Small Pets

SoCal Gal · Posted: Tue Feb 10, 2004 11:45 am Post subject: Small Pets

I have found a lot of good information on this forum about moving pets, and their costs for quarantine, etc., but does anyone have any first hand information about bringing over their own pet? I've read some info about large dogs that made the trip, but did anyone bring a small dog or a cat? And what airline did you use? I am particularly concerned about how an animal under 10 pounds would fare on a 12+ hour journey in cargo, and would appreciate any supportive tales from folks who have shipped their pets. Many thanks! cool

richsadams · Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2004 5:46 pm Post subject: Pets

Hi SoCalGal and All, cool

For those in the United States thinking about taking their pets with them

I've found a great resource called World Pet Transport. They offer "soup to nuts" service, going so far as to pick up Fifi and Garfield at your house, take them to the airport and ship them to L.A. Shy

In L.A. they have a local doctor that will perform all of the 48 hour prep items (final rabies, dip, etc.) and then put them in their carriers, seal them up and send them along with the proper documentation to Auckland for quarantine.

They'll do as much (all of it Wink

even supplying carriers) or as little as you like and charge accordingly. It could be a real load off not having to deal with pets at the last minute.

They have a great relationship with the quarantine facilities as well as the head Vet at the MAF. bobby

I spoke with Rosemary today and she's a wealth of information...answered all of my questions! Nice One

Here's their info...

World Wide Pet Transport
20 Bryant Avenue
Roslyn, NY 11576
516-625-2683
516-625-8802 Fax
800-545-7387
wwpetspal@aol.com

Hope that helps with your plans! cool

P.S. All of the major airlines ship pets in pressurized cargo areas where they won't get cold, always have fresh air (well as fresh as the passengers anyway Laughing

) , etc.

SoCal Gal · Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2004 4:19 am Post subject: Small Pets

Thank you so much, Rich, this is exactly the kind of door-to-door assistance I'm looking for! I've been to so many web sites, and seen so many list of things to do to get your pet ready, it's mind-boggling! My nightmare is to think I have done everything I can for my babies, and then have them stranded for 6 months instead of the one month waiting for clearance! Will definitely have a champagne toast for you when we all get down there! cool

deebat · Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2004 6:40 am Post subject:

Hi, SoCalGal,

I just found this site and joined the forum, mainly in the hopes of finding answers to the same "little dog" question that you had! Any chance you've come to some resolution with your pet? I'd be grateful if you could post some details about your experiences...

Thanks!
Dan in Portland

deebat · Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2004 6:43 am Post subject:

Whoops! SoCalGal, I just found your long and detailed response in a newer thread. Sorry about that...my newbie-ness is showing Embarassed

Best,
Dan in Portland

SoCal Gal · Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2004 8:14 am Post subject: Small Pets

Not a problem, glad you have the info! If you want to send a PM about the Hawaiian pet shuffle, I'm happy to answer any questions! cool

Robert · Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2004 8:07 pm Post subject:

We brought 2 chinese cresteds aged 11 and 7 out from the UK with no problems. They seemed none the worse for wear despite one being a little on the old side. I doubt most would be troubled by 12 hours.

The main issues are: dehydration (although water is available throughout the flight in their box) oxygen (the hold is pressurised to 16 000 ft but only an animal with severe cardio-respiratory propblems would find this a problem - able to get up satirs, able to fly!) boredom and somewhere to stay when they arrive as not too many landlords will allow dogs.

There are some modest import fees (about $60 per dog) on top of any shipping fees and the veterinary requirements are frightening so my advice would be to use a specialist shipper.

Bear in mind the previously raised quarrantine issue as from non rabies-free countries, a six month quarranitne is mandatory. (check with MAF first!)

richsadams · Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2004 11:44 pm Post subject: Small Pets

Hi All

We "imported" our two five year old cats with no problem. We used a pet shipping service in L.A. and flew them on Qantas (they like the little Qantas Koala bear! Laughing

) Robert is correct, the hold is pressurized and temperature controlled so little Fluffy and Spot will do just fine. Nice One

Pets coming from rabies controlled countries (U.S., Canada, etc.) will only need to be in quarantine 30 days. The proviso is that they get their first rabies Titration (Titer) tests at least 6 months prior to shipment. Pets coming from Great Britian, Oz and a few other places are exempt from quarantine I believe. (Hawaii as well).

And everyone is right when they say it is EXPENSIVE! Be prepared to look at that precious ball of fur in a whole new light when you find out how much it will cost all together. Eek

But for us, there weren't any doubts...they are family after all! Clapping