Sending Pets from Europe to the US?

[Candace 2]

Hello. I tried searching this as I was sure I saw a thread about it a while ago, but I couldn't find anything. So sorry if it's a duplicate!

I am looking into sending my cat from Germany or the UK to my parents-in-law in the US prior to us moving to the US - i.e. not having the cat travel with anyone.

Does anyone know of any service that offers animal transportation like this? My parents-in-law could collect the cat at the airport (Seattle, preferably) on the US side.

Thanks

~Candace

[Anna C. 4]

Hi,

I am not too sure but she will need a microship and has to be current on her rabies shots. In America it depends on the city/county/state you are in. Google the laws of your area!!!!

Also I think you can take the cat carrier with you on the plane, a pet less than 10kg is allowed to travel in the cabin, although you might wanna sedate her

The laws are kinda tough, I am sure there is a quarantine. Check out http://www.auswanderer-forum.com/forums/fo...isplay.php?f=90 this link, a woman took her animals to America, maybe she can answer you better

Greetings to your furball!

Anna

[ladybird216 2]

I found this link at British Airways....

http://www.baworldcargo.com/products/pets....ts%2Fpets.shtml

Maybe you could search an airline of your choice to see if they offer a similar service.

Jen

[marianneke 0]

I travelled with my 2 cats (both 9 years old) to the States 6 weeks ago. It was hard for them, especially because we had a layover at Atlanta. (I'm in Florida now). I thought about sedating them put didn't do that after all because the cats can be really sick because of it. It took them 1 day to recover and be their old selves again. Before I could take them, I had to chip them and they needed an european pet passport. Also the rabies shots and a declaration by the vet at least 2 days before departure that they were in good health. (this declaration is part of the passport so your vet can fill this out in there). They also got an vaccination for something else but I don't remember what it was. In their passport is says something about Felocell-CVR-C, plus an echinococcus treatment. I don't know if you're going to need all that but that what my cats got. I don't know why you don't want to take the cat when you leave but I would recommand you to do that. So at least she/he will see a familiar face at the airport. It's already stressfull enough for them. Good luck.

I forgot to mention that I flew with Delta airlines and they were a great help. They were really caring. And also make sure you have the right kennel and the labels on it. Do not feed him/her 4 hours before departure and it's not necessary to take food. Maybe some water. But I doubt that he/she is going to drink...

[Candace 2]

Thank you very, very much for your replies - it's good to hear that Jen, that 'unaccompanied pets as cargo' was absolutely what I was looking for - awesome! I (and my cat I guess!) am British so she has a Pet Passport I will just need to get up to date, and she has a chip.

Thanks again

~Candace

[ladybird216 2]

You're very welcome Candace, I hope your cats have a safe journey

Jen

Edited November 10, 2006 by ladybird216

[Mags 112]

OKay, I have extensively reaserched this and exchanged emails with various members of USA health and import departments. If flying from the UK you do not need ANY vaccinations or microchips to enter the USA. The only thing you DO need is a fit to fly cert from the vet.

Once you have arrived in the USA your pet will be examined by the vet at the airport for signs of any diseases that are transferable to humans. Then you collect your animal and move to whichever state you are going to be living in.

Once you are in that state you must then take your animals to the local vet and he/she will vaccinate them against whatever the state requires. This can vary.

Here are the copies of the emails I have received from the Division of Global Migration and Quarantine Department, this may help to straighten out any confusion in the future:

Dear Ms ******,

We are glad to reassure you that there is no quarantine for cats entering the United States, nor are there entry requirements for rabies vaccinations, microchips, or health certificates. Cats are subject to examination at the port of entry to rule out any zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be transmitted to humans) and may require veterinary medical examination, treatment, and/or quarantine if they appear ill.

Although cats are not subject to rabies vaccination regulations, once they have entered the country all pet cats are also subject to state and local vaccination requirements, links to which are found at this website: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/sregs/

Also you should inquire of your air carrier about any requirements they may have for your animals during transit.

We hope this information is helpful.

Sincerely,

Division of Global Migration and Quarantine

National Center for Infectious Diseases

For clarification I sent this:

"Thank you for your email. It helped to clear up alot of questions for me. However, I would like to clarify something with you though if you don't mind!

So, it is all right to bring my cats over as they are (without rabies shots but with the appropriate paperwork for the airline carrier) but once I get to my new home in Indiana, I would then take them to a local veterinary surgeon and get them immunised then? Is that the best course of action to take?

Thank you again for your help."

They replied:

You're very welcome!

Your understanding is correct, because the requirements for entry into the United States (which are minimal for cats) differ from the requirements for pet ownership in each state. So when you arrive in Indiana, your local veterinarian will help you be sure you're in compliance with the state regulations.

Best regards,

Ava Navin

Ava Navin

Health Communicator

Division of Global Migration and Quarantine

National Center for Infectious Diseases

404-639-4376

404-639-4441 (fax)

Hope this helps.

Edited November 10, 2006 by mags

[ladybutterfly 0]

As the poster above me stated, you do not need any vaccinations nor will your cat need to go in quarantine as it is coming from a rabies free country. I took my two dogs from the UK to LA last year. We flew with BA who were excellent with my dogs, and also the cheapest, and all I needed was a letter from my vet to say the dogs were fit and healthy to fly. It was a pretty easy process and one which I am glad I did.

[pucklechurch 0]

My cat travelled with me in the cabin from London to Chicago. I flew United and they allowed my cat to sit on my lap in a 'Sherpa Bag' and I paid about £50 excess baggage. I would have been uncomfortable if he'd been in the hold underneath. As it was, we both had a decent flight helped by the fact that I had a pet lover in the seats either side of me and that one of the inflight movies was Garfield.

[mawilson 2,133]

Dear Ms ******,

We are glad to reassure you that there is no quarantine for cats entering the United States, nor are there entry requirements for rabies vaccinations, microchips, or health certificates.

... nor are there any visa requirements.

[Mags 112]

Dear Ms ******,

We are glad to reassure you that there is no quarantine for cats entering the United States, nor are there entry requirements for rabies vaccinations, microchips, or health certificates.

... nor are there any visa requirements.

My cat travelled with me in the cabin from London to Chicago. I flew United and they allowed my cat to sit on my lap in a 'Sherpa Bag' and I paid about £50 excess baggage. I would have been uncomfortable if he'd been in the hold underneath. As it was, we both had a decent flight helped by the fact that I had a pet lover in the seats either side of me and that one of the inflight movies was Garfield.

What's a sherpa bag?

[PlatyPius 5]

Dear Ms ******,

We are glad to reassure you that there is no quarantine for cats entering the United States, nor are there entry requirements for rabies vaccinations, microchips, or health certificates.

... nor are there any visa requirements.

My cat travelled with me in the cabin from London to Chicago. I flew United and they allowed my cat to sit on my lap in a 'Sherpa Bag' and I paid about £50 excess baggage. I would have been uncomfortable if he'd been in the hold underneath. As it was, we both had a decent flight helped by the fact that I had a pet lover in the seats either side of me and that one of the inflight movies was Garfield.

What's a sherpa bag?

http://www.petguys.com/-743723-small.html

[Mags 112]

Dear Ms ******,

We are glad to reassure you that there is no quarantine for cats entering the United States, nor are there entry requirements for rabies vaccinations, microchips, or health certificates.

... nor are there any visa requirements.

My cat travelled with me in the cabin from London to Chicago. I flew United and they allowed my cat to sit on my lap in a 'Sherpa Bag' and I paid about £50 excess baggage. I would have been uncomfortable if he'd been in the hold underneath. As it was, we both had a decent flight helped by the fact that I had a pet lover in the seats either side of me and that one of the inflight movies was Garfield.

What's a sherpa bag?

http://www.petguys.com/-743723-small.html

As I have 2 cats and there are two humans flying (my son and I!) I might see about taking the cats with me on the plane rather than in the hold.

[mawilson 2,133]

What if the cat is a member of Al-Cateda?

[Mags 112]

What if the cat is a member of Al-Cateda?

Damn, I didn't think of that......

(did it take you long to come up with that? )