Import Export Info

The regulations vary from country to country. I have been traveling, with the cats, to European countries recently, to deliver Munchkins to breeders starting, or adding to, their Munchkin breeding programs. I have found that traveling with the cats makes all of the procedures go much easier. As well, once I arrive we can spend a few days getting to know each other and talking about breeding Munchkins. I have been to the UK and know, first hand, how thoroughly they examine paperwork. I walked right through Schipol. In Holland (The Netherlands) without ever having a paper looked at, each extremely different than the other.

I have also found that many breeders do not even know HOW to get the proper information when shipping outside the USA. Fortunately I intercepted one such shipment as they were going to send a cat to an airport in the UK that will not accept them, they would have turned the cats right around and sent them back to the USA, horrible, but true!

Through my experience I have found contacts in both the USDA and an airline, who are good at their jobs and give accurate information. If you ship with me I will guarantee that you will not pay an extra for vet costs, I will send you the actual vet receipts for every expense that is required. I do not add on to the expenses. The federal government regulates the costs for endorsing Health Certificates, they are the same for every breeder in the USDA. The labs for testing titers also charge the same amount, that is in addition to what the vet charges for his office call and preparing the blood to be sent to the lab. Typical costs are listed below:

The Federal Government regulates the endorsement of EU Journals: some examples

United Kingdom $76

The Netherlands $24

Greece $24

Note: This is NOT each, it is for all animals in a single shipment

Rabies Titer Test from approved USA Lab $45

Microchips vary $40-$60

Health Certificates

USDA International health certificates are required for all travel overseas, by the airlines., don't confuse this with your European Journal (EU) if you are traveling to the European community, there are two sets of papers. You do not need additional Health Certificates if you are changing planes. The USDA Int'l health certificate is good for 10 days for the airlines, the EU journal is good for four months after it is endorsed by the USDA.

Crates must be large enough for the animal to stand up and turn around, expect to purchase a new crate $25-$50. Some countries even have crate specifications different than other countries. Again, be sure that you have the right crate or you might find yourself purchasing one a very expensive one at the airport of origin.

Reservations for animals: Do NOT accept a verbal conformation number that sys your cats will be allowed to get on board, get it in writing. Recently, when checking my reservations I was told that one of the cats would have been turned away at the airport, the transfer plane only allowed two crates, I was bringing three, had I not checked on this before arrival it could have been a disaster.

Airfare for cats: Sometimes it is about the same for me to come with the cats as it is to ship them. In this case I will travel with the cats and you can pick us up at the airport. I will spend a few days with you, getting the cats adjusted and we can talk about the breeding of Munchkins. Recently the cost to ship at cat to the UK was $690. (3/2008) but I went with the cats to Amsterdam and the carry one fee was $150 (4/2008). Sometimes it is even cheaper to travel to a neighboring country and then bring the cats in, this is legal, the paperwork is the same, the cost just might be significantly cheaper.

Vaccination: Although it is common in the USA for breeders to do their own vaccinations, it is not common in other countries. I would recommend that ALL vaccinations be done at a vet, in the USA, for cats traveling to other countries. If you have vaccinated on your own, it is still a wise idea for the cats to have vaccines done at the vet before traveling. If there is a problem that requires boarding they will not accept breeder administered vaccine reports.

Where do the cats fly: When coming into the UK no cats are allowed in the cabin. They are kept in a pressurized area. Think about it, if they are in a larger crate they can get up and stretch, turn around, much more comfortable for a long trip then being forced to stay in a small bag under the seat, therefore this regulation is for the comfort of the cat.

Passport: If you travel to other countries you will have to have a current passport, I do.

Quarantine Services: I do offer quarantine service and accompanied travel for kittens that are not purchased from me.

Health Circumstances: Although cats leave the USA in perfect health, as evidenced by the Health Certificate requirements, they can sometimes become stressed and develop diarrhea or a mild upper respiratory infection from the changes in atmosphere. Sometimes cats leave without a trace of a flea and arrive with them, these are animals, things like this happen. I recommend a thorough veterinary checkup as soon as the cat is received, if I come with the animals I am happy to go to the vet with you, regardless if the animals came directly from me or if I am just the traveling agent. As with any new animal brought in, quarantine for 14 days is always recommended.

You can trust me: It has taken me many hours, and some frustration to acquire my contacts and knowledge of exporting animals, and I am proud to offer guaranteed admittance to any country. This means if there is a problem that ends up costing money for boarding or re-shipping, I will bear that cost. I will not charge you any more than I originally quote you unless I make it clear that I have to verify prices, and then, when I am certain, I will put the costs in writing, in the contract., and these costs will not increase, unless the government changes their prices, which is beyond my control.

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