Anyone bring a pet w/o using pet transporter?
By Expat Sueño •
When we moved from Australia to the U.S. we opted out of using a pet transporter (US$1,500ish) and instead simply did it ourselves (US$150). It was no big deal whatsoever and there was certainly no difference to our dog; he was in the same crate and on the same plane that the transporter would have used.
Is there any reason that we really need to use a transporter to get our pet to get him to Doha? He's not a prohibited breed or anything like that. . .and he's all of 28lbs, if it matters.
Thanks,
Expat Sueño
I agree with Moonbeam. You probably could do it yourself for a lot less than using a pet relocator, but unless you know the ins and outs, it may be easier for your peace of mind to use a relocator service. Most of the struggles and hassles I experienced has to do with booking and travel confirmation for the dogs- things I had to sort out on my end with Qatar Airways. Once I had that sorted, it was very easy for me to get of the plane, collect the dog and have the dog delivered to my home in Doha. If there were to be any problems or confusion it would have been for the service to handle- not me. After a 12 hour flight and lost luggage it was great not to have to worry about the dog as well.
I used Doha Vets relocation service. They were fantastic!!! They came through for me in a pinch and were fast, pleasant and efficient. Even if their actual cost was $50, they were well worth whatever profit they made.
There is no reason why you cannot do it yourself. I have relocated my dogs over three continents all on my own with just minor assistance getting paperwork done on the destination end for peace of mind.
If you've never done it before and don't know the 'in and outs' I recommend a professional; because if you miss something......well, you're in trouble. Which is exactly what happened when I did my first relocation with my cat. I trusted what my husbands company said....no quarantine in Bahrain....etc etc....and when I arrived with my 18 year old cat at the airport he got shoved into the boot (trunk) of a sedan car (!) by the government vet and thrown into quarantine in the middle of nowhere! All this when I was a newcomer to Bahrain and didn't even know how to drive around the country.
On our site, you'll find some information; but in the end it's up to. Pet relocators have the experience and knowledge of the latest regulations, something that most of us do not. That is why it helps to get their help so to speak.
Site: http://www.freewebs.com/qatarpets/
Good Luck on your move.
I recently brought our 14 lb. dog over without the use of a pet relocating service. I paid a ridiculous amount for shipping her because I wanted her to go on our flight which was arranged by my husband's company.
I think you could do it. The biggest hurdles I experienced were trying to deal with the airlines (British Airways - horrible customer service) in the States and then, upon arrival, realizing that my husband's company did not give him the original of the import permit, which was necessary.
In the end, you will have to use someone here local to clear customs, but I think we paid him 200 riyals - around $50 - to negotiate with the customs officials here.
With a little legwork, you can definitely do it yourself!
see if these guys can answer your query; http://www.qatarpetrelocators.com/
under residents guide to qatar on the bottom right of your screen. Loads of info listed there.
Not really, cos after I got here I was reading on the intranet of my company that they arrange import permits for QR10! Of course you would have to do to customs bit yourself once the cat is here, but you would have to do that anyway if you'd be bringing your pet as accompanied luggage. Contact Qatar Airways (or whatever airline you'll be using) and ask them if you can do the export yourself. It can save you lots of money!
Also contact your company (or your hubby's), they are likely to handle the import permit for you.
I guess I have to investigate a bit more to find out. . .
Expat sueno, I guess people use pet relocators just because they don't know they can do it themselves!
I wish someone had told me I could do it myself before coming. I had to pay twice, once back home (I was informed by Qatar Airways I had to use an export agent over there) and once here. Only if I knew I could have done it myselfe...
Hehehehe :D
240Gallon of tank? Awesome!!
Awaa, i also like cats but females, lol!
See u soon
Bubyee
"You can imprison a Man, but not an Idea. You can exile a Man, but not an Idea. You can kill a Man, but not an Idea." BENAZIR BHUTTO
Do it yourself its always cheaper
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I used to have heaps of aquariums -- including a 240gallon tank (not sure of that in liters, but it's the size of a coffin!). Had a couple of cats as well, but had to relinquish those to a friend when I got married because hubby is allergic to them.
At this point, my kids are my wildest animals!
Expat Sueño
Hi Sueno. I dunt have any answer of ur question but i think u just love pets :)
Dog, Fishes, what else u have?
"You can imprison a Man, but not an Idea. You can exile a Man, but not an Idea. You can kill a Man, but not an Idea." BENAZIR BHUTTO