Moving abroad with dogs.

angelsmomma

Hi, I am moving to Bulgaria in approximately 6 months and have a 10 year old greyhound and 9 year old lurcher.

What is the best way to transport them bearing in mind their age?

Also does anyone know the approximate cost of it.I have looked at websites but there are no prices on them so I thought I would ask on here if anyone has an idea of costs?

Thanks in advance

Person_one

Have a look at this:

http://www.seat61.com/dogs-by-train.htm#.Uo5Zzxbbz_c

angelsmomma

Thanks but unfortunately they don't take dogs at all on the eurostar so I would need to get to Paris first for the trip to Bulgaria.

If I was going to do that it would be quicker and easier by air all the way to Sofia.

Has anyone done it by air please?

Person_one

angelsmomma wrote: »

Thanks but unfortunately they don't take dogs at all on the eurostar so I would need to get to Paris first for the trip to Bulgaria.

If I was going to do that it would be quicker and easier by air all the way to Sofia.

Has anyone done it by air please?

If you read the link, there is an overnight ferry recommended for getting off the island.

Personally, and I accept its mostly paranoia, I'd never be happy putting my animals in the hold of a plane.

mungobella

I moved here from the US with two (rather elderly) cats and a 30kilo dog. I also moved the two cats well by air within the US while I lived there. I'm a careful planner, so I was crazy about the details, but altogether I think people make far too much of a fuss about it. My crew have always been fine. Here are some general tips, though obviously a lot will depend on your circumstances:

-you definitely want to do direct flight if at all possible. Being in the hold area of the plane isn't really that big a deal, as there's usually a special section for pets that is supposed to be quite nice--the stressful part is on the ground in between flights. You take a fewer risks and are likely to incur less stress if you don't have to worry about them being transferred.
-different airlines have different pet policies and procedures, and it is worth getting familiar with those very early. At least when I flew, Continental had a really comprehensive programme for flying with animals, and an excellent reputation. That was very reassuring. I don't know what airlines fly into Sofia (or nearby), but it is worth reading their websites and googling around.
-find out what size crate your dogs will need (this information will be available on airline websites--it's usually much bigger than you think it will need to be and they are very strict). Buy them their crates now, invest in nice beds to make them cozy and get them used to the crates now--lots of love and treats when they use them, etc. My dog is claustrophobic and rather large, so I bought a huge kennel and spent six months training her to be happy to be in her crate, and during the move it was really obvious that she was happy and comfortable there. Also, look around eBay for travel crates--I sold mine dead cheap, and looking around they seem to go for a lot less than in the shops. You do want to make sure it meets airline criteria though--again, a bit of poking around should help with this.
-I'm not sure exactly when you'll be moving, but there are generally temperature restrictions in place so if you can do it in the spring before things heat up, you'll probably be better off.

Good luck!

Person_one

Its this kind of report that scares me, I wouldn't take the chance when there is any alternative that means my pet stays with me, in my sight and in my care.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/04/pet-deaths-in-flight-airplanes_n_1940065.html

angelsmomma

I have now found a highly recommended experienced couple who bring them overland, door to door collection and delivery. Having contacted them I am satisfied that this is the way to go.

They are well known among the ex pat community and the cost although not cheap is worth it for the peace of mind. In this case saving money comes second.

Person_one

That was quick! Glad you've found a solution, good luck with the move.

GonzoAston

Ive been looking into this alot for the last month. We are moving to Amsterdam in April and I like to plan well ahead.

I dont like the thought of flying my dog over, although it is the quickest way. Looked at ferries, but you have to leave them in the car at all times and the trip is 19 hours from Newcastle to Amsterdam. Ferry from Dover to Calais isnt bad, but dont like the thought of leaving him in the car alone for the travel.

If only Eurostar allowed pets on Trains, it would be so easy

Does anyone know why they dont? It only says on their website that they are not allowed.

angelsmomma

I would sit in the car with them on the ferry, it might be a bit uncomfortable but worth it to keep them company.

lostinrates

You can sit on the train in the tunnel with them, that's how we did it.

Or has that changed?


Having travelled around the world as a child with family and pets I would use air , but only when we had to.