Take your pets

[Sacha 0]

Hi,

I have a 6 month old kitten whom I'd like to bring to the US with me. I've recently received my NOA2 and was wondering if anyone knows how to go applying for a visa for pets??

I really dont want to give him away, he thinks I'm his mommy.

Thanks

Sacha

[gwenneh 7]

Apply for a PETS passport before you go! It's not required (our cats only needed a current rabies jab and a certificate of fitness to fly in order to get into the US) but if you ever want to go back to your home with the cats, having the passport makes it a lot easier! Currently our cats are waiting out their quarantine period for the UK and we can't bring them home because we didn't think ahead.

[Henia 11]

awwww

[Sacha 0]

Apply for a PETS passport before you go! It's not required (our cats only needed a current rabies jab and a certificate of fitness to fly in order to get into the US) but if you ever want to go back to your home with the cats, having the passport makes it a lot easier! Currently our cats are waiting out their quarantine period for the UK and we can't bring them home because we didn't think ahead.

Thanks for that.

Do I go to the UK Passport Agency for this application?

[gwenneh 7]

Apply for a PETS passport before you go! It's not required (our cats only needed a current rabies jab and a certificate of fitness to fly in order to get into the US) but if you ever want to go back to your home with the cats, having the passport makes it a lot easier! Currently our cats are waiting out their quarantine period for the UK and we can't bring them home because we didn't think ahead.

Thanks for that.

Do I go to the UK Passport Agency for this application?

Nope, you go to your vet. Check www.defra.org for the specifics.

[maya62 7]

Sacha, bear in mind that bringing a pet to the US from the UK is a different proposition that bringing a pet to the UK from the US.

We have rabies in the US and there is no rabies in the UK. Since the UK is an island (or several), they'd really like to keep it that way if they can, so they have stricter requirements, including a quarantine period for those animals not meeting the passport criteria to be absolutely sure no incoming pet is carrying rabies.

The requirements coming TO the US are less stringent. Please see this brochure by USCBP:

http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/toolbox/publications/travel/pets.ctt/pets.pdf

It's a good idea to have proof of a current rabies vaccine (your kitten is old enough to have this done), and a health certificate from a licensed vet in hand.

Also, check with your airline to be sure you have your kitten housed in an approved kennel for the flight. I've found, at least domestically here in the US, they are strict about this, and justifiably so.

Best wishes for safe travel for you and your kitten!

Maya

[gwenneh 7]

Sacha, bear in mind that bringing a pet to the US from the UK is a different proposition that bringing a pet to the UK from the US.

That's why I recommend the PETS passport. It's more than what she needs to bring the kitten to the US but should they ever want to return home-as we did-she won't have to leave the kitten behind.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Also check the airlines you plan to use to fly - some do not allow pets; some do not allow pets as carryons in the cabin, some do not have air conditioned holds for pets who are then subjected to all of the temperature extremes during the flight, some have bad safety records with transporting pets, etc. Do your homework and choose your flight carefully for your kitten's sake as well as your own so you both arrive safely.

Edited September 4, 2006 by Kathryn41

[ChasUK 0]

I try not to think about this too much. My Jack Russell, 'Ripley', I will have to leave in the UK simply because she has just about reached the age where it would be too traumatic for her to make the journey. It's hard and I will miss my little girl but at least she will be with my mother who is a 'doggy' person.

No help to the OP I know but I just wanted to 'sob' a bit.