International Travel with Pets

[joeybee12]

Has anyone ever gone overseas for an extended period and taken pets with them? I'm thinking of moving to Prague for a few years and taking my two cats. I know there isn't a quarantine period for the Czech Republic (I wouldn't take them if there was), but I'm wondering how they would tolerate the flight, so if anyone has experience with that they could share, I'd appreciate it. Also, when I return to the good old USA (NOT if the Reign of Terror is extended, though) does anyone know if the pets need to be quarantined here for a bit? Thanks.

[SoCalDem]

1. Man.. that's a tough one..

pets flying is always dicey, unless you can take them in the cabin with you.. The baggage compartment can lose pressurization, and pets are sometimes left un attended to in the heat and cold and sometimes even escape when a tenderhearted baggage handler tries to fill a spilled water dish..

If you care enough to want them with you, it would be heartbreaking to lose one or both to an "accident"..

You might want to contact a travel agent who specialized in European travel.. When I was a travel consultant, we had access to those kinds of rules & regs.. and the airline might help too..

Even though you would miss them terribly, it might be safer to have a family member "adopt" them while you are gone..

Cats are so darned high strung, I don't know how they would react to all the commotion.. I don't think mine would adapt too well..:(

[joeybee12]

2. Thanks, SoCalDem

British Airways makes it sound like their storage area for pets is pressurized, etc. I know United doesn't let you take them in the cabin, but Delta still does on US flights. If it looks like they couldn't come, I wouldn't go myself rather than let someone tke care of them, so I'm really hoping it can be done as trauma-free as possible. They're both females and pretty neurotic around other people.

[Divernan]

3. Do NOT let your pets be shipped in the luggage compartment.

One of my kids used to work for an airline and told me about dogs dying during flight - one problem being that the compartments weren't heated. Also a possible problem with dehydration on a long flight, and more so if plane is held on the tarmac because of weather.
Some airlines will allow a pet carrier if it's small enough to fit under the seat - but you can't put two cats in one carrier. Even if they're buddies, if one of them got freaked out, it could really hurt the other one.
What about buying an extra seat? Or would there be more room in business or first class to stow carrier(s)? Although, I wonder what airlines do because some passengers could have an allergy to animal fur/dander. Check with the airlines -
As to quarantine on return to the States - I don't know what the requirement is now, but whatever it is, it could change in the next two years, so you have no guarantee.

But a couple of years in beautiful Prague and vicinity would be worth the effort/expense of transporting your cats. I loved their public transportation system.

[joeybee12]

5. An extra airline seat...

...definitely would be worth the expense. My cats have traveled with me when I've moved out of state--they hated it, but no serious damage--unless there is and they just won't tell me!

[northzax]

14. unfortunately

they do nothing whatsoever for people with allergies to dander (those that still allow the practice) I have sat nest to a cat on a flight from DC to LA and was miserable beyond belief. Unfortunately, the flight was full, so I had no choice but to sit there with a running nose and bloodshot, itchy eyes for 6 hours. flying with your pet in the cabin is cruel to other passengers (they've banned smoking in the cabins, they should ban other allergens as well) and, unless the airline has a special compartment to ship animals in, it's cruel to put them in with the baggage. Leave your pets at home, folks, or find another way to get them where you are going.

MOst of the time, you can put them with baggage if a: it is a direct flight. b: it is not the height of summer and c: you drug them. yes, tranquilize them, that's what you'd do in the cabin, right? why not let them sleep through the experience?

[Divernan]

4. Hey! What about transatlantic ocean liner/QE Two?

Just a thought. It would take about a week, but might be a great experience.
On edit: then you could rent a car and have a beautiful driving trip through Europe to Prague; or take a train - once you get to Europe, rules are much more relaxed about pet travel.

[joeybee12]

6. Ocean Liner?

Good idea. Has anyone ever been on one? I was thinking of that--it would be more expensive, but if they take cats, it would be much less stressful.

[Divernan]

7. I haven't, but would like to one of these day. Another idea. . . .

Call the national/international organizations for various purebred dogs or cats/breeders' groups/national kennel clubs to see how they ship pets for international competitions.

[Neko hime]

8. Ocean liner

Hey, I've been on an ocean liner. Went from the US to Germany and back again. It was totally awesome. Each leg of the trip did take a week but who cares. It was fabulous. Great food. Movies, gambling (they have slot machines and stuff), parties, etc. Plus you shouldn't have any problem with your pets. They do accept animals. I don't believe they allow big dogs to stay in the same cabin but they probably would cats. You should check with the transatlantic company to get the specifics.

Also, you can travel with your cats. I've seen people do it all the time. Even with two pet carriers on their luggage cart. No traveling in the baggage compartment though. Be sure your carriers are airline approved and can fit under the seat. If the cats are a little neurotic you can give half a tranquilizer. I wouldn't give a whole pill - it can be dangerous. But half a pill should mellow them out abit. You can check with your vet to see what they recommend to be sure.

I'm not sure about quarantine procedures but I think its been recently changed to just 7 days. You might want to check to be sure as it depends on what country you're coming back from.

Good traveling!!

[joeybee12]

9. Ocean Liners

Do you know what ports they go to in Europe from the US? I know that the UK is strict on quarantines, and I'd rather ship into France and then take the train from there.

[SoCalDem]

10. Start here,,

http://www.geocities.com/freighterman.geo/mainmenu.html

There may be someone here who might be able to guide you.. freighter travel can be cheap and interesting..:)

[Divernan]

11. Thanks for that link - freighter travel is something I've been meaning to

check out.

[joeybee12]

12. Thanks for all the info.

Logging off for now!

[northzax]

15. actually, in the UK

if you can prove they are rabies free, you only have a very short quarantine. but it's irrelevant, the QEII is making it's last cross atlantic trips this summer, and I think they are booked (And really, really, expensive)

[trof]

13. My daughter has.

But domestic (USAir), not international.
If both cats can travel in the same carrier it's easiest.
They won't be allowed out while on the airplane.
Some airlines no longer let pets travel in the cabin.
Those who do are making it more difficult and charging more for it.
You must have a certificate of good health for them from your vet.
I think there's a standard form for airlines, customs, etc.
My daughter carried a large Tupperware lidded container with litter for use in the airport, between planes, etc.
She kept a harness on her cat during the trip and used a leash when the cat was out of the carrier.
Every airliner I ever flew had at least one heated, pressurized baggage compartment and baggage handlers were instructed to put any live animals there.
However, sometimes instructions aren't followed.
A worse problem is how long your pet sits on a baggage cart or the ramp, especially in hot weather.
Good luck from a former airline pilot.