I meant to write this post several months ago, but moving from California to the UK, settling in, and unpacking was a whirlwind of chaos. Even so, keeping this tab open to share my experience has been a priority because I want other pet parents to know about Pet Moves and the incredible Pet Relocation services Barry provides. If you’re looking for the safest hands to entrust your pets during a move, look no further than Barry and his team.
The Challenge of Moving with Pets Across the Atlantic
I’m originally from California, and I have three beloved cats—two seniors and a young, feisty ginger who thinks he’s a dog. One of my senior cats has a significant heart murmur. Although his cardiologist assured me he was safe to fly, he strongly advised against traveling as cargo, which posed a major problem because the UK requires all animals to arrive as cargo. No exceptions.
Determined to find a way, I spent months researching how to get my cats and me safely to the UK. I looked into every option: flying to Amsterdam, Belgium, or Paris and then renting cars, taking ferries, and road-tripping across Europe. But each option was complex, time-consuming, and stressful. Plus, I worried about prolonging the travel for the cats, who were already facing a long journey. I even considered taking the QM2 and cruising them over, but COVID had delayed bookings until 2023, and frankly, I’m not in the same tax bracket as Billy Zane. Concierge services that transport pets couldn’t offer any solutions that didn’t involve manifest cargo, so I felt like I was out of options.
Enter Barry from Pet Moves
Then I found Pet Moves and Barry, and everything changed. Barry simplified the entire process and found a solution that worked perfectly for me and my cats. He explained that I could fly with my cats in-cabin to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), and he would pick us up and drive us across the Channel to Folkestone, where I had arranged for a ride to London. Barry could have taken us all the way to London if needed, but having a plan that allowed the cats to travel safely and comfortably was already a huge relief.
Barry’s Exceptional Service: From Start to Finish
Barry’s guidance was invaluable. He was incredibly clear about what paperwork and preparations were needed, which gave me peace of mind as I navigated the logistics of Pet Relocation. On the day of the journey, he was punctual, communicative, and straightforward—everything you could want in a service provider.
When he arrived at CDG, Barry had a roomy and comfortable van ready for us. It fit myself, my siblings (who had kindly come along to help escort the cats), the cats themselves, and even had a tidy little litter box. After 16 hours of travel, it was such a relief to be able to uncrate the cats so they could relax on our laps or under the seats. Barry is clearly a pet lover and pet parent himself, and his gentle, caring manner helped keep everyone calm. The drive from Paris to Calais and on to Folkestone was smooth, pleasant, and safe, with plenty of stops for food and stretch breaks for both humans and cats.
Going Above and Beyond
Once we arrived in Folkestone, my other brother was supposed to meet us with a rental car from Heathrow at a rest stop that Barry had recommended. The stop had everything we could need—lots of seating, showers, and places to grab food. Unfortunately, my brother was delayed at Heathrow and running over an hour late. Rather than leaving us there with all our baggage and cats, Barry chose to stay with us.
This act of kindness wasn’t required, but it made all the difference. Although my siblings and I could have comfortably gone inside to wait, the cats would have been incredibly stressed by the lights, smells, and crowds. They would have had to be crated again, likely leading to more anxiety. Barry’s decision to stay allowed the cats to stay relaxed and at ease, and his patience and generosity meant the world to me after such a long journey. It was a small act, but it made a huge impact on my travel-frayed nerves.
Why I Recommend Pet Moves
After all the research, planning, and stress, I can confidently say that Barry at Pet Moves was the best and only solution for getting myself and my cats safely to our new home. His Pet Relocation service was professional, compassionate, and incredibly thoughtful. He simplified what felt like an impossible situation and helped me and my pets transition to our new life in the UK without a hitch.
Thanks to Barry, my cats and I are now happily settled in London, enjoying our new life. It wouldn’t have been possible without him and his exceptional Pet Relocation services. For any pet parent facing a similar move, I cannot recommend Pet Moves and Barry highly enough. He made a daunting process easy, and I’m so grateful for everything he did for us
