Traveling abroad with pets?

Question

I'll admit that I worry a little too much. Do pets die or get lost on the way? Can I buy a seat for my pet?
I have two 6 month old kittens. I'm not moving for another year so I'd like to gather as much information as possible. I raised one of them from 4 weeks and bottle fed her after I found her abandoned. Needless to say I've developed a bond and I'm worried for her and my other cat.
I'm moving from the US to Paris.

Answer 1

(1) First thing you need to do is to check with the French Embassy as to their requirements for bringing your pets into the country. Ask if they quarantine live animals (many countries do) and for how long.
(2) Second, you need to call various airlines that fly to Paris if they allow pets on board their planes. You will find that most will take pets but only as "Accompanied Baggage." That means your pets will have to stay in their own kennels inside a special pressurized compartment in the cargo bay of the airplane you yourself are taking. You check them in as you check yourself in and pick them up at the luggage area at the other side (in Paris). Some (a very few) international flights allow you to take your pet "In Cabin" - that means, the pet will be in a very small kennel that fits just under your seat. You may not take take your pet out o its kennel at any tme during the flight (unless it is an emergency). Needless to say, this way you can only take one animal. So, if you are taking several cats with you, they have to go "Accompanied Baggage." You also ned to get quotes for charges because it varies from airlines to airline. When I flew from Australia to Manila. Quantas charged me $300.00 (Aus) for 1 cat. When I flew from Manila to Los Angeles, Philippine Airlines charged me $300 (US). On both International flights, my cat was "Accompanied Baggage." When I flew from Los Angeles to Atlanta, I took my cat with me "In Cabin" and was charged only $50.00.
(3) You need to get your cats' shots up to date. They will need "the Lot." This has to be well-documented in a "Vaccination Record" which your vet fills out.
(4) Ten days or Two weeks before your flight, you need to get a Certificate of Good Health for EACH of your cats. The certificate is good only for 10 days to 2 weeks. You need to find out from the French Embassy how current the health certificates need to be. For the U.S., it is no longer than 10 days. For Australia, it is about the same.
(5) You need to get airline specifications for the size of the kennel for each cat. Generally, if they will go as "Accompanied Baggage," the cat kennel or crate or carrier has to be big enough for the cat to be able to stand and lay down comfortably. The kennels have to be lockable. They have to be very well labeled or tagged.
(7) You need to factor in the time of year you are flying. Most airlines will refuse to transport live animals at certain times in the winter (coldest) and summer (hottest).
(8) You need to talk to your vet about special calming tablets for your cats to keep them calm during the trip to the airport, on the plane, etc.
(9). Long before the flight, you need to accustom your cats to being inside their kennels or carriers so that on the day of the flight, they will not be freaking out too much.
(10 When you book your flight, you nedd to tell them that you are taking your pets with you. This is becuase most airlines have room only for 3 to 4 animals - so it is important that you book THEM!

Bon Voyage!

Answer 2

You'll need a pet carrier for each cat & a note from a vet saying your pets are healthy & immunized. They will be in a different area of the plane from you (cargo area?) that has temperature control. My brother just traveled from the US to South America with his dog & it went fine. Congrats & good luck on your big move.

Answer 3

It's possible for them to get lost or die. I do not think you can buy a seat for them, but check with the airlines. They will undergo a lot of trauma, especially if left alone in the cargo bay. They need to be near you so you can keep them calm.

Answer 4

My grandma once flew on the plane from Pennsylvania to Florida when she moved with her Siberian Husky (Dog) and Tabby (Cat). They ended up being fine after the trip. Maybe you can hold your kittens on the plane? Is that allowed?

Answer 5

go to

www.cargounited.com and it will let you know all the information and give you a phone number for just traveling with pets. I just looked it up today because we have a dog we have to fly. good luck!!!

Answer 6

damn, just sell it on eBay or something