The Scratching Post

Now as I have mentioned, Pica and I are world class travelers.  We both flew via Air Canada from Mexico City to Toronto Canada.  Now I got to travel first class, where as Pica traveled as cargo ... okay all jesting aside here's the important things you need to know before you think of traveling with a pet to another country.

1: Make sure you are actually allowed to import an animal.  Some countries, such as Australia, do not allow the importation of foreign domestic cats.  You can always check out the government website for the country in which you will be traveling to.

2: Find out if there is a quarantine period.  Some countries insist that we fuzzy creatures require time away from other animals.  It can be anywhere from one day to six weeks in certain countries.  Once again, a simple search will usually tell you how long you would have to leave us in customs, or at a veterinarian's office for.   There is a fee for quarantining.

3: Call your Airline and double check that animals are allowed to fly, and how they fly.  Some airlines only allow pets as cargo, where as others allow the pet to be on board with the passenger.  Many airlines will only allow one animal per passenger on board with them.  So if you have two furry companions traveling with you, you may need to make alternative arrangements with your airline.

4: Airlines do charge additional fees to bring an animal on board, or to be placed under the plane as cargo.  Make sure you have the right payment with you at your check in time.  Some airlines do not offer payment in the form of credit card, so you may need to have the amount in cash on hand.

5: Double check the size of your pet carrier.  If you are bringing a pet on board the aircraft with you, it will have to fit under the seat in front of you.  Air Canada's standards are found here.  The standards change from airline to airline, so be sure to look that up before you arrive at the airport.  As for placement below the plane, the carrier must be hard shelled. 

6: Make a luggage take for your pet.  This should have the animal's name and your address on it. 

7: Make sure your pet has ALL their needed inoculations, de-worming, flea treatments and rabies shots.

8:  Have your licensed Veterinarian update all records, and needed shots.  Then have them fill out an ANIMAL CERTIFICATE OF HEALTH FORM.  This form must be filled out within 10 days of travel.  Many Veterinarians have this form.  If they do not have the form,  you can download it from your governments' website.

Canada link: http://canada.gc.ca/home.htm
US link: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/animal_exports.shtml

9: When packing up your pet make sure you have both the Certificate of Health, plus the updated forms from your vet.   Some immigration officers require both sets of forms.  If you have a puppy with you, you will need to prove that he has had an updated heart worm treatment too.

10: When filling out the customs forms be honest - you are bringing in a live animal.  That animal needs to be claimed properly. 

11: Many countries have a service fee for processing your pet.  In Canada the fee is $30.00 CND.  This is payable by credit card or cash. 

12: Ask your vet about sedation for your pet.  Many no longer recommend sedation, but you and your vet will know what is best for your pet.

13: Before leaving your country,  purchase a small package of your pet's food.  Even if you know that the new country sells the same brand, your pet may taste a difference.  When he's stressed from traveling, a little taste of home can go a long way.  Introduce the new food slowly by mixing some of the old with the new.


Now the fun part begins ... getting a cat into the carrier ... that's an entirely different post all together though!

Viajes Felices!