Should I buy a dog here or in england?

I have a lot of questions. By reading some of the previous post I admit I feel a little overwhelmed. My husband and I are moving from Oklahoma City to Cambridge (area) UK. We want to buy a Great Dane pup. We figured it would cheaper to buy one over here because they are kind of expensive in the UK. We are being moved by the military but it is not for sure that they will move the pup. For one we leave in August and we wouldn't have the pups blood tests cleared by the time we move. So I am assuming that I will have to pay for the shipping of the pup and all of the required things with PETS (to prevent quarantine) as well. So I guess my question is would it be better to buy a different pup in England (probably 1000 to 1500 dollars) or buy a $350 pup (that I am falling in love with) and pay for all the travel costs?

Hello from a fellow Okie! (waves)

A fellow UKY'r just flew her dog over and it cost her £2000 on BA. I would start a list of all the cost involve and weigh up the diffrence.

the cost of the dog
the PETS program
and get a quote from a Airline on how much it will cost to ship a pup that size by August I would think he would be substantle.

it make cost you less to buy one here... but it sounds like you have already eyeballed one and like it.........

No chance of you rescuing a dog when you get to the UK?  There are so many good dogs that need loving homes....

I just brought my dog over from San Francisco, she weights 70 pounds and her airline ticket was $2000.  I waited the six months for her to clear the Pet Scheme.  If you bought a dog in the US, how would you be able to wait the six months if you're leaving for the UK in August?  I totally relate to the feeling overwhelmed part!

edited to say:  haha!  shell was talking about me

How in the heck is it costing you all so much to fly your pets over? I only paid $500 for the both of my cats ($250 each)

Not to mention the fact that if you have to leave the puppy behind with someone else while waiting for the blood work and PET passport, you are going to be missing valuable bonding and training time with that little dear as well.  We already have our Sophie (2 year old cairn terrier) and have just gotten the second rabies shot for her here in Sweden, with an appointment for late July for the blood test.  My husband is staying behind with the dog, while I go ahead and get settled, start working and we will make do with visits until she's clear to travel.  She would probably die of a broken heart if we were both to leave her behind for several months, no matter who we left her with, and I sure would miss her as well.  Just a thought.

How in the heck is it costing you all so much to fly your pets over? I only paid $500 for the both of my cats ($250 each)

I flew from SF for one, on BA.  Its based on crate dimensions, weight and weight of the pet.  The UK charges a 250 pound fee just to bring your pet into the country.

I flew Northwest from Minneapolis. I wonder what the difference in price is with each airline?

Options are limited flying out of SF.  My dog was ready to fly in Dec. 2004 but he weighs 105lbs and it was going to cost me a fortune to fly him over.  I decided to leave him with a friend. 

Just wanted to mention we made several moves with the military and they never once paid for the transport cost of our pets. Good luck!

How about, instead of only being concerned with the cost you come at it from another angle - the welfare of any future pup..........if a flight can be avoided, you should avoid it where possible, surely?

Not only that, but the added worry to you both with a big move and a new pup, inoculations and so on to stress out about.

On a practical level, there are many breed rescue societies in the U.K - you'd probably be able to rescue a GD pup for a reasonable donation and proof of a safe and secure, loving home and frankly, our english stock is generally healthier in Danes  

How about, instead of only being concerned with the cost you come at it from another angle - the welfare of any future pup..........if a flight can be avoided, you should avoid it where possible, surely?

this is sort of what i was thinking as well... why put the puppy through the stress?

Please consider getting a puppy here from Battersea Cats and Dogs Home!


Victoria

This is EXACTLY what I was about to write:

How about, instead of only being concerned with the cost you come at it from another angle - the welfare of any future pup..........if a flight can be avoided, you should avoid it where possible, surely?

Not only that, but the added worry to you both with a big move and a new pup, inoculations and so on to stress out about.

On a practical level, there are many breed rescue societies in the U.K - you'd probably be able to rescue a GD pup for a reasonable donation and proof of a safe and secure, loving home and frankly, our english stock is generally healthier in Danes  

Please consider getting a puppy here from Battersea Cats and Dogs Home!

That's where my beloved doggy came from! 

My dearest doggy is a rescue as well, as was my first dog.  He's no pure bred but he's loved all the same.    I would rescue again in a heartbeat.