Job Discussion Forums

[nickelgoat]

.....

[spiral78]

I can't speak for the ME region, but assuming you are flying via some major European airport, all the major carriers will accept pets in the cabin (flying with you) so long as they weigh 8 kilos or less including bag/crate. The cost is minimal (about 100 usd/flight). I've transported my schnauzer as many as 6/8 times yearly on intercontinental routes over the past 10 years. Delta, Lufthansa, Air France and all the big airlines allow both dogs and cats. Reserve in advance, though - usually limited to 3 animals in cabin total per flight.

Also a good idea to accustom your cat to the bag/crate well in advance of travel.

[nomad soul]

[Pikgitina]

KLM.

[scot47]

Finding a Vet in Khobar ?

At KFUPM there was - and probably still is - a Clique of Cat-worshippers who had a programme of Trap - neuter - release to deal with feral cats on the huge KFUPM campus. They took the cats to a Vet in Khobar or Dammam, who sliced off various bits and then returned said felines to their human pals. Contact your agents on KFUPM campus, and ask about the Cat Protection League.

Of course our students and other faculty were totally mystified by the whole business. It puzzled me too.

[Rostom]

[scot47]

Why you not know how to ask a question in English. ?

[plumpy nut]

There may be a bigger problem that you're going to have to deal with. I don't know if you're aware of it or not, but I'm pretty sure your cat is going to have to be quarantined when you arrive in the U.S. You might want to check up on that. That is a much bigger issue than the issue of which plane to take your cat back in.

[scot47]

There are many pages of info available if you google. "Quarantine for cats going to USA" yielded enough pages to keep me busy reading for days, but I have a life to lead. My dog disapproves of cats and she wants to go for a walk.

[peripatetic_soul]

Dear Nickelgoat,
KLM and Lufthansa are the most pet-friendly, experienced airlines to transport pets, based on my own and other ex-pats' recent experiences. I'm not sure where your final destination is in the U.S. but I flew from Dubai to D.C. since that was the itinerary for Lufthansa. I adopted two semi-ferals who were afraid of any change. There are certain procedures to complete prior to departure such as having rabies innocs completed at least 30 days prior to leaving, then flea application 3 days prior and a visit to the vet at the airport for the final approval. All pets must be microchipped (the international one). There are some costs involved but reasonable.
I highly recommend that you do NOT use an American airline. They all require CARGO status on the flight, whereas KLM and LTH allow carry-on or pets as EXCESS BAGGAGE (you're talking about a savings of at least $3k). The American airlines charge much more b/c the pet must fly "CARGO" status. Meanwhile, whether CARGO or EXCESS BAGGAGE, all pets are in the SAME holding area of the plane (with climate control). Many American airlines do not permit pets during summer months due to temps. They all also require a 3rd party agent to handle your pet, none of whom really have the experience or care they advertise. It's just a stratagem to charge you more bucks. You can visit KLM or LFH's website and find the link to transporting pets for more info. They also have a toll free number. They can quote you a price if you provide this info: cats' weight and height, crate dimensions, total weight of both (I had vet office weigh my cats inside their kennels). The cost was total of $250 for 2 cats. Please feel free to PM me for specifics. Also see www.actionpetexpress.com. Good luck.

[peripatetic_soul]

P.S. There is no quarantine for the U.S., except for Hawaii. The only required innocs are rabies and the flea medication and then the microchip. Of course, KSA may have different regs but generally speaking, when LEAVING the ME, it is the regs of the returning country that apply. Now, going INTO the ME is a much more complicated, expensive process. PM me if you wish.

[spiral78]

[Johnz]

I had 2 kittens spayed yesterday. I was given the details of David Alexander,
[email protected] 05561865509. He is not the vet, but acts as agent. I'm guessing that the vet does various appointment dates in Khobar. Am not sure if he is based in Khobar or elsewhere. They were at Lotus compound for the day.
Dave also had a wealth of knowledge regarding the repatriation of animals to the UK. Again, I think he can put you in contact with a locally based guy who assists in transportation/ blood tests/ quarantine etc.
As a foot note, the kittens are pretty groggy tiday after the anaesthetic, but otherwise seem fine.

[Sheik Yerbuti]

Did you get that job back home at the florist?

[peripatetic_soul]

Hi,
Yes, some airlines do allow you to take one cat as a carry on if under 8 kg but not all airlines and not many American ones during summer. I would never use an American airline from all the horror stories I have read. MOst are not trained. LUFTH and KLM have pet hotels at their major hubs so if you travel, e.g., from KSA to Munich, there is a pet hotel where your animal will be hydrated and pet pads cleaned. Still, excess baggage sure beats cargo in terms of cost.

Also, please know that one should never ever ever have a pet tranquilized before travel. In fact, the airport vet will not allow the pet to travel. Tranquilizers cannot last for such a long trip and will affect the pet's heart rate, etc. at this altitude This is one thing all airlines will ask before boarding.

The best thing is to contact the airline you choose and find out all the regs. You should also make reservations 2-3 months in advance, as they have a limit on number of pets per flight. Make sure you comply with the size and type of airline-approved crate as these regs change as well. I ordered mine from the vet. The website I provided before contains all the pertinent info. Goodl luck.
PS Cats do not like to travel as much as dogs do. They are neurotic and do not like major changes in their environment.