We are moving to London and are well aware of the PETS scheme (e.g.
microchip, rabies shots, etc.) The only remaining issue is how to get
our 6 1/2 lb. Yorkie (Owen) into the UK without having him go in the
cargo hold of a plane. It seems as if, on flights from the US into the
UK, the pet must be in the cargo hold. The same is true for pets from
the US going into France. We would be willing to fly to another
country in Europe (if Owen can ride in the cabin with us) and then go
to the UK from there (either by car or chunnel, even charter flight.)
We were even willing to book a trip on the Queen Mary 2, until we
found out they no longer accept pets.

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Clarification of Question by jbro-ga on 01 Sep 2004 14:41 PDT

The most preferable solution would include us not being separated from
Owen. And a private jet from the US is not a viable solution, given
the extreme expense.

Hello -

You cannot fly directly from the US into the UK with a pet in-cabin
(unless it is a guide dog).  This is a governmental regulation and
applies to all flights.{1}

However, with a permitting airline, you *can* lawfully fly into Paris,
France with your dog in-cabin.  I've confirmed that Air France allows
this.  Their contact information is as follows:

Air France Agency
100 Pine Street, Suite 230
San Francisco, CA 94111-5104
Telephone: (800) 237 2747 (Reservations)

Price is $110 one-way from Boston, or $140 from any other point.  The
dog plus housing must be under 11 pounds.

From France there are a few non-flying options that you may use to get
to the UK.  Drive Alive is a company that specializes in such
travelling arrangements.  Here is a page that details various options
with pricing, along with what kind of access you will have to your pet
in the trip from France to UK:

http://www.drive-alive.co.uk/pet-travel.htm

Depending on the option you choose, you should be able to avoid
separation from your pet.  If you require any further information or
clarification, please don't hesitate to ask.

Thank you,

jbf777
Researcher
Google Answers


Sources, links and contacts
?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
{1} Washington Post
UPRIGHT AND LOCKED, Battle of Hastings II 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A27308-2004May14.html
    
    Also confirmed with Air France and: 
      Animal Port Houston 
      http://www.pettransport.com
      281-821-2244

Air France Pet FAQ
http://www.airfrance.com.cn/customer/faq/pets.htm
      
DEFRA - quarantine info
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/procedures/support-info/routes_europe.htm

A list of airlines accepting in-cabin pets
http://www.ramblincat.com/airlines.html

AATA - Animal Transportation Association
International Office
111 East Loop North
Houston, TX  77029
Tel:  713-532-2177
Fax:  713-532-2166
info@aata-animaltransport.org

---

Request for Answer Clarification by jbro-ga on 01 Sep 2004 17:21 PDT

Were you able to confirm that a dog can fly in cabin into Paris,
specifically from the US?

---

Clarification of Answer by jbf777-ga on 01 Sep 2004 18:52 PDT

Yes, specifically from the US.

jbf777

Hello jbro...

I know of a real cute yorkie who lives in London who, I bet, would
love to meet Owen!!! She is a young looking 14 yrs old though. Mabe
Owen likes *older* ladies???

Good luck with your move and I sincerely hope your trip goes well.

Steph53

Hi, Jbro

Easy!

You wear dark glasses, carry a white stick and get a special yellow
harness for Owen.

Also hang a compass round Owen's neck so that the airport officials
can see for sure that he really is a guide dog.

Welcome to England!

(Where we are all half crazy.)