Bringing Pets

Hi Bob,

The only thing I can tell you is that when my in-laws moved here from Dububuque,Iowa in January 2003, my husband to the cat and got all the necessars shots ten days before we left. The cat was a carry-on and the only thing they asked for was her ticket. No one asked for the health certificate.

Rita

Rita is right... not sure who really asked for the certificates its really just a matter of following what should be done... everything I have read says more then 30 days but less then a year.

Do you have to pass through the USDA office when getting on the plane with your pets?? I mean do they check the animals and certificates??

ONIKA where are you???

Ok I called the office of Animal and Plant Inspection at the St. Thomas Airport and spoke to one of the inspection folks... he said that as long as you are traveling from a US airport to the USVI that the only document they require is an up to date certificate from your vet indicating that the animals are healthy, disease free, not from an area quarantined for rabies and has all up to date vaccines. I then asked what is considered up to date... 6 months, 30 days, one year... that question seemed to through him off. And he said up to date means up to date, whatever the vets give the animals vaccines - what ever the regular interval of time is for giving them - as long as the vet writes that they are all up to date. If you want to call the number is (340)774-5719

Then American Airlines writes:
Health Requirements
American does not require a health certificate for the acceptance of pets for travel in the cabin or as checked baggage within the 50 United States. However, we encourage you to contact your family veterinarian or state authorities directly for individual state requirements to avoid any possible inconvenience at your final destination.
All states require proof of rabies vaccination for dogs over 12 weeks old and some require proof of rabies vaccination for cats. American requires that the animal be vaccinated for rabies within the past 12 months. Currently, American does not require documentation regarding the sedation of a pet, nor do we restrict sedated animals. Consult your veterinarian about the use of tranquilizers.

So if its the destination that is responsiable for checking the documents and not where you are leaving from... then you have the answer from the VI airport folks already.. up to date means up to date!!

Sorry to hear you are running into a bit of confusion right before moving.

--Islander

Thank you Rita and Islander! We are going for it. Andy the cat in the cabin. Annie the dog in luggage. Got our fingers crossed.

Ok, here's the deal (as it was told to me when we initiated our move):
Technically the rabies vaccine must be within 30 days of your flight. The only person who inspected our documenst was the Cape Air ticket attendant. Upon arrival in STT no one asked us for documentation on the 3 cats or teh dog and we NEVER saw a USDA rep. I am sure that you will be fine...let us know how it went!

Thanks again for your inputs....

We were told earlier that the health certificate from the veterinarian must be validated by the USDA vet because the VI is considered non-domestic travel, but when we took the certificate there for validation, they told us that that information was false, and the certificate was the same as if it were interstate.....ie: no USDA necessary.

Hi All,
So have we figured out about the 30 days or what?
My cat is due for her shots anyway and I'm planning to move at the end of Sept. Just wondering if I should get her shots now or wait. I can get the shots now and the health certificate later. Whichever. I was all set to do it all at once - no more than 10 days before the move. I think the 30 day thing confused me.

Thanks,
~S

Hi,
I am bringing a Chihuahua(5 lbs) and a cat (14 lbs) when I move in November. I'm afraid my cat will have to go as cargo (He is too tall to go in the under seat carriers). I am concerned that the temperature restrictions may prevent this. Has any one brought their cat as cargo and if so did you have problems with the 75 degree rules on American Airlines? Thanks everyone for your tireless assistance! Mary(and crew:)

This part I know........the rabies vaccination must be done at least 30 days prior. The only confusion on this end that still remains is whether it needs to be within six months or twelve. But I DO have an official statement in hand about the 30 day deal.