an option.

Call virgin atlantic. https://www.virginatlantic.com/us/en/travel-information/special-flight-requirements/flying-with-pets.html

I called them directly and got a quote. No middle man needed. It was $2500 for three pets in April (2 cats and 1 small dog). Be sure to ask what crate size you need for your cat.

From the US: Atlanta, Boston, JFK, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, Orlando, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington DC.   Virgin Cargo US bookings
Tel: +1 800 828 6822 ext. 4
Monday - Friday: 10am - 6pm (UK Time)

You may also contact.
http://www.jamescargo.com/pets/ I also got a quote here. They sent me to Airpets America, which gave me an estimate of $3500 for 3 pets.

You may also contact.
http://www.jamescargo.com/pets/ I also got a quote here. They sent me to Airpets America, which gave me an estimate of $3500 for 3 pets.

I think James Cargo works with BA too