Best way to get to Europe with doggie

If you are serious about the QM2 kennels, make your arrangements ASAP. I read not long ago on this forum that the doggie cabins are booked up to a year ahead. There are also companies who will do all the arranging for you. Either way, it will be costly.

We’ll be interested in the replies you get. We’re considering the same thing. Our dog is getting a little bit old to go in the cargo hold.

Bruce

Here is a link to the USDA APHIS website on what you need to do for importing a dog to the UK.

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/eu/eu-echinococcus/pet-travel-echinococcus-treatments-uk

Yes, they look very nice -- as they should for $1000 each way across the pond.

The six months in advance paper work sounds like a lot of work.

Good news is they doubled the number of kennel spots during the last refurbishment of the ship so it should be slightly easier to get a spot. But as others noted, don't wait long!

Another thing to remember is the requirements for returning with your dog. They treat the animal like an animal and may require quarantine before you can take your pet home.

We are booked on the QM2 with our Chocolate Lab (83 lbs) on July 20.

There are 20 kennels on board. The larger ones are 36" x 35 x 35". Since Barley is 32" tall and 60" long (nose to tip of tale, he requires two kennels. Large kennels are $1000 each (dogs >26KG) and smaller kennels are $800. The kennel area

You have to book WAY in advance. We actually booked our voyage on Feb 16, 2017 (YES 2017) and the earliest opening for 2 kennels was July 20 of 2018. Our return voyage was booked in July 2017 for sailing date of November 2019. They had just released the July-December voyages the day before, so we probably could have picked any dates during the second half of 2019.

There are very specific requirements to followed for the Health Certificate in order to board the ship. I've spent the last two hours reading the paperwork provided by Cunard and the APHIS site to make sure I get it right.

If you have other specific questions, happy to answer.

Our dog Barley has a Blog documenting our adventure as we traverse the USA from California to Brooklyn. More to posts on the QM2 once we land in England. If you are interested in the Link, PM me and happy to forward so you can follow the adventure on the QM2 and life with a dog in Italy.

Mark, as long as you comply with the requirements to bring your dog from England to the UK, no quarantine. Current vaccines (rabies) and health exam 30 days before boarding. Much harder to get to the UK and a lot more paperwork. If the paperwork is not completed and everything properly timed, your dog would be denied boarding in Brooklyn.

Kateja,
I believe you can also disembark in Hamburg with your dog. But double check with Cunard to confirm.

Has anyone taken the Queen Mary 2 from NYC to South Hampton?

It's Southampton, all one word.

Our friends have done so before and depart on yet another voyage this September. They carefully adhere to all requirements and report no difficulties.

Thanks everyone. Lots of good information!
This is a 2-3 year plan. I am moving permanently to the Netherlands to be with my family.
My dog has been my best bud since my husband passed away. The expense is reasonable. Maybe in 2 years time, Cunard will have a "pet in cabin" section.

JC...correcting typos isn't exactly helpful when someone is reaching out for help. Kind of stings. I'm sure you didn't mean it that way.

JC...correcting typos isn't exactly helpful when someone is reaching out for help. Kind of stings. I'm sure you didn't mean it that way.

It is helpful if you're trying to help someone who whilst searching for information is spelling the subject incorrectly, you'll have much more luck if you spell it correctly.