Looking for some advice

[Karen]

Hmm, maybe post in craigslist or something looking for someone flying from Iowa to Saskatoon - I am sure people do it all the time, and see if you an find someone who would be willing to take a little extra "carry-on."

[GILL]

Some times a flight attendant will transport. Go to the nearest airport and talk to them.
This week end we are supposed to do a 7 cat transport from Md. to Mass. I'll be handling the last few legs, Jersey to Mass., about 4 hours each way.
You might want to take a look at the SCAT people or one of the other transport groups.

[emily_the_spoiled]

Does it have to be YOU at the airport to help Coda change flights? If he is flying into Calgary we have PT members living there and I have friends there. If someone else can be at the airport to authorize the switch to a plane for Saskatoon, that might take care of the Canadian end of the transport. Then we just have to figure out something for Iowa.

[Coda'sMommy]

That part I don't know about but I can look into it. I think I really like the idea of checking into flight attendants that might move him for me. As much as I love him, I can't help but fear losing him forever by trying to get him up here. The Operation Roger is a great idea, but there is no guarantee of him arriving safely. And I really hope that he will be allowed to ride in a plane cabin....he has put on alot of weight since I left him with mom. He HAD a healthy diet of steamed veggies, real meat and fruits when he was with me, now it's just straight cat food. He also is not getting his daily tea. I of course checked with the vet to make sure his eating habits were ok, I think they were shocked that he loves fruits (especially bananas), but said it was a very good diet. He is the only cat I have ever allowed to eat from my plate while i'm eating. And he always went for my veggies first. As for my tea, he insisted on drinking from my glass BEFORE I did. How spoiled is that?!?! Thank you all sooo much for your support and suggestions. I am feeling much less stressed about it now that I know there just MIGHT be a way to get him here.

[emily_the_spoiled]

I wouldn't worry to much about putting in cargo (especially if you do it during the summer). I have picked up two cats at Dulles International airport that came over from Bahrain (in the Middle East). They both had a layover in London and had to change planes, but their biggest issue was jet lag and getting used to colder climates.

Especially if it is a direct flight to Calgary you should not have any problems with it.

If we keep working on this I am sure we can figure out a way to get Coda up to Saskatoon.

[Coda'sMommy]

My other real problem is I have to do this a cheaply as possible. I am up here on a Visitor's Visa (meaning I cannot work). As I am unable to work, I have very limited funds. My man works full time, but is a few years from being out of debt. I'm really hoping to get this done for under $250.00 which I'm sure between my mother and myself we could pull together. My comment on worrying about his safe arrival was pointed toward Operation Roger, which is a great idea, but it states clearly on their website that you cannot hold anyone resposible if the pet is injured or lost during transport.

[emily_the_spoiled]

I think that we can manage this for under $250. Right now we just need to figure out the logistics and then we can investigate price.

Before we go any further, you should find out about whether YOU have to be the person in Calgary or can you have someone else sign for Coda. (I am assuming it is Calgary and not Edmonton that the plane would fly into.)