Q: How do animals cope with the long period of quarantine?

A: Dogs and cats do not see life through human eyes. To them it is not a “long period”, but merely a repetitive daily experience. It begins in the morning when they wake up, and ends at night when they go to sleep. Tomorrow, as we know it, does not exist for them. Even the daily recurrence of this pattern is not a problem. It simply becomes a way of life and they accept it as such. As long as they have good food, clean water, a warm, dry bed and loads of TLC, they ask for nothing more. Isn’t that one of the reasons why we love them so!

Q: If I cannot manage to visit, will my dog remember me after all that time?

A: There is no way that your dog, or cat for that matter, will forget you in seven years, not to mention seven months! You are the main reason for your dog’s existence and believe me, dogs are not mercenary creatures! Once they’re home again after their adventure, they will probably follow you around for a while and not let you out of their sight, but that’s your worst scenario. Yes, your dog will most certainly remember you! I’ll bet my life on that one!

Q: Isn’t it cruel to subject my pet to isolation to satisfy my own selfish needs?

A: Firstly, your pet is not at all in “isolation”. He/she has us here and merely exchanges his home temporarily. In the second place, it’s not entirely selfish. Remember, he loves you too so you’re also doing him a favour! Finally, if you consider the alternative … Would you really trust someone else to take over your baby, or even worse …. Let’s not even go there!

Q: Are the animals sedated before the flight?

A: Yes, for their own safety they are all given a homeopathic and very safe tranquilizer. It doesn’t put them to sleep but merely puts them in “couldn’t-care-less” mode, taking the edge off new sounds and surroundings. By the time the sedative has worn off, they’re accustomed to the drone of the aircraft engines and it no longer phases them. This is a completely safe drug – one cannot overdose on it.

Q: Do the live pets fly in the same hold as the luggage?

A: NO! The animals are in a temperature and pressure controlled part of the aircraft – the same as that of the human passengers. The aircraft personnel have access to the live animals during flight to ensure that nothing goes wrong and to check on their wellbeing. Fortunately we find many animal lovers there too.

Q: Why is the quarantine period so long?

A: Some diseases that are endemic to Africa, such as Rabies, take a long time to manifest once they are contracted. One cannot blame any country for not inviting that into their midst. This long period is what one could call a “play safe period” that simply has to be played out. For South Africa there is no other option.

Q: Can I bring toys and bedding when they come to you?

A: You may bring anything that makes them feel comfortable when your pets come in – not after that. Unfortunately, however, we cannot send soft toys or separate bedding with them to Oz apart from the blanket we fix onto the floor of the crate. There is no need to bring anything – it may merely help them to feel at home and settle sooner.

Q: How often are the pets exercised?

A: Because we have so few dog units, we are able to let them all out (separately) for a play session twice a day. Always under supervision, they play for as long as they like on the grass – chasing balls, sniffing, digging (yes, they do!) and just soaking up whatever comes their way in the form of fun. They enjoy it, the kids enjoy it and all are happy.