Pets to the UK

[Mollie the cat]

A friend of mine is relocating to the UK, they have a lovely dog which they initially could not take back however, they can now take it back. The problem they have is that they may be moving in a months time, apparently it takes up to 4 months to get a dog back, is that information correct? If that is right he has no idea what to do with the dog.

[Dalartokat]

Maybe you should pose your question to KAR.

[fatouche]

The lady to speak to is Kim in the KAR officesvin Karakum. She organises the transport of pets back to the UK. It does take months though as they need to have a series of immunisations.

[Mollie the cat]

Thank you for your replies, he did speak with KAR they were less than helpful unfortunately!

[fatouche]

That's why you need to speak to Kim at the office. I went to see her with a friend a few weeks ago, and she knows all the regulations and prices involved.

[genghis]

Best to check with experts but I asked my vet about the rabies jab and subsequent lab check and was told it all takes TWO months.

[Muad_dib]

They need,amongst others,2 rabies jabs,2 or 3 weeks apart,then bloods have to be sent to Scotland to check immunisation.If all ok they can travel after 3 months.KAR sorted everthing out once vet had done jabs and drawn blood.On top of vets fees I think it was 80TL to send the blood and £50 for the test.When you get the blood/serum make sure you have enough as 3 of ours didn't so had to go through the stress of getting them back to the vet for more blood.

[Mollie the cat]

Thank you, most helpful.

[sophie]

Molliethecat. Sorry that you weren't happy with initial response from KAR. Sadly some if the Vets here are woefully ignorant of the European laws and take a guess. Kim in the KAR office is the TRNC expert on transportation of animals too and from Europe and I would be very suspicious of anyone who questioned her expertise. Good luck.

[ifonly]

Does your friend have anyone who can look after the dog while it is being prepared ? The vet visits will not be many ( 2 for rabies, 1 for blood test and 1 just before it flies). Your friend could even maybe start the process (including completing the paperwork) before he/she has to return to the UK. The process to get a pet ready for the EU/UK does take apprx 4 months from the 1st rabies vacs.
If not then it may be that the dog will need to go into boarding - but that is going to push the prices up.
The only other (legal) alternative would be to send the dog to UK quarantine - again the costs will be pushed up considerably.

I know some pet owners who have no immediate plans to move away from the TRNC but have had their pets prepared - just in case. Once they are prepared (chip,rabies vac,blood test) and the post blood test 3 month waiting time has passed then, providing the rabies boosters are kept up to date with no gaps in the dates - the blood test will remain valid and they are ready to go if they need to at short notice.
Sorry i know this part doesn't help your friend right now and hopefully they will find someone who will look after the dog so they can be reunited in the UK when the dog is ready to travel.

[sammydavis]

Ifonly, such sensible advice. When taking on a dog or cat, it would be sensible right away if possible to get them Rabies vaccinated etc just in case of having to go back to UK etc. Also all other necessary vaccines done.