Hello I wonder if anyone could help please? We purchased a 4 year old dog from a private seller and had her for a total of two and a half weeks. She was sold as being friendly and gentle and the owners assured us that, "She doesn't have a bad bone in her body and wouldn't hurt a fly". Since purchasing Lola, she was always very vocal when out on a lead and barked and pulled strongly towards other animals and at times also towards people, especially so when out with my girlfriend. We were in daily contact with the previous owners via text with regular updates on Lola and we twice raised concerns about her seemingly aggressive behaviour towards other animals/people - we were assured that she would never do anything. I forgot to mention that the previous owners had the dog since she was a puppy for all of her four years prior to selling her to us, so in my view, they will have known her much better than we did! During the first week of her being with us, our neighbours were away on holiday, but upon their return, their dog was picked up from the boarding kennels and was subsequently out in the garden a lot - this caused Lola to run to the fence and attempt to almost burrow underneath it whilst barking at Bella. We also raised this with the previous owners, who assured us that she used to do this with their neighbour's dog, but would never hurt her. The neighbours suggested we introduce both dogs, as it was most probably 'barrier frustration' causing them both to bark at each other. I put Lola on her lead on Sunday evening and the lady next door did the same with Bella. Lola pulled towards the dog, whilst not showing any signs of aggression and sniffed her. Bella was lying down at this point totally submissive. Out of nowhere, our dog launched at Bella's head and bit down on her ear and wouldn't let go. The only way I can describe it is she was in 'kill mode'. All of the neighbours on the street came out and nobody could do anything either. I did my utmost to try and shock Lola into letting go, but she had no intention of doing so. I had to put my fingers into her mouth and prise her jaws apart - I am a 6ft man and pretty strong and had to use all of my strength to release her grip. Bella needed an emergency operation and we contacted the previous owners about this incident and also asked if they would take her back, as she wasn't as we had been led to believe. Within three minutes of my partner's text, she replied and said that her partner and her were both of the view that Lola is clearly unsafe and should be put to sleep! We were so shocked. My partner asked why they wouldn't take her as they had her for four years and if she hadn't been previously aggressive, why not, but their response was they had their child to think about and would no longer trust the dog. We also have children I hasten to add. We approached various kennels during the following days and nowhere would take her. We also visited the vets to get her checked for any medical reasons as to why she had acted in the way she did and she received a clean bill of health. We were advised to speak to the Dog Warden, which we did, and it was his view that she was dangerous and a 'ticking time bomb' and needed to be put to sleep. This whole experience has been devastating for us all and we have had no further responses from the previous owners regarding this matter. We had to take her to a vet to carry out this awful deed and she also said that she was an aggressive animal and this had to happen. We also discovered whilst Lola was in our care that she had a dog walker who used to take her out every day and upon checking his website, he was one who specialised in dogs with 'issues'. Sorry for the lengthy message, I just wondered whether you felt there would be any redress in terms of compensation from the previous owners please? Many thanks Paul

Man rescues fox and finds his new best friend (VIDEO) Read more at http://www.dogheirs.com/george/posts/1632-man-rescues-fox-and-finds-his-new-best-friend-video#iZpGPJDHBpTUi9hk.99 There are two videos,one showing Foxy boy having his bath and being blow dried. Likes looking his best. A day in Foxy Boys life. Jack he is called. I have taken quite a liking to Jack the Fox and his owner. Feel free to post pictures of your best animal friend.Pet or wild one you have befriended perhaps. Then anytime you like you can come back here and remember your friend. Days,weeks,months,years later perhaps. Looking forward to seeing your friends. Feel maybe many are wanting to post pictures and are out there in webland. Somewhere in the world. Just register here and off you go.Come to the Bear Garden tell us your story.A picture perhaps. http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/register.php

I've just had an email about the new pet reception building that opened this week. Hopefully this is good news for anyone travelling with their pet, because the old building was pretty small and the dogs were quite close to each other. Cats looked particularly unhappy to see a bunch of dogs in there and should like the drive-through facility. We crossed on a bitterly cold winter's day and there was nowhere to sit with your dog, just the car. If you have to wait for your crossing, it can be very uncomfortable for all concerned. It's not clear if they have any refreshments for pet owners in the new facility, because we ended up taking it in turns to go into the main terminal. We didn't see any seating outside that dog owners can use, which would be a nice addition. I'm having trouble posting their email and can't find anything online atm, will try to post it below, HB

Hi Long story but the short version is. I owned a Cockatoo (Parrot) Had to rehome him as my dog had terminal cancer and needed constant care. Finally decided on a small sanctuary that had a small enclosure of animals. Sanctuary was owned by a couple that owned/run a pub/restaurant in a quiet part of the world. Have a contract drawn up by them that states if Cockatoo ever needs to be rehomed we would have first refusal and would be contacted to discuss. Have just found out today that the couple sold the pub in April and all animals rehomed to another sanctuary, one that allows large scale visitors and is open daily to the public. Sanctuary is not a charity. No contact was made with me to discuss this or my Cockatoo, he was just passed on without my knowledge. I am not happy with him being at this sanctuary and id prefer to have him back here, as stated in the contract. This contract was the only reason I parted with him in the first place, as I wanted him to have a secure home where he wouldn't be passed around to others, and in the event that they could no longer look after him, I wanted him back here with me. I have contacted the new sanctuary, but no response as yet. Do I have any rights? Thank you.

Morning All, I recently applied for a new pet insurance policy for a new dog and after a lot of chasing the company for an answer I have finally received a very poorly worded letter from them advising 'the cover will be limited to accidental external damage only'! They then go on to say 'this exclusion is non-reviewable as this condition can affect many systems and is unpredictable'. The condition is called Rickettsia and the dog contracted it in Spain as a result of being bitten by a Tick most likely. When the dog came to us we took him to our vet for a full check-up and our vet contacted Defra for some advice. They came back and advised that they were not in the least bit concerned with the condition and as a result our vet advised he is good condition and unless we are concerned by anything he would see us for our next scheduled check-up in approximately 6 months time. I am going to contact our vet and ask his opinion on the insurers stance but before I do I was wondering if anyone with any experience in this filed had an opinion please? Does anyone think this could be deemed unfair as I fully expected and exclusion to be placed on an issued policy with to Rickettsia and any RELATED condition but not a blanket exclusion for any illness at all? Thanks in advance.

Up to 10,000 Axa pet insurance customers are being moved to NCI Insurance as Axa leaves the market to concentrate on "key products" – motor, home and travel cover. By August 30 2015, all customers will be shifted on to NCI's insurance books. NCI told MoneySavingExpert that it would provide "similar levels of cover" to Axa, and will "continue to insure any medical conditions identified while customers were with Axa under the terms and conditions of the new policy." But a number of customers who have already been moved to NCI say they are facing huge price hikes, particularly for cover for pre-existing medical conditions. Many insurers will refuse to cover animals with pre-existing medical conditions, however, pet owners who want the most comprehensive type of pet insurance will need to opt for "lifetime" cover. Insurers will set a high maximum amount per year – say, £10,000 – but you will still have to renew the policy each year, and some insurers can refuse to renew it. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/insurance/pet/11598970/AXA-pet-insurance-customers-face-price-hike-of-up-to-2000.html

Hi there, My partner and I moved into a privately rented flat 2 months ago. We really get on with our landlady and are good tenants. The property is always spotless, bills are always paid on time and we really do look after our home. When we moved, we were asked by the letting agent if we had a pet. (At the time) the answer was a no. They confirmed that their 'standard' clause was 'no pets', however there is a clause that states we could have a pet with the landlord's written consent (and this can be broken at any time). I called the letting agent as my partner and I have decided that we would really like a kitten. We have both had experience in owning a pet and my other half is at home everyday (he works a couple mins away from our flat). I e-mailed our landlady to ask if it would be possible to have a kitten. Initially, she said no due to the above standard clause. I then pointed out that in black and white on the tenancy agreement, (directly underneath the 'no pets' clause, ironically), it states that if the landlord gave written consent, we could keep an animal. She then responded by saying she will speak to the Management company as this is a separate contract and will come back to me So I'm a bit annoyed, and very upset. This is HER contract and we signed the agreement which stated that we could have an animal with written consent. Landlords/Tenants, I would really appreciate your advice as to where we stand! Extra bit of info - She is coming over early next week to do an inspection, which we are not worried about in the slightest and we have agreed that we will advise her if the answer is a 'no', we will be moving as this would have affected our initial decision.

I need some advice please. I had to cancel the healthy pet club scheme in my vets after a number of problems. I suffered poor service, increase in prices, I was forced to purchase a blood glucose kit costing me £120, they charged me £15 consultation fee when its a free health club check, then they refused me insulin as my cat is a diabetic. I reported the vets to the British Veterinary Association, whom have yet to reply to my complaint back in August. I cancelled at the healthy pets club direct a couple of months ago; why demand money now? Today I got a letter from the vets demanding a payment of £167 as I had cancelled out of contract on the scheme. Upon reading the terms and conditions on their website, it clearly states you can cancel at any time, and doesn't mention about being charged anything!! Also when I canceled with them direct, they never said anything about being charged either!! I thought that the monthly fee of £9.99 was collected by the healthy pet club people not the vets direct? I fail to see why I should pay this because I had been forced to take my cat elsewhere as they had put his health at risk not just once but twice. I also cannot understand how they claim I owe £167 when the monthly fee is £9.99 this does not add up!!?? In a pickle and dont know what to do! All this vets wants off me is money!!

TAKING YOUR PET ABROAD GUIDE Documents Source: https://www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad PART 1 - OVERVIEW When travelling with your pet dog, cat or ferret, the rules you must follow depend on the country you’re going to or coming from. Travelling within the EU (or into the EU from another ‘listed’ country) When travelling to or returning to the UK from another EU or non-EU listed country your pet needs: Ø a microchip Ø a rabies vaccination (make sure your pet is microchipped first or the vaccination won’t count) Ø apet passport or official third country veterinary certificate Ø tapeworm treatment (for dogs only) You must also use an authorised carrier and an approved route. You must wait 21 days from the date of the rabies vaccination before travelling. Travelling into the EU from an unlisted country An‘unlisted’ country is any country not included in the list of EU and non-EU countries. When travelling to or returning to the UK from an unlisted country, your pet needs: Ø a microchip Ø a rabies vaccination (make sure your pet is microchipped first or the vaccination won’t count) Ø a blood test - the vet must take the blood sample at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination (the date of vaccination counts as day 0, not day 1) Ø an official third country veterinary certificate Ø tapeworm treatment (for dogs only) You must also use an authorised carrier and an approved route. You must wait 3 calendar months from the date the blood sample was taken before travelling. The vet must give you a copy of the test results. These must show that the vaccination was successful. You don’t have to wait 3 months if your pet was vaccinated, blood tested and given a pet passport in the EU before travelling to an unlisted country. Guide dogs and other assistance dogs Assistance dogs are allowed to travel in the aircraft cabin with their owner on approved route sand carriers registered to carry assistance dogs. They can normally also travel in areas of other forms of transport where other animals aren’t allowed. They can travel on more routes than people with pets. Apart from that, the rules for assistance dogs travelling under the EU pet travel scheme are the same as for other dogs. The Guide Dogs Association website has advice about takingassistance dogs abroad. When you return to the UK Staff from the travel company will scan your pet’s microchip and check your documents. If you don’t have the correct documents or your pet hasn’t been properly prepared it will be put into quarantine or sent back to the country it travelled from. You must pay the costs for this. Other types of pet There are no restrictions on bringing pet rodents, rabbits, birds, ornamental fish,invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles to the UK from other EU countries. Pet rabbits and rodents from other countries must spend 4 months in quarantine. They need a rabies import licence and must enter the UK at a Border Inspection Post. Contact the Animal Health andVeterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) for more information on the rules for travelling with these or other species of pet. PART 2 - MICROCHIP Your pet must be microchipped before it’s vaccinated against rabies. Make sure the vet records the number of the microchip on the pet passport or official third country veterinary certificate. Transport companies in the EU can read microchips that meet International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards when you check in for your journey. You must bring your own microchip reader when you travel if your pet’s microchip doesn’t meet ISO standards. Tattoo You don’t need to have your pet microchipped if it’s been tattooed with an identification number and all of the following are true: Ø your pet was tattooed before 3 July2011 Ø the tattoo is clearly legible Ø your pet was vaccinated against rabies after it was tattooed Your vet must record the date of tattooing, the tattoo number and the date of the rabies vaccination in the pet passport or official third country veterinary certificate. PART 3 - RABIES VACCINATION AND BOOSTERS You must get your dog, cat or ferret vaccinated against rabies before it can travel to another EU country or back into the UK. Get your pet microchipped before the rabies vaccination or they will need to be vaccinated again. EU and listed countries You must wait 21 days after the vaccination before your pet can travel to or return to the UK from another EU or non-EU listed country. After the first vaccination and waiting period, you can enter the UK whenever you like as long as booster vaccinations are given on time and you continue to meet the other entry requirements. Unlisted countries Your pet must have a blood test 30 days after the rabies vaccination.The date of the vaccination counts as day 0, not day 1. You must wait 3 calendar months from the date the blood sample was taken before travelling. The vet must give you a copy of the test results. These must show that the vaccination was successful. You don’t have to wait 3 months if your pet was vaccinated, blood tested and given a pet passport in the EU before travelling to an unlisted country. Part 4 - PET PASSPORT AND OTHER DOCUMENTS Your dog,cat or ferret must have a pet passport or third country official veterinary certificate to enter (or re-enter) the UK. Ask your vet for a pet passport. The passport stays valid as long as you continue to meet the entry requirements Third country official veterinary certificate Outside ofthe EU authorised vets issue official veterinary certificates instead of pet passports. This certificate allows your pet to enter the UK (or another country in the EU).You’ll need other supporting documents too. Check your certificate for full details. You must arrive in an EU country within 10 days of the date the certificate was issued. You can then use it for up to 4 months for travel within the EU. Other documents Your transport company may need a statement from your vet confirming that your pet is fit to travel. Check with the country you’re travelling to for information about any extra documents you’ll need to enter with your pet. Travel with more than 5 pets You must get a health certificate for each group of more than 5 pets you want to travel with. You get this from the country you’re coming from. You must do this at least 10 days before you want to travel. You need this certificate in addition to the other rules for pet travel for the countries you’re travelling to and from. This rule is for travelling with your own pets. There are different rules if the animals arebeing sold or re-homed. Part 5 - TAPEWORM TREATMENT (DOGS ONLY) Your vet must treat your dog for tapeworm and record it in the pet passport or third country official veterinary certificate every time you want to enter the UK. The treatment must be given between 1 and 5 days (24 to 120 hours) before you're cheduled to arrive in the UK. Your vet must record the following details in your dog’s pet passport or certificate: Ø the name and manufacturer of the product used to treat your dog Ø the date and time they treated your dog Ø their stamp and signature The treatment must have praziquantel or equivalent as its active ingredient. You don’t need to treat your dog for tapeworm if you’re coming directly to the UK from Finland, Ireland, Malta or Norway. Part 6 - QUARANTINE You must put your pet into quarantine when it arrives in the UK if doesn’t meet the entryrequirements. You must pay the costs for this. You’ll need to book quarantine premises. The quarantine premises will normally deal with all documentation on your behalf. They should: Ø submit an application form for an import licence Ø arrange to collect your pet when they land Ø organise clearance through customs Ø arrange transport for your pet to the quarantine premises Check when making the reservation. If they don’t do these things, you’ll need to do them yourself. Read detailedguidance on quarantine or contact the pet travel scheme helpline for advice. Release from quarantine Your pet will become eligible for release when it meets the entry requirements . The veterinary superintendent or quarantine kennel owner will tell you when your pet will be released from quarantine. Part 7 - CONTACT THE PET TRAVEL SCHEME HELPLINE For more information, contact the Pet Travel Scheme helpline. Pet Travel Scheme helpline [email protected] 0870 2411710 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (closed on bank holidays) This is the Taking your Pet Abroad Guide in PDF:

Hi, I have a dog, who is insured, with a long term condition for which he is on medication. He had a stroke last April and is on heart medication. Our insurance policy clearly states that they will pay out for no more than 12 months per condition - I have no dispute with this, the period of payment is coming to an end, but that's how it is. Similarly the excesses, although steep, are made very clear (a fixed 170 plus 30%). I renew the policy every 12 months, in October, and have been with this company since we first got our dog. What I didn't expect was to have the fixed excess applied twice. The table of excesses is prefixed by the text 'What you must pay during each period of insurance', and on a different page to the table of excesses, the policy defines a 'Period of Insurance' as the time for which they provide cover as described in the Schedule i.e. October of one year till October of the next year. Crucially, it appears to not include the 12 month period for which they will cover a condition. This appears to mean that although they will payout for 12 months per condition, this period is defined as sitting within two periods of insurance, so we are stung twice for the fixed excess. This seems nonsensical and counter-intuitive. If my dog had had his stroke in October, the clearly stated maximum 12 months of payout would fall within one 'Period of Insurance' and be subject to just one set of excesses. It is fairly unlikely though that an illness will coincide with the renewal date. I realise that the large amount of small print is a legal necessity. However I would dispute how clear the situation is - and for any long term (12 months+) condition it is more likely than not you will be paying the fixed excess twice - which certainly is not made clear in the otherwise very clear table of excesses. I don't think this is fair - but is it legal and does it amount to 'treating the customer fairly' ? Thanks in advance for any advice. -- Tim.

Does anyone buy there petfood from a wholesaler or manufacturer? I have two cats who usually have dry food in the morning and soft in the evening. My boy cat has recently had a reaccurring FUTI so i have been advised to only give him soft food, which is a lot more expensive! I'm hoping to be able to find a cheap website or contact where i can cut out the middle man and hopefully the price.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/insurance/9853512/Pet-insurance-owners-face-18-month-compensation-delay.html

hi all, i am a fishkeeper and have been for several years now. I will try and keep it simple for those of you who dont know about fish. My friend was sold a 20 litre tank a few weeks ago from a pet shop and was at the same time sold 4 VERY unsuitable fish for the tank. She was sold a plec which can grow up to 24" and a rainbow shark which is very territorial and can grow up to 6"!! I told her to rehome those 2 fish and gave her advice on maintaining her tank which was not given in the shop! I went to this shop today myself to take a look and what i found shocked me. The tanks were all dirty, some had no light, they were seriously overcrowded to the point they were swimming on top of each other to try and get space, there was a shark catfish? That was emaciated to the point it looked deformed! They had a sign up saying to have the tank running for 3 days before adding fish! They did not have any tap safe on sale or anything similar, no live plants. The women was cleaning the tanks supposidly, she open the filter in the neon tank, tipped out all the crap inside into their tank and took the sponge and washed it in a bucket of tap water!!! It was just shocking. Thats not to mention the 5litre tanks on sale with 2 fish included!! The shop also sold rabbits and other small pets which seemed to have no food available. Who can i report them to?

hi guys i am looking for a little advice, the issue is less with the insurance company and more with my previous vet. my dog has recently been diagnosed with renal disease, which due to a legnthy diognosis it amounted to a large bill. fortunately i have insurance, which is why i agreed to the tests and treatments. i have now had confirmation that my claim has been declined due to information provided by my previous vet, when my dog was a puppy, stating that she showed signs of renal/liver failure then, two years ago. i was never informed of this from the vet as i would have proceeded with treatment then, as i have always had an insurance policy there is no reason i would'nt. as i switched insurance providers at the start of the year, my claim was declined as her condition was present prior to taking out the policy. as i have now racked up a hefty bill and her treatment is ongoing is there any way i can have the original vet foot the bill, as it is thier fault the condition was not treated earlier and thier neglection to inform me that resulted in a bill. thanks in advance