NOW WE WAIT

I was pretty surprised with how clean their crates were when they got here. I don't think either one of them did anything in their crates, though they were both VERY happy to get out once we got to the flat.

My parents dropped them off at about 4pm EST and we got to the flat about noon BST, so yeah, 15 hours is about right.

Oh, and I don't know if the Heathrow ARC has told you anything about picking them up, but the flight got in about 9:30, they supposedly made it to the ARC about 10 (I showed up at 10:15) and we were out the door at 11, so the turnaround time was pretty quick. Officially it can be up to 4 hours, I think, if they've got a lot of animals to process.

Wow, they did pretty good. No, i haven't called Heathrow ARC yet. Its jsut what i've read online. I guess if you have all the documents(for PETS) in line and everything it shouldn't take that long.

My husband will be leaving him off at IAD and ill pick him up at Heathrow, so lets see how it goes with us. I do have a lot of anxiety though, about everything. I have to buy his crate too. He doesn't fit in a Large (40x27x30)! Will have to get a giant one and then drill holes at that back of it cuz it doesnt come with ventilation on all 4 sides.

Phew! There's so much to do but thank you so much for taking the time to reply to my messages. It is a great relief to know that someone has successfully moved with a big dog!

Much Thanks!

My husband will be leaving him off at IAD and ill pick him up at Heathrow, so lets see how it goes with us. I do have a lot of anxiety though, about everything. I have to buy his crate too. He doesn't fit in a Large (40x27x30)! Will have to get a giant one and then drill holes at that back of it cuz it doesnt come with ventilation on all 4 sides.

My guy used the Giant, too. My parents didn't mention having to drill holes, I think the ventilation has to be on 3 of the 4 sides. (My mom did have to go buy a slightly bigger crate for my cat, which I find ironic because he was totally dwarfed in it!)

I don't know if you plan to keep the crate, but I just "donated" mine to the ARC. There's no way it would fit in the flat (or the car!) so it was easier that way. $200 down the drain, but oh well.

As far as drilling ventilation holes in the fourth side...

We used British Airways.  We already had a crate with ventilation on three sides, but bought a new one to comply with the four sides rule.  Maybe if we owned a drill we would have tried that, but the new crate wasn't expensive so not a big deal.  Then while chatting with the guy at BA World Cargo during check in we learned that he actually had a drill so he could modify crates if necessary.  Also, he kept a supply of larger crates which he would sell at cost to anyone who arrived with their pet in a crate that was too small.  So, even if you accidentally show up with a non-compliant crate, your shipper may be able to help you out.  Of course, if you anticipate a problem it's best to call ahead to see what services are offered by your airport/airline.  Call the local facility, not the airline's national number.

Have a good flight!

Hi equestrianerd

Thanks for the info. I did check with the airlines and they said they need ventilation on all 4 sides. So, i guess we would have to drill holes.

Lanikai - thats really good to know that BA does that. I havent made up my mind yet about BA or Virgin Atlantic. Do appreciate the insight on everything.

Thanks