Moving in November

My husband and I have been planning to move to England and were aiming for late March, but after really thinking it through and going over the details, it would be much more to our benefit to leave in November.  We have a dog that we adore-- she's a little over 2 years old, lab/chow mix, and is wonderful with our toddler.  She was last vaccinated in December and is spayed, of course, but not microchipped.  Is there any way at all to bring her with us in November?  Or is it too short notice?

If that's too soon, what's the earliest we could bring her?  November is pretty much our latest option because I'm pregnant and we definitely don't want to make the trip with a newborn and toddler (and dog!) if we wait until later.  Help!

Hi, Welcome!

I don't think you are going to like the answer but...

The pet must be (and in this order)
1) Microchipped
2) Vaccinated against Rabies (Even if they have been vaccinated already.. this must happen
         again after the microchip is implanted)
3) Around 20-30 days after Vaccination, Blood Draw for Titre Antibody Level
That blood is then sent to an approved lab, if it comes back with an approved level of
antibody then... the animal can leave six months from the date of the blood draw.

So really if you start the process today the earliest would be at least seven months from now.

However if you start the process now.. and have family or friends that can keep your pet then on an approved route the animal can be sent to you after the six month wait is over.  As long as you choose a route that does not require the pet/owner to travel together.  For example DH and I are going from Chicago-Manchester and on that route I must be on the plane with my cats.  You would need to verify the route here:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/pdf/noneu-air.pdf

If you do choose to send her over later just make sure that she is with a friend or family member that you trust to complete the last minute required details such as the tick/tapeworm and getting the APHIS 7001 form, etc... These are done 48-24 hours prior to the flight and would need to be completed by somebody that can pay very close attention to detail.   

I hope this helped...  Probably not what you were wanting to see but they are pretty strict on this process.

I'm sorry to say, November is too soon if she's not microchipped.   She MUST be chipped before getting the rabies vaccintion, then have blood drawn for the titer test, and its a strict 6 month wait from the date of the blood sample. If you got her microchipped today, the earliest you could move her is January. Sorry about that.

Of course, you could start the process and still leave with DH in November, provided someone here could take on your dog for the last few months (or you could board her somewhere). She could then fly unaccompanied and join you in January, but you would probably be best off using a pet shipper to deal with all of the paperwork and streses for you (unless you hve a VERY reliable and trustworthy friend to help). Or if you prefered one of you, probably DH if you have a new baby - CONGRATULATIONS by the way   , could fly back to the states, do all of the final stuff required such as stamping the aphis form and getting the tick/tapeworm treatment, and accompany her back to the UK.

Hope that helps (and that I'm correct - sorry if I've got anything wrong!)

Sorry ancmc, we both posted similar replies at the same time!

Thanks you guys-- I had a feeling that we wouldn't be able to bring her in November.  There's a possibility that my dad and stepmother could take care of her until she's able to come.  Do you happen to know what the rates are to have her flown to England to be with us once everything's in order?  Or any web sites that have more info about it?

You could bring the dog in November and book her into quarantine, might be less stress.  Call DEFRA and find out your options.  And from there, the prices..

Thank you-- it looks like that will be our only option, as no one in my family as said they would watch her for us I hate that she'll have to be in quarantine, but it seems like it'll be the only way.  I've emailed DEFRA with the specifics of our situation and am hoping for the best!

3) Around 20-30 days after Vaccination, Blood Draw for Titre Antibody Level
That blood is then sent to an approved lab, if it comes back with an approved level of
antibody then... the animal can leave six months from the date of the blood draw.

So really if you start the process today the earliest would be at least seven months from now.

Isn't the waiting time a guideline for animals that haven't been vaccinated before?  I don't remember it being mandatory.

Isn't the waiting time a guideline for animals that haven't been vaccinated before?  I don't remember it being mandatory.

I see what you are saying Yael...  If they have been vaccinated before I would think there would be no need to wait the 20-30 days for the Titre draw just because they should already have an acceptable level of the vaccination already but the USDA is still not going to sign off on the 998 form until six months has past from the date of the positive blood draw.  So even if you did it all today still would not make the November deadline.  January at the earliest.

In case anyone was interested in DEFRA's response, here's the important part: (I'd asked if we could do a partial quarantine period since our dog will have been microchipped and vaccinated for 3 months before we arrive in England)

In the event that you are unable to complete the six month waiting period, post blood testing; you may enter the dog into quarantine to serve the outstanding balance of this period. This is deemed 'Early Release' and should be discussed with your chosen premises.