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istanbullheaded · Joined: 22 Jun 2003 Posts: 23

Hey all, I've finally figured out how to unwind all the red tape toward getting my cat out of here and I've just been introduced to the world of airline restrictions. My latest deal is my cat can't be more than 5 kilos, which she is. Even if she was light enough, I'd have to pay like 2** bucks more than the normal ticket.

She would have had to go in the cargo hold, too, and I've heard of animals dying in the depressurized conditions there. Can anyone tell me if they know airlines that are particularly amenable to those with pets?

Gelin, how was it for you and your dog?

Thanks for any help you can give.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

It is troublesome transporting felines and canines. I had a dog in Jeddah and transported it on Saudi Arabian Airlines and Turkish Airlines. Neither was very helpful but at least the staff in Saudia knew the procedures.

I would not do this again and have learned my lesson as far as transborder pets are concerned.

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

How did you transport the dog to Trafalmador?

gelin · Joined: 09 Mar 2003 Posts: 144 Location: Istanbul, Turkey

Actually my dog travelled twice with me -- from Ankara to Kansas City and back. I flew Turkish Airlines to Chicago and then took either United or American to KC. Turkish Airlines was fine, but the last time, when I planned to leave her in the States, United Airlines said that airlines weren't taking animals in the cargo hold anymore during the summer months because they had had too many die on them. So, the dog couldn't go on from Chicago. Luckily she is a small dog (though more than 5 pounds) and I got to buy their $75 "Sherpa" bag and take her on board from Chicago. It worked out well and she was a gem -- not a peep out of her. Turkish Airlines is good with animals and if you can use them to NY or Chicago, do so. I don't know where you're headed, but beware that some airlines in the States won't take them. By the way, my dog did go in the cargo hold with Turkish Air and she was fine.

vre · Joined: 17 Mar 2004 Posts: 371

I'd just give it to a nice home, do your crying and buy another in your next location. The cat won't care! You will, but you'll get over it and avoid all this nonsense.

Sorry if this is a bit harsh!

Kolay gelsin

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

vre is RIGHT.
you are talking about an animal, not a human being. Find another home for the beast and get yourself another one in your new location.

gelin · Joined: 09 Mar 2003 Posts: 144 Location: Istanbul, Turkey

The two previous postings just prove what a throw-away society we've become. I find it honorable for her to want to take the cat and fight the red tape because the cat probably will care. What happens a lot in Turkey is that people buy animals and then decide they're too much trouble and abandon them. There are always animal shelter people on the news begging the public not to do that and to adopt animals from their shelters. Shame on you two.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

We are talking about a cat, not a child. It seems to me that many people from the "West" now value animals more highly than humans.

ghost · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 1693 Location: Saudi Arabia

Many people value animals more than humans in Western Society, because animals are less trouble and conflictual, in general. Also the general credo in Western Society is one of individualism and egoism...not group philosophy or extended family philosophy. This means than one pet will be praised and loved but an extended family will not come into the workings. In fact many people in Western Society hardly ever interact with their extended families (cousins etc....).

The opposite is true in many impoverished Asian countries, where - fortunately - extended families still function, and provide close relationships within them. In those countries - contrary to the West - you will notice many abandoned dogs and cats in the streets, left to fend for themselves....sad...but people have made the choice there (in those countries) that family is more important than pets.

When you see the ridiculous spectacle of dogs dining out with their owners (in countries like France)...it really makes you think. Plus the fact that sharing tables with animals is simply unhealthy...and in some cases dangerous, with infections, etc...

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Excuse me................I have to go and sit down and have a glass of water.
I find myself AGREEING with "ghost".

One is surprised.

gelin · Joined: 09 Mar 2003 Posts: 144 Location: Istanbul, Turkey

While I wouldn't disagree that people are more important than animals, when you get a pet you take on a responsibility and you have to do all you can to honor your commitment to that pet. If she has the means to take the cat, then she should. It seems she does and she will. Teachers generally do follow through on commitment.

FGT · Joined: 14 Sep 2003 Posts: 762 Location: Turkey

Just for perspective - vre said "find a good home", there's nothing wrong with that.

richard ame · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 319 Location: Republic of Turkey

Hi

I wasn't really going to follow or reply to this thread ,but I remembered that I used to be a pet owner before I came over here .
At the time in 94, in England , we had a dog,a border collie,name of Jess, a member of the family in all respects ,still think of him and miss him . We both knew it would not be fair on him to bring him with us , unless we found him a good home we would have thought seriously about coming out here . We got him a good home ,not easy he wasn't a puppy any more about 8 years old and had been under the surgeons knife a couple of times .
Looking back the right decision was made ,I think the op needs to put this into perspective when she comes to do what will be difficult but necessary .
We do get emotionally attached to our pets ,I would dearly love another dog. However, leaving it behind some day is something I would not want to go through again,but I would .

vre · Joined: 17 Mar 2004 Posts: 371

Shame on us??????????????

Anyone who takes on a pet from the other side of the world, knowing that they would probably not be there until it Rs.I.P, knowing they will be faced with exactly this kind of dilemma, either abandon it and break it's heart (oh puhleeez, dogs maybe but cats????????) OR chuck it in a dodgy cargo hold where for some airlines "too many die on them" and let them shiver and quiver at the absolute fear of such a stressful journey and have them adapt to a completely different environment and climate etc, not to mention the $$$ for a box and $$$ for choosing the most apt airline as opposed to the cheap one you would normally go with and pay an extra $$$ or so just for the privilige of the animal being transported, even if it does survive, terrified out of its poor fur.

Why is it shame on us to only offer/ merely suggest a much more realistic solution, Gelin?[/quote]

Mike_2003 · Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Posts: 344 Location: Bucharest, Romania

Much as I love my terrier, much as I miss her when she's not around, I know it would be cruel to take her with me to wherever I end up going. It would be selfish of me to try.

Anyway, I know she will be well looked after by my ex, who, whatever her faults, loves the little creature dearly. It'll be hard having had her almost constantly by my side for over three years (the dog, not the ex), but I have to think about what's best for her (the dog again).

Mike