Jadehanna Ranch

Domestic Export

When it comes to domestic animals (cats and dogs) there are two ways of exporting. You can either arrange travel yourself directly through the airlines ( British Airways are good ) or go through an export agency. The only advantage could see with doing it yourself was that you maybe able to save yourself a little bit of money. If you do it this way, once you have called the airline and booked a space for your pet on the aircraft you need to organize a crate. The crate needs to be within airline standards and BIG enough for your animal, don't scrimp on this, as this will be their home for several hours. Before departure you must also check with the Ministry of Agriculture what vaccinations your pet will need i.e. rabies or they may need to be micro chipped. Any paperwork you have try and make copies so the originals can travel with you and the copies can travel on your pets crate, unless originals are required to travel with him, again the airline will tell you what they need.

Then on the day when you get to the airport you can book your pet in with your cases as excess baggage, someone will then come and collect your pet and take them through to prepare him for travel. They will give him water and if he is friendly take him out to the toilet. Whilst still booking in make sure you check with the attendant where you will have to pick up your pet from when you you have landed. Some airports do tend to take your pet off airport so you will either need to consider getting a taxi or your hire car first.
 
If you go through an export agency a lot of the work is done for you. You just need to advise them of the date of travel and your flight number if you are travelling with them and they do the rest. They arrange space on the aircraft, crates and paperwork. Regarding the crate the agency will need you to measure your pet and they will advise you the size of the crate you will need and they will have it made for him. A representative of the agency will arrange to meet you at the animal center or a well known place to collect your pet for you. They will then place him in his crate in the back of the van. They will take him through customs and stay with your pet until he boards the plane. The rest is up to you the other end !
 
Regarding animals like birds and tortoises you need to speak to the Ministry of Agriculture first. These type of animals always come with rules and regulations and will more than likely need quarantine when they enter the country. As this is a lot more difficult to arrange, make sure you give your self extra time, and I'm talking months as it is quite a long process.
Be prepared - You may have to make a few phone calls to get the information you want !