cats

[World]

Will be taking my 2 lovely cats back with me to the states.

Has anyone had similar issues when moving back to your home country? I need some advice if any of you have experienced traveling with cats (inside the airplane cabin or sending them via crate)

thank you

[PanicInducingGaijin]

Will be taking my 2 lovely cats back with me to the states.

Has anyone had similar issues when moving back to your home country? I need some advice if any of you have experienced traveling with cats (inside the airplane cabin or sending them via crate)

thank you

My wife and I took our cat with us when we moved to the States last year. You need to check with the airline well ahead of time about taking the cats on the plane, be it in the cabin or as freight.

The biggest pain the arse of the whole process was getting the cat through quarantine at Narita airport. They require a lot of paperwork that has to be done just right and faxed to them ahead of time before they'll let the animal leave. Check their website for the details. They told us that all of the paperwork was needed when we got to the US, but once we arrived, no one even wanted to look at it. "Oh, it's a cat. Ok, go ahead."

[World]

Thank you thank you very much for your reply to such a rare post.


hahaha! somehow that seems the typical with the Japanese, paperwork and additional paperwork to let one know that it's paperwork... But must have a meeting before passing paperwork. hehehe

as for getting the cat through quarantine at Narita airport, did the cats fly with you in the cabin or as freight? If in the cabin, were they meowing a lot?
What the veterinarian had told me is that if i take them in the cabin, they would be able to have something to help them sleep. But if i send them through freight, they would not be allowed to use the medicine. One of my cats does meow a lot in fear of moving. I have a lot of concern about this.

Which documents? I am only aware of the quarantined documents and the animal registration (which shows no rabies, has all shots, etc from vets) are needed. How long did the quarantine take? a few hours? a few days?

I am contemplating either sending them on freight on a separate flight ahead of me OR taking them with me in the cabin...... I love my cats and cannot part with them.

I appreciate your reply as there may not be so many of those taking pets, especially cats, back to the states.

[PanicInducingGaijin]

Thank you thank you very much for your reply to such a rare post.


hahaha! somehow that seems the typical with the Japanese, paperwork and additional paperwork to let one know that it's paperwork... But must have a meeting before passing paperwork. hehehe

as for getting the cat through quarantine at Narita airport, did the cats fly with you in the cabin or as freight? If in the cabin, were they meowing a lot?
What the veterinarian had told me is that if i take them in the cabin, they would be able to have something to help them sleep. But if i send them through freight, they would not be allowed to use the medicine. One of my cats does meow a lot in fear of moving. I have a lot of concern about this.

Which documents? I am only aware of the quarantined documents and the animal registration (which shows no rabies, has all shots, etc from vets) are needed. How long did the quarantine take? a few hours? a few days?

I am contemplating either sending them on freight on a separate flight ahead of me OR taking them with me in the cabin...... I love my cats and cannot part with them.

I appreciate your reply as there may not be so many of those taking pets, especially cats, back to the states.

We had one cat and took it in the cabin with us. She didn't meow much at all. I wouldn't recommend drugging your cats, though, as sedatives combines with high altitude can lead to respiratory arrest and death. They'll be uncomfortable, but they'll get used to it. Check with the airline as to space availability.

As to the documents, I forgot already. I do remember, however, that we had to get her microchipped and vaccinated for rabies, as well as a health check a few days before we flew, and we had to fax all those documents to Narita quarantine ahead of time to make sure that they were ok.

Short answer, check the website, get everything done, fax it over, and call to check to make sure everything is ok.

Getting through quarantine took about 30 minutes, IIRC.

[World]

my 2 cats paperwork is all in order. all that is needed is the document for travelling to the states.

I had moved once across tokyo to a new place and one of my cats meowed non-stop. Their breathing was fast and heavy just moving to another station. I am very scared to see how they will travel with me. I have 2 cats! i may not have any carryons except the 2 cats... I will call them for specifications and get those things in order. My biggest concern is the meowing on the flight from narita to the states. Can cats even meow that long!?

[vapor.24.7]

Took 3 cats from Tokyo to NY
in NY for 2 1/2 years

and then in July, brought the three of them back

Going to the US is much easier...trust me!

Get the paperwork, have your vet fill them out, get all their shots current, fax to the airport quarantine, etc.

Quite painless.

Once you check in, you will take your cats up to quarantine, for a 20-30 minute check.

Our cats flew on the same plane, but as "cargo", in a space between the passenger cabin, and the luggage!
It is kept at the same temperature and air pressure as the cabin.

I got two of the large size crates from Kojima (pet shop). Had two cats in the first one, one cat by herself in the second.

The quarantine office in Narita was very adamant that I had at least three copies of the paperwork...

When I got to JFK, the person at quarantine there didn't want to see the paperwork, she was more interested in asking my cats questions, specifically why the one cat was by herself!!!

Coming back to Japan...7 months of prep, and well over $1500...and then another $600 for their crate fee.

I would suggest JAL if you can...they take really good care of the cats.

(not an issue now, but just be aware that if you travel during the summer, a lot of airlines have bans on transporting animals due to the heat)...

[World]

All this information is very helpful. Surely this information will be useful not only to me, but also others who love their cats dearly.

The airlines websites are quite strict; 1 pet per crate and insure cats are not members of any terrorist organizations, etc. It would be great to put both of my cats in one crate. Knowing that they will be underneath the cabin and above the luggage is comforting. One of my cats cry like its her last breath (such a baby) and would hate to have everyone listen to the meowing for 14 hours.

Since I have to close my apartment, i will need to send my cats off first to the states and my family will pickup the cats.

Have any of your cats experienced heavy breathing once they settled in your new place?

[vapor.24.7]

I go back to my recommendation of JAL.
They will allow two cats in one carrier.

ANA would not---they have apolicy of only three animals on the plane, and restrict to one per cudtomer (or you can ask for special permission)

Northwest/Delta were one per cage, unless you could prove they were litter mates. American airlines was the same.

It is probably best to get someone on the phone from the airlines (and get their name once they agree to any conditions.)

My 3 cats were jet lagged for a good week upon arrival and wanted to do nothing more than hide for most of the day.

Hope that helps!

[World]

Thank you for such great information. I feel much, much better knowing what you advised me. Though some may see them as just cats or luggage, they are like children.

I will give Jal a call.

[World]

Another question,

How were you able to get your cats to the airport? Trains and buses may have a problem with crying cats (and how some Japanese may not like cats in the train), how did you get your cats to the airport with no trouble?

JAL also states that cats may die while traveling. My cats did give a fuss while traveling before (peed and meowed all the way to the new place) and wonder if they would possibly die in a 14 hour plane ride PLUS transferring through another airport...

[PanicInducingGaijin]

Another question,

How were you able to get your cats to the airport? Trains and buses may have a problem with crying cats (and how some Japanese may not like cats in the train), how did you get your cats to the airport with no trouble?

JAL also states that cats may die while traveling. My cats did give a fuss while traveling before (peed and meowed all the way to the new place) and wonder if they would possibly die in a 14 hour plane ride PLUS transferring through another airport...

We took the cat on the Narita Express, and I don't think she bothered anyone.

Yes, animals are far more likely to die in transit than people are, though the risk is still fairly low. Our cat did surprisingly well with the trip, though. We lined her carrier with absorbant pads in case she peed, but she never did -- I think she held it for about 20 hours in total.

[vapor.24.7]

Since I had the two large crates, plus a suitcase or two of my own, I had a van transport pick me up and take me to the airport. Was fairly reasonable, and much less stressful!

http://tokyoairporter.com/fares.html

Coming back to Tokyo in July, my wife met me at the airport with our car....!

[World]

Thank you everyone for your information and links.
They are very helpful.

I contacted Continental Airlines and Nippon Express, They told me that the cost to send 2 cats to Houston would cost 150,000 yen!!!

How much did any of you pay?

[trip_hop]

Have any of your cats experienced heavy breathing once they settled in your new place?

Wipe a little butter on their paws - gets them so busy licking and cleaning that they fail to notice they are somewhere new...

[vapor.24.7]

Thank you everyone for your information and links.
They are very helpful.

I contacted Continental Airlines and Nippon Express, They told me that the cost to send 2 cats to Houston would cost 150,000 yen!!!

How much did any of you pay?

That is an outlandish quote. I paid 250-300 dollars per crate (not cat). Seriously talk to JAL...ypu are wasting your time with US airlines

Vapor

[World]

Yea, and they use Nippon Express, the same company. Surcharge wasn't much. I dont know where to go now. I have no choice and take my cats, but from others experience, it shouldnt be anything close to this price! BTW, the cats will be shipped off before me a month ahead and my family will pick them up.




® ~NIPPON EXPRESS COLTD.
CONTAINER SIZE 41 x53x38cm x 2 crates
/
2009/10130
CHC WT =rnultiply Length by width by deoth for a cage and divide by 6,000
TOTAL 2 PCS Gross weight 1Okz
28.0 KGS
AIR FREIGHT L;- l- : \2,790 /ks (CHG.WT.l \78,120
TOKYO-HOUSTON (RATE)

EXPORTCUSTOMS CLEARANCE \4,200

WAREHOUSE CHARGE 10.0 kg \1,020

AIR WAYBILL FEE TAXABLE BY 5 % \200

CARGO HANDLING FEE TAXABLE BY 5 % \33,OOO

RASC TAXABLE BY 5 % \300

Documentation TAXABLE BY 5 % \2,600

QUARANTINE INSPECTION TAXABLE BY 5 % \20,000
(You CAN SAVE THIS BY DOING YOURSELF)

FUEL SURCHARGE APPROX. DEPENDS UPON AIRLINES \840

TAX \2,805
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> TOTAL: \143,085
We will calculate how much the total airfreight charge will cost by the cage dimensions.
We are cargo agent, not a cabin, so we need to do the customs clearance
Our exportation service is from Narita airport up to Houston airport.

[World]

Did a call directly to Continental and found the reason why it is expensive.

They are becoming stricter on pets as they too could become terrorists. This has already began last month and wasnt supposed to be announced until next January. Anyone shipping pets, be informed that it may cost ￥80,000 yen

[trip_hop]

Cat terrorist?

[World]

That is precious!!!!!!! what a picture!!!

That made my day! I am so laughing so much that my stomach hurts!

Great Picture!!!

[davai.davai]

AirFrance as well SwissAir allow animals in the cabin

Want to bring your pet along when you travel?
To find out if your pet can travel with you in the cabin or in the hold, please call Air France Reservations when booking your flight.

In the cabin:

only cats and dogs under 6 kg (container included),
guide dogs, regardless of their weight.
Transportation rules:

the animal must travel in a specific container that must respect very specific standards,
the container must be sufficiently ventilated and allow the animal to stand up and turn around,
in no event must the animal leave its container during the flight.
the carrier is considered as a baggage item
Practical information:

in order that the animal travel peacefully, we recommend that passengers administer, after consultation with a vet, a product to prevent the animal suffering from air sickness or any negative reaction during the flight,
in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises, remember to find out about the regulations in force in your departure and arrival countries (vaccinations, quarantine, etc.).

For any further information, or rate request, please contact our booking department.

TRANSPORTING ANIMALS
TRAVELLING WITH YOUR PET
With SWISS, you can take your pet along on all routes. Right next to you in the cabin or under cabin conditions in the cargo section of the aircraft. Enjoy your flight together with your best friend.

Animal transport by air is subject to laws and regulations that differ substantially from country to country. Present all the original documents required for the transport (import, export and transit papers, health and vaccination certificates) and book the transport of your pet with SWISS in advance. If the animal has not had the required vaccinations, then the owner is responsible for the return flights both of the animal and the owner.

Transport in the cabin
The following pets are allowed in the cabin
Dogs and cats
Animals with protection or assistance functions, e.g. guide dogs for persons with impaired vision.
Prerequisites for transport in the cabin
Clean, healthy, not dangerous, no odour.

Not pregnant.

Does not disturb passengers.

Weighs no more than 8 kg, including travel box.

Is kept in a clean, leak-proof, escape-proof, scratch-proof, soft container. The pet has enough room in the container. It is not allowed to move about freely on board.

The container has a maximum combined length, width and height of 115 cm.

The container remains stowed away under your seat for the duration of the entire fligh