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What to face on your journey back to the uk with your pets |
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Written by Sonia
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Lezsonja´s
Pet Corner
WHAT TO FACE ON YOUR
JOURNEY BACK TO THE UK
WITH YOUR PETS
Well we’ve been there, done it and got the tee shirt..
People are still trying to get their dogs back to the UK without proof of the 6 month blood test. You will not get across a Spanish or any other boarder concerned. Horror stories I've heard include people driving home to the UK only to be told in France "sorry you haven't got all the paper work you need" which means either you put your pet in quarantine in France or go back to Spain. Please check with your vet before your journey.
We travelled from Santander to Plymouth, a 22hr crossing, a long, long time when you don't do ships and the heavy rocking stuff. On checking in at the port you have to enter a lane for animals, where they check passports, paperwork and the chip number on the pet. I asked if they have to turn many animals away, I was told yes and that day alone 11 had been refused the right to travel. One dog, hidden in a caravan got through; they also had another dog and so passed through animal checks. When they got off at Plymouth they got past emigration with no problems, but then…. Oh no D.E.F.R.A (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs). D.E.F.R.A has to check every van, caravan, car and lorry that comes through with an animal. What did they find? A dog from Germany with no papers, no passport, no nothing! The outcome? 6 months in quarantine for the poochie stowaway, £500 to allow entry to the UK and then a daily fee of £15. A lot of dosh, that's why you must do it right the first time.
TIPS
When booking a ferry crossing with Brittany Ferries.
1. Dogs no bigger than spaniels are classed as small dogs. Remember you
will be expected to lift your small dog up into a top kennel, 4ft off the
ground. It is worth the extra money to kennel your dog into a larger ground level kennel unless your dog is tiny. Feeding bowls are supplied but you will need to take your dogs blankets or bedding. It is a good idea to NOT feed your pets 12hrs before the trip you can give them food once they are in the kennels and sailing.
2. They have facilities for water and walking your dogs. Wear flat shoes because it is cold, wet and windy and there are quite steep stairs to go up and down with no help.
3. The kennels are secure and you can visit and exercise your dogs as often as you want. When you book your dog into the kennels they give you a number and a swipe card for entering the kennels.
4. Make sure you take your booking form because they might try to put your dog in a small kennel.
5. Cats stay in your vehicle and the information desk will allocate you visiting times, twice at night and twice in the morning. You will not allowed entry to the car deck at any other time so DON'T MISS THE SLOTS!
6. When the boat is half an hour from port you will be called to collect your dogs from the kennel area and return them to your car. Don't wait until the last minute as it can be a rush when there are lots of dogs.
7. If you like your comfort you can also book a inside 4 berth cabin. If not then it's 2ft bunk beds!
8. If you require further details feel free to contact us on 677343653 or email
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9. Last but by no means least don't for get your sleeping tablets and sea sickness pills, (for owners not dogs).
Have a Happy Christmas and a better New Year from all at Lezsonjas Boarding Kennels.
Hope to see you soon
WOOF! WOOF!
Lezsojas kennels in Sax
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or call 677 343 653
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