Pet Shipping Company Suggestions?
Posted by nillyislost@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 5 comments
Hello, I am trying to help a friend out with relocating to the UK, and part of that is figuring out how to ship their 75 pound, 8 yr old, German Shepherd from Michigan to Edinburgh, Scotland. Thus far I've figured that Lufthansa is the airline to probably go with, as they fly from Detroit to Edinburgh, and the UK government allows this airline to ship pets to Edinburgh. But as for what company to choose from to take care of shipping the dog, I'm not really sure. I've been recommended IAG cargo, and have submitted a form to receive a quote from them. Are there any other companies someone here might have experience with? I'm really trying to hit a balance between affordability and quality of care for the dog. He's a really friendly fellow, used to traveling long hours in a cramped car, but never in a cargo hold of a 16 hr flight across the atlantic.
Ball_Drogos_Lady@reddit
My husband and I used a company called Across The Pond Pets to help with moving our two dogs from Oregon to Spain. I honestly can't recommend them enough. Lufthansa or Condor are the airlines to go with.
nillyislost@reddit (OP)
Oh really, how much did that set you back?
Ball_Drogos_Lady@reddit
We had figured out all the flight stuff on our own and had the dogs on our same flights, so we used them to manage all the paperwork, vaccines, coordinating with USDA and vets, etc. And we paid under $400. However, they have options where they manage everything, like coordinating flights for the dogs, etc. If you want, you can PM me, and I can share details on our experience moving to the EU with two dogs.
alloutofbees@reddit
IAG Cargo is a shipping company that works with specific airlines like Aer Lingus and British Airways. They're a third party that some airlines farm out their cargo handling to. They have their own facilities at airports and have an excellent track record with pets, but you wouldn't deal with them for Lufthansa. If you want someone to organise this and ensure everything is in order, you should be looking at pet relocation services, not cargo shipping companies. They are professionals who handle logistics for you and work with any airline. Trust me, with a large dog it is way better to pay someone experienced to make sure everything happens the way it needs to, and their fees are cheaper than a fuckup. Big dogs often need custom crates that have to be up to specific standards and cannot fly on just any route out of any airport due to aircraft sizes.
nillyislost@reddit (OP)
What general range in dollar amounts do you think that would cost, especially for his size and breed?