Flying British Air with my dog

I must say, it was an awesome experience.  I was worried for nothing.  I had all her documents in order, stopped at the USDA vet in San Francisco on my way to the airport.  Got her checked into the cargo building 4 hours prior to flight.  Crate was big enough, paid her $2000 ticket and off I went to get myself checked in (then to the bar for martinis!!)  Really, its not a big deal as long as you pay attention to what Defra tells you.  When she got into Heathrow, it took about 3 hours to get her processed in the Animal Reception Center and away to Bristol we went!   

She ate when we got home, checked out her new garden and slept for a day!  Shes been tired, but super happy to get out for daily walks, has been eating normal and is really really excited when magpies fly around the garden!!!

Anyhow, good luck to all of you who are doing the pet scheme.  Its really not so bad!!

Glad to hear it went well!

Pets is great!  I could not have left my dogs and cat!

I am flying BA too in Sept but they told me it would be only $1700 for both my ticket and my dogs.  What is the $2,000 all about?

the cost of your pets ticket is based on crate weight/dimensions and weight of your pet.  I didnt get quoted for both our tickets, my ticket was purchased separetly and her ticket was booked two weeks before the flight through BA cargo.

That is so encouraging! (If I ever get this vaccine booster thing sorted out...)

JennRedd,

Can I ask you what kind of dog you have??  I am starting to freak about the price?  I only have a 36 lbd mini schnauzer and my crate weighs 8lbs.  I am flying from Dulles to Heathrow.  I was hoping you could give me more insight as to what took place once you landed in the Uk.  Did you know where to go did someone come and get you?  I am really nervous for my little doggie, because I can't leave him behind.

Jenn - Can you also just let us know what size crate you used?  It's really hard to get a grasp on how much tickets are going to cost.

Thanks.

JennRedd,

Can I ask you what kind of dog you have??  I am starting to freak about the price?  I only have a 36 lbd mini schnauzer and my crate weighs 8lbs.  I am flying from Dulles to Heathrow.  I was hoping you could give me more insight as to what took place once you landed in the Uk.  Did you know where to go did someone come and get you?  I am really nervous for my little doggie, because I can't leave him behind.

I have a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix and she weights almost 70 pds.  I think your ticket will be half the cost of mine as you are not originating from the West Coast and your dog is much smaller.  No one comes to get you, when you land you make your way across the airport to the Animal Reception Center, BA gives you a map of where this is before you leave the states.  I have no idea how other airlines operate though, this only my experience with BA.

Jenn - Can you also just let us know what size crate you used?  It's really hard to get a grasp on how much tickets are going to cost.

Thanks.

The crate I bought was here http://www.futurepets.com/Vari-Kennels.htm
I had to get the Sky Kennel 500 because of her size. 

Hey Cap,

I bought my crate at Wal-Mart!!  Ha Ha.  It is airline approved and cheaper then buying it anywhere else.

Jenn Thank you so much I was really getting worried. Although you said you had a good experience with BA (which is who I am also flying with).  Thank you so very much for answering my questions.

your very welcome

I would make sure though, whatever crate you buy, it is international airline approved.  They are very specific about crates, must have air vents on all four sides and your pet must be able to stand up and completely turn around without trouble.  Also, water and food cups, my crate came with them.

Happy trails!

I'm glad it all went well for you and your dog, jennredd. I brought my cat over 3 years ago -- when the PETS program was relatively new. Even then, it was pretty easy if you follow all the rules.

Zeusy99 -- jennredd is right. Make sure your crate is approved for international air travel. They are fussy about this.

Everything is a go with my crates.  I even took it to our local international airport here and had them check it out.  Food and Water bowls (check), Vents (check), sturdiness (check), Can stand up sit down turn around and even do the watoosy if he so desired.

Thanks to everyone.

I'm glad it went well. Very reassuring to hear. I'm so nervous about the 10 hour flight for my dog. Can you tell me which vet you used in San Francisco? I have had trouble finding authorized vets. We are in the Sacramento area, but frequently visit SF (and will be travelling from there) so an authorized vet in either place will work.

So you used British Airway World Cargo and booked your dog separately? Was there a way to book together? Did you look into Virgin Airways from SFO also (my kids would prefer to fly Virgin, lol).

I'm glad it went well. Very reassuring to hear. I'm so nervous about the 10 hour flight for my dog. Can you tell me which vet you used in San Francisco? I have had trouble finding authorized vets. We are in the Sacramento area, but frequently visit SF (and will be travelling from there) so an authorized vet in either place will work.

So you used British Airway World Cargo and booked your dog separately? Was there a way to book together? Did you look into Virgin Airways from SFO also (my kids would prefer to fly Virgin, lol).

Well, honestly, I was not to thrilled about my vet in the city, but its Pets Unlimited on Fillmore St.  My original vet left the practice and I had to have all the paperwork, tick/worm treatment done by another vet there.  But she was nice and she filled out everything correctly.  The USDA vet is one exit before SFO and he must sign the paperwork as well. 

You cant check your pets in where people check in, they fly in the cargo section of the plane.  I prefer BA over Virgin.  Virgin does not pay the 250 pound UK fee, where BA includes it in the price and they take care of everything.  Also, Virgin raised the fee's higher than BA.