Singapore Expats

anybody successfully relocate a pet without a moving company

Discuss about life in Singapore. Ask about cost of living, housing, travel, etiquette & lifestyle. Share experience & advice with Singaporeans & expat staying in Singapore.
Post Reply
sonrisa
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 17
Joined: Thu, 30 Dec 2010 11:54 am
Location: usa

anybody successfully relocate a pet without a moving company

Post by sonrisa » Tue, 08 Mar 2011 4:36 am

Just curious if I can figure this out without a go-between. I'd rather not pay the money if I can do it alone but it seems like almost everyone uses a company. Has anybody done it without one and if so, do you wish you would've just paid for the help? Does a company (say-The Pet Hotel) deal directly with the airlines too or do they just help with the quarantine reservation and the AVA application?? thanks for your help

User avatar
k1w1
Reporter
Reporter
Posts: 665
Joined: Mon, 30 May 2005 8:20 pm

Post by k1w1 » Tue, 08 Mar 2011 9:32 am

For what it's worth, I moved my two cats out of Singapore. I tried to do it myself too and it became a total nightmare and ended up having to get someone to help. The paperwork is extremely difficult to get through and even if you think you know what you're doing (as I did) the last thing you want is to get to the airport and find out you were wrong...

Shop around though, and negotiate what you want an agent to do. The guy I used in the end reduced his fees as I'd already done the vet stuff, had the carry boxes and a couple of other bits. (I'd also called Singapore airlines for prices on shipping pets as cargo so I knew what the airlines were charging - so when I saw his quote, I knew he was being reasonable).

I would try and bring your pet as excess baggage. Seems like it is the cheapest way to do it.

sonrisa
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 17
Joined: Thu, 30 Dec 2010 11:54 am
Location: usa

Post by sonrisa » Wed, 09 Mar 2011 12:05 pm

Thanks for the info. I guess we better just go with help. Would you recommend using the person you did? And if so, can you let me know who you used? I don't think my dog can fly excess baggage because he is 75lbs. I think he has to go as cargo. I'd have to buy him a seat otherwise lol. Thanks for your help. There has got to be more people over there that have relocated with pets. I'd love to hear their info too!!

User avatar
maneo
Reporter
Reporter
Posts: 757
Joined: Sat, 15 Mar 2008 2:46 pm
Location: Tropical cosmopolitan island

Post by maneo » Sun, 13 Mar 2011 7:09 pm

"anybody successfully relocate a pet without a moving company?"

Yes.
Moved a 10 year-old Shih-Tzu/Maltese mix breed from China to SG a few years ago.

Ratpick_2000
Regular
Regular
Posts: 82
Joined: Sun, 12 Dec 2010 7:12 pm

Post by Ratpick_2000 » Thu, 17 Mar 2011 5:09 pm

It is possible in some cases - but in most you need assistance with the AVA authorities and quarantine booking on arrival. If you are exporting, then some countries have more stringent rules. In the UK, for example, all imports through Heathrow are handled by a single company (James Cargo) who arrange the import, ground transportation and clearance by DEFRA.

To answer your question regarding cargo, all animals into most countries must arrive as manifested cargo and thus clear customs. This is certainly true of the UK - not so sure about Singapore as we threw money at the problem when our spaniels arrived.

FYI we used Pet Movers who were (despite outward appearances and a Pasir Ris location) efficient and helpful throughout.

Good luck - I'm happy to try and help with further questions if you need.

scarbowl
Chatter
Chatter
Posts: 381
Joined: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 5:00 pm
Location: Singapore

Post by scarbowl » Thu, 17 Mar 2011 5:43 pm

We shipped our own cat via Lufthansa from Europe to Singapore. Arranged the pickup and quarantine with the Singapore authorities. Went with the a/c kennel which was more expensive.

Cat got sick, unfortunately, but they took GREAT care of him. And he lived. It was a bit of a hassle mostly with Lufthansa as they seemed never to have done this before.

But...we would do this again and it never crossed our minds to use a pet service.

Ratpick_2000
Regular
Regular
Posts: 82
Joined: Sun, 12 Dec 2010 7:12 pm

Post by Ratpick_2000 » Thu, 17 Mar 2011 5:53 pm

Most international carriers know exactly what they're doing - I'mm surprised to hear your experience with Lufthansa.

I wholeheartedly recommend Emirates and BA Cargo if you can use their network. The pets fly on the same aircraft as you - if you wish. Virgin Atlantic do this too but they don't have service to SG

If you do use Virgin, your pets earn airmiles to your account!

jostonusa
Newbie
Newbie
Posts: 6
Joined: Wed, 30 Mar 2011 4:00 pm

Post by jostonusa » Wed, 30 Mar 2011 4:11 pm

We imported our dog without hiring a pet moving company. We opted for the 10-day quarantine, which is a bit more work, but I didn't find the work incredibly arduous that you'd need to hire out the service. The most important thing is to know when you will be coming, then start the paperwork process - the shots, reserving quarantine space, the vet appointments. If you go on the AVA site, they are pretty explicit with everything each step of the way so just take it one thing at a time.

I have a small dog so I was able to bring her as carry-on from the US. I landed during CAPQ's off hours (Sunday evening) and so she was held overnight at the airport before being taken to the quarantine. I'm not sure what the pet movers can do for you that you couldn't do yourself honestly.

User avatar
QueenMinnie
Regular
Regular
Posts: 67
Joined: Wed, 19 Jan 2011 6:33 pm
Location: Singapore

Post by QueenMinnie » Mon, 09 May 2011 2:55 pm

My husband and I recently shipped our 2 cats from Australia to Singapore, and we decided to use Jetpet. We had everything organized for us, from picking up the cats from their cattery, to organizing vaccinations, to putting them on the plane and delivering them to our condo. All of our permits and passes got organized for us as well. We will definitely be using them again.

Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post

Return to “Staying, Living in Singapore”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests