Flying with Pets

[opiniongirl]

It looks like I will be moving to St. Kitts next year, and will be taking my 4 cats along (the rest of the ranch is staying for now)

Have done some research on flying with pets - but would appreciate any experiences or tips. 3 are adult, 1 kitten - and it's just the travel I'm worried about - got the requirements for entry in line.

 

[SueMermaid]

They will do better than you might imagine in the hold of the airplane. It's completely dark in there. (my husband worked at an airport and would often get into the cargo hold and take naps between flights).
Animals just go to sleep once the plane's airborne. It will be harder on you than it will be on them!
It's a good idea to microchip your cats before you go. Good thing for you there's a veterinary school in St Kitts!

 

[alcina]

It's also a good idea to have each them get a thorough health check right before they fly. You'll probably need one that can be a few months old to meet requirements, but a friend just moved from the mainland to Hawaii and one of her cats had a small cold that turned into a real headache once they arrived. Vet said had they known before there were things that could have been done that would have been less traumatic and less expensive!

Also, have you checked St Kitts' policy on animals? Not just getting them in country? Some countries have # of animals policies and neutering policies (though I am sure that yours are already done).

Have fun in your new home!

 

[opiniongirl]

Hi,

Thanks to you both...and I know I'll be the worst of the bunch!! (Except for one, who has a problem with motion sickness...)

Yeah, we're good with all of the requirements - they have the option to destroy if everything isn't dotted and crossed, so they're chipped, tatoo'd and practically branded! (Big sissies wouldn't go outside anyway - too chicken!)

I am definitely glad about the vet school there - and no limits, it's just $100 a head...no discounts for 4..

thank you both - either of you been there? We're going "blind" - my guys going to med school on Nevis, and won't be able to afford to go do a looksee before we actually move.

 

[WGregVet]

It looks like you are doing your homework! As a veterinarian who has to occasionally deal with pets going out of country I know how difficult it can be dotting the "i"s and crossing the "t"s. Looking at St. Kitts regulations (available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ncie/iregs/animals/sc_cn.pdf ) they have some pretty strict regulations. These regulations are directed at rabies control. I'm not sure how old your kitten is or if it is even old enough to have been rabies vaccinated and can pass their requirements. Be sure to call the consulate (if you haven't done so already) and make sure you are following all requirements.
Most handle travel OK. The kitten in particular should do OK. Be carefull traveling with geriatric or ill cats, they may not handle the stress well. Are your cats on any particular medications? If so make sure they are available in St. Kitts. You might want to take flea control meds or heartworm preventatives with you. For your cat with motion sickness you may want to consult with your veterinarian about medication to help that. I'm not a big fan of tranquilizers for traveling pets as a rule. Do not feed the morning before travel but make sure they have water available prior to flying. This time of year temperatures should be moderate so hyperthermia shouldn't be a problem. Make sure you can arrange housing with your cats before you go.
A website with some travel general advice for pets is www.veterinarypartner.com , in the search box type in "travel" and you will get a few articles.
Hope this helps. Good luck on your move!

 

[mempilot]

The pet hold on the airliner I fly is a seperate compartment off the main cargo hold. It is heated by the same thermostat control as the cabin. It is also lighted. You could probably just carry the kittens on in a small pet carrier that will fit under the seat in front of you. No need to chech them all. Most airlines have a priority pet handling service so your loved ones don't get mistreated. These people have their own vehicles on the ramp, make sure the animals have water, and that they are kept out of the elements. They ensure the proper placement of the animals in the hold and ensure the flight crew know they are onboard so that they can test the climate control system before flight. Most airlines will charge for a carry on pet as well as a checked pet to pay for these special services. Hope this helps.

 

[opiniongirl]

Wow - thank you both - very helpful advice to have from a Vet and a Pilot!!!

The kitten should be fine - just had her first rabies shot and her booster - I think she will be the best of the bunch. I'll check out for the motion sickness, but you "second" my vet's opinion that tranquilizers can be high risk. I think I'll need 'em instead!

And there's a vet school on the neighboring island - the only thing we still need to research is if we can find their favorite brand of food...yeesh.

Thanks again