I'm moving from NYC to London...I have two cats and have some concerns about getting them there...?

Question

Can I take them on the plane? Will they have to go in cargo? Will they have to be sedated? Will I have problems getting them through customs? Is there anything else I haven't thought of?

Thanks,
Pete

Answer 1

Hi Pete...generally each airline carrier will have their own rates and restrictions on how pet animals can be transported. Some air carriers will not ship pets in-cabin unless accompanied by one full fare adult per animal, other air carriers will not allow any in-cabin transport and many will not permit travel when the climate is too warm or too cold or too many layovers as this is liability.

You will be required by the airlines to get your pet vet checked 10 days prior to the flight with health certificate and rabies vaccines and microchipped. Here's a website that discusses what is usually required in order to travel with pet animals:http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&cat=1406&articleid=782

Most airlines also discourage use of tranquilizers as this is a liability for them. The higher altitudes increases the effects which can create respiratory and cardiovascular problems for cats who are sedated or tranquilized. Please see the following article by the American Vet Medical Assoc: http://www.avma.org/careforanimals/animatedjourneys/livingwithpets/sedate.asp

Here are more websites that indicate what is required to transport pet animals: http://www.petsonthego.com/transairlineregs.html

Airline Travel Regulations for Pets: http://www.pettravel.com/airline_rules.cfm

The UK requires the following as well:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2002/021120c.htm
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/procedures/owners.htm

Answer 2

Check with the actual airline you will be flying on, they'll tell you if they're allowed in the plane. Maybe be a problem, unless you can fit both of them under the seat in front of you. Otherwise, they may have to go in the cargo hold. It's up to you if you want to sedate them. If they go in the plane, are they skittish and are they going to be loud and meowing the whole flight? Yeah, I'd sedate them. Cargo hold, I'd probably sedate them as well, so they don't get stressed. As far as customs, check with US and British Customs to see exactly what you need, ie: exam records, rabies& shots records etc. Think that's it, also find out from the airline what kind of kennel is best/acceptable for them. Good luck on your move!!! Also, hold off on the vet visit, a lot of times the exam and such has to be done within 2-5 days of the flight.

Answer 3

Call the British consulate in NY. I am sure they have answered questions about this many times and you can find out if there are quarantines, what airlines do what in regard to you having the cats with you on the flight or whether they would be in cargo, etc.

Your vet would the one to talk to about possible sedation, etc.

Answer 4

ok first your cat needs to bemicrochipped and vaccinated against rabies then he will need a blood test to test the rabies serology then the vet will be able to do the export papers for the cat to go abroad, all airlines have different rules so make sure you check them out, also no your cat can not have a seditive as vetsdo not recommend it as cats/dogs will be on own in cargo, youcan get things like feliway spay which is a calmer and v helpful.
i would also give defra a ring to see if any other info is needed the number is 01245 358383, good luck and happy traveling.

Answer 5

You will probably wanna take them to the vet for a check up before you go and then get the vet to write a letter stating that they're healthy, just because it is overseas, they might be more strict. you should sedate them just so they don't freak out and hurt themselves. they will probably have to go in the cargo area. get a kennel and put them both in there with a piece of clothing that smells like you. only feed them a small amount of food. the airline might have requirements or accomodations for them. call them up and see if they do. i know, i wouldn't wanna leave my kitty at home and me move away. hope it all works out for ya!

Answer 6

Call your vet. They have all the paper work you need. Also, call the airline you will be flying. Each airline has their own "safety procedures", and policies conserning animals.
When you are asking about paperwork, ask what the time limits are, because all this paperwork expires.
Also, start calling around now. Some things need waiting periods.
Ask everyone you talk to what the quarantine laws are for London. You don't want to land, and have the cats seized and Quarantined.
Good luck

Answer 7

Airlines all have rules, call yours to find out IF you can take your cats on their plane.
Countries all have rules regarding animals coming into their countries. You have to contact the country and find out the laws for bringing your cats in.
We have taken our dogs to several other countries. At one new home the dogs had to stay in quarantine for thirty days. We had to pay for their room and board there, and it was really a long sad separation.
You should also ask about what shots your cat needs, and how much time must elapse between the shot and the trip.
Good Luck.

Answer 8

Here's a trick: Get a letter from your doctor saying the cats are "therapy" cats and you need them with you to take the flight. The airline may let you have the cats with you.

Answer 9

call the airline and ask them what they do about animals, I think that your cats will have to be quarenteend for several months to make sure they aren't going to bring in any diseases.

Answer 10

VERY definitely.. I would write to the British Consulate here in the U.S.(Washington, D.C..... their address, etc is on the Internet and can be gotten by typing in google.com and then Britishembassy.com

I know that with dogs.. they(England) is VERY strict