Moving with Pets

[Soledad]

Has anyone made an international move with their pet? At some point, I will return to the US, and I was wondering if anyone had done an international move with a pet in tow. Any advice?

[Karen]

I never have, but I would just make sure what the rules are, and what documentation you need from a vet, if any.

[Soledad]

I've looked into the technical aspects of it (papers needed, cost, health issues, etc.) but I'm just curious to know if anyone out there has done it, and how their pet recovered.

[babolaypo65]

a friend of mine did. they had to leave their cat in quarentine in jordan for a few months after they arrived there from the U.S. im not sure i'd survive that! but i guess we do whatever is necessary.

best to really research it (a no brainer answer i know, sorry)

[Soledad]

Boo will not need to be quaranteed in the US, as NZ has no rabies, etc. So, I understand the procedures in place, but was just wanting to hear from someone who had done it. Especially in regards to how the animal felt afterwards.

[babolaypo65]

sorry, cant be of more help. its a lot to think about. ive taken owen on the plane and THAT goes pretty well, he's a little spastic for a day or so after... but he fits under the seat, doesnt have to go in cargo.

good luck! if you learn something insightful i hope you'll share.

ps. i didnt know that about NZ and rabies! cool!

[babolaypo65]

soledad: have your pets traveled much before? (in country)?

[Soledad]

No. Boo is only 1 year old. He doesn't mind car rides too much, and is really good when he's in his carrier.

At this point, I've worked out all the paper work, cost, vet visits, etc. that is needed. I just wanted any psychological advice anyone had to ease the stress for my cat.

I know it's hard on them, but I just can't imagine leaving him behind. He's part of our family, and I can't explore that option.

[babolaypo65]

what do vets say these days about sedation?
the first time owen flew he was sedated. and i "practiced" once, at the vets suggestion. some dogs barf on sedatives. owen was fine. just kinda "mellow". it was about 10hours in transit. he never fully slept like the vet said he would, but just sorta stared. like i said earlier, he was a little hyper after, but didnt seem to have any lasting effects.

now the next question is, how big is boo? too big for carry on? (there's that whole thing im sure you know about cargo, pressure.... and minneapolis' rules about pets in winter, which im sure you've already checked out.... im assuming too much here, that you're returning there....) carry on vs cargo is a big diff.

good luck!

[Soledad]

The thing is, you can't have a pet as carry-on during an international flight.

So, I could have him as carry-on from LA to Minneapolis, just not from NZ to LA. Ya dig?

Boo is only an 8 pound cat. He's never been on sedation, so I'm not sure about that.

Do you think he'll be "bugged out" after all these flights? Even with sedation?

[Soledad]

Pop- I have my reservations about putting Boo in cargo, but it seems as though that's the only option with the airline. However, they told me that they recommend we call an animal trainer who helps transport pets through them regularly. So, I think that will be okay, as they'll have professional supervision.

Putting Boo in cargo for 10 hours under sedation is a far better alternative to me than not having him in my life.

[neko1]

He may be a little dopey after the plane ride. All animals react differently to sedation so that's why vets recommend that you try it out on them at home first. Sometimes people notice that they have to increase or decrease the dosage depending on the desired effect. The sedative we use is Acepromazine- we tell people that the dosage can be repeated in 8-12 hours. Hope all goes well with him!

[Cataholic]

Originally posted by Soledad
Boo will not need to be quaranteed in the US, as NZ has no rabies, etc. So, I understand the procedures in place, but was just wanting to hear from someone who had done it. Especially in regards to how the animal felt afterwards.

I haven't ever travelled internationally with pets, but, Boo not needing to be quarentined here in the US seems contradictory to what I have 'heard'. I think I would call the AKC or some equivelant......

[Soledad]

I got the info from the US Customs website. I think it's because New Zealand has such a strict policy about what it allows in, and is also protected from a lot of diseases because of its relative isolation.

[Miss Meow]

We haven't made any international trips with the cats, but Mini and Jasmine have flown interstate twice so I hope I can help.

If you haven't already bought a carrier, I'd look at one long enough for a small litter tray on one side and somewhere to sleep on the other. One mistake we made was using only the foam pad that came with the carrier. It gets extremely cold in the cargo hold and if we fly with the cats again, we'll put a favourite blanket in one side of the carrier for them to snuggle into to keep warm and feel safer. I wouldn't buy a carrier taller than Boo's head height when he's sitting up; I was concerned at the cats bouncing around too much in turbulence if they were in a tall cage.

Also pack his favourite toy or start acclimatising him with a stuffed toy to travel with. I think we were lucky because our cats travelled in the same carrier and had each other for support. Boo may get lonely by himself.

We opted not to sedate. The zonking out and possible inability to drink enough water during the flight turned us against sedation. As Neko1 said, if it's an option, do a trial run first so the dosage is correct.

We also sprayed the carrier with Feliway, which contains cat pheromones. It seemed to relax them a bit as their surroundings smelled safe and familiar.

And if you can, make sure Boo isn't loaded next to dogs or other loud animals that'll stress him with barking or other loud noises.

Hope this is helpful.