17th January 2011 - It’s PLANE-ing cats and dogs!
Thomson Airways safely transports over 1,600 animals including lemurs, parrots and doves!Britain’s reputation for being a nation of pet lovers has been backed up by Thomson Airways which has announced that it has carried over 1,600 animals to holiday destinations abroad in the last year. Parrots in search of Jack Sparrow’s shoulder have flown to the Caribbean and tortoise’s who just wanted a slower pace of life have shelled out to go to Tenerife.
As well as taking over 5.5 million Brits on holiday every year, Thomson Airways is one of the market leaders in this growing area of pets’ cargo. Amongst the more unusual animals transported are two lemurs, 13 parrots, three tortoises, one guinea pig and a variety of birds of prey. Paphos in Cyprus was the most popular destination for British pets wanting to bask in the year round sun it offers. The most popular pet? Not surprisingly dogs (1,147 transported) and cats (458 transported) topped the bill - and speaking of bills, the airline has even flown a duck from Bournemouth to Tenerife!
The British love affair with their pets isn’t anything new - many would concede their favourite pet makes up an additional member of the family. With the emergence of pet passports eliminating the need to put Rover or Ginger into quarantine for six months, it has never been easier to send your pooch on holiday for a bit of rest and relaxation.
Thomson Airways customers choose to use the pets cargo service for a number of different reasons. Many have second homes abroad and take their pets to be with them during their overseas trips. Others may live abroad on a more permanent basis and some will be being transferred to new owners.
Bev Peascod from Carlisle fell in love with a stray dog called Sylvie on holiday last year in Zante and arranged for the dog to transported back to the UK. Commenting on the process Bev said: “We were all delighted to be reunited with Sylvie at Manchester airport, following a period of quarantine, and she is now a big part of our family. The Thomson Airways staff were fantastic and really looked after Sylvie during the flight.”
Although not claiming to be Noah’s Ark, Thomson Airways will happily assist those who wish to transport their pet overseas. Pets are transported in temperature and pressure controlled baggage holds to make their journey as comfortable as possible. For more information on taking animals abroad check http://www.thomson.co.uk/editorial/faqs/flights/pets.html where you will find all you need to know on how to get your pet in the air.
Notes to editors Figures based on Thomson Airways cargo shipments between September 2009 until August 2010