[Pip]

Just a quick one. Does anyone know the MAF rules on shipping stuff for pets e.g cat beds/scratching posts/pet carriers etc. I know that the shipping company will build her a shipping crate for her to travel, but would be helpful to put her (few - honest!) possessions in our shipping container to help her get settled at the other end - knowing how strict MAF are, I wasn't sure and wondered if anyone else knew - especially people who have shipped pets already.

If necessary, I'm sure we can buy new stuff at the other end, but am trying to save the pennies - this emigrating lark is a costly business!

Any advice gratefully appreciated

[jess]

Since the folks at quarantine said we could send whatever with the dog, and as long as it would go into a washing machine at the end we could take it home, we decided to bring her washed toys over in our luggage, and had no trouble with that or with a dog bed in the container. Just like bringing a lawnmower which can't come over full of grass, but can come if carefully cleaned, any pet supplies you have thoroughly washed should be alright.

If they find hair or stains though, you risk having your container fumigated at an extra cost and delay. So if you have something cleaned, and it still looks soiled at all due to old stains, I'd leave it behind.

[gil]

We brought over cat bed and carry box, all plastic and thoroughly washed and disinfected. We didn't bring the scratching post, didn't think it worth trying as you can't really clean it. We've just had a call fromthe movers to say that our stuff will be here tomorrow (hurrah!!) and that our MAF inspection is Friday at 14.30. Will let you know if there are any problems with the stuff.

Gil

PS the strange thing is, we haven't got a cat :o

[Milliemoo]

Hi,

We brought everything. Cat bed, carrier (including skanky blanket that the cat's been sleeping on for 6 yrs....you should have seen the MAF guys face!), scratch post, toys, favourite cat food, cat treats.

MAF wanted to look at the stuff, but didn't take anything from us :D

Milliemoo

[Howie]

If you bring stuff on the plane, just make sure you tell MAF about it. I washed all the dog toys that were shipped and the only thing MAF had a problem with was the plastic dog crate which I scrubbed and scrubbed, but apparently still smelled like dog. There was also dog hair in a carpet and so the crate and the carpet were fumigated by MAF (but wasn't terribly expensive).

[jubjub]

We just washed our stuff and bought it over, I got questioned at customs cos they could see two big circles in my suitcase (dog bowls!) but they were fine about it.

[Pip]

Thanks everyone. I'll put her bowls/woolly mouse (washed!) in my case and then put the rest in the container for MAF to review. Fingers crossed, - I'll get the same inspector as Milliemoo! :laugh

What would I do without this forum! Really, appreciate you all taking the time to reply to me...thank-you.

[gil]

OUr cat stuff is now in the maf pile waiting inspection this afternoon!

Gil