For most people moving to London from America snow is a normal part of the winter season. With over half of the United States seeing at least one good snow fall each winter there is a good chance that an American expat is used to a good snowfall. Unfortunately, London is not so well-equipped. Many people mistakenly assume that since London is milder in the summer than most of the US (and very similar to the US Northeast) its winters are nasty and full of snow and ice. The truth, though, surprises most moving to London – London sees very little snow.
London is in the south of England. In the northern parts of England and in other northern countries in the United Kingdom, like Scotland, snow is a fairly normal occurrence during the winter months. Farther south, however, snow rarely falls to the shock of most moving to London. The winter days and nights are cool with the temperatures usually staying in the upper thirties and forties (in Fahrenheit). This is not cold enough for snow.
Occasionally it does snow though but most snow storms in London produce less than two inches of snow. Those moving to London often watch in amazement at the reactions of Londoners at this small amount of snow; something of a frenzy breaks out incredibly enough. With as little as three inches public transportation has been halted and workplaces closed. Anyone moving to London from the northern part of the States doesn’t even consider that a legitimate snowfall!
Even though it may not snow very often the winter days are wet. Rain falls over half the days during the winter season keeping roads and pavements (sidewalks) wet constantly. Even with temperatures well above freezing these surfaces can become slippery. Anyone moving to England should not underestimate the London winter weather just because of the lack of snow. Wet and dreary, everyone knows when winter is underway in England. Although it may be rare those moving to London will probably see a Dickens’-worthy postcard picture of London covered in snow at some point.
As Americans moving to London begin the search for London neighborhoods for themselves, or their family, there are several factors that should be considered, only one of which is location. Depending on the location of one’s employment and any schools children may attend choosing from the many ideal London neighborhoods changes. One neighborhood that is a favorite among all of the London neighborhoods and should be looked into is Islington.
Islington is located in the Northeast area of the greater city of London. In the earlier part of the last century it was considered a poor remnant of its once grand splendor. All that changed however in the 1990s as old Victorian homes (which fill Islington) became all the rage. At that time a major gentrification project overtook the neighborhood making it now one of the premiere London neighborhoods.
Like many areas of London Islington offers quirky and unique shops. Residents and tourists alike enjoy its impressive antique store selections and quaint cafes. There are many benefits to choosing Islington as a possible place to live after an international relocation.
1) Location, location, location – There are many Tube stations, train stations and bus stops in Islington making it accessible to just about anywhere in the city.
2) Highgate Wood – a 28 hectare green space popular with the locals. Especially if one is moving with a family living near a park is a bonus.
3) Arsenal Football Club – One of the most famous London football clubs will be in one’s backyard if they move to Islington. There is no better way to acclimate to a new city than to join in the local sports craze.
4) Art galleries galore – There are several art galleries and workshops located in Islington making this a hot neighborhood for art enthusiasts.
There are probably a hundred reasons for a person or family to consider Islington when narrowing down London neighborhoods. It is one of the few London neighborhoods well suited to both families and young couples or singles. With housing prices ranging from very low to very expensive there surely will be something in everyone’s price range. One can’t go wrong by considering Islington when searching London neighborhoods.
For many Americans moving to London there is no choice in the matter – they simply must go due to a corporate relocation. They wonder, though, how to move to London when both the US and British economies are so weak. While it may be difficult it is not impossible. By arming oneself with the right knowledge the move to London can be done with as little financial output as possible. Once in London a family can actually live quite well while pinching pennies.
How to Move to London Inexpensively – Transportation
Most people are a little overwhelmed when they hear they are relocating to London because the city is known for being so expensive. While that may be true the cost of living is counted for in an international relocation and hopefully one’s company will compensate for the increase in costs. One good thing for most Americans wondering how to move to London with everything being so expensive is that a vehicle will not be needed. In most families everyone over the age of sixteen has a vehicle so that can be a significant savings right there.
How to Move to London Inexpensively – Food
London may be a major world city but there is plenty of fresh, local food. Buying from local vendors and farmers is a great way to save a lot of money. Americans rely too much on fast and convenience foods. In London, like much of Europe, families eat little fast food and cooking is an intricate part of the family experience. Not only will a family’s wallet feel better by cooking more and eating out less, the family’s waistlines will as well.
How to Move to London Inexpensively – Activities
The best advice for any family or individual wondering how to move to London without breaking the bank is to enjoy all the history, culture and outdoor activities the city has to offer. Being one of the largest cities in the world there is plenty to do. Parks are located everywhere and are a great way to enjoy a beautiful day without spending any money. There are also many museums and exhibits that cost nothing or very little.
Moving to London will cost some money but it does not have to bankrupt a family. Rather than worry oneself about how to move to London during a bad economy families should see the move as a personal challenge to save as much money as possible while still enjoying their new town.
Many times families moving to London never think about who to call during an emergency until an emergency occurs. Unlike the United States London, and the United Kingdom, do not call 911 to get access to fire services, police or medical care. Also, unlike the United States, families moving to London have two emergency numbers to call depending on the urgency of the situation. All members of a family should learn and memorize the important emergency numbers of their new country in order to be prepared in case of a worst-case scenario.
In the case of a fire or emergency requiring police families moving to London should dial 999 to be connected to an operator – similar to dialing 911 in the States. This number can also be called for a medical emergency requiring an ambulance. Unlike many areas in the United States 999 should not be called for minor incidents. In cases where one needs to contact their local police department, such as to report a non life-threatening crime, 101 can be dialed.
For medical emergencies not requiring an ambulance all family members moving to London can go to the nearest A&E. That is what the British call an emergency room (accident and emergency). One of the worst mistakes an American family can make after moving to London during an emergency is to ask for the nearest ER. Most likely all that they will get is quizzical looks.
Since healthcare is free in Great Britain there are more accommodations for emergencies. A&Es are only for serious emergencies. A family member with a minor emergency, like a broken bone or high fever, should visit a MIU (minor injuries unit) at a local hospital. If an injury is not a true emergency A&Es will absolutely not see a person. This is important to remember for families moving to London as most US emergency rooms will treat anyone.
Not all hospitals have A&E units and if they do have a unit it will not necessarily be open twenty-four hours a day. Before an emergency occurs and a family is forced to move quickly it would be in their best interest to research nearby hospitals and their A&E hours. Moving to London is stressful enough without compounding the move with an unplanned and unprepared for emergency.
Many Americans moving to London are confused by all the London neighborhoods and the contradicting advice given in regards to London neighborhoods. It seems that everyone asked has a different opinion as to the quality and value in a particular location. The Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is very popular with American expats making the neighborhoods of Earl’s Court a good choice when making a short list of possible London neighborhoods to move into.
Located between Kensington and Chelsea the small neighborhood of Earl’s Court has a history of being popular with expats. Originally Earl’s Court was all green space, a rural area outside of the city of London and popular with the royalty. During the twentieth century however Earl’s Court became popular with quite a different crowd. During that time Australian and New Zealand expats took over the small neighborhood due to its close proximity to the city and relatively cheap housing options giving the neighborhood the nickname Kangaroo Valley.
As gentrification of the area grew in force driving housing prices sky-high the Aussie expat crowd moved on to less expensive pastures. Today, Earl’s Court is one of the most lovely London neighborhoods in a highly sought after part of London. Multi-million pound homes and apartments line the streets in buildings of impressive architectural significance.
Perhaps the most important development over the last one hundred years and puts Earl’s Court on the London neighborhoods map is the construction of the Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre. The largest center in the city the Earl’s Court Exhibition Center has staged very impressive acts from Pink Floyd to the Rolling Stones. During the 2012 Olympic Games which will be held in London the Centre will house the volleyball tournament.
Although Earl’s Court may not be at the top of the popular lists of must-see London neighborhoods for Americans moving to London it should be strongly considered. With its beautiful homes and central location near many major parks (like Kensington Park) and Tube Stations Earl’s Court is an ideal London location. Before eliminating smaller London neighborhoods such as Earl’s Court walk the streets and give them a chance to shine.
Shortly after confirming an international relocation families often buy a map of London neighborhoods to help prepare for the upcoming move. While that can never hurt it is best to truly understand what the map says and how to use it best once the plane lands and a family is left to fend for themselves in a new country. One of the most useful maps a family can get is a Tube map of London neighborhoods.
One of the first challenges facing families fresh to London from a corporate relocation is the lack of a personal vehicle. In America almost every family owns at least one car, often with every member of the family over sixteen owning their own car. In a city the size of London that is just not possible. Even if a family does have a car in London it will probably spend most of its time in a parking garage. That is why a good Tube map of London neighborhoods is a must-have.
Anyone moving to London having never relied on public transportation will have an adjustment period where map usage will be necessary. For the newcomer to the Tube (or any major system for that matter) the first glace at a Tube map of London neighborhoods will look like a colorful display of lines and they’ll probably think they will need an engineering degree to ever make sense of it all.
Do not despair new Londoners. Learning to make sense of a Tube map of London neighborhoods will come eventually and then become second nature. The first rule of thumb for those new to London transportation is to not be afraid to ask for help. Second, figure out far in advance what route one needs to get somewhere. Lastly, those just moving to London from America should not be afraid to wander out of their comfort zone and explore London via the Tube. They just must remember to bring their handy Tube map of London neighborhoods with them!
London neighborhoods vary in personality and cost of living. Because of that no one can say with certainty which one of the many lovely London neighborhoods is right for each family. Before an international relocation families are encouraged to discuss their home needs with a London relocation service where London relocation agents will explain the subtle differences between favorite London neighborhoods.
One of the best kept secrets in London neighborhoods is Greenwich. Located in South London this lovely community seems to be in a world of its own. With no tube station it is in the city but outside of it at the same time. Beautiful Georgian and Victorian homes line the small streets alive with quirky boutiques and unique restaurants.
On top of being an affordable place to live after moving to London families can enjoy many of London’s most significant historical sites and museums in Greenwich. Some of the more famous are:
1) The National Maritime Museum: home to the national collection of artifacts of England’s long maritime history. The buildings located at the museum are of great historical significance.
2) The Royal Observatory: This is home to the center of the world. Literally. In 1675 Charles II declared that it represented the middle of the world. Today, the Greenwich Median Time (GMT) is still the starting point of each new day.
3) Greenwich Park: Most famous for the views of the city of London from its hills. It is also home to the Royal Naval College, National Maritime Museum and will house stadiums for the 2012 Olympics held in London.
4) Greenwich Market: One of the larger markets in London. It is comprised of several markets such as the Greenwich arts and crafts market, Flea Market, Antique Market and Central Market.
Any family or individual moving to London who values historical landmarks and trying to decide between London neighborhoods should consider Greenwich. With its reasonably priced housing, close location to the city of London and beautiful Greenwich Park anyone would do well if living there. With so many choices in London neighborhoods it is best to narrow the list before discussing housing with London relocation agents and Greenwich would be a great addition to that list.
One of the benefits of moving to London is the ability to learn about other cultures. In particular, Americans fresh from the states can learn a lot about India since Indians make up the largest minority group in England. Beginning in the early twentieth century Indians began moving to London and other parts of England for educational purposes and employment opportunities.
By definition a British Indian is any person of Indian ancestry whether they are from India, Pakistan, East Africa, the Caribbean or Fiji. Today, there are almost 500,000 Indian people living in London, alone. British and Indian cultures are intertwined due to years of British rule over India. In the early twentieth century wealth Indians sent their children to be educated in England. Muhatma Ghandi , who studied Law in London, was one of the most famous.
Today, the Indian culture permeates many aspects of life in London and those moving to London will see its influence everywhere. Indian cuisine is quite popular and there seem to be about as many Indian and Pakistani restaurants as there are immigrants! Most families moving to London have never been to India making their time in England ideal for learning more about the fascinating culture.
The first way to experience Indian culture for any family just moving to London is to visit one of the spectacular restaurants. Indian food in the States is a growing cuisine but regional. Many parts of the United States have no Indian representation at all. Also, not all British Indians are from India. Many other countries are represented in the city making that many more restaurants on the list to visit for any family moving to London for the first time.
Listed below are some of the most popular restaurants featuring traditional British Indian foods:
Tayyabs – A top restaurant featuring Pakistani food, located in Whitechapel
Hot Stuff – An Indian restaurant with a cult following, located in Vauxhall
Rasa – Featuring South Indian cuisine they specialize in vegetarian dishes and are located in Stoke Newington
Triphal – an Indian restaurant with a diverse menu representing all regions of India, located in Southfields
Once the job has been taken families often begin to wonder how to move to London and are eager to start their new life in England. Many though have no idea where to begin and quickly become over-stressed and begin to resent the new move. In order to prevent a meltdown occurring in your new home follow these easy ‘how to move to London’ steps to make the transition from the US to England as smooth as possible.
How to Move to London and Get Settled Step 1 – Before moving to London families should have completed a detailed list of everything coming with them from the states. If that has been done, great, if not do it! Pronto! After that list is created another list of what the family needs for everyday living can be created. Go through your new home room by room to make sure nothing is overlooked.
How to Move to London and Get Settled Step 2 – At this point families are ready to get some shopping done. Rather than go crazy at a market or department store try looking for pre-owned merchandise before buying new. Much of the expense of an international relocation is in settling into a house. Buying furniture alone can cost as much as an entire month’s salary!
How to Move to London and Get Settled Step 3 – Now that all the necessities are in your new home take the time to organize them. It is very tempting to live out of a suitcase or box for far longer than necessary. Spending a Saturday or Sunday thoroughly unpacking everything and creating permanent homes for each item will go a long way in making you feel settled.
How to Move to London and Get Settled Step 4 – As soon as possible upon arriving to London everyone in your family should register with a General Practioner as this is the rule for healthcare in London. A London relocation agent can help with finding a list of open doctors in your neighborhood.
How to Move to London and Get Settled Step 5 – Once your new home is in some sort of order and a doctor has been chosen it is time to get out and explore your new city. Regardless of what time of year you are moving to London there is plenty to do. Try and avoid spending all your time alone in your home. That only makes the transition that much harder.
After moving to London many families like to explore and discover cultural traditions of their new home country. England is deeply steeped in ancient traditions and beliefs and many are still practiced today. With the New Year upon us and families often looking for ways to celebrate every family after moving to London should consider a visit to the Twelfth Night Festival.
The Twelfth Night Festival takes place outside London’s Globe Theatre, best known for being home to Shakespeare’s plays. On the twelfth night of Christmas, also Epiphany in the Christian calendar, a celebration with its roots in ancient English tradition takes over the streets. Many moving to London enjoy this celebration as they are able to take part in a truly British experience, one not found in the States.
Many moving to London do not realize that much of the Christian calendar was taken directly from Pagan holidays. Such is the case with Epiphany. The Twelfth Night Festival aims to celebrate the Pagan rituals that saturated the country long before Christianity moved upon its shores. This event is free and besides the cold temperature makes a wonderful way to end the Christmas festivities after moving to London.
The festival begins with Green Man arriving by boat from the Thames River. This Green Man is not unique to British tradition. He appears in many customs from cultures around the world like Canada and Belgium. For the twelfth night festivities he is covered in holly making him known often as The Holly Man.
Once he lands upon the shores he is greeted by the Mummers, a cast of actors who perform a play in celebration of the Holiday. After the play small cakes are handed to the crowd. Hidden inside two cakes are a pea and a bean. Whoever finds the hidden pea and bean inside their cake is crowned king and queen and leads the procession to George Inn in Borough High Street to continue with the merriment.
With January being such a dreary month in London it is no surprise that those moving to London enjoy any festivity they find. With just a little effort and an open mind families from the states can make the most of their time discovering interesting cultural practices after moving to London.
James II, King of England - London Relocation agency - Image via Wikipedia
Hello there, Weekend Warriors! Continuing with our British history lessons on Britain’s monarchs (if you’re relocating to London and wanting to learn more about it), today we meet the successor of King Charles II: James II.
Like his brother Charles, James II was exiled to France when Cromwell took over as Lord Protector of the Commonwealth in Britain. When Charles II returned to restore the monarchy, James likewise came back and was ultimately named Charles II’s heir to the throne. This had initially met with resistance given James II’s Catholic faith, but Charles II’s efforts in his later years to secure his brother’s position were not in vain: as James takes to the throne in 1685, he inherits a Tory-dominated Parliament and strong executive office. You might recall from my last Weekend Warrior Sunday post that King Charles II did indeed have sons; the reason his brother James is now king is because none of Charles’s sons were born to his wife. Ah, such technicalities…
As a result, early in King James II‘s reign, he faces resistance from one of his illegitimate nephews vying for the throne, the Duke of Monmouth. This Protestant rebellion is squashed after the Battle of Sedgemoor in 1685, and Judge Jeffries presides over the “Bloody Assizes” in doling out punishment in the form of execution, torture, or slavery; the Duke of Monmouth himself is beheaded gruesomely. It’s only a matter of time, though, before King James II meets more resistance, and from within his government at that. His appointments of Catholics in high places is looked on with disfavor, and he loses his Tory support. Doh!
Join me next week to see how this King of England fares through the rest of his reign as opposition stacks against him. And as you wage your own battle against the London property market in implementing your international relocation to London, enlist the services of the London Relocation agency to make sure all runs in your favor.
The New Year in London - London Relocation agency - Image by Getty Images via @daylife
If you haven’t made your international relocation to London yet, perhaps you were able to catch its SPECTACULAR New Year’s fireworks display. The city really outdid itself in ushering in 2012, as the entire ten-minutes-long show ran like an ongoing finale, and this was the first year the fireworks were set to music. They exploded from everywhere—Big Ben, the London Eye, and along the river—right after a giant countdown projected onto the side of the Shell Centre on London’s south bank. The masses gathered in and around Westminster for the show, and, while I didn’t envy their commute home in such crowds, it’s awesome that London runs the Tube trains all night for such occasion.
We unfortunately didn’t have a direct view of the display from our London apartment, but we could see its throbbing glow silhouetting the buildings at the end of our square and imagined that’s what the Blitz may have looked like from our same window decades ago. BBC HD on the telly makes for a fine substitute as well: we watched BBC’s live footage and listened to the actual pops and bangs illuminating the sky outside.
If you’re moving to London in 2012, cheers to you and your new year of possibilities! Much luck and joy to you as you make your international relocation, and, to add a little pomp and circumstance to the occasion, check out the BBC video of the New Year’s fireworks in London below. (To further reflect on the old year and what’s coming up in London in the new, see also my previous post, “Relocation to London – London 2011 in Review“)
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE LONDON RELOCATION AGENCY!!!
The Victorian's approach to London property - London Relocation Services - Image via Wikipedia
Author: Colleen
Moving to London is a multi-layered process with one critical component being your London apartment search. The London Relocation agency is comprised of expat experts who can answer all your questions concerning a relocation to London—the London property market, local culture, UK visas, etc. As so much of London housing is dominated by Victorian-era architecture, I decided to supplement your relocation knowledge with some historical context. In Part 1 of my “Moving to London – London Apartment Search, Victorian Style” mini-series, I shared with you some primary considerations in “taking a house” per The Pocket Enquire Within: A guide to the Niceties and Necessities of Victorian domestic life. This 1856 book was an essential reference for Victorian society in maintaining a healthy and proper way of life, from domestic roles and responsibilities to socializing to home remedies and all-around self-betterment. Today, I bring to you a continuation of this good ol’ Victorian advice on “Household Management,” which factors in practical considerations along with a healthy dose of Victorian moralizing :
HAVING CONSIDERED THESE material and leading features [see my Part 1 for said features], examine the house in detail, carefully looking into its state of repair; notice the windows that are broken; whether the chimneys smoke; whether the paper on the walls is damaged, especially in the lower parts, and the corners, by the skirtings; whether the locks, bolts, handles of doors, and window fastenings are in proper condition; make a list of the fixtures; ascertain whether all rent and taxes were paid up by the previous tenant, and whether the party from whom you take the house is the original landlord, or his agent or tenant. And do not commit yourself by the signing of any agreement until you are satisfied upon all these points, and see that all has been done which the landlord had undertaken.
IF YOU ARE ABOUT TO FURNISH A HOUSE, do not spend all your money; be it much or little. Do not let the beauty of this thing, and the cheapness of that, tempt you to buy unnecessary articles. Doctor Franklin’s maxim was a wise one – “Nothing is cheap that we do not want.” Buy merely enough to get along with at first. It is only by experience that you can tell what will be the wants of your family. If you spend all your money, you will find you have purchased many things you do not want, and have no means left to get many things which you do want. If you have enough, and more than enough, to get everything suitable to your situation, do not think you must spend it all, merely because you happen to have it. Begin humbly. As riches increase, it is easy and pleasant to increase in comforts; but it is always painful and inconvenient to decrease. After all, these things are viewed in their proper light by the truly judicious and respectable. Neatness, tastefulness, and good sense may be shown in the management of a small household, and the arrangement of a little furniture, as well as upon a larger scale; and these qualities are always praised, and always treated with respect and attention. The consideration which many purchase by living beyond their income, and, of course, living upon others, is not worth the trouble it costs. The glare there is about this false and wicked parade is deceptive; it does not, in fact, procure a man valuable friends, or extensive influence.
Hm, methinks we struck a nerve with our fine Victorian narrator. I get the impression that household spending is a soapbox this particular author loved to preach upon time and again…
Regardless, it is good advice and important to consider when you’re furnishing your new London apartment. Many (if not most) London apartment rentals do come furnished, but you might still have some odds and ends to pick up. For more contemporary advice on sorting out furnishings for your international relocation (such as whether to ship stuff you already have from home and where to buy new stuff here in London), see my post, “London Flat-Finding: Furnished or Unfurnished?” as well as “London Relocation’s Top 5 – Money Matters” for additional spending advice where cost of living and cost savings are concerned. Your London Relocation agent can, of course, expand on all of these practical matters, so don’t hesitate to call the London Relocation agency or contact them via their online web form!
What the Victorians looked for in London property - London Relocation Services - Image via Wikipedia
Finding a London apartment to rent is an essential step in your international relocation to London, England. The London Relocation company’s agents and website here are invaluable resources for flat-finding advice, and I thought I’d supplement that with a bit of historical fun; i.e., how the Victorians were advised to approach the house-hunting process. Knowing my nerdy penchant for Victorian London history ever since we moved into our 19th century terraced house on moving to London from the US, my husband just gave me the book, The Pocket Enquire Within: A guide to the Niceties and Necessities of Victorian domestic life. Oh my gosh, do I love it. Originally published in 1856, this was an actual reference book that Victorians consulted for guidance on living properly. Some bits are outright hilarious to read given their outdated context, but I thought you might be interested in the diligent advice offered for “taking a house” if you’re making a relocation to London and in need of a home [Licks thumb and turns page to chapter on "Household Management"]:
TAKING A HOUSE – Before taking a house, be careful to calculate that the rent is not too high in proportion to your means; for remember that the rent is a claim that must be paid with but little delay, and that the landlord has greater power over your property than any other creditor.
HAVING DETERMINED the amount of rent which you can afford to pay, be careful to select the best house which can be obtained for that sum. And in making that selection let the following matters be carefully considered: -
FIRST – Carefully regard the healthfulness of the situation. Avoid the neighbourhood of graveyards, and of factories giving forth unhealthy vapours; avoid low and damp districts, the course of canals, and localities of reservoirs of water, gas works, &c.; make inquiries as to the drainage of the neighbourhood, and inspect the drainage and water supply of the premises. A house standing on an incline is likely to be better drained than one standing upon the summit of a hill, or on a level below a hill. Endeavour to obtain a position where the direct sunlight falls upon the house, for this is absolutely essential to health; and give preference to a house the openings of which are sheltered from the north and east winds.
SECOND – Consider the distance of the house from your place of occupation: and also its relation to provision markets, and the prices that prevail in the neighbourhood.
Got that, ole chap? Pip-pip. Well, I reckon your London Relocation agent would agree with all aspects of that second point. As for the first, perhaps I should be more concerned that I live near an utterly awesome and atmospheric Victorian cemetery, hmm… In any case, more Victorian advice to follow in my next post. Why? Because I think it’s funny. And I know the London Relocation agency will provide you the more modern housing advice you seek in the meantime.
Almost every pet owner experiencing the process of relocation to London assumes their pet will come with them. While healthy dogs, cats and ferrets are very welcome in the UK there are several steps to ensure their arrival will coincide with the family’s. Thankfully, quarantine is not needed, but six months or more are. For Americans moving to London planning the move well in advance is the key to a successful and smooth move – especially when it comes to the furry family members.
The requirements for dogs, cats and ferrets moving to London are relatively simple and strait forward. It would be in a family’s best interest to ask London relocation agents about the current requirements immediately upon deciding on the international move to make sure all requirements are known and met. Relying on the internet is helpful, but not always a reliable source.
Currently, the requirements of which families experiencing international relocation should be aware are:
1) Each pet should be microchipped with the microchip able to be read. Inspectors will not rely on the ID number but will physically check the chip. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination. All animal identification is done solely through the microchip.
2) All pets must have had a rabies vaccination within 12 months of moving to London, provide an original rabies certificate including the microchip number, date of the vaccination and length of the vaccination period (some are good for one year, others for two years).
3) All pets must have a Rabies Fluorescent Antibody Viral Neutralization (FAVN) blood test to be accepted into the UK. There is only one facility in the US that performs this test. After the blood sample is received the pet must wait six months before the results are ready. Since this test takes so long, it is highly recommended that the pet owner research all necessary procedures before the blood is delivered.
4) A letter from the veterinarian is needed stating when the microchip was implanted, when the rabies vaccination was given and when the blood was drawn for the FAVN test.
5) No more than four months before moving to London a EU vet form must be completed by a veterinarian.
6) A USDA endorsement must be completed. A veterinarian will have to provide documentation of all required vaccinations and tests so that the US can allow the pet to leave the country.
7) One to two days before the family’s international relocation the pet must see the veterinarian so that an International Health Certificate can be issued.
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