Hi there,
I am getting quotes from removal companies to move from Basel to the UK this summer. Does anyone know of any that also take pets? We have 2 cats with appropriate passports/ jabs/ documents. Sending them separately or driving them is expensive.....
Thanks very much!

I don't think sticking them in a truck that takes 3 days to get to the UK with help their sense of well being
I doubt anything will be cheaper that driving them yourselves

we are also returning to the UK from Basel/France, while I can't help you with the dog transport question you may be interested to know that after much research we found it was cheaper to hire a UK company to drive out here & move us than using a local one.

Thanks. Some of the companies I am looking at are UK based but do weekly runs out this direction.
Why would a truck take 3 days to get to the UK? When we moved here it left one afternoon, arrived the next morning. I appreciate it's not great for the cats but that's the same if they are in a box in an aeroplane, our car or a removal truck.

Not the same at all if they are with you in the car- first it won't be dark, second your smell and voice will re-assure them all the time. We talked to our dog and cats all along the journey and that really helped. In the end they just settled and slept- as we drove right through, taking it in turn to drive. And if you take the Tunnel, no stress for the crossing either. Do make sure (sorry I am sure you are aware) that they are properly passported for the trip, as all the paperwork, microchip as well as vaccinations, etc, etc will have to be checked and paid for at the port of departure (30E). Also they have to visit a vet no less than 24hrs and no more than 48 hrs- for checking all documents and having vet administered anti-tick/fleas and worming treatment. So any delay, even a few minutes, any bit missing, wrong chip (some of the older chips can't always be read at the port of entry- they are really VERY strict, any little bit wrong and the answer is no - I've seen people turned away after trying to argue the case, tears, etc), and they will be refused entry. What would the removals people do then - leave them by the side of the road. Just not worth taking the risk, honest. What pets are they? We have a large crate suitable for 2 cats, a litter tray and water we could lend you- depending on where you are going to in UK, as we would need to get it back at a later stage, as we want to keep it for emergencies.

Have they had rabies shots ?
Need to have had them fro 6 months, plus proof via blood tests, before going into the UK

I don't think any removal company will just stick a couple of cats in the back of a truck and drive them over to the UK. They would be commiting quite a few offences if they did so.

There are companies who will offer pet relocation as part of the service but they generally contract out the animal bit to a pet moving company. Our movers arranged everything for us (we just had to get the vaccinations done and make sure passport was up to date) but itwas paid for by the company and I think it was pretty pricey.

Yes they have chips, jabs, passports etc and I know they have to have a vet visit 24-48 hrs before. I did have one of the smaller companies offer to take them with the furniture. However the price of removals is prety prohibitive so will probbaly do it all ourselves anyway.
I had considered the welfare of our pets, don't worry.....

I did an international move with my dog, the removal company organised her travel arrangements and as we were coming from Australia it was a bit different to your move. My poor dog was incredibly stressed by the whole trip, the last six hours spent in a dark truck. I will never do it again. In your case I just googled 'international pet move uk', and came up with this: www.petmovers.co.uk they do regular trips to France, you'll get a good price for the return trip. The vans in the pictures on their website looked pet friendly. Good luck with your move and I hope it doesn't cause stress for you or your pets.

I offer this service along with small/light removals. Fully licenced with DEFRA for the transportation of animals. The vehicle only carries 11 cubic metre load (so unable to do large moves) and the pets always travel in a large purpose made area behind the drivers seat, but still in the cab itself.

It is illegal for anyone to charge for transporting animals unless they hold the appropriate licence.

And I'll be happy to vouch for Stephen. He took my stuff, my cats (and me!) from Basel to the UK last year. Professional, considerate with both my stuff and the cats, all around excellent.

Yep, completely agree, Stephen moved us to the UK last year too - was very reliable, excellent service. Hope you are doing well Stephen