biggish data

Bringing Pets From the UK

QUOTE (Jeraly @ Apr 23 2008, 01:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well I am flying with Air France and taking my cat in cabin with me - the guy on the phone (very French) said that it was totally not a problem and that all I had to do was to let the travel agency (ie expedia) know 72 hours before I fly.

To prepare, I have to get a vet's certificate of health to prove that she isn't going to spread weird diseases around and this has to be within ten days of her travelling. There is also (as far as I am aware) a 4kg weight limit (including basket) but this is, again, for Air France.

Some information on heat embargoes in the wiki would be useful but I am still woolly about it all - I just know it is ok to take my cat the way I am!!

I would really double check that you don't have to pre-book your animal on. Really double check.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2008-05-02 12:09:00

Bringing Pets From the UK

I've put in a request for a Pin in this topic.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2008-04-23 09:32:00

Bringing Pets From the UK

QUOTE (julezabelle @ Apr 21 2008, 05:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Also, you can check with Mags who brought over 2 cats about a year and a half ago. She had a pretty detailed write up about it but I just can't seem to find it for you!

I'll dig it out for you!

(see below)

QUOTE (Mickitwin @ Apr 21 2008, 08:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks for the info! I looked up on BA and they will fly them as cargo which might be a little easier than in plane. I could just picture him meowing and driving everyone crazy. It seems a lot easier than years ago when you had to quarantine your pets for soooo long!

Thanks again guys!

Seriously, in-cabin is way better. Less noisy, better temperature, and you're there to reassure the animal. I took 2 in cabin and I highly recommend it.

Okay, here is a piece I wrote about my experience, a couple of years ago:

QUOTE

Many of you will know that I brought my two cats with me from the UK last year. After some major panic attacks about the lack of information out there regarding it, it actually went incredibly smoothly in the end.

First of all, I brought my cats over in Sherpa carriers, which are airline approved. They fit (just) under the seat in front of you and come with a little faux sheepskin blanket to keep the pets warm and cosy. They are of very solid construction, have two access points; one at the front for you to get your pet in and out, the other is a smaller opening which enables you to put your hand in to pat the animal without an increased risk of the animal getting out!

I got mine from Pet Planet, in the UK.

http://www.petplanet...dv.asp?mscssid=

The carriers do come in different sizes, so check with the airline before buying what their approved dimensions are.

I flew with Delta, who allow up to two animals to fly in the economy cabin, per flight. This is a pre-arranged agreement. You MUST book it with them at the time of your flight. If there are already 2 animals on board you will have to fly on another day, or make additional arrangements. You are only allowed one pet per person aswell. If you have more than one animal and it is only you flying, the animals will have to fly in the luggage hold.

With Delta you actually pay at the airport for the pets, not at the time of booking. It was $30 per animal, which I thought was very reasonable.

Delta don't actually require that in-cabin pets have a "fit to fly" certificate signed by your veterinarian, but I got one done anyway. I phoned them 3 times and got three different answers, so to be safe I got the certificate anyway. To be valid it has to have been done within 10 days of flying (5 for some other airlines). The vet is really only checking for communicable diseases and heart problems. If your pet has heart problems there is a very high chance that it will not be allowed to travel.

Vaccinations for rabies (if flying from the UK) are not required for entry into the USA. There is alot of misleading information around regarding this and it is something that took me over a month to get a definitive answer for.

I eventually spoke to the agency responsible for imported domestic animals and the State Veterinarian, they both confirmed that felines DO NOT need to be vaccinated against Rabies to enter the United States if flying from the UK. What they DO need, is to be vaccinated once you have moved into your new home.

Regulations vary from state to state, so an appointment with your vet once you arrive is something that must be arranged.

Here are the emails I sent and received from the CDC/NCID confirming the above:

QUOTE

:
I have been referred to you by Catherine Smith at APHIS regarding bringing my cats into the USA. I will be entering the USA in November on a visa. I would like to bring my 2 cats with me but have recently found out that the Rabies vaccinations and subsequent blood tests will take over 8 weeks. This does not fit into my time frame.

As I come from a Rabies free country (UK) can I bring my cats over and get the vaccinations done once I am over there in the USA? They are indoor cats and are up to date with all other vaccinations and are microchipped.

Any help you can provide will be very much appreciated. Current information available is very confusing!

Many thanks for your time.

QUOTE

:
Dear Ms. XXXXX,
We are glad to reassure you that there is no quarantine for cats entering the United States, nor are there entry requirements for rabies vaccinations, microchips, or health certificates. Cats are subject to examination at the port of entry to rule out any zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be transmitted to humans) and may require veterinary medical examination, treatment, and/or quarantine if they appear ill.

Although cats are not subject to rabies vaccination regulations, once they have entered the country all pet cats are also subject to state and local vaccination requirements, links to which are found at this website:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/sregs/

Also you should inquire of your air carrier about any requirements they may have for your animals during transit.

We hope this information is helpful.

Sincerely,

Division of Global Migration and Quarantine
National Center for Infectious Diseases

My actual trip with the cats was uneventful. I arrived at Gatwick and queued as normal. Upon reaching the counter I explained I had the cats with me and the Airline Rep confirmed the booking. She held my bags and the cats at her check-in desk whilst I went over to the Information Counter and paid for them. By the time I got back she had sorted out the boarding passes, the cats' labels for the carriers and my excess baggage.

I was then instructed to take them to the Outsize baggage area and there they were taken from me to be X-rayed. They were returned to me once I had boarded the plane.

The actual flight was uneventful. There were no "accidents" from either cat. It is recommended that you don't feed them for 12 hours before the flight nor allow them water for 7 hours beforehand. I did, however, dip my fingers in water and allow them to lick that off during the flight. They might even have had a little lick of ice-cream at some point too.

Arrival at Cincinnati was no different to normal. I went through all the regular channels. No one mentioned anything to me about my having cats with me and they weren't examined upon arrival. When my baggage had to be x-rayed I was allowed to take each animal out one at a time. The security guards were mostly female and they oohed and ahhhhed at the cats, it was quite comical.

Overall, it was a very easy thing to do, the cats seemed pretty relaxed once they realised they weren't allowed out of the carriers and they didn't make a sound throughout the whole process. Airline, Immigration and Security Staff were all excellent and I highly recommend this method of bringing your cat(s) to the USA if you can.

Edited by Mags, 22 April 2008 - 06:49 AM.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2008-04-22 06:37:00

Russia, Ukraine and Belarus

Hi!

Welcome to VJ.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2007-05-25 14:58:00

Russia, Ukraine and Belarus

Once again.....

Closed for TOS violations.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2007-11-08 12:35:00

Russia, Ukraine and Belarus

Cats?

QUOTE (JVKn @ Jan 29 2008, 12:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (mox @ Jan 29 2008, 02:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (JVKn @ Jan 29 2008, 09:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You'll see nappy liners for carriers at the pet store, my vet adviced us against it because it has plastic at the bottom, and the animal can get anxious during the flight, chew on the plastic and can cause complications. She said to use generous amounts of newspaper in case of accidents instead.

Dramamine and Benadryl worked wonders for my dog, but CHECK WITH YOUR VET for dosages before "prescribing" these drugs. Don't give your pet Benadryl allergy either, just the normal kind.

I give both of these to my dog about an hour before the flight and he just dozes most of the flight. I've never taken him on a longer flight than 3 hours though, so I'm not sure how long you can keep pooch or kitty tranq'd, or how many dosages. Again, check with your vet. I'm speaking strictly for dogs, I don't know what the affect of these drugs is on cats.

Although highly used, vets recommend against this now

. The reason is that any tranquilizer depresses the swallowing reflex, so if the animal throws up during the trip, he/she could die

This is what my vet recommended, and AA and continental do not allow sedated pets to board the plane. This is for any amount, no matter how minimal.
As an alternative, you can introduce the pet to the carrier weeks before the trip, so that it becomes familiar with it. I put Anya's food bowl on her carrier so that she could have a familiar smell too.

Saludos,
Caro

Absolutely. Apparently when the cabin air compresses (or decompresses, whatever!) it can have an affect on the animal (cat, dog, rabbit etc) and it can cause major complications and even death in some circumstances. Most airlines request that you don't tranquilise your animals any more.

My cats weren't and they coped fine. Once they realised they were in there for the duration they settled down and just slept. I stuck my fingers into their carriers now and again, with water on my fingers, just to keep them hydrated. I think they even had a lick of ice cream at one point.

I also lined their bags with newspaper (not plastic) and they didn't have any accidents. They do recommend that you don't feed or water for a few hours beforehand too.

Edited by Mags, 30 January 2008 - 08:09 AM.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2008-01-30 08:08:00

QUOTE (villaspurs @ Jan 24 2009, 11:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have two beloved cats. The older one, Paka, is 8, fat, snaggletoothed, crosseyed, and, unfortunately, declawed. When I got him as a kitten in Louisiana, I took him to the vet to be spayed (neutered? I can't remember which is for the fellas). Anyway, the vet told me that it was standard practice to declaw at the same time. I didn't know any better, so I went with it--now, I regret it, but what's done is done.

My second cat, Lucky, is 2, normal sized, and a lovely black color. She's still fully in possession of her claws (and she's not afraid to use them).

Sadly, my new English husband is horribly allergic to them, so I have to find them new homes. This is, as you can imagine, devastating, but his reaction is truly awful (he's now on steroids and an inhaler, has to wear a mask in our house, and stays in the bedroom so he can avoid the dander/hair/saliva as much as possible). What's interesting is the only other time he's had this bad of a reaction is when he house-sat in Glasgow for a friend with indoor-only cats.

After talking with some other English immigrants, we are now thinking that the indoor-only approach to cats is what makes his allergies flare up so severely. When cats are allowed outside, he can deal. Of course, our current situation is too bad to wait until spring to test this theory (my cats have no interest in experimenting with the two feet of snow currently outside my house), but it's something to think about.

Try to find them homes with people you know. I've volunteered in shelters (especially the Humane Society) so know that cats given up for surrender at the age of 5 and above have real trouble getting rehomed. They end up getting euthanized or sicken and die in their cage. Many will tell you that they are no-kill too - but they aren't. They will still euthanize sick, old (8 years old and above) and hard to rehome animals.

Black cats are also the hardest colour to find homes for in the States.

The cats I help out now are lucky, they are in a private no-kill shelter and have the freedom to run around a huge warehouse that we have for them.

The majority of other surrendered animals don't get that lucky.

Edited by Magenta, 01 February 2009 - 04:18 PM.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-02-01 16:16:00

((((((Nich-Nick))))))))

She had a good life and she was loved.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-01-24 13:22:00

QUOTE (Bill and Hayley @ Jan 20 2009, 08:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ok so i worded that abit wrong....maybe not most Americans, but i know a few cats that have been declawed, even the one i rescued is declawed. Living in england for 36 years i could have said i had never seen a clawed cat...i cant say that after living here. It was my husband who told me most americans have it done.

Well, as I mentioned beforehand, it is illegal in almost every other country, so you wouldn't have seen a declawed cat in the UK.

I help out at an animal shelter and we have around 40 cats waiting to be re-homed. Of them, only 3 are declawed. Some people value their furniture more than their animals - I say if you're going to have a cat be aware that they scratch. If you can't handle it, don't own a cat.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-01-20 15:19:00

QUOTE (Bill and Hayley @ Jan 18 2009, 04:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

yea i would say it defo depends where you live..and what sort of life you want to give your cats, ive had cats all my life and have let all of them outside as ive always thought thats what sort of life a cat would want. while i lived in the uk ( up until 18 months ago) i only lost one cat to a car but i left 2 cats in the uk with my daughters and since then they have both been knocked over right outside the house, which has really upset the girls. I have a cat and lucky i live in an appartment and cant choose to let it go outside otherwise i would, and then have the risk of it getting knocked over....its just a personal choice i think.
oh and by the way has he told you most americans De-claw cats. personally i think thats awful.

No, most Americans do NOT de-claw their cats. There are some that do, but really not all. I think that in the percentage of those that do and don't, the percentage is higher with those that don't.

Now, before you think I support de-clawing animals, I wish to clarify I don't. Ask many here who have seen me post about it.

I think it's barbaric and cruel. It makes me want to cry.

I myself have persuaded many a VJ member nto not de-claw their cats - it's my crusade.

QUOTE (Damian P @ Jan 18 2009, 04:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Bill and Hayley @ Jan 18 2009, 05:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

oh and by the way has he told you most americans De-claw cats. personally i think thats awful.

By "de-claw" I assume you mean have their claws clipped, like we cut our nails, right? How ###### retarded is that!!?? Why!!??? Cats need their claws to hunt and stuff.

De-clawing a cat is equivalent to removing your fingers at the first knuckle.

Yes, it's VERY retarded. And illegal in the rest of the Western world.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-01-18 20:07:00

America has more predators - coyotes for example. America also hasn't outlawed de-clawing so a lot more cats are inside cats because the owners have their animals mutilated.

I've known more cats to be killed in the UK by cars than here in America - but I am in a small town.

So, you have the choice in a place like this - let your cat out and have it eaten, or keep it inside.

For the record, I have 11 cats - all indoor. And I have a huge house, so there is plenty of room for them to wander and have their own space.

I'm Mags the crazy cat lady. I don't smell of cat pee.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-01-17 14:21:00

England

QUOTE (saywhat @ Jan 21 2009, 07:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I am getting a TRIPLE bar bounty in Harrogate next week and dipping it in my mushy peas !

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-01-22 10:32:00

England

QUOTE (Welshcookie @ Jan 19 2009, 01:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Magenta @ Jan 18 2009, 08:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Welshcookie @ Jan 18 2009, 11:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

We are already working on moving back.

Welshie ~ Really?

Yeh, I'm totally miserable here and it doesn't help that he misses the UK just as much

Unless he gets the job he has applied for in Connecticut I think we will be back before the end of the year.

Aww, I'm sorry luvvy. I know you were so excited to move over here and then *BAM* you hate it.

Perhaps, rather than a move back to Wales, a move to a different part of the states (like Connnnnecticut) would be good (if hubby gets the job).

If not, sometimes you don't realise how much you love a place until you are no longer there. I wish you happiness, wherever you may end up!

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-01-19 15:03:00

England

QUOTE (Welshcookie @ Jan 18 2009, 11:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

We are already working on moving back.

Welshie ~ Really?

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-01-18 20:08:00

What was the transition like?

QUOTE (Damian P @ Jan 31 2009, 12:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

'Er indoors took this from her house the other day:

Like my mate Rut (who lives in Terre Haute, IN) says, "if anyone back home says it's cold, tell them to #### off - they don't know what cold is."

I live about 45 minutes east of Terre Haute and we had around 11-12 inches of snow last week. And I get so many people say to me "It's colder in the UK isn't it" to which I laugh maniacally and say "Erm, it rarely gets below 28f, so no, it's way warmer than this little area of hell."

I mean, I've never had my nostril hairs freeze in the UK. The first time it happened I was "oh bloody hell! What's going on here then!?"

You've not lived until your nostril hairs have frozen up.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-02-01 16:10:00

Nich-Nick ~ the OP was told by the examiner that her hubby can't drive until he takes another test. Some people here are telling him to continue driving.

That's encouragement.

If he continues to drive, and gets caught, he's gonna get in trouble and no one here would have to suffer the consequences. It's easy to give advice on the internet, false or otherwise, because WE have no recompense.

He needs to just sit another test. He doesn't have to wait long, so I don't see what the issue is.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-02-07 18:38:00

Can I just reiterate that VJ does not condone anyone here breaking the law. If you don't have EAD you shouldn't be working and if you don't have a valid Drivers' License you shouldn't be driving.

Any encouragement of this by members here is a TOS violation.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-02-07 15:02:00

QUOTE (GlenAndLisa @ Feb 7 2009, 01:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

He did everything fine. Just that bit of speeding, which is an automatic fail. Hopefully he'll get a lady next time. I'll tell him to flirt his #### off!! LOL!

If it was only speeding then tell him to go back and retake his test. Most states just need a week between tests.

I just don't see the problem to be honest. Retake it and none of this is an issue.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-02-07 13:42:00

QUOTE (BTalley @ Feb 7 2009, 12:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Attempt No. 3 is Tuesday. Crossing our fingers, as she has just started an "illegal" (without EAD) job working for a family down the street. And her having a license would give us a little more freedom (and make her feel more independent).

If she gets caught she's gonna be in trouble - you do know that? It really isn't worth it.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-02-07 13:04:00

Each state is different in their rules and regulations regarding driving on a foreign license.

You need to check your local branch for details (or their online site).

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-02-07 13:02:00

Booking Flights With Pets

QUOTE (britty @ Feb 22 2009, 05:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was clearly duped by BA and a greedy vet. Both informed me I had to have all the shots and checks etc before the cats could get their passports, and AirPets made me pay for the containers the cats flew in and for the cats to stay at the heathrow pet hotel before their flight. I wasn't even on the same flight as them ! Still. now they have their passports they can travel in and out of the USA if needed in the future.

Probably not duped, you just spoke with someone who wasn't very familiar with passengers and their pets! I spoke to 4 customer service reps at Delta and got differing information. In the end I contacted the agencies in the USA who cover all these types of questions. Got some nice reassuring emails, where all my questions were answered correctly, and had a really smooth flight over!

I just think people should always do their homework and not always rely on the say-so of one person, even if they are connected to the airline or a veterinary surgeon in the UK!

Edited by Magenta, 23 February 2009 - 12:42 PM.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-02-23 12:42:00

Booking Flights With Pets

QUOTE (KnightAndMagpie @ Feb 22 2009, 01:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

=D Yeppers. I do know that Alaska Airways and Lufthansa (in addition to Continental and a couple of other companies) allow up to one or two pets in the cabin. I'll be booking a month or so in advance so I can be utterly sure of having a place secured for him. I also do have an approved in-cabin carrier (Sherpa, as recommended by VJers!) which Bean does fit into. I had to roll a ball into it so he'd crawl after it so I would have an idea of how well he fit =D.

I did have a look at the pinned topic, but I have had previous experience where it takes a little time for people to respond on there. Hence, posting here =D.

Thank you guys for all your responses!

Magpie.

To be honest, in cabin is the only way to go, imo. The cat is with you at all times, the cabin is much quieter and you can keep an eye on your precious cargo!

Sherpas are a great little bag. I still have my two and use them for vet visits! Well worth the cost and very sturdy.

One thing I will mention is that even though the carriers are supposed to fit under the seat in front of you, they actually don't. You kind of have to squeeze them a little. I ended up with my feet on the seat, curled up. It wasn't comfortable for me, but my 2 cats were fine.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-02-22 13:47:00

Booking Flights With Pets

QUOTE (britty @ Feb 22 2009, 07:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Magie, there are a number of factors to be taken into consideration before you can fly your pet to the US from the UK. Firstly, no pets can fly in the
main cabin - they must travel in the hold. They must also have a flight approved carrier to transport them. A vet must approve your pet for travel and it will need shots before it leaves the UK. The vet will provide you with a signed certificate of health, however, there is a wait required between the rabies shot and the actual travel. You need to contact your local vet in the first instance, then contact a company who deal in transporting animals (I will post the company I used later today). Your cat will not be allowed to fly unless all the above is complete. Its not cheap - the total for my 2 cats including vet and shots was $3,200 total. Expect all this to cost around $1600.

Incorrect. Many VJers (myself included) have flown with cats in the cabin. It cost me $35 per cat for an in cabin flight from Gatwick to Cincy with Delta. Vet certs are not always needed and cats do NOT need rabies shots to enter the USA if travelling from the UK. They must have them done once you are settled in your new home though.

There is a pinned topic at the top of the UK forum full of information regarding bringing pets from the UK.

For the record though, you book the cat at the same time as you book your own ticket. There is normally a limit of how many animals are allowed in cabin per flight (2 seems to be the norm).

QUOTE (Jeraly @ Feb 22 2009, 12:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Another valuable source of info is Magenta - she calmed my nerves through the whole thing so if I didn't cover anything then she might be able to help fill the gaps - if you have any other questions though just ask

I just remembered how stressful I found it all, so was glad to be of help!

Edited by Magenta, 22 February 2009 - 01:43 PM.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-02-22 13:33:00

UK Electric

For the cost of shipping (purely by weight) I don't know if it would be cost effective to bring it, personally.

I do know that I had a friend bring her UK hairdryer over to the USA on holiday one year. She used it in the hotel and managed to blow the fuse for the entire floor.

I hate Dysons, I think they are an overpriced piece of #######, but I am the Vacuum Cleaner Destroyer, so maybe it's just me!

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-03-02 16:56:00

Does my 11 year old need to have the Medical too?

QUOTE (Kirsten UK @ Mar 1 2009, 03:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You'd think as I have given birth to a child that would be enough proof, but hey ho, i'll do what i'm asked!

No, you really do have to flash your ladyparts. I mean, it's literally just a flash, but be prepared!

QUOTE (Stinky Monkey @ Mar 1 2009, 02:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was lucky I had the male Irish doctor and he did not look at my lady bits and just asked if I did breat exams
Think it might be because there was no nurse there with him, and I believe that the law states that a female should be present if the male doctor is doing such a exam.
I was asked by the radiologist if I wanted a female doctor and I stated I did due to the flashing, but none were available so I got away with it

And women over 35 have to have a breast exam, if I recall correctly.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-03-01 16:42:00

Does my 11 year old need to have the Medical too?

First of all, don't get the vaccinations done at the medical. It costs WAY too much. Go to your local GP's office beforehand and make an appointment with the nurse practitioner. She can look over your records and give you the vaccinations you need. Your child will need the HepB vaccination and the NHS does not give this out for free. However, they charge less than the medical doctors.

I paid 25 quid for the course of 3 shots for my son (over the course of 3 months). The medical will accept you having started the course (so you don't have to wait until the course is finished - that can be done after the medical).

Then, you bring a copy of the vaccination records with you to the medical (make sure the nurse has signed and dated it). That should save you a fair few quid.

Your child will have to have a medical, although it isn't as extensive as with an adult. They don't have to have an x-ray, HIV/syphilis tests, nor do they have to flash their "bits" at the doctor to prove they're male or female!

Good luck!

Edited by Magenta, 01 March 2009 - 11:06 AM.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-03-01 11:04:00

I hate Snappy Snaps

QUOTE (LondonLad @ Feb 28 2009, 02:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Daymn snappy snaps. They charged me 20 pounds for 4 pics and I just found out kodak express only charges 9.99.

I AM SOOOO MAD!

Well, that's not really Snappy Snaps fault - you should have done your research on prices at other places!

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-03-01 11:18:00

Excess Baggage

Quite a few Brits in this forum have used excessbaggage, myself included. The majority of feedback has been excellent.

I think my shipping cost around 600 quid for 12 boxes and took 8 weeks (SW London to Indiana). I had email updates of the boxes progress and, a week before arrival, I had a rep phone me to make arrangements for delivery.

All in all, excellent.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-03-06 21:30:00

the economy jobs etc.

I think the best thing you can do, job wise, is not to be too fussy. I'm afraid that your experience from the UK doesn't mean very much - not unless you're in a big city where there are opportunities to follow your old career.

I know of a few people here in the UK forum who have had trouble in getting jobs. I really think it depends on where you are.

Small town America? Then I suggest taking what you can get. Don't turn up your nose at waiting tables and so on...it can be an excellent way to network. I did it when I first moved here and, not only does it pay well (if you're in a decent restaurant), it can lead to other opportunites. It got me "out there" and well known in my small town and lead to the really great job that I have now. I would not have gotten it if I hadn't been working in the other job.

I used to be a lab technologist in the UK - this was a well paid and highly specialised field. I moved to the USA and, after taking a year off (

), I started working in a restaurant, working my way up to evening manager, and now I have a great job in a bank with excellent career prospects.

4 years ago I could never have seen me doing this type of work, but I am, and I really enjoy it.

So, be open minded and not snobby about what you won't do...and NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK. That's what gets you jobs over here, I've found.

Good luck!

Edited by Magenta, 08 March 2009 - 07:48 PM.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-03-08 19:46:00

QUOTE (mkg265 @ Mar 8 2009, 09:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well now I'm just red in my youthful face.

Mags,
the old wrinkly woman.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-03-08 20:19:00

QUOTE (mkg265 @ Mar 8 2009, 08:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Magenta @ Mar 8 2009, 08:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (*Marilyn* @ Mar 8 2009, 08:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Magenta @ Mar 8 2009, 05:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was born in 1973 and remember all of them.

ok don't shoot me but for some reason I thought you were older then that ..

lol

but you are only one year older then me..

Well, my profile does say 86!

I know, people born in 86 have a certain something about them that makes others wish they were '86ers.

Erm, I meant my profile says I'm 86 years old...

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-03-08 20:06:00

QUOTE (*Marilyn* @ Mar 8 2009, 08:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Magenta @ Mar 8 2009, 05:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I was born in 1973 and remember all of them.

ok don't shoot me but for some reason I thought you were older then that ..

lol

but you are only one year older then me..

Well, my profile does say 86!

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-03-08 19:48:00

I was born in 1973 and remember all of them.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-03-08 19:36:00

the interview :crying:

QUOTE (flutter95 @ Mar 4 2009, 08:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

oh my RFE was for the affadavit - we had been told misinformation about it and he wanted a new form done up and sent to the office asap. He was really nice though and told me everything else was just fine and thats just want he wanted. My stressful thing was this interview was 3 weeks before our wedding date (dont ask - is stupid to book wedding date before visa but we didnt know at this point) and I freaked. But, my mother in law and then fiance got the paper work done, sent to me and then I had to call the courier to get it there. My mother in law contacted her congressmans office to speed things up and they said the embassy had got and and would work on it. The day after they got the new paperwork, they issued the visa and I got it the next day - flew to the US two days later! lol. All in all is was actually only a week delay, which is pretty amazing.

Hey, Flutter! Great to see you! Hope things are all hunky dorey for ya!

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-03-10 16:39:00

the interview :crying:

The interview really is the easiest part. I think I grinned all the way home. That was after visiting the Harrods food court and buying some scrumptious treats to celebrate!

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-03-02 16:36:00

Some amazing news regarding my cat

QUOTE (enraptured @ Mar 21 2009, 08:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

hi and congrats about your ordeal. just had a Q though: are you bringing him to the US with you? hope it wont be a hassle, i checked into bringing my cats traveling with me a year back and apparently there are some rather tight standards when it comes to pets, so i hope that youll have what you need in order to do that....he is adorable btw!

No, no no! Bringing a cat from the UK is a piece of piss.

QUOTE (KnightAndMagpie @ Mar 21 2009, 09:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (enraptured @ Mar 21 2009, 04:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

He's certainly coming with me -- I wouldn't dream of leaving him here. I've already done some research (on here, mostly!) about taking cats within the cabin, and he's got his Sherpa bags and a few other things prepared already. I'm planning on having his medical checkup about three weeks before I fly out, hopefully.

Thank you guys. He is my adorable baby.

Magpie.

That sounds perfect, Magpie! You're doing everything right! Good luck and congrats!

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-03-22 16:23:00

Packet 3

QUOTE (*julez* @ Mar 24 2009, 12:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Although the London Embassy typically does not ask for things like proof of engagement and ongoing relationship, you should still bring them with you, just in case. Better to be safe than sorry, because occasionally, they do ask for those things.

Absolutely. People should never just dismiss it because, as a rule, it is not asked for.

Forum DS-2000 ~ Evidence Which May Be Presented to Meet the Public Charge Provisions of the Law by Applicants for a K Visa.

I think it is used if you are fulfilling the affidavit requirements with your own funds.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-03-24 16:55:00

HMRC.Gov P85 form. Leaving the UK

Moved to UK forum.

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-03-31 18:15:00

Big Day Tomorrow

QUOTE (rkl57 @ Mar 30 2009, 02:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I seem to recall a few years ago another poster who was born in India (Melo) went into AP and it was over for her very quickly. I'm not sure if I'm connecting the dots correctly about not being born in Britain and going on AP, but it does seem to happen.

I remember another member too (female also) who was in AP. I think it only lasted something like 2 weeks. Pretty hellish for her (as she couldn't see the finish line) but over pretty quickly.

I'm sure it won't take too long, Magpie, the London Embassy overall isn't as bad as some of the others!

You'll be fine. Just study for those finals and look forward to your move to the USA!

Mags

Female

United Kingdom

2009-04-02 17:43:00