Having just returned from a short trip to the United States, and after reading some of the comments whilst I have been away, it seems that it is not only us in the UK who are looking forward to Crufts! Judging by the interest shown and the many questions that I was asked, it looks likely that we will have even more overseas exhibits at this years show, proving once again that Crufts is a truly International event. This wasn’t always the case of course; until 2000 it was not possible for overseas based animals to enter the UK without a lengthy time in quarantine. However since the introduction of the “Pet Passport” system, once the micro chipping, inoculations, tests and paperwork formalities are completed, dogs can come in and out of the UK quickly and easily, providing the opportunity for dogs all over the world to compete at the worlds greatest dog show. (More details of international travel for animals can be found on the Kennel Club website here or the DEFRA website www.defra.gov.uk )

So how do they get here? Well for many it will mean a lengthy drive across Europe and then the short hop by ferry. Most show dogs are quite used to travelling long distances by car and most will sleep all the way. For others and particularly those travelling from the United States a flight will be involved, and to those unfamiliar with the process of transporting dogs by air, this can seem quite a daunting experience. However what we in the UK may not be aware of is that many top show dogs in other countries make regular trips by air to compete at shows. A flight across the US from say, San Francisco to Boston is actually longer than the comparatively short trip from New York to London, so dogs used to travelling these distances may find the international trip a breeze!

Flying regulations for animals are quite strict; there are rules regarding the size and type of crate that the dogs travel in, water must be provided and the amount of food given on longer flights is regulated. An interesting point this as I note that Julie raises a concern regarding the size of crates that dogs are sometimes transported in over here. I must say that when I first started showing dogs, I was a little surprised to see dogs in what looked like “cages”. However having used dog crates myself for a number of years, I feel that they do provide the most comfortable and safe way for our dogs to travel. Nevertheless, as Julie warns, they should be big enough for the dog to stand up and turn around in quite comfortably, whilst not being so big that the dog may slide around on a bumpy journey. I know that most exhibitors I see are fully aware of the “right” size for their breed, but if there is any doubt you should seek your vet’s advice. And of course crates should only be used for travel of for short periods and not as a permanent home for your dog!

In addition to travel crate size, on air travel even the temperature is strictly controlled and the hold (which is where most airlines require the dogs to travel) has to be kept at a certain heat. Also airlines will only take off and land when the ambient temperature is within certain limits, and of course the labelling of the crate is extremely it important, so great care is taken to ensure that destination labelling is firmly affixed. Many exhibitors also like to put personalised notices on the crates such as “My name is Max, pleased talk to me” in the hope that the airline staff will perhaps talk to the dogs during transportation;  even the most experienced dogs will like to hear a friendly voice!

So how do the dogs like flying? Well my personal experience is that the “well travelled canines” have absolutely no problems, take it all in their stride, emerging from the other end of a long journey with a stretch and a yawn and a quizzical look, perhaps wondering where their dinner is! However common sense dictates that wherever possible, inexperienced dogs should be given perhaps one or two short flights first to ensure that they are quite happy with the experience. Most exhibitors are fully aware of what is entailed and will not even attempt to bring dogs on a long flight unless they are quite sure that the dog will be happy and comfortable and also has the strength of character and temperament to endure a lengthy journey.

So when you walk around Crufts and see some of the dogs that have travelled far and wide, just think for one minute - they may have travelled more miles than you!

Author:

Bill Lambert

Publisher:

The Kennel Club

Date:

19-Nov-07

Last updated on:

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