[marc]

Hi ,

Getting cats out here was a relatively easy process. For all the paperwork needed in the UAE, use the Dubai Kennel and Cattery (DKC - do a google search, and you'll find them). They can sort everything out this end, including clearing them through immigration etc. sorting out their import documents etc. when they arrive. They will need copies of their pet passport etc, but give them a call from the start and they can inform you on everything. They were very reasonable and take all the worry away - well worth it!

As for the UK side of things, firstly cats need to get their passports, which means they have to be completely up to date with all their yearly booster injections and need a rabies shot and need to both be microchipped (get them to register their current address on the microchip, they can easily chance the details once they have arrived here). Once they have had their rabies shots, they have to go back about six weeks later to have a blood test to check the injection has worked (which 99% of the time it would have!). When all this is done, then they will receive their pet passports.

The next thing they need to do is contact their local DEFRA office (0207 904 6337 to find out) and they need to complete a EXA1 and a 3926 EHC animal export form. Let DEFRA know that the cats are coming to the UAE. This takes about two to three weeks to get the relevant paperwork back. However, they do need the flight details, send all the other info back and once flights are booked call them and they complete that bit for you. You receive everything within a week! Once you have done all that you need to take the cats to see a LVI registered vet (most vets will have at least one!)within 48 hours to have the cats checked as there is a bit of the back of the DEFRA export form for the vet to fill in which will need to be seen by the relevant airline (they won't fly them otherwise).

As for the airline, Emirates is good (which is found to be the cheapest and the best). Speak to a lady called Lyn on 020 8897 9188 and she will sort out for you. One the day of travel take your cat/s to the Emirates cargo warehouse where all the documents are checked and when you have paid for the flight. It is very daunting, but the airline animal people collect them from there and take them to a special animal place next to the runway and look after them until they are boarded on the flight. You can arrange for them to be on the same flight as yourself, but they will have to go as cargo!

Costs: It would almost cost a ?1000 for everything, You pay a lot more for the flight if the cat boxes are huge, and you pay by the size (not weight). They can cut the cost considerably if cats are happy enough to share a box (BTW needs to be a special airline approved cat carrier - the vet/airline will advise

Hope this helps
Marc