Moving to US with a cat?

Question

Im from the Philippines but might move to the US in a year or so, does anyone know what I need or have to do to bring my cat with me. What are the standard procedures, is mocrochipping required and how long do they have to be quarantined? thanks

and by the way, no i am not using the cat as a MULE. that's a very idi*tic response

Answer 1

I brought my cat with me to the US from Manila 3 years ago. It is a relatively simple procedure. This is what you need to know:

1. When you are eady to go, call around varius airlines to make sure you fly with an airline that accepts live animals on board (either in cabin with you or in cargo). I flew with Philippine airlines and they accept live animals in cargo (to fly along in the plane with you but in the luggage area - the term used is "Accompanied BAGGAGE" not "cargo"). They charge as if the cat carrier (with the cat in it) is luggage. Maximum weight is 20lbs. My cat inside his carrier weighed 15 pounds at the time and the charge was $300.00 (paid at the airport). You need to BOOK YOUR PET at the time you book your ticket. This is becuase most airlines have room only fr 2 or 3 live animals in the special pressurized cargo bay they have for that purpose. So you must tell them that you are bringing your pet.

2. There is no quarantine in mainland United States. But you do need to fulfill the following requirements:

(a) Health Certificate from the Vet
(b) Vaccination Record from the Vet
You need to get your pet's shots up to date. I used to go to "Animal House" in New Manila (excellent vets). My cat recieved all the vaccinations you can think of (rabies, distemper, feline luekemia, etc - tell your vet your cat must have "the lot"). You may have to bring your cat to vet several times to get all the shots done - not good to give cat all of the shots in one day.

(c) Export Permit" from the Bureau of Animal Industry in Diliman Quezon City. This is not as complicated as it seems. You need to ask your vet to help you - they usually do if you tell them that you are taking your pet overseas. Your vet will send the Bureau of Animal Industry a "bill of health" and proof of all vaccinations of your cat to the bureau. The bureau is supposed to see your cat; but if you go through one of their accredited veterinarians (like "Animal House"), they don't need to see your cat. When all documentation is in order, the Bureau will issue an "Export Permit" to you. If you go through a vet, they will send this document to your vet. It takes about 10 days. The Permit is good for only 10 days or 2 weeks so you need to factor that in when you book your flight.

Tel # of Animal House Veterinarian: 722-4219; 410-7867 (in New Manila but I think they have branches in Makati and elsewhere)
Tel # of Bureau of Animal Industry is 928-1778; 928-2743; 928-2836 or 920-5053

5. Ask the vet for a "calming pill" that you can give your cat an hour or so before you head for the airport. I gave my cat 1/2 of a pill I forgot what it was called) and he was OK in his carrier throughout the wait at the airport and the flight itself.

6. You need to get a good cat carrier (crate or kennel). It should be big enough for the cat to be able to stand and lay down comfortably while inside it. The door has to be lockable. I bought one of those hard plastic perforated crates with stainless grilled steel doors called "Pet Taxi" which you can buy at a good pet store. I bought mine at Mega Mall. Line the bottom of the kennel with baby diapers incase kitty has an "accident."

7. On the day of your flight, feed your cat a little WET cat canned food (half a bowl or so) with a tablespoon of water mixed in 2 hrs BEFORE you leave for the airport. Encourage him to go pee and poop if you can already. You have to feed wet cat canned food to take care of his water needs. The airlines will NOT feed or water your cat in flight but at the same time, you don't want your cat to be too full in the tummy either.

8. At the airport, tell the stewards or attendants that you want to keep your cat (inside the crate) until boarding time. When you board the plane, hand over the kemmel to a stward and tell him or her to remind the pilot that there is a live animal on board. Be very specific about that (I always nag everyone when I go on flights with my cats).

9. Oh - do not open the cat's kennel in the airport! Beleive me, you won't want your cat to escape his kennel and get lost somewhere in a busy airport!

10. Don't forget to label the cat's kennel with cat's name, your name and US address tel number. and a very ver bif "HANDLE WITH CARE."


Good Luck!

Answer 2

Well, let's look at it like this, while they may love him, they cannot afford the monetary responsibility that comes with owning a cat. Therefore, they are great at giving love, but are not a suitable home. The cat is yours and even though he may not be very happy with your current situation, he is still your responsibility. You should probably move the cat with you because even though he doesn't like your situation as much in the home, you will be taking great care of him. Once you're all moved in, you can start looking for another home for him that is more to his liking. Maybe an elderly couple down the street will like him or something. But in the end, you need to make sure that he will be well taken care of because he is an older cat and as he gets older, there very well might be medical bills that need to be paid and meds that have to be given. Perhaps he will adopt another family nearby your new home where you would still have access to take care of him should anything happen. In short, take him with you. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

In July, I brought my 3 cats back from the UK. You need a rabies shot (best to make sure all shots are current), certificate of good health and an appropriate crate. Airlines are quite picky. It needs to be big enough for the cat to move easily, lockable and a supply of food needs to be included. Give your cat a bit of food and water about 2-4 hours prior to check in. Book a direct flight. If the temperature at the destination airport is in excess I think of 78 F, the airline will not take your animal. Microchipping is always a good idea. You will need to arrange for someone to receive your animal and you will have to clear it through US Customs. Customs clearance is free but the receiver may charge you about $60 bucks. Your animal must ride in the cargo hold. Vets do NOT recommend sedatives. Good luck. Oh yes, nearly forgot. About the crate? It needs to have good ventilation on 4 sides and a solid floor. Airline staff need to be able to provide your animal with food from the outside of the crate.

Answer 4

I don't know of anywhere except Hawaii that requires microchipping. You will probably have to provide rabies vaccination papers though. The only state I know of that requires quarantine is Hawaii. You will want to check though because rules vary by state.

Answer 5

no quarantining necessary - at least, for a cat. all you need from your vet is a health certificate and (maybe) a rabies certificate - the US isn't a rabies-free island, so rabies shots aren't required.

Answer 6

Are you gonna use the poor beast as a "mule"?