Can I bring my hamster to the U.S. if I live overseas?

Question

I live on a base in germany and wanted to know if I get a hamster if I will have to leave it here. If not, what are airplane requirements for hamsters?

Answer 1

Yes, the US has no restrictions on importing hamsters into the US. You will need to make arrangements in advance as there is some specific paperwork that needs to be filled out and you will need a vet certificate dated within three days of the departure date.

I just imported a dozen hamsters from the Czech Republic and it was relatively easy. The only thing to pay attention to is that many airlines won't allow any animals and some won't allow any rodents. You also need to enter the US to an international airport that has a US Customs office and a USDA office.

The airlines that allow animals will allow up to two animals in the cabin total. So if someone else is traveling with two dogs that day and you have one hamster, one of the animals will be traveling in cargo. There is no limit to the number of animals that can travel in cargo. If you have more than two hamsters that you're bringing with you, then they will have to be in cargo. I've shipped hamsters numerous times and there is absolutely no ill effects to them. Usually, I ship over 100 at a time but there are occassions when I ship just a couple. I've never had a problem with shipping them. They've never died or gotten sick. They are not traumatized in anyway. The hamsters I imported from the Czech Republic were in transit for three days and they were friendly and handlable straight out of the transport container. Most people have never shipped rodents and thus can't offer any real insights other than false assumptions.

It is great that you want to bring your hamster with you as it shows how much you love your little friend. The airline that I've brought hamsters along with me on charged me an additional $90 one-way for animal transport.

-Janice
http://www.holmdenhillhaven.com

Answer 2

go to www.petflight.com. You can click on the airline and it will tell you their specific criteria for pet travel. Many airlines only allow rodents as cargo, and in this case, I don't think that would be a good trip for a hamster to make. In all likelihood, if he survived, he'd be traumatized for life.