Best way to ship cats?

We are moving from San Diego to Fort
Lauderdale and have 5 cats to move with
us. I hate to subject them to a long car
ride where they will be in carriers all
day for several days. Here are the
options I have considered:
Drive them doing 8-9 hours of driving
and stopping overnight at hotels. This
takes about 6 days
Drive them doing 12-13 hours of driving
and stopping in hotels. This takes 4
days.

Any of these options will work. Whatever you decide, please don't ship
them on an airplane in cargo. I have seen for myself what goes on
"behind the scenes" at airports wtih regards to shipping pets while
trying to rescue a cat that had, through airline negligence, escaped
from its carrier after it was thrown from a baggage cart and broke open.
I found the cat up in the ceilings above the baggage carousels, but I
was unable to get to it and it disappeared never to be found, even
though I set several traps up in the ceiling and monitored them for
quite some time. I would NEVER put a cat on a plane unless I could take
it on board with me in a carrier. Every single airline employee I spoke
with said they would never ship their pets in cargo either. That says a
lot.

Megan



"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do
nothing."

-Edmund Burke

Learn The TRUTH About Declawing
http://www.stopdeclaw.com

Zuzu's Cats Photo Album:
http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22

"Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one
elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and
splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then
providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision,
raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and
material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his
way."

- W.H. Murray

wrote in message
...


Any of these options will work. Whatever you decide, please don't ship
them on an airplane in cargo. I have seen for myself what goes on
"behind the scenes" at airports wtih regards to shipping pets while
trying to rescue a cat that had, through airline negligence, escaped
from its carrier after it was thrown from a baggage cart and broke open.
I found the cat up in the ceilings above the baggage carousels, but I
was unable to get to it and it disappeared never to be found, even
though I set several traps up in the ceiling and monitored them for
quite some time. I would NEVER put a cat on a plane unless I could take
it on board with me in a carrier. Every single airline employee I spoke
with said they would never ship their pets in cargo either. That says a
lot.


How do you feel about pets as check-in baggage? I've been reading a lot
about shipping pets overseas (I have a friend moving a dog from Thailand to
the US) and it seems there are two choices--cargo and check-in. They are
slightly different, but I can't remember how off-hand. It seems to me,
though, that there wouldn't be much difference between the two.

Another horror story about dogs and cats travelling:

A few weeks ago I read in the paper about a dog in the baggage cart of a
train, travelling in Eastern Canada. The dog had gotten free somehow and
literally tore apart a cat also in the baggage cart. An investigation was
underway on how the dog managed to get free, and how it managed to get to
the cat. One more reason for people not to let their pets travel separately
from them (if at all possible).

rona

wrote in message
...


Any of these options will work. Whatever you decide, please don't ship
them on an airplane in cargo. I have seen for myself what goes on
"behind the scenes" at airports wtih regards to shipping pets while
trying to rescue a cat that had, through airline negligence, escaped
from its carrier after it was thrown from a baggage cart and broke open.
I found the cat up in the ceilings above the baggage carousels, but I
was unable to get to it and it disappeared never to be found, even
though I set several traps up in the ceiling and monitored them for
quite some time. I would NEVER put a cat on a plane unless I could take
it on board with me in a carrier. Every single airline employee I spoke
with said they would never ship their pets in cargo either. That says a
lot.


How do you feel about pets as check-in baggage? I've been reading a lot
about shipping pets overseas (I have a friend moving a dog from Thailand to
the US) and it seems there are two choices--cargo and check-in. They are
slightly different, but I can't remember how off-hand. It seems to me,
though, that there wouldn't be much difference between the two.

Another horror story about dogs and cats travelling:

A few weeks ago I read in the paper about a dog in the baggage cart of a
train, travelling in Eastern Canada. The dog had gotten free somehow and
literally tore apart a cat also in the baggage cart. An investigation was
underway on how the dog managed to get free, and how it managed to get to
the cat. One more reason for people not to let their pets travel separately
from them (if at all possible).

rona

Rona wrote:


How do you feel about pets as check-in
baggage?

The same. I wouldn't do it if you paid me a million dollars.

I've been reading a lot about
shipping pets overseas (I have a friend
moving a dog from Thailand to the US)
and it seems there are two
choices--cargo and check-in. They are
slightly different, but I can't remember
how off-hand. It seems to me, though,
that there wouldn't be much difference
between the two.

The only difference is whether the person is flying on the same plane as
the animal.

Another horror story about dogs and cats
travelling:
A few weeks ago I read in the paper
about a dog in the baggage cart of a
train, travelling in Eastern Canada. The
dog had gotten free somehow and
literally tore apart a cat also in the
baggage cart. An investigation was
underway on how the dog managed to get
free, and how it managed to get to the
cat. One more reason for people not to
let their pets travel separately from
them (if at all possible).


While I was at the airport in the baggage area I witnessed the escape of
a pit bull that proceeded to run, terrified, through the baggage area
dodging moving vehicles. The people pretty much just stood around with
stupid looks on their faces and made no move to catch him. The only
people that immediately tried to catch the dog were me and my security
escort, and we were unable to grab him. The last I saw he was running
down the driveway towards the open tarmac as at least 60-70 people just
stood around and watched him go.

This is not the kind of attitude I want the people I entrust an animals
life to to have, and the fact that it was so prevalent in such a large
group does not bode well. And this is only one concern, There are others
as well and a quick google search using the terms "pets" "death" and
"airlines" will bring up many incidents of tragedies involving animals
shipped by air and often they are a result of carelessness by employees.
They estimate that 5,000 pets a year die while being shipped by air.
That's 5,000 very good reasons to not take the risk. That's exactly why,
when Jack, the cat whose story was mentioned earlier, needed to get to
St. Louis from Seattle, we decided on Pro Pet Transports for him, which
worked out very well.

Megan



"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do
nothing."

-Edmund Burke

Learn The TRUTH About Declawing
http://www.stopdeclaw.com

Zuzu's Cats Photo Album:
http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22

"Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one
elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and
splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then
providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision,
raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and
material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his
way."

- W.H. Murray

Rona wrote:


How do you feel about pets as check-in
baggage?

The same. I wouldn't do it if you paid me a million dollars.

I've been reading a lot about
shipping pets overseas (I have a friend
moving a dog from Thailand to the US)
and it seems there are two
choices--cargo and check-in. They are
slightly different, but I can't remember
how off-hand. It seems to me, though,
that there wouldn't be much difference
between the two.

The only difference is whether the person is flying on the same plane as
the animal.

Another horror story about dogs and cats
travelling:
A few weeks ago I read in the paper
about a dog in the baggage cart of a
train, travelling in Eastern Canada. The
dog had gotten free somehow and
literally tore apart a cat also in the
baggage cart. An investigation was
underway on how the dog managed to get
free, and how it managed to get to the
cat. One more reason for people not to
let their pets travel separately from
them (if at all possible).


While I was at the airport in the baggage area I witnessed the escape of
a pit bull that proceeded to run, terrified, through the baggage area
dodging moving vehicles. The people pretty much just stood around with
stupid looks on their faces and made no move to catch him. The only
people that immediately tried to catch the dog were me and my security
escort, and we were unable to grab him. The last I saw he was running
down the driveway towards the open tarmac as at least 60-70 people just
stood around and watched him go.

This is not the kind of attitude I want the people I entrust an animals
life to to have, and the fact that it was so prevalent in such a large
group does not bode well. And this is only one concern, There are others
as well and a quick google search using the terms "pets" "death" and
"airlines" will bring up many incidents of tragedies involving animals
shipped by air and often they are a result of carelessness by employees.
They estimate that 5,000 pets a year die while being shipped by air.
That's 5,000 very good reasons to not take the risk. That's exactly why,
when Jack, the cat whose story was mentioned earlier, needed to get to
St. Louis from Seattle, we decided on Pro Pet Transports for him, which
worked out very well.

Megan



"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do
nothing."

-Edmund Burke

Learn The TRUTH About Declawing
http://www.stopdeclaw.com

Zuzu's Cats Photo Album:
http://www.PictureTrail.com/zuzu22

"Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one
elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and
splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then
providence moves too. A whole stream of events issues from the decision,
raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and
material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his
way."

- W.H. Murray

I have to agree with you on this one although my aunt who breeds show dogs
often ships her animals via plane and they seem to end up fine when they
arrive at their destination. With cats however, I'd have a few relatives go
on the plane with you and it can be one cat per person that can be carry on.
This way the cats can be safe in their carriers in the air conditioned
cabin. The other idea is to find an air carrier that transports only animals
in a climate controlled plane.


--
Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of All Your Computer Needs!
www.members.cox.net/catprotector/panthertek

Cat Galaxy: All Cats, All The Time!
www.catgalaxymedia.com
"Rona Yuthasastrakosol" wrote in message
...

wrote in message
...


Any of these options will work. Whatever you decide, please don't ship
them on an airplane in cargo. I have seen for myself what goes on
"behind the scenes" at airports wtih regards to shipping pets while
trying to rescue a cat that had, through airline negligence, escaped
from its carrier after it was thrown from a baggage cart and broke open.
I found the cat up in the ceilings above the baggage carousels, but I
was unable to get to it and it disappeared never to be found, even
though I set several traps up in the ceiling and monitored them for
quite some time. I would NEVER put a cat on a plane unless I could take
it on board with me in a carrier. Every single airline employee I spoke
with said they would never ship their pets in cargo either. That says a
lot.


How do you feel about pets as check-in baggage? I've been reading a lot
about shipping pets overseas (I have a friend moving a dog from Thailand
to
the US) and it seems there are two choices--cargo and check-in. They are
slightly different, but I can't remember how off-hand. It seems to me,
though, that there wouldn't be much difference between the two.

Another horror story about dogs and cats travelling:

A few weeks ago I read in the paper about a dog in the baggage cart of a
train, travelling in Eastern Canada. The dog had gotten free somehow and
literally tore apart a cat also in the baggage cart. An investigation was
underway on how the dog managed to get free, and how it managed to get to
the cat. One more reason for people not to let their pets travel
separately
from them (if at all possible).

rona

I have to agree with you on this one although my aunt who breeds show dogs
often ships her animals via plane and they seem to end up fine when they
arrive at their destination. With cats however, I'd have a few relatives go
on the plane with you and it can be one cat per person that can be carry on.
This way the cats can be safe in their carriers in the air conditioned
cabin. The other idea is to find an air carrier that transports only animals
in a climate controlled plane.


--
Panther TEK: Staying On Top Of All Your Computer Needs!
www.members.cox.net/catprotector/panthertek

Cat Galaxy: All Cats, All The Time!
www.catgalaxymedia.com
"Rona Yuthasastrakosol" wrote in message
...

wrote in message
...


Any of these options will work. Whatever you decide, please don't ship
them on an airplane in cargo. I have seen for myself what goes on
"behind the scenes" at airports wtih regards to shipping pets while
trying to rescue a cat that had, through airline negligence, escaped
from its carrier after it was thrown from a baggage cart and broke open.
I found the cat up in the ceilings above the baggage carousels, but I
was unable to get to it and it disappeared never to be found, even
though I set several traps up in the ceiling and monitored them for
quite some time. I would NEVER put a cat on a plane unless I could take
it on board with me in a carrier. Every single airline employee I spoke
with said they would never ship their pets in cargo either. That says a
lot.


How do you feel about pets as check-in baggage? I've been reading a lot
about shipping pets overseas (I have a friend moving a dog from Thailand
to
the US) and it seems there are two choices--cargo and check-in. They are
slightly different, but I can't remember how off-hand. It seems to me,
though, that there wouldn't be much difference between the two.

Another horror story about dogs and cats travelling:

A few weeks ago I read in the paper about a dog in the baggage cart of a
train, travelling in Eastern Canada. The dog had gotten free somehow and
literally tore apart a cat also in the baggage cart. An investigation was
underway on how the dog managed to get free, and how it managed to get to
the cat. One more reason for people not to let their pets travel
separately
from them (if at all possible).

rona

wrote in message
...

This is not the kind of attitude I want the people I entrust an animals
life to to have, and the fact that it was so prevalent in such a large
group does not bode well. And this is only one concern, There are others
as well and a quick google search using the terms "pets" "death" and
"airlines" will bring up many incidents of tragedies involving animals
shipped by air and often they are a result of carelessness by employees.
They estimate that 5,000 pets a year die while being shipped by air.
That's 5,000 very good reasons to not take the risk. That's exactly why,
when Jack, the cat whose story was mentioned earlier, needed to get to
St. Louis from Seattle, we decided on Pro Pet Transports for him, which
worked out very well.


I'm forwarding your post to my friend, if it's OK with you. Do you have any
suggestions on shipping large-ish dogs from overseas to the US? It seems to
me that my friend's only choice is to ship either cargo or as check-in
baggage because her dog is too large for the cabin. Would it be safer to
use a transport company? We've looked into a few, but they are very
expensive, and my friend is on a limited budget.

I remember the Jack story. Any updates on him and his owner (both past and
present) recently? I don't remember who it was that adopted him...

rona

wrote in message
...

This is not the kind of attitude I want the people I entrust an animals
life to to have, and the fact that it was so prevalent in such a large
group does not bode well. And this is only one concern, There are others
as well and a quick google search using the terms "pets" "death" and
"airlines" will bring up many incidents of tragedies involving animals
shipped by air and often they are a result of carelessness by employees.
They estimate that 5,000 pets a year die while being shipped by air.
That's 5,000 very good reasons to not take the risk. That's exactly why,
when Jack, the cat whose story was mentioned earlier, needed to get to
St. Louis from Seattle, we decided on Pro Pet Transports for him, which
worked out very well.


I'm forwarding your post to my friend, if it's OK with you. Do you have any
suggestions on shipping large-ish dogs from overseas to the US? It seems to
me that my friend's only choice is to ship either cargo or as check-in
baggage because her dog is too large for the cabin. Would it be safer to
use a transport company? We've looked into a few, but they are very
expensive, and my friend is on a limited budget.

I remember the Jack story. Any updates on him and his owner (both past and
present) recently? I don't remember who it was that adopted him...

rona

"S.Dunlap" wrote in message
om...

He also needs to make sure this move is not occuring during the USDA
imposed no fly embargo for live animals - this is a weather and
temperature related prohibition on flying animals.

The point is probably moot anyway. I'm not sure any US airline will allow a
passenger to fly with 5 cats, even if they're all in cargo. Airlines have
restrictions on the number of pets they'll carry on their flights, and on
the number of pets per passenger they'll ship.

The OP needs to be checking with individual airlines to see if flying 5 cats
per 1 passenger is even an option.

In addition, new legislation regarding airline reporting of pet deaths was
just passed last week, and it's expected to make the airlines become even
more stringent about shipping pets.

Cate