Flying my Dog Down. and household stuff.

Also I did check out the Re-use store while I was there, as well as another used furniture place.

Here are some of the threads I found discussing relocating pets:

https://www.vimovingcenter.com/talk/read.php?4,230400,230603#msg-230603

https://www.vimovingcenter.com/talk/read.php?4,229200,229213#msg-229213

https://www.vimovingcenter.com/talk/read.php?4,223736,223894#msg-223894

https://www.vimovingcenter.com/talk/read.php?4,222593,222598#msg-222598

I found this line of crates that has extra ventilation for flying that I just ordered to start getting the pup acclimated to the kennel. They also make an intermediate size (30-50lbs) but looks like Petco doesn't carry it so I ordered from Chewy.com.

Hope this helps!

As for your daughter and her height/size, I would call the airlines directly.

For your HH goods and furniture, I've seen most advice is to put your things in storage for the 1st year and rent a furnished place. We realized that either way, we needed to start downsizing.

Hi Libby! I'm not sure if you've mentioned previously where you are relocating from, but I can tell you that moving furniture is expensive. I moved from MA to CA back in 1999 and back then it was around $1000 way back then and we didn't have do deal with crating and shipping via the ocean. However if you find a company that is cheap let us all know so we can research them too!

I too am working on moving to STX but for next year. And have asked the same questions about furniture and household items. So here's what I learned.... If your furniture is made out of cheap wood of pressed particle board, don't bring it b/c it won't last down there. Also, plenty of people suggest renting a storage locker and put your stuff in it to wait it out in case you go running back to the mainland. But before you think about doing that research what it will cost for your few pieces of furniture. Because let me tell you, it isn't' cheap to rent one for a year, I looked into it and we will mot be doing that it isn't' worth it for us. Next, look into what your plane charges for baggage. If you are allowed any free baggage, load it up! Keep in mind the wright restrictions though. Since there are 4 of us and Jet Blue allows 1 free checked bag and a free carry on, we plan on buying some decent sized inexpensive, yet durable, suitcases and packing them full of clothes. That is what we did when we moved to California. And we managed to get all of our clothes moved free. For all of your smaller items, see if there is someone in the USVI who can accept packages for you instill you get there and all the stuff through the USPS. Check to see whether flat rate shipping vs regular shipping would be cheaper. I think flat rate would be for some of the heavier items.

As for what to pack we are not there yet so I can't say for sure, but....
I can tell you that all those little things you talked about will add up when you move. For example, we left all of our hangers behind when we moved thinking we will just buy what we need when we get there. Turns out it would have been way cheaper to take our hangers with us! We must have spent almost $100 back in 1999 for just hangers!!! And I'm talking the cheap plastic kind. So guess what I plan on packing to take with me? Hangers! So just do you due diligence and research how much all those little things cost, b/c they will add up.

I hope this all helps and good luck with your move!

we moved some stuff in 2004 using vi cargo. call them and ask about how much it would cost

Thanks for the info so far. I've got some calls in for quotes for moving things and I read the links and did get some useful info. ... Still not much about which airlines for moving pup? ...I know it's not something you do regularly but if anyone has had, or has heard of anyone having a decent experience with any of the airlines somewhat recently I would be most appreciative if you could share. TY

Libby,
We brought two dogs down....one at a time, since my husband stayed in California for a couple years working til he moved. The first he brought was our 70 lb Labradoodle on American Airlines a
In cargo. The second, a Lab, is a registered service dog, so he was able to ride in the cabin for free, so he does not count.

With the labradoodle, he fle wthe red eye to Miami, to be able to get on the first morning flight out. If the temp is predicted to gt over 80 degrees on any given day, they won't fly the dog. Usually, they accept from October, until, spring time. He brought him down in mid October. You need a health certificate from a vet within ten days of flying, and I believe it was $150-175 charge. You have to make a reservation, because they won't take more than 2 pets per flight in cargo.

I would recommend breaking the flight into two days, depending on where you are coming from and overnight in Miami. It is pretty stressful on the pets. Our dgs have always been crate trained, but this was tough for them. They aren't allowed to eat anything, so it was well over 20 hours without food and being separated for our big guy. He did well, he was only 3 AT&T the time, but I was really worried.

Good luck with the move! Our boys love it here!!
Shannon

we brought out cat when we moved down and used american. you need a certificate from the vet with all shots up to date that must be done within 10 days of flight-double check that. we have no rabies down here. we brought him as a carry on. the only time i was nervous was when he went through security , he had to be physically taken out and carried through and then put back in. luckily he was so scared he didnt mind me holding him for that