Lynne78

Thanks for the info Lady R. What's involved in the interview - will we have to lie and say how much we love Australia and that we never want to leave!?

My quote from Dogtainers going via Dubai states "Transhipment through Dubai with a required minimum 6 hour comfort stop out of their crates whilst in Dubai" (which I liked the sound of!) so I would definitely look into what jetpets are telling you.

Thanks guys. We live near Perth, I seem to remember seeing something in the local paper one year about ceremonies on Australia day...probably wishful thinking to become eligible in the November then have ceremony in January! Are the examinations more frequent then the ceremonies? How do I find out when they hold exams/ceremonies? Thanks Lady Rainicorn - getting paperwork organised well in advance is a good tip!

Hey, we are planning on moving back to the UK about May/June next year. My husband has suggesting getting citizenship (just in case...) before we go (I know this idea would be frowned upon on other forums!) Did anyone else do this before they moved? Time-wise I think we will be eligible late November. How much does it cost? Do you have to go to a ceremony, and if so how frequent are they?

I think they should be able to sort it for you. We requested quotes for my parents to collect from either Glasgow or Edinburgh and both companies came up with Glasgow (which was good as I would like them to have as short a journey as possible). I'm sure lots of airports can deal with pets, especially as quarantine is not required. We are thinking of sending ours about a week or so before us (to my parents) as I think packing up the house etc may be easier without cats around, especially if we end up staying with friends/hotel if we end up leaving our rental a bit in advance of flights... There is so much to think about isn't there!!?

Not sure about going with Jetpets now. I'd asked them both for 2 quotes - one from here to my parents in Perth and one from here to either Edinburgh/Glasgow airport for my parents to collect them. Just got the latter quote from Jetpets, which has really confused me. The dogtainers quote was for Perth-Dubai-Glasgow (which is the way we'll be going) then either drive to Perth or collection by my folks at the airport. The "parent pick-up option" from Jetpets was the second quote I've just received was Perth-Sydney-overnight stay-customs clearance stop in London(which means a stop in Hong Kong or somewhere)-Edinburgh-Perth. Which is 4 flights! Plus however long hanging about in airports and trips in cars! That's enough to make me cry, never mind my poor wee moggies! No idea why they can't to the Perth-Dubai-Glasgow like in there first quote then add a 2 hour car ride to Perth! Plus it was about $700 more than Dogtainers...

If 8 months is enough for you then so be it. I think moving back home is made harder by people referring to "failure". We haven't failed because we don't find Australia home and decide against staying for ever. If you moved cities within the UK, no one would ever say you'd failed - you just moved! We hit the 3 year mark in November, then in a flood of tears on Boxing Day decided to move back home. We never had a huge urge to come here. I wasn't happy at work, neither was my husband, I suggested Aberdeen, he suggested Australia! I thought, what the hell, let's give it a go, if we don't like it we can always come back. It was fine at first, I really enjoyed work (job the same, just different environment) now it's just work. My husband (electrician) has been unemployed (and depressed and stressed) for most of the 3 years. This really has not helped. Took countless applications to get a job, temporary contract of course, then once work is done so is he. My husband always said he'd never go back to Scotand, which I think is why I always told myself, it'll get better soon. It didn't. If you've had enough after 8 months, don't spend time being miserable waiting for the day you decided to stay forever because it probably won't come. We're going to give it up to 18 months to save some money (although I'd go back tomorrow if I could), but I feel much happier now that the decision has been made! Good luck with the move. If you are all happier back home, the rest will work itself out eventually. Any tips with movers would be appreciated!

Hi, we have decided to move back to Scotland from Perth after 3 years. We are going to wait about 12 -18 months to save some more money, but I am looking into the cost of things at the mo. We have 2 cats to take back with us. I emailed a few places for quotes. Dogtainers and Jet Pets have got back to me and the quotes are pretty similar. I was wondering if anyone had any personal experience with either of them?

Hi, we have been in WA for about 8 months, my husband has been working as a boilermaker, but wants to get his grade A licence so he can continue working as an electrician. He has over 20 years experience and has his ARTC. He has his letter of approval from the department on commerce to do his electrical trades licensing course. The problem we have encountered is that the board recommends that he apply for a permit to work under supervision to gain practical experience in electrical installing work. Can anyone offfer any help/advice re finding an electricain who would be willing to supervise him while he got the required experience? Anyone been in the same situation? Find it easy to get the experience? Also, do you know how much experience they require? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks Lynne