Hi,
We are in the middle of this process ourselves. We got our dogs microchipped, rabies shots, most of the forms filled out, and ordered proper crates for shipping. Just waiting on a travel date so we can set our appointment with the USDA and give the dogs their worm treatment within a 72 hour period. Im going to send you a few links that are helpful to organize your process. I recommend that you contact your local VSCO (USDA) office as they are very helpful in providing the correct forms and will review your paperwork before going over.
Here is a nice checklist/ overview:
http://wildabouthere.com/passports-pets-move-travel-cats-dogs-britain/Here is a link to the VSCO, search for your local USDA office. They should return your call:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/wps/portal/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth?1dmy&urile=wcm%3apath%3a%2Faphis_content_library%2Fsa_our_focus%2Fsa_animal_health%2Fsa_export_from_us%2Fsa_live_animals%2Fsa_international_regulations%2Fsa_by_country%2Fsa_u%2Fct_animal_united_kingdomHere is a great place where we ordered our crates. We have 3 smaller dogs but I've been reading stories that if you have a large dog, you really should get the largest crate you can find because people have been turned away by cargo. This particular company provides all the accessories, stickers, correct clips and measuring tips:
http://www.catsnus.com/sky-kennels/Incidentally, I was told by the USDA in Colorado that only your USDA certified vet (sometimes clinics only have one vet that's actually certified) should fill out the forms and if they tell you that they want you to fill them out or that they seem unsure, find another vet. They even said they would give me a referral if I needed. They also gave me their fax number and told me they would be happy to review the paperwork before our appointment so that we will have everything in place before we meet with them.
On the UK customs side there is a way to contact the people who will be making the decision of allowing your pet in. I contacted them already and asked if they would be willing to check the forms before we travel and I was told they don't offer that service but if they have time, they would review them. I plan on scanning the completed forms and emailing to the contact email, rolling the dice and see if I can get them to review them ahead of time:
http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/animal-health-welfare/heathrow-animal-reception-centre/Pages/default.aspxSo those are the main links aside from Defra that should give you a bigger picture/process. We haven't made the move yet but I "think" we are on the right path.
If anyone else sees any errors in my thinking or has something to add, I'd be very interested.
Hope this helps.
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