Smart Feeder - Light sensor values

[stehaggan]

Jasper's (weimaraner) passport is now fully functional as his 6 months rabies blood test has passed.

 

I have been looking at driving to Italy next year as I love Italy but was wondering if anyone has any experiences with taking dogs to Italy.

[Lesley]

Not actually in Italy but as you're driving will you be going via France? You'll need to plan carefully so that you visit a Vet at the right time to comply with the re-entry requirements for the Pet Passport. Pets have to be treated more than 24 hours but less than 48 hours before your crossing back to the UK (actually before your arrival at the Port)

 

We've taken ours to France and always book an appt. at a Vets in France a few weeks before we go away so that we know the timings are correct. There is good info. on travelling with pets on the DEFRA site, including the French you will need to know when asking for the correct treatment.

[stehaggan]

Great stuff thanks for that Lesley, I have been looking at vets in calais but never thought about the language barrier so definately worth a look. I have been a little worried there might be a problem and we wont be able to bring him back

[Chucky Mama]

Definately worth doing the homework re the vets and early arrival times at ports to get your dog checked in. Our car broke down on the way back from France & it was a French day's holiday which meant that we had to change to a different ferry which was going to be an long journey. We only just caught it. Had we missed it our dog's passport would have run out 1/2 way across the English Channel

All that aside, we have only travelled to France with our dog and without exception the French were lovely with her. When we ate out she got a drink and a piece of french bread before they even asked us what we wanted

[Lesley]

Were you planning to stay overnight in Calais? - you might want to stop somewhere near but within easy reach of Calais.

 

I arranged all appts. by email as I don't like arranging things over the phone if I'm unsure of the technical terms which may be used! Shout if you'd like copies of the emails.

 

As long as the Vet has signed, dated and timed the meds given then the only worry is the timing - and they are very strict about that.

 

ChuckyMama - you must have been panicking!

[stehaggan]

thanks guys yes Lesley I will PM you

 

Im excited for taking him but want to be able to bring him back.. its sooooo strict to bring them home!!

[Lesley]

It's good that it is really - I'm quite happy to comply but it is nerve racking at the time.

 

Slightly off topic but may be of interest to others....

I know you're using the Tunnel but we used ferries in September. We were booked on LD Lines but at the last minute our outward crossing was cancelled and we changed to Brittany Ferries. The treatment of dogs by the two companies was very different. We won't book with LD Lines again.

 

Brittany Ferries take cars containing pets on board last and let them off first. An important consideration when taking one of the longer crossings - we go from Portsmouth to Le Havre or Caen, a 5 hour crossing. Any babies and infants on board will be wearing nappies...... anyone older has access to toilets the whole time.....our poor dogs had their legs crossed by the time we drove off the LD Lines ferry....last!! .....and then we had the massive queue through passport control.....

 

Another problem with all ferries is that they have to pack cars like sardines - not good when you need to access the rear of your car to sort out water for the dogs before you leave them! You can't top up the water before boarding because of the steep angle of the ramps........I have to leap out as soon as OH has pulled up and stand at the back of the car so they can't make the person behind park 2" from our bumper Something you may have to watch on the Tunnel as well.

[jennydavies]

There is a really good chance that the vet you see in France before you return to England will speak English and will be fully aware of your return journey requirements. They are very clued up over here on the pet passport system and all the vets we have visited have been second to none on their efficency and knowledge. We have never had any problems with making them understand what we need and if you carry your own Frontline with you, as long as you show it to them, they will allow you to use it - saves a bit on costs.