Step-by-Step guide on how I got my Dog from Bangalore, India to Chicago, US.

All below information is based on my experience and my knowledge. I would have loved to see a post like this when I was struggling to find all the information I needed to fly with my pet, Ginger. I had 3 weeks to figure everything out and I was able to do it successfully.

Our quick facts:

• Ginger & I flew: Lufthansa from Bangalore to Chicago with layover at Frankfurt
• Date of Travel: September 2013
• My Pet : 3 year old Basset-Beagle Mix weighing 20 kgs

So you're moving International. Congratulations! It's exciting! 

Wondering what you are going to do with your pet? There is no reason you should be leaving your pet behind. Yes, they can travel with you & it’s not a difficult process at all.

If travelling with your pet is not an option/choice for you, Pet Relocation Services are available. I was quoted INR 200,000 for end-to-end relocation service. Two people I got in touch with:

1. Anvis Inc India (Anand.Vishwanath@anvisinc.com)

2. http://www.furryflyers.com/

Here's a step-by-step guide for anyone intending to travel international with their pet travel, based purely on my experience:

1. Call the Airlines and let them know you intend to travel with your pet. 

If you are lucky to get a knowledgeable airline customer care personnel, you can skip this and Step 2. If not, then on this call you want to check for airline's breed restrictions, costs, pet cargo availability on the dates you want to and rules and regulations per airline. Take a couple of dates from the customer care personnel based on your travel plans to work on.

Lufthansa - Transporting Animals

Lufthansa reservation Number: 1800-102-5838

(I spoke with a very knowledgeable and helpful personnel. Yaay!)

Lufthansa Bangalore Airport Number: 08066784050/70

(The lady I spoke with here had no clue about the process!)                  

Below are 3 categories I had to choose from:

·   Category 1: Pet weighing under 8 kgs can be carried with you in the cabin

·   Category 2: Fits in a medium crate size: 100x65x75cms (Costs $210)

·   Category 3: Fits in a large crate size: 135x75x85cms (Costs $420)

Ginger passed the breed restriction test. If you've got a pug or any such short-nosed breed, you might face trouble here. In a medium crate, Ginger would have been just perfect – but leaving her with not much room to move around. So we went with large crate option.  I had not bought the crate yet.  But I measured Ginger from nose-to-tail and figured this out. 

2. Get your ticket updated with 'Pet in cargo compartment: confirmed.'

Updated e-ticket

     Once ready to book, call customer service once again to ensure pet cargo availability. Book your tickets and share your ticket details with the airlines so they can reserve appropriate pet cargo spot on your ticket. You do not have to pay for your pet at the time of booking your ticket. You pay $420/$210 on the day of your travel. You should receive updated ticket with ‘Change of reservation’ and it should say: Pet in cargo compartment: confirmed

Lufthansa Rep told me all you need on the day of departure is Vaccination records and Export Permit (I have covered this in Step 3). 

My route was Bangalore-Frankfurt-Chicago. Availability was not an issue on Bangalore-Frankfurt route. But Frankfurt-Bangalore has just one pet cargo space available. I was told that Frankfurt airport has very good service for pets. And that Ginger will be taken out of the crate and given some water and food before boarding the next 9 hour flight to Chicago.

 3. Your Pet's Travel Documents : Vaccination Records & Export Permit.

We got Ginger microchipped at CUPA. The vet also gave us a health certificate that said Ginger was OK to travel. For the Export Permit, you will need to get in touch with 'Animal Quarantine & Certification Services' at the 'Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries' to get ‘Certificate of Health’.

Don’t worry about the really long name. This is just another government office :)

In Bangalore, they are located at: BIAL, Alpha-3, Devanahalli.

(Block before Departure/Arrival)

I got the Quarantine Officer’s direct number from our vet at CUPA, RT Nagar. We called the officer and were asked to come and collect the certificate. We went in to visit them a day before my travel with all of Ginger's vaccination records and the letter from the vet. 2 hours later and some payment, we received the Export Certificate. This was easy. I did not take Ginger to this office. I was very happy that they helped so quickly as I had less than 24 hours to board my flight.

Export permit - Front

Export permit - back

    

4. Getting a Crate

You’ll need an IATA certified crate for international travel. We measured Ginger from nose to end-of-tail. Medium was just about right so we decided to get the Large crate.  I called a few Pet shops and found one that had what I needed. This shop is located in Church Street – on the same lane as Indian Coffee House. There were 2 options available – China-make and International branded ones. China ones were available for INR12000-13000 while a certified one was INR 23000-24000. I also checked Quikr for some second-hand travel crate. But couldn't find any available at that time. But yes, there were a few expired listings.
Whichever model you decide, just make sure your pet is comfortable inside – such that he can sit/stand/curl up, provides ample ventilation and has sturdy and secure gate/lock.

Ginger in her crate

We purchased the certified crate.  I wasn't willing to risk putting Ginger in the Chinese crate. Though they looked OK, we bought Crate from an Italian Pet accessory maker Ferplast. This was the only brand available in the store. And just one Large crate.  

So, you're all set to hop on that flight. I was moving, so I had my family, lots of cartons packed and ready for movers and packers and people visiting. The first thing I did after buying the crate was set-it up next to her spot. It was a task to get her in! My 5-year old nephew went in and out and played with her. We tricked Ginger with some treats initially.. but it did take some time for her. I'm guessing they need atleast 2-3 days to get comfortable with their new crate.

On the day of travel, ensure your pet is fed well 4 hours before his flight and is exhausted.

4. Arrive at the Airport with atleast 1 hour dedicated for your pet's formalities.

Bangalore Airport

We arrived at Bangalore Airport and while my family watched over Ginger and my luggage, I headed to Lufthansa counter. I asked for help with my luggage as I was travelling alone. I got a card with a number I needed to call for help with luggage and they are allowed to come inside the airport. They're your airport coolies :).  I did not know that airports had this facility too! But so glad they do now.

After my heart-warming goodbyes to my family, I went straight to luggage screening section behind the ticketing counter. I was asked to take Ginger out of her crate and she and the crate were screened separately. And, with a lot of patience, I answered a lot of  curious questions while this was happening. After screening, we put her back in, locked the gate and put 'LIVE ANIMAL' sticker on top.  This is where you will be seeing your dog the last time in India. So I gave her a light hug and let her know I'll be with her soon and gave her favorite treat. From here, I checked in my bags and got my boarding pass. Here I was directed to go and pay up for Ginger. I went straight to pay her travel fees ($420/$210) at Lufthansa counter that has one side open to the public and not the one that issues boarding passes. I swiped my credit card and they attached her details on my boarding pass. Then the regular immigration, security check, boarding etc.

5. Check about you Pet Enroute

We were halfway there! I had to change flights in Frankfurt. I have heard about luggage being left behind. So while I boarded the flight, I asked the attendant who checked my boarding pass about Ginger. I wanted to know how she was doing, if she ate something and if she has been moved to this flight. And, thanks to my window seat on the right side. I could see Ginger, and two more dogs waiting to be moved in, out from my window.  I was Delighted and Relieved. They loaded all the luggage first and then at last placed the crates. The update I had asked took sometime but before the flight took off I got all my answers. She was OK. 

6. At the destination airport

Jet-lagged Ginger

I got through immigration, took my baggage and came out. And I saw Ginger's crate. Happy would be an understatement. I did not take her out, as I did not have her leash handy! An official came out and asked for her vaccination records.  That's all! I was ready with all her documents as if it were my interview :) Letter from her vet, export certificate (so that she isn't deported !!), all her vaccination records. I gave her the export certificate, she only looked at the back side and said, great 'You're all good to go!' 

We drove home, she ran, sniffed away to glory, and had a feast. Both of us had some jet lag for a week. But she was absolutely fine.

                   Ginger playing with her new friend China at a Dog Park. She loves it!                                

Ginger's first pain & scare free nail clipping at Petco

Plight of Social Descrimination - Kite Runner.

While reading Khaled Hosseini's Kite Runner - w.r.t the character the Charlie - I poem it out.

I am no Gorgon, I am no Saint.
But i remian a human - just like another name.
Dont pull in the caste - dont pull in the creed.
Dont pull in the racial discrimination that makes me weep.

Why am i not the one to be by your side and hold your hand.
Why cant i play and eat the same way you do - With just a right hand.

You feel you are above and feel great,
I too have been made by the same hands in fate.

I truckle, cause i am expected to. I serve and you and them and all.
I look up and hear - Gone are such days. They are antediluvian, but alas - You just realized i am human.

Contributions From My DearAnkita Bordia:
"But one hundred years later, he still is not free. One hundred years later, he is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, he lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, he is still languished in the corners ... Read Moreof society and finds himself an exile in his own land. And so we've come here today to dramatize a shameful condition." - Martin Luther King

Food for Thought - Location:Bangalore

This blog is dedicated to my addiction - Food. This post shall inform of various places i go to eat at and my observations about the same :)
Starting with my yesterday's dinner at Golkonda Chimney.

Golkonda Chimney: 42/2 , Kundanahalli Gate White Field
This place is heaven for the Non - Veggies. But for the veggies, u might as well just do away with the soups and starters. Even the normal Kadhai Paneer was a disaster. The Paneer pieces were not even anything close to soft.
Apparently, The Rolls, here are very famous. Generally grabbed for a lunch/Quick bite by people working in the IT Parks in the vicinity. It cost us 1200+ for a sumptuous meal for 5.

Talking about Bad Paneer - I shall introduce the best place for Panner i've been so far.

Queen's : 7, Shrungar Complex, Church Street.
Keep your eyes open cause this dimly lit place can be easily missed. Its diagonally opposite to Oye Amritsar, on the same road as Blossom Book store. A budget rest with just splendid food and decent interiors and no no restrooms et al. Also, they do not serve soups and their masala papad is fiery :)
I have been to this place a couple of times and never disappointed. Each time i visit, i feel the food tastes Yummy ! The Paneer is a MUST MUST here. Make sure you check the time to land into this rest, 7 - 7:30 pm is ideal if u dont wanna wait.
It can cost anywhere between 300 - 350 for a veg meal for 2.

The Yum Chinese :)
Though I absolutely Hate the authentic Chinese Food, I am a of the Indianized Chinese.
My trials include : Beijing Bites, China Perl, Mainland China, etc.
Of Which the Winner issss :
China Perl: Koramangala
Apparently, that same street has some 3 - 4 Chinese rest.
They have excellent starters like the Crispy veggies and the Potatoe something.
Its ambience is decent too. I love the hangings at the entrance - The Red ones.
An avg veg meal for 2 can cost between 500 - 700 :)

Tweet. Meet. Give. - Twestival Bangalore Sep '09

It started with Cafe COffee Day sessions. The 1 - 2 hour sessions with 10% of the population trying to seriously chalk out - An Agenda, the responsibility list. A week later we brought an event, that took us all by surprise. An overwhelming crowd, an excellent range of sponsors and some splendid performances by extremely thoughtful celebs.

The event, as everybody came to terms with, soon after it was half - way - Was a Sooper - Doooper, House Full - Event.

Firstly, A Thank You Note:

1. Kingfisher : We totally banked on these guys. The free beer pulled in huge crowd and we owe to them. They were the first to support our cause.
2. Red Bull : Again, one of the first to support our cause.
3. Kyra : Great Place. Supportive throughout the event. They even let us sell our Tickets first :)

All our Freebies sponsors:
1.Reliance Time out : They gave us some free CDs and hope the winners like listening to them
2.The Bombay Store: Free gift Vouchers for about 2500.
3. Flaunt Ur Ego : Free Tees !
4. Shiok Moss : Free Dinner vouchers.
5. South Indies : Free Dinner vouchers again.
6. Moo cards: a 100 complimentary business cards. These cards are really cute.

Now about the event :

For all the enthusiastic Swarathma and Papa CJ fans were so early, that event the organizers ended up as late comers as compared to them. They patiently waited through all the sound checks and commotion before the start of the event.

Though Twestwal's official time was 12:30 to 4:30, we started at about 1:00pm. It started with Pritham Venkky - An amazing MC, introducing Twestival and the agenda on it. Followed by Vaijanthi (a.k.a VJ) our India Twestival Co-ordinator, introducing the audience to the history of twestival, why we do it, et al.

Finally.. Let the drom rolls begin .. Here comes - Twestival Bangalore September 2009 !


The event took off with some mesmerizing acts by Nakul Shenoys' - Beyond Magic. This guy got us all Awestruck. I witnessed it myself - and it was unbelievable.

There I am, one of this targets @ the magical acts.



Then came a short stint with Great Laughter. Stand Up comedians Aron Kedar and Papa Cj got everybody rolling on the floor with some quick wit laugh.


Finally, came in the much awaited performance : Swarathma.
And was it was worth all the patience !
They floored us all, by some exclusive numbers, catchy kannada lyrics and superb music. I just could not hang on to my chair. Within minutes i got off my seat and was dancing until they finished.


And there were some final rounds of gift giving by Amit (a.k.a Daaku) , some chocolates and beer to celebrate,final accounts and we all parted.

This was one Saturday we all shall cherish - Great Fun.

Our life in EMI

With India on Sale - I mean SALE is everywhere from Delhi to Kanyakumari and Ahmedabad to Calcutta. Its the start of Monsoon with not the rains but the Sales pouring in. The showrooms putting in their best to lure all the customers, from the not rich to the richest. With the recession hit economy, no one seems to NOT have the liquidity crunch.

But having witnessed an event of almost – a – stampede, with no place to put your toe in Bangalore Central I doubt the extreme recession conditions portrayed globally by all our learned economists and nation heads.

What does one do to promote the spending when he knows, the prevalent condition. He knows no one’s got the extra money to spend on that extra pair of denims.
The answer to this is : EMI !!
With Levis shouting out loud in all its Outlets along with the radio stations – Buy you denims on EMI.

I will not be shocked if one day I wake up an find socks, handkerchiefs and Hair scrunches are on Emi’s too. Buy a pair of your socks now and pay later in 3 EMIS of Rs. 30 each. Wow !!

This is def a Sooper way to Go the Credit Card WAY !
Go Credit card - Come the bills - Here we are to do teh drills :P

New York - Reviews.

This weekend had a lot of happeinging in Bangalore. Multiplexes were back with their first release after the long prolonged strikes. Wherein, the single screens had got their share of primetime and made a lot of money with quoting rates similar to that of multiplexes.
This Friday, Yash Raj released a Katrina - John - Neil starred 'New York'.
Though i did read a good review and saw a 4/5 star ratings before arriving at the Theatre, at the end i was happy i could at least have my fav Cheese Popcorn.

The movie starts good - within 10mins i see a scene i watched just 6 hours ago in a a different movie. The same day @ 12, I happen to watch Main Hoon Na on star plus at Home. A scene where Zayed khan is challened for race by Rakhis' BF can be easily identified with Johns', racing up on NYU's roof and hoisting the flag. Same - to - same. But here, there is no falling and no Shah Rukh Khan to save.
The Plot/Story: This movie is a lil on the serious side and has a good and different story to tell. Its got a bit of everything (apart from the family drama and item nos.) Its shocases the torture imposed on more than 3000 humans post 9/11, just because they had a musilm name. John in the movie is one such muslim - but American citizen who wasn't spared. He was inflicted with pain for a period of 9 months only on grounds that he had taken pictures of the Twin Tower.
And then in the second half of the movie, tries to take revenge for his lost dignity.

Costumes: Rocy S could definitely have done a better job with the GlamSham Katrina. After having watched Priyanka in Dostana, with a similar setup and also Katrina herself with exotic attires, I was disappointed.
Else the movie is a decent make. Could have been better with some mroe serious actors palying the roles. Katrina and John somehow just dont fit into too serious roles for me !

How much does it Cost - To think out of the Box @ GU ?

Finally, the much awaited day - I am a Post graduate today :)
Well, coming to the resutlts - they are decent and i wont crib about them. A 62 per cent with a 15 day gap after my wedding .. I am pretty happy.
But what went went wrong where?
Apparently, my course M.Sc. in Information Technology and Computer Application is one of a kind :P . An incident to quote woud be, my project presentation day. I am known to bring in different and something unusual. I dont just write and display at my wish - There has to be some ground work i've done. I was told by one of my professors, that we have external faculties who have some 20 - 30 years of experience in the IT industry.
On that day look who takes charge with my 400 marks ? A senior turned professor, who barely got even a First class in his graduation. Accompanied by someone who was of course an external faculty, but not even close to 30 in age.
GU cant just play around this way. The power given is misused and ruing careers. This favoritism is just not Done !
Is GU making or ruining careers ? I am a victim to have fallen for this. Even a B.com in BU or DU woud have been better, now i feel.
Five years, down the drain and i cant do anything about it.
Too sad - Too bad.