papers needed to fly with cat

[nycmom18]

We are flying from nyc to chicago with our cat as a carry-on. i have spoken with the airlines-american-many times and still have yet to figure out exactly what papers i will need.

i know we do NOT need a health certificate, but we possibly need a rabies form depending on the final destination...i have contacted illinois departments of pet health, but no one knows exactly what the airport will be looking for.

has anyone has experience flying wihtin the states with a cat as a carry on? what was your experience? what papers were needed and at what point? i.e. security? plane? once you arrived? any info is greatly appreciated!

[Nicole915]

Hmm, how strange that American won't give you a straight answer. I know that I've done health certs on dogs flying American, and it wasn't a big deal. You'll definately want a current rabies certificate, and probably her general vax record won't hurt. A health certificate isn't a big deal, its mostly just a pain for the reception staff. She should probably get a check up before flying anyway, it can be stressful, you'll want to make sure she's in good shape and ready to go. Your vet may also give you some happy-kitty meds in case she turns out to be nervous.

Best of luck!

[Eman'smom]

I agree that is strange. Take this with a grain of salt, the last time we flew with our cat as a carry on was 9 years ago, but we brought a health cert. from our vet that said she was healthy and up to date on all vaxs, someone along the way did ask to see it.

[elsie]

I flew with a cat as a carry on about 9 years ago. I needed a rabies certificate. The security at LAX made me take her out of the carrier and walk her through security - talk about a nightmare I still have a scar on my hand from that experience. (This was pre 9/11i) Aside from that the trip was smooth.

Looking at the American Airlines website, you may need a rabies certificate, but looking at this: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_exp...nloads/il.html Illinois does not require it. So I would either get the shot and have the certificate though you are not required, or bring a copy of this to show you do not need it. I guess it depends on how you feel about a rabies shot and what risk your cat has of contracting rabies on the trip. When we traveled the rabies was required by our destination state for cats.

[nycmom18]

elsie: thank you for that info! where did you find it by the way? yes, i thought it was weird as well, but i finally ended up talking with an american ticket agent at the airport and she said no one will need to see papers. which is good, because they are packed away somewhere in our mess of boxes! which is why i was concerned. thanks for all the replies everyone!

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Originally Posted by elsie

I flew with a cat as a carry on about 9 years ago. I needed a rabies certificate. The security at LAX made me take her out of the carrier and walk her through security - talk about a nightmare I still have a scar on my hand from that experience. (This was pre 9/11i) Aside from that the trip was smooth.

: I would have had way more than one scar and probably a lost kitty to boot.

Just in case they make you take her out for any reason I would get one of those collapsible cardboard boxes to move her into. You could probably get one from your vet maybe free. They can inspect that and see it is obviously empty then you can put your kitty in there. Then move her back after and fold the box back up for easy carrying. Even the sweetest cat can go ballistic in a situation like that.

Just found this one on ebay for a decent price it is 15X10X10 and costs $2.98 with BIN shipping is a bit high though.

I only shipped dogs never as carry on though so I am no help there.

[elsie]

Originally Posted by nycmom18

elsie: thank you for that info! where did you find it by the way? yes, i thought it was weird as well, but i finally ended up talking with an american ticket agent at the airport and she said no one will need to see papers. which is good, because they are packed away somewhere in our mess of boxes! which is why i was concerned. thanks for all the replies everyone!

I think I googled something like "Illinois" "animal" "import" and took it from there. Good luck traveling with your cat and just send her some really string stay calm vibes when you are in the airport. If you do need to take her out of the carrier, I would sugggest a pillowcase for her or gloves to protect your hands unless you have the most chilled out cat in the world.