British expats could be forced to leave pets behind amid huge price hikes in animal transport costs
Pet relocation costs have increased by a staggering 400%
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Approximately half a million Britons emigrate from the UK each year, often bringing their dogs to travel the distance with them.
A significant jump in the cost of pet relocations could now force British expats to leave their furry friends behind.
Families moving abroad have been warned of a 400 per cent increase in animal travel costs in some cases, forcing some to pay more than £5,000 to travel with their animals.
When Britons move overseas, airlines provide air kennels with enough space to allow pets to stand and lie down throughout the journey.
Britons hoping to relocate their pets could pay thousands of pounds
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To book one of these kennels, pet owners must provide a veterinarian-issued health certificate stating their pet is fit and healthy to fly.
What's more, animal relocation can also entail additional costs as pets often need to be inoculated against tapeworms or rabies.
“It is highly recommended to have your dog or cat vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before they enter the USA and have a microchip to identify them,” says PetAir.
The recent price hike has dealt a major blow to an expat named Sara, who may have to leave her pet since the animal travel costs came into effect, according to the BBC.
After deciding to move back to the US from the UK, the expat saw the price to ship her two small dogs Ghost and Bentley jump from £1,143 to £5,118.
The current policy forces travellers with IAG Cargo to accept bookings for pet transfers up to six weeks before a flight.
The reservation is only confirmed two weeks before the departure date, and this is when the price is locked in.
Sara was given a quote of £1,143 for both dogs at the time of her booking, but the price increased before her scheduled departure date.
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Dog kennels allow pets to move around during the flight
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“We’re paying out of our own pocket for this, and we just bought a house in our new location,” she said.
“Our dogs are likely our children, we would do anything for them but that doesn’t mean it’s not devastating for our finances."
While her dogs are smaller breeds, Sara believes larger dogs could cost more to ship across the Atalntaitic, costing up to £9,000 to transport.
“I already know [several] people who did not bring their pets [to the UK] because of the costs to bring them one way… people are going to be shocked," added Sara