Has anyone imported from the States recently?

I'm looking at driving over to Europe and flying from there to collect and fly back with pup in tow. (Pup is in Texas but potentially will be in Ohio from 8-15 weeks staying with a friend) Then head back to UK via the tunnel. Just looking for everyone's experiences re: airlines, direct v non-direct flights and costs?

Thanks

Kelly

Can't help with airline recommendations or costs but I do know that it's far cheaper to fly to Schiphol say than direct into the UK, avoiding our astronomical handling fees (£200 - £500!).

IIRC you're in Scotland aren't you? You might consider the Harwich to Hook ferry, it takes a lot out of the driving (obviously depending which airport you're flying into), their dog facilities are fantastic and you could get a sleep overnight (you can watch pup on the monitor in your room and visit as often as you like). A good sleep means an easier drive home without having to stop anywhere else overnight.

Edited to say I've use the H2H Stena ferry often with the dogs, while collecting a new puppy and to shows on the continent and I really like it. Here's my puppy in the small dog kennels, and exploring the room, and the exercise area on deck.

I'll be flying into Europe (somewhere) and driving back via the Tunnel. I cannot justify the ridiculous cargo costs to fly a pup directly to the UK, it's a joke!

I'm not keen on the ferry tbh as I feel a pup being on a plane for 10-15 hours is quite enough for them....but I will look into the Harwich to Hook facilities. I have had a pup on the Zeebrugge Hull route and I wasn't keen on it at all

And yeah up near Glasgow :D

I like the tunnel too, the only problem being the need to stop somewhere overnight, and with a puppy that isn't housetrained. Overnight on the ferry at least puppy has a bigger cage and you can let him/her out to play in the kennel room or on deck before going back into the car for another 6/7 hours.

I wouldn't use the Hull ferry either but Stena is completely different, I've added some pics. Collecting my pup was the only time I've used the small dog kennels, I also have pics of the large dog kennel room if you want them. I had to put my pup in the small dog room because his head fitted between the bars of the large cages

How long ago did you bring a dog in on the Pride of York from Zeebrugge ?

It was only back in October 2015 :)