maryannen

I haven't moved my cat to Aus from the UK....however I have moved my cat from Aust to the UK years back. He was 5 ish at the time. He was a rescue cat when I got him so I never knew exactly how old he was .... it was always a guesstimate as to his approx age. He was such a special boy to me who never left my side during my serious illness. There was no way I would have left him behind He coped really well with it and the quarantine time that he had to then have. it is a lot of money but for me it was worth it He passed away a couple of years back after a decade in the UK...he was my one in a million special boy ...I do not ever regret bringing him over or the many happy years we had together. I'm shortly returning home to Australia and bringing my 3 dogs with me ...again wouldn't leave them for the world!! There's an old saying the proof is in the pictures...the 1st pic is My Tal just before I left Aus and the second my Tal pictured in 2009 having been in the UK 5 years :wink: as you can see alive and fiesty and well... :wink: My advice would be if you can afford it and can find a way take your adored cat with you

Bless you it's hard not to worry about how they will cope with it all....I've made the journey to and from Aust - UK many times over the years. Also had a few trips to and from the USA -Aust in years gone by. It is slightly different this time, as of course I'm going home to stay and taking my furry ones with with me. I feel like the countdown has well and truly begun now that it's down to but a few weeks and the dogs are reaching their final bits and pieces...the big hurdles have been jumped already. But I was having quite a struggle the other day working out values for the removalist insurance ....some things are just so difficult to value ....and then filling out the customs forms ....for example I have some unique crafting supplies (to make Native American styled items in my spare time) all of which had to be listed and declared. I came very close to saying to hell with it and throwing them out ,not taking them but then thought no I know I'd regret that for sure lol My folks as I've mentioned before are also in the throws of moving from Perth back over east too. They are getting there with the pre packing/sorting , selling off some items we won't need, and putting the big Perth house on the market this coming Tuesday so there's been a lot of prep work done there too. I think my folks will be relieved once it has gone ...for a multitude of reasons I feel it won't be on the market long ...for example it is in a very good and popular suburb of Perth, it's a beautiful spacious house that has never been on the market before...my folks had it built with one of Perth's most respected builders and it's quality throughout. In one of those odd things they lived with me in my place in Perth for quite some time whilst that house was being built...it was lovely to be able to spend time with my folks as an adult, different dynamics completely from a kid....I'm very much looking forward to spending their older years, however long we all have, with them too One of the things I have struggled with being in the UK was being apart from my family and friends as time goes on that has become a huge issue for me ...I always knew one day I'd want to go back home and yep I do feel truly blessed that I am able to do that this year. Am looking forward to stepping through our new front door in but a few short weeks and shortly after seeing my trio playing happily in their new backyard. My vet was asking me if I was stressed yet the other day ...which was funny as the surgery was absolutely heaving ...thought to myself never mind my stress looks like they were having a massive influx that day (post easter rush) ....told him ask me again later today after the last dog has been down lol One of mine particularly didn't like the last blood tests (brucellosis leishmaniasis, and erlichiosis) , she was quite subdued for the rest of the day, but she's bounced back fine now. She's usually the best one but this time the best one was the youngest, now she I thought might be difficult as she doesn't like needles etc , so there ya go !! You can't help but worry as I was saying to my folks when we have blood tests and the like we know what's happening to us ...for our pets they just don't know. I just keep in mind that it's short term upheaval for a long term gain for all of us. cheers Mary-Anne

Completely agree with your comment about doing your homework. Not being able to see the pup at their home and with at the very least their mum present, if not both mum and dad, should be a huge red flag. I was also very interested to know about where my pup was going and yes asked questions of potential owners, who I also wanted to meet in person at my home, prior to any consideration of them taking a pup. I've also read and heard some horror stories ....I remember one lady down at the vets telling us the breeder had told them her pup was older too when of course it was too young to have actually left its mum when she got it. Any breeder should know all the details of their pups and know their exact age and condition etc ....I could tell potential owners the very second that pup was born and its entire history, plus provide all the vets records. I'd be very wary of any 'breeder' who could not provide such info or who didn't have the pups mum right there at each and every visit. Just as a little tip for any potential pup owners ....It's not hard at all to see whether it's the pups actual mum too or to assess whether you are truly visiting that pup at home ....watch the bitches reaction to the pups and your own interaction with her puppies ....a 'replacement' mum (as has been used by some puppy farmers) often will not show the same interest in what you are doing with 'her' pup as the actual mum will. Generally a pups actual mum will be very interested in what you are doing with her pup ....my pups mum didn't mind at all people picking up her pups but she watched them like a hawk and yes after a time she made it clear she wanted that pup to be put back to her. The pups too will know the breeder ...again watch for the interaction a lack of any recognition would be sign those pups don't know their breeder well. My pups came forward when being greeted by me ...they knew me well and trusted me. They most certainly weren't going anywhere until they were old enough and properly weaned. Such an important time between the ages of 6 to 8 weeks for socialisation and learning bite inhibition from their interactions with their siblings and mum /dad...yes by that time pups can be a handful but you are doing no favours to the pup or to the new owners to let them go any earlier than 8 weeks minimum. Again the breeder should be able to assess when a pup is ready to go and a good one will not allow them to leave their care until the right time Unfortunately I do think sometimes people in their eagerness to get a pup overlook some things that they really shouldn't. There are some very convincing frauds around. It wasn't until I bred my own that I became very aware of just what sort of scams are around ....I'm a very straight forward person, I believe in being honest, and it just wouldn't even occur to me to try let alone to do some of the things that I've heard some people do. I think it would be good if more prospective owners too stopped and though hmmmm maybe not ....if something from their gut is telling them something isn't quite right here. As long as people are willing to overlook some things they should really question ...there are those who will take advantage of that for profit, to everyone's detriment. There are good breeders around and yes those who are should be very willing to answer all queries and also to question people themselves

That's so great One of my pups had to have a big operation after suddenly falling ill when she was but a few weeks old. Of course I did not hesitate to get her straight down to vets pronto, to have her op done and wouldn't consider having her put down unless my vets gave me compelling reasons ...such as any future problems quality of life etc. She already had a family who wanted her and had reserved her....she came through the op with flying colours, but of course she got a bit behind the other pups for a couple of weeks....but lots of TLC she gained in leaps and bounds. The great news her family still wanted her, I kept them appraised all the way, and yep once she was old enough and well enough to go to her new home off she went. She was given a clean bill of health from my vets and was lucky enough to have no further complications with no chance of a re-occurence ...than any other dog ... She's a lovely pup, grown into a beautiful lady, and I think she might be even be that little bit more loved because she is such a little fighter. I know my vets wanted to keep her ...every time he went to check on her one of the nurses had her lol cheers Mary-Anne edited to add a little pic of Deva as a pup ...thought you might like to see her

I wouldn't just restrict this to older breeders....The recent example of Best in Breed for German shepherds at Crufts judged by the Kennel Club was a perfect example of even the people who are supposedly responsible for maintaining standards failing woefully to adhere to their own supposed standards. It would be a shame to have to go so far as to ban the GSD fom being shown but it seems some breeders just don't get that they are introducing defects deliberately by interbreeding and that has zero to do with preserving the breed or improving it. I have come to expect no less though from a supposed respected institution who I know are still telling people, who were being assessed as accredited breeders by KC, that they 'will obviously be getting rid of the bitch now' after she'd had her op ...so according to the KC there is no chance the breeder might actually want to keep the beloved bitch as it's also their pet or that they might actually be preserving the lines by limiting litters. Appalling attitude by the very institution that claims to be promoting good standards and responsible ownership. I do think as was posted in another thread that a move to register breeders in QLD via govt and welfare lines...like places such as RSPCA is a step in the right direction ...I know if I was moving to QLd and were to breed another litter in the future I'd be more than happy for my place to be inspected, any litters to be seen, parents to be seen, etc and to answer any queries. As someone who has bred Huskies and produced two exceptional litters of pups in both physique and temperament, all of whom were cared for to very high standards, and all of whom who went to fabulous families.... I point blank have refused to consider joining an organisation like the KC that is in effect a bunch of hypocrites, even though yes I and my dogs could be eligible. My former breeding pair (although I have never seen them as being this per say) are my babies and now they have done their breeding ...they both have had their ops which was my choice to restrict them to 2 litters only... my female dog isn't some 'breeding bitch' who churns out litters year after year...she and my male produced their stunning pups and they will remain with me for life. They were my babies before they were bred and they still are my babies, who I've always wanted to have for their entire lives. Yes I do have one of their pups, she is very much representative of the absolute best of her parents and of their past generations ....will I breed her one day ? Maybe but that doesn't change that she's also my baby for life ...in effect she is my beloved grandpup first and foremost ...would i ever part with her no not for all the tea in China....Would I ever go back and miss the experience from her and her siblings conception to birth and onwards to life....again not for all the tea in China. Her mum is my baby girl and her dad is my baby boy and to share my baby girl's pregnancies was an absolute honour and a huge blessing in my life. I do take exception to people putting all breeders in the puppy farm category who choose not to be part of the KC as I am certainly someone who takes great care. There are some good ones and yes unfortunately some very bad ones. The example in the OP is just appalling and yes should be stamped out. I personally would not restrict this though to just puppy farms some breeders need to change their thinking about what they are doing with inter breeding and yes even cross breeding. I personally think the so called 'designer dogs' are examples of breeding gone wrong ...some breeds just shouldn't be mixed ....one that comes to mind for me is the Pomsky....really a Pommeranian and a Husky??? and that mix isn't likely to produce health problems and limited life span for that dog ...I am sure it will and yet time and again you see people ohhing and ahhing over them with no concept of the very real chance of huge vets bills going along with owning such a dog. I personally feel there is a place for both breeding and for rescue ...I often do not comment on such threads as they usually become heated and have found many people who think rescue is the only way ....and whom all to ready to jump down the throats of even responsible breeders. I feel people who for their own often very valid reasons decided to adopt or yes buy a puppy from a responsible breeder should not be made to feel they have done something bad...I know the 11 families who now have one of my pups were all excellent choices for them and the individual pups. They are their family members, all grown into beautiful family dogs now, and were never bred for something as pointless as dog shows or to wave a piece of paper around. I've done both over my life, ie adopt rescues and bred dogs, and would say it depends on circumstance. It's easy to condemn someone when you know nothing of their circumstances and life...sometimes a rescue dog just ins't the right choice for that person or family. I'm sure I'll be shot down in flames ....I've found anything to do with such areas is always an emotive subject lol but this rare time I felt I'd comment briefly with some of my own thoughts and experiences. cheers Mary-Anne

Hi again, You are making assumptions here that some things are not the same when moving to Australia from the UK as opposed to moving from Australia to the UK. At the time I moved from Aus to the UK I also looked into my then fiance moving to Aus from UK ...so yes I was aware what was the same and what was different. I looked into it both ways so yes some requirements are very much the same. As an aside ....I ended up moving to the UK instead of him moving to Aus as at that time he had been caring for his ill father in the UK ....his father passed away suddenly and I felt it would be too much upheaval for him to come to Australia so offered to move to the UK instead. That is how I came to be in the UK instead of him moving to Australia. Things have changed in my life since then, my marriage split up a few years back, and that is why I am now returning home to Australia. I am in no way invalidating your experience by speaking of my own ....however I feel you have been nothing but disrespectful of my own experience in return and are making assumptions that I know nothing about the process of going to Australia. What is pointless is continuing to talk with someone who point blank will not acknowledge that others in this very thread have had different experiences from yourself and used different options. The very reply above yours from another poster confirms that there can be very valid reasons for supplying that medical information with the application, after seeking information from the medical people at the consulate, no matter whether you are going to Aus or to Britain. With respect I repeat we shall agree to disagree....my intention was to give the OP some feedback regarding my own experiences and to pass on the advice to contact the very people who could give the advice he was asking for in advance of him putting his application in ...which yes can save time. cheers Mary-Anne

Hi ya, Just to clarify my comment about getting the info from your doctor ....was after me seeking advice from the UK consulate ie phoning up and talking to the medical people there, PRIOR to submitting my visa application. It was indeed helpful, and was something they advised me to do, prior to submitting my application....The consulate interviewer did not need to refer me back to medical once they had my application with that documentation because they already had all the medical information. Perhaps it is different, as yes I was going from Australia to the UK at the time ....however I still feel it was easier to get that info from my doc beforehand, to submit it with my application, and yes was advised to do that by the very medical people who would making that assessment.....so no not a requirement but a strong recommendation from the consulate themselves. As some said above it's a good idea to get some professional advice from the very people who make those decisions ....Yes it took me quite some time to get to speak with the person who could give me the correct advice BUT it was worth it knowing what else might be required beforehand. Respectfully I disagree with you saying there is no point getting anything from your docs beforehand ....there is a very valid point in doing that as long as you know exactly what will be required ...and that can be found out prior to submitting the application by speaking to the medical people. Was just my experience and not trying to 'lead anyone up the garden path' so to speak. cheers Mary-Anne

Hi Ben, Can relate to this very much. I had just finished a year's Cancer treatment in my home of Australia when I was planning my then move to the UK with my then British future husband, this was back in end of 2003, and I was very worried as I thought there was a snowballs chance of me passing any physical at that time due to all the treatments and drugs that would have still been in my system. I rang up and eventually spoke to a lovely gentleman about it prior to putting my application in ...As written above he told me to get got a letter from my oncologist regarding it all, to verify that I was considered clear and only needing check ups, and to send it all in with my application. When it came to my actual interview the UK lady had all the information before her and the only question was... if the UK required it of me would I be willing to take out private health insurance? I said yes I would and that I had already looked up who provided that. End result was I didn't need to do that as yes they were satisfied that barring any reoccurence of my Cancer I would only need the follow up check ups periodically so they didn't see that as anything out of the ordinary or extra than anyone else might need. It pays off to be completely honest, I certainly wasn't trying to hide anything, and my visa was approved at the end of that very same interview. ....I will never forget being granted permission for my UK driver's licence picture allowing me to wear headgear in the picture ...in my case a scarf ....reason being my hair took a long time to grow back, at the time I was still pretty much bald, and I was upset to think I'd have to carry a bald pic of me for years ... I went to see the DVLA when I was changing my Aussie licence to a UK one ....the DVLA and the UK police agreed it was under the circumstances permissable for me to be exempt from the no head covering in pictures and accepted a picture of me with a scarf on. Small kindnesses but it meant a lot to me at the time. Am glad to read you have been given an all clear, I've been clear for 12 years now too, and I hope it all goes well with you. Just be honest and get that documentation from your docs. I appreciate this is the reverse situation however some things are very reciprocal with the UK and Aus I'm heading home to Australia in May this year cheers Mary-Anne

lol I know I shouldn't laugh but the face plant story gave me a chuckle :notworthy: As you can imagine my 3 being Huskies have immense pulling power when they put their minds to it...if they got loose they could go for miles and miles and miles....very true...I'm still debating whether to send their walking harnesses with them attached to their crates for their Dubai stopover ...haven't quite made my mind up yet ....on the one hand if they pulled or were in a panic their harnesses would help control them without the risk of choking them if leads are only attached around their collars / neck , on the other they get way too excited when they see the harnesses and them being contained in a crate they could injure themselves with excitement ....so I think it might cause more problems than it solves. Logically they won't be going far, and I have faith that the animal handlers are experienced in dealing with animals in transit. I know my lot will very much appreciate the break at the coolest time of the evening in Dubai and also the quietest time in terms of airport noise. They will be on their way again before it gets hot etc ....am not really too worried about whether they eat or not during the stopover but I know they will want water over the trip. Have begun using my practice travel crate so they are comfy in it, are easy to get in and out of it, and yep they have found and use their attached water bowls and settle down quickly. They relate their travel crate to something good happening (huskies strongly respond to positive reinforcement) which is exactly how I hoped they would relate being in it for periods of time. I guess my own studies in animal behaviour animal care and animal welfare help me quite a bit to evaluate their reactions. Of course I can't simulate the airport conditions however I feel every thing I can do to make them at ease will help...and I do keep in mind that it's but a tiny fraction of their whole lives ...only a day or so ...even with quarantine it's only a couple of weeks all told ....on that note I'd best get myself in gear as my furbabies are off down to the vets today for one of those very treatments we speak of lol cheers Mary-Anne

That's good similar here the owner of the surgery (ie chief vet) won't be there on last of the paperwork day BUT one of the other two will be...my dogs and myself know all 3 of them so that's cool. Same here I've got a few options around the district, all seem to be pretty good have been checking out their reps and talking to locals for feedback, so will go and see them in person once I'm there. So true for me I guess it's a bit unique in that I'm originally from Australia so i'm going back to what I used to be used to ...if that makes sense lol My vets over here as in UK have seen me through so many things from having to put my cat to sleep through to my dogs 2 litters of pups being born and all sorts of stuff in between and since so yep I will miss them and their care for my animals ....I just hope my new vets have the same level of care compassion and love for my animals....yep I freely admit I'm fussy when it comes to my vets ....I always think of a quote I saw somewhere that goes like 'If I entrust my dogs to your care for even one minute that means you are a special person ' cheers Mary-Anne

Hi Pat, Glad to read you've got your quarantine dates now :wink: Like yourselves my lot are coming into the strict schedule time, have just literally sat down with my vets again this week and made sure we've got all the dates and times right ....very glad my vets surgery has 3 OV's ....so don't have to stress or take them to anywhere else ....I know one of them will be there for each visit and be there to do all the paperwork for their health certs ....i also know as much as is humanly possible they will get it spot on ....am going to miss my vets surgery in the Uk heaps, they have been fabulous to my furbabies through so many things over the years . I have told them more than once that I think they should move the entire surgery down under too!! :laugh: cheers Mary-Anne

So many gorgeous furbabies love seeing them all My trio of Sibes who are heading for Oz this May My big boy daddy Snowy in his practice crate ...using this crate to get them all used to crates before their long trip Mummy Meeka ...taken this week playing with a good friend's daughter. Last but certainly not least Snowy and Meeka's 'baby' Asil the pup

Hi Ya, This may help or not as I've no idea where in Perth you are located. Many years ago I transported my cat from Perth to the UK and used a local Perth based company ...they are out at Wattle Grove ....southwest of Perth Airport within easy distance http://www.pawsclawsandbeaks.com.au/. I just looked them up again (yes I know sad but even though my cat is now all these years later no longer with me I still have all his papers including his original UK transport papers) and they are still going. They do both boarding and pet transport (their Pet Transport side is called Pet Express). I would be more than happy to reccommend them as a place that may be worth you calling I admit i have no idea of their current costings so I do not know if they might be viable etc ...what I can say is they did a fantastic job of moving my cat all the way through the process and he arrived safely and in excellent condition in the UK ...they are very caring and look after the animal's well being. Hope that might help cheers Mary-Anne

Good luck hope you get your furbabie's confirmation very soon. Yes, it certainly does takes a fair bit of co-ordination and planning, especially when there is multiple moves. We based timings around the dogs being able to move and when they come out of quarantine etc. My folks also have a house move going on... with furniture etc coming across from their house over on west coast of OZ to our new place over east. Fingers crossed for you that you get your chosen quarantine time!!

Thank you Speakeasy, yes I truly do believe better days are ahead and I am very much looking forward to going home to Australia...not sure I'd describe myself as someone with wounds that need healing ....more as someone who has experienced many life changes, had many life experiences, lots of ups and downs, and someone who has gained some wisdom along the way. None of us know just how long we have on this mortal coil ...and yes perhaps given my own experiences, more than I have detailed here, the fragility and preciousness of life has been bought home to me yet again this last year and truly reminded me what really matters to me. It also goes to show that things really can get better even when at times it's not looking likely lol All the best Mary-Anne

Hi Pat, Might be able to shed some light on this as I had a similar query with my 3 who are booked in at Mickleham in May ...I have rung with a couple of queries (number to ring from the Uk is on the Australian Quarantine Website Phone: 1800 900 090 or + 61 3 8318 6700 (from outside Australia) ) and Australian Quarantine have been extremely helpful and looked up my application (did it online thru PEQ and Bicon) to see where it is at etc ....although it does say it is a 7 day turnaround ...I was told by them on the phone that this can take up around 20 days to get the confirmation. I would imagine yours will not be far away now maybe a week tops as mine did arrive at around 20 days. Once you do you can then move ahead with confirming the booking ...don't forget to check the dates... mine were the dates I requested... but they do say to check that the dates you requested are available!! Hope that helps cheers Mary-Anne *edited to add number to call

Hi Kelly Holmes, Your dilemma really touched my heart as I faced a similar one but in reverse...I am Australian been living in the UK for years but soon to return to Australia permanently. I have been separated from my ex (British Husband) for a number of years and I have found it just too difficult to find my feet again in the UK, both in work and social aspects. It just was not possible for me to get my own place in the UK so we have both had the extremely difficult situation of us both still living under the same roof. I also feel that as a foreigner here I've had the real problem of only getting so far in the workplace before my foreign nationality became an impediment to any upwards movement. I feel like I've tried my best but it's simply not the right place for me anymore ....It's been quite a few years of real difficulty for me on all levels and yes I have struggled to cope with it all. More than I wish to write down here on a public forum....But I will say... We almost lost my dad (in Australia) last year due to pneumonia bought on by a weakened immune system as a result of his Chemotherapy treatment. I had an 'emergency' trip out to OZ last year in August as his life truly hung in the balance. My mum also has severe RA (rheumatoid arthritis) and she struggles to do quite a lot of things. Prior to my dad's illness he did a lot for her but now he simply cannot. What it reminded me was that my family and indeed my own well being out weigh any loans or other considerations. One of my prime reasons for returning will be to take over as carer for both my now elderly parents and to give myself the opportunity to re-start my life back home close to my lifelong family and friends. I am also taking my 3 beloved dogs back with me, they are like my kids and my folks grandkids...I myself do not have any children (I myself had Cancer years back so the treatments for that rendered that unlikely). None of this would be possible without my folks who are paying for myself and my dogs to come home at last. We have purchased a wonderful new house back in my dad's hometown (my folks myself and my dogs will be living there ) and yes we are all looking forward not backwards. As my mum says Every place you live in teaches you something ...and she's right...I have learned a lot living here in the UK and no I don't regret coming over here ...but it's time to move forward and to shut the door on the past. I too have the situation that I have loans in the UK that will not be cleared prior to me leaving. I have every intention of paying these off sticking to the established schedule and indeed will be transferring monies periodically from Aus to the UK to cover those direct debits that are already in place. I truly wish you the best and I'm sorry to read that Australia did not treat you kindly. I guess all I wanted to say is you need to do what's best for you hun, your family needs you and you need your family....don't let any existing loans be the priority. Sometimes it is hard to walk a mile in someone elses shoes but sometimes people understand more than you think they might cheers Mary-Anne

Just put this link up in another thread ....this gives details as to the Dubai Airport transfer services for Animals. Many Animals transit Dubai on their way to Australia ...my 3 are flying out from Manchester to Dubai then on to Melbourne in May I also wanted them to have a longer transit break in Dubai, they are having a 10 hour stopover, arrive late at night into Dubai and they will leave mid morning.... due to them being big dogs I felt they will need a bit of a stretch Hope this link helps Thought this link might give some needed info on what happens during transit at the Dubai Airport Animal Centre and what options for Animals etc "DKC is the exclusive, official Animal Handler for Emirates and dnata, providing animal care management on behalf of these two organisations for the countless animals which transit through Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) each year... for your pets of all kinds and an endless variety of small and large exotics." http://www.dkc.ae/what-we-do/global-...port-oversight

Thought this link might give some needed info on what happens during transit at the Dubai Airport Animal Centre and what options for Animals etc "DKC is the exclusive, official Animal Handler for Emirates and dnata, providing animal care management on behalf of these two organisations for the countless animals which transit through Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) each year... for your pets of all kinds and an endless variety of small and large exotics." http://www.dkc.ae/what-we-do/global-relocations/transit-care-airport-oversight

You make a very good point ...I too think an animals age and general condition should be one of the factors in making the decision. I would not consider moving animals that were older or that I felt could not cope with the transition. My 3 dogs are all of ages and conditions that are conducive to a successful move...the oldest will be 5 and 1/2 , the middle one will be 3, the youngest will be just about to turn 1 when they go....funnily enough her first birthday will be in Mickleham quarantine maybe they might give her a special treat lol. My 3 are a family group ...dad mum and one of their pups. It was also a factor for me years back in moving my cat then to the UK ...he was at a good age to do that at that time around 4 years old...however would I have moved him back if he were still alive now ?? No he would not cope with it at 16 years so the choice would be simple. He would remain here and be cared for.

I think each personal situation is individual ....reading some of the comments in this thread some people seem to exclude any possibility that it just might be in the animals best long term interests to go along with their family. In some cases that is the best option for both the animals and the people and it's both a head and heart decision. A pet is for life... I feel the whole process of transporting a pet represents but a tiny amount of time in reality of a pets entire life...a few weeks as opposed to all the years ??? For me it's a no brainer ....I wouldn't leave my furry kids...in a way they are being re -homed ...to a new better home that just happens to be still with me and my family in another country. I know they will have a better life where they are going, in both my head and heart, and yes I understand that in order to do this they have to go through a process that carries a small degree of risk, and a degree of unfamiliarity, but for me, my family, and them it's worth doing. Whilst some will always choose not to understand why people might choose to do this or choose to re home etc ....in the end it's a decision only the persons involved can make on the behalf of their animals ....They have all the facts of their situation most times we do not. As someone said above "Only you the owner, knows what's best for the dog" I think it's just a matter of respecting their choice, their decisions, and to remember that most have good outcomes...things like the original story are the exception rather then the rule.

Hi ya moved from Perth to the Uk years back and about to do the reverse and heading back home to Australia from the UK. I used Grace Bros for my move to the Uk and am going with Santa fe Wrigeways for my return. I have been well impressed by both companies, Grace were fantastic for my move to the UK. I had to ask them do the packing for me as at the time I was recovering from a major illness....I cannot fault them they took great care and this included some difficult heavy items (such as 6 seater marble dining table ). All arrived safely and I was kept well informed. Santa Fe Wridgeways are a company that has moved me and my family many times over the years all over Australia from one side to the the other ...we moved around a lot due to my dad's work so have a fair bit of experience in packing up homes...again we have no hesitations in choosing them to move me back to Australia, and to move my folks gear from Perth to Mulwala in NSW. I am sure they will do an excellent job this time too. Hope that helps cheers Mary-Anne

I do empathise with the dogs owners in these cases, I also feel for the others involved. I do think sometimes these days it's too easy to go online and vent when perhaps in times of intense emotions and grief .... I would also say that perhaps the owners of the dog felt that were not receiving enough compassion from Jetpets and or the Airline who flew the dogs....it's a very difficult place to be for all involved. I also think this is a bit 'sensationalised' by the 'West' ...the full autopsy results into the dogs death aren't even in yet....something not untypical in my experience myself being very familiar with decades of stories from the West Australian Newspaper. It does sound like the snub nosed breed who unfortunately died may have gotten into respiratory distress, perhaps the summer season in Australia is also an added factor here. It can bring an increased risk when transporting these particular types of dogs and it is why airlines do choose not to transport them. The retriever who lost it's toenails it does sound like it got into 'panic' mode ...I wonder how familiarised it was to being in a crate prior to transport? I guess being put on flights to anywhere ....it's just not something most dogs do every day and yes there will be some who don't cope as well and some who unfortunately pass away. I'm moving my 3 in May from the Uk to Melbourne ...albeit no I'm not with Jetpets ...I guess all I can offer you is some moral support and say no this story has not put me off flying my furbabies out nor would it put me off Jet Pets. I do think it's unlikely they will be found to be negligent in their degree of care ...of course that is no salve to those upset fur baby owners. Best of luck and think positive ...these are the exceptions rather than the rule me thinks cheers Mary-Anne

Hi Ya, What a gorgeous furbaby Just thought I'd pipe up here with a few thoughts...I was born in Melbourne, also lived in Perth for many years. I am returning to Australia (albeit not Perth) but to the border of NSW and Victoria this May after living in the UK for a number of years...and yes I will be bringing my 3 Siberian Huskies (mum dad and their pup) home with me. My brother still lives in Perth and one of his best friends also has a Siberian Husky. As the two breeds, Husky and Malamute, are very similar, face similar issues, I thought I might be able to give you a few thoughts. I'm taking my 3 into Australia in May ...that would be Autumn season in Australia for my dogs ...I felt this was a very good time to move them ...they will be in that trans-season time over here too being Uk springtime ...so no full winter coat no full summer shed and time for them to grow it over the Aussie winter and then time to de-shed before their first aussie summer hits. I'm sure you know all about the big coat sheds too. 2 out of my 3 are going through a coat shed at the moment. Thinks it's been quite mild a winter for them ...wet but not cold....so they figure well don't need my double coat right now lol My 3rd one (the pup) still has her full coat ...she's not quite experienced all the seasons yet as she's only 8 months odd old as I write this. My dogs were a huge consideration when we were looking at properties and also whether the neighbourhood was a dog friendly area (it is ) Our new home has a very large fully enclosed back yard with their own separate gate at the side. Huskies are well known escape artists so had to look at under the structure of the fences, plus over the fences. We are putting in snake type mesh around the fence edges and extra trellis work on top to bump up the height. There is some there already we are just adding to it. Just this week my mum was at Bunnings and we think we've found the ideal stuff for the trellis work. The dogs will also have their own shelter on one side of the house where their kennels will be siuated, there is a pergola and side carport within the backyard, lots of lawn areas out the back, a water tank, sandpit, and lots of shade from a couple of great well established trees. Below it was mentioned about the clam shaped kiddies pools ...in my experience this is a godsend for dogs ...even over here in the UK my lot use them in Summer to cool their paws and have a splash around. Be aware you will need to keep an eye on even the temp of the water in those little baths as in the height of summer this can get hot too not to mention stagnant quickly. We also getting them some doggie cooler beds for the long hot summer. They are slightly raised off the ground and provide good air flow around your dog. As someone else said ice cubes are also good and they love to play with them too. I agree that it's wise to be very aware of the temperatures when walking the dogs so early morning and later at night...both for their paws (the ground gets very hot and can stay hot for quite a time) and their own body temp. One of my three is also a White dog albeit with a black nose so special attention needed there. I notice in your pic your Mal has a bit of the pink nose so keep an eye on that in Summer and the tips of the ears. Perth around the coastal areas has the advantage of the 'fremantle doctor' breeze which often blow in during the afternoons. So those west suburbs are in general cooler areas than the suburbs on the eastern side due to the westernly wind coming in regularly off the Indian ocean. On the east side of Perth you can get very hot easterly winds blow in which if you think about it are coming in off the desert so to speak ...so temps can get a bit higher outside around those suburbs. Air con helps balance that out and keep everything cooler ....although some will still struggle if there's ongoing periods of intense heat which can happen occasionally in Perth. There is a dog beach and it used to be just south of Scarborough Beach ...sort of between there and Floreat beach...not sure if it's still located there ...my brother still takes his dogs to the dog beach as do his friends take theirs am assuming that's where they go but there's defo still one around Perth. Years back I used to take my friends German Shepherd there for a swim and a run etc. On average it's quite manageable with a bit of thought. South of Perth is also milder and heading down further into towns such as Mandurah or Rockingham or even further south like Bunbury Busselton are generally a bit cooler in Temp. I think one of the misnomers about Perth is it's always hot ...it's not Perth gets winters too and yep it can get cold and wet. I'm fortunate enough to be moving to an area that has some wonderful walks available for me and my dogs. Also there's the option in winter to head for the Snow Personally I do not let my dogs off lead, or harnesses in their case, unless it's in an area designed for that purpose and fully enclosed. I wouldn't like to try and get my Huskies back if they got it into their head to go for a run they can go for miles....would need a motorbike or car to catch up with them lol I also think I'd not like them to barrel anyone over or to get into anyone's farm etc. They are a large dog breed, Malamutes even bigger, so I think it's just a matter of mutual consideration. I've had experience with many different breeds of dogs over the years. Including some of the smaller breeds ...used to have Shih Tzu's and Terrier type dogs. I've has plenty of little dogs front up to my Huskies and try and have a go at them, luckily my lot are very placid in nature and just look at them like what's your problem ?? lol ....I've always thought ....hang on mine are on lead yours is not so whose dog isn't under control ?? I do understand though about little dogs and big dogs ....Huskies do like to play and what is normal play for them might look over the top to others. My three love romping around together and and yep it is quite a sight but that is part of their nature to play like they do. I'm very aware of such things and that's why I always keep the leads on and assess it before going into any area such as dog parks ...I'm sure many other Husky / Mal owners can relate. Little true story one of the pups I bred (yes I have bred Huskies too)....this story from his new owners ...got attacked as he was entering a dog area by a smaller dog who was off lead....this was after the owners of the Husky asked the owner of the other dog is he ok am I ok to bring mine in etc? Turned out he wasn't despite the owners assurances that he was fine ... and as soon as he entered the other dog attacked....end result the young Husky got a nasty wound to his groin, as did his dad to his hand in trying to get the other dog off his ...and a large vet bill. On the good side he recovered both physically and phychologically.... but I guess all I'm trying to say is sometimes if it's dogs that don't know one another nothing can be certain even if nothing has ever happened before ...and it's always a good idea for all to use lead until you can assess the individual reactions regardless of size or breed. Sometimes just because a dog looks big doesn't mean they are an adult dog ...the story I was relating above the pup looked like a fully grown dog but of course he was still a pup only a few months old. And sometimes even the most placid of dogs can react in a different way to the way that dog would normally react if its different dogs people places etc. Hope these help, just my thoughts off the top of my head, and best of luck to you and your gorgeous furbaby cheers Mary-Anne (Snowy Meeka and Asil send Husky Hugs too)

Hi Lisa, Different companies include different services, some provide complete services as in look after everything, some not and the different quotes will reflect these differing services. In other words it depends on what you require them to do as to the total cost. If you want a simple figure then I'd recommend checking with the companies that do all inclusive packages. In my case I was happy to organise my dogs vets visits tests etc, do the import and export permits, booking Australian quarantine booking, and organising their transport from quarantine to their new home myself. I have 3 large Husky dogs going out from the north west of the UK to Australia in May 2016. For me my transportation is costing £5330 for all 3 Huskies ...this includes getting the dogs from my Uk home to manchester airport, their IATA travel containers, plus all costs associated with their flights and leaving UK ie export costs etc ....also any needed co-ordination with quarantine and Uk exports at Carlisle prior to departure etc. I have been very happy with the level of help, support, and advice I've received from my transport company ... which is Animal Airlines...they have been just fantastic all the way along and I'm confident it will all go well.....yes my gut instinct but somehow I just know this and yes it makes a difference when you can feel confident with your choices lol Thing I'd suggest you need to factor in to total cost .... hope these will help you in figuring it out a bit -include the cost of all vets visits prior to departure and the cost of all tests vaccinations etc. This will also be affected by the size of your dogs and if you have them up to date at the start of the process...as you can imagine for me with 3 big dogs this is at the higher end of the scales...however I have done a lot of research prior and indeed printed it all off, sat down with my vets (there are several Govt approved OV's at the surgery so able to do all the work and to certify the dogs documentation), worked out timetables for the dogs and requirements for each, and so it's going very smoothly. I feel like I'm on the downhill run now and although yes it has been stressful the relief I feel and now excitement knowing they are set to go is great. feel a real sense of achievement To give you an idea of costs I have had : Rnatt tests and certificates around £100 per dog Vaccination boosters around £30 per dog....if your dogs vaccinations are up to date this will save some costs for blood tests for Leptospirosis ....their vaccination records will show you this and can be used to show they are current. My dogs are up to date, one went down yesterday for her booster and one will receive his booster in March prior to leaving. My other dog does not need this at all as she's not due for a booster until July. Worming and tick treatments around £30 per dog ..they will require 2 lots of these in the time coming up to departure. I'm also getting them treatment for kennel cough which will be up to date when they leave ..obviously due to them going into quarantine and being near other animals and as a preventative they are being given heartworm treatment...this is recommended by local vets in the area I'm moving to for dogs going to that particular area of Australia due to it being near a lake and mosquitoes. Again budget around £30 per treatment per dog. Cost of Australian import permits were around £500 - £600 for all 3 dogs Cost of quarantine stay ...see link for a guide as to current rates for dogs and cats ...in may case it is x 3 dogs Cost of domestic trasportation in Australia $465 AUD from their release in quarantine to NSW via road...I do not need them to be flown as where I'm going to be living in just across the border into NSW ...a couple of hours drive north from Mickleham quarantine. I felt it best to get them transported directly from quarantine to their new home ...as I know they will be over excited if they see me and that wouldn't be best given they have a road trip ahead. This way they will get to see me and their new backyard and can go as exuberant as they want lol I'm just putting a link here (hope this is ok) to the Australian quarantine costs page which will give you up to date costings...as yes this did change recently ...as did the normal hour collection times and out of hours fees http://www.agriculture.gov.au/cats-dogs/quarantine-facilities-and-fees/fees-for-government-animal-quarantine-faciltities Also this page from Australian Quarantine give you a great step by step guide http://www.agriculture.gov.au/cats-dogs/step-by-step-guides/category-3-step-by-step-guide-for-dogs To give you an idea my dogs are at step 8 currently and have all their appointments booked with their vets for the rest that will be required in the lead up to their departure date I hope these help and don't be afraid to ring around and get quotes. I have found all have been good and helpful. Pick the one who suits your needs cheers Mary-Anne