Hardest part of moving to the UK

Well, it’s all hard.  I thought it would be all easy  (really I did – I am a REALLY good planner) but many parts are hard.  Saying goodbye to loved ones (who all act like you are moving to the moon as opposed to a country 6 hours away by plane), realizing you have to find a NEW fav book store/bike shop/local pub/burger joint, coming to grips with the fact that you actually do NOT need to transport your 7th grade passed notes.  All tough. 

But the WORST is figuring out the PETS passport regulations:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/procedures/owners.htm

My beloved Linus P Alexander has to stay with my family until Christmas when I come back for a visit. 

The rules are rigid as the UK has abolished rabies and is justifiably paranoid of it’s return.  If you violate any of the rules, they take your dog and put him in quarantine!  for 6 months!

So I followed the rules and, get this, THE RULES INCLUDE A 6 MONTH WAIT TOO!  I was hysterical for a couple days.  At least he will be with family, but still, I won’t wake up to his snorting face in mine, pleading to go out for a walk. 😦

So beware!  and follow the rules!

• Have your pet microchipped

  Before any of the other procedures for PETS are carried out, your pet must be fitted with a microchip so that it can be properly identified.

• Have your pet vaccinated

  After the microchip has been fitted your pet must be vaccinated against rabies. There is no exemption to this requirement, even if your pet has a current rabies vaccination

• Arrange a blood test

  After your pet has been vaccinated, it must be blood tested to make sure that the vaccine has given it a satisfactory level of protection against rabies.

• Get PETS documentation

  For animals being prepared in an EU country, you should get an EU pet passport. If you are preparing your animal in a non-EU listed country you will need to obtain an official third country veterinary certificate although note that Croatia, Gibraltar, Norway, San Marino and Switzerland are also issuing passports.

• Before your pet enters the UK, it must be treated against ticks and a tapeworm
  
  Your pet must be treated against ticks and tapeworms not less than 24 hours and not more than 48 hours before it is checked in with an approved transport company for its journey into the UK.

• Arrange for your animal to travel with an approved transport company on an authorised route

  Your pet must enter the UK from a listed country travelling with an approved transport company on an authorised route.

Linus says hi (snort).