ddunn1873

Helo All,

Does anyone have any experience with shipping small animals (a rabbit in particular) to the USA from the UK.

Some carriers take pets as hand baggage, some take as hold baggage but i cant seem to get any information from anywhere.

The only thing i have managed to get is some independant company wanting 2000 GBP to ship the bunny, a quote i am less than happy with.

Weeze

Hi

This may help;
http://www.cbp.gov/ImageCache/cgov/c...df/v1/pets.pdf

You'll also need to check the state regulations for whichever one you are moving to and the individual airline requirements.
We shipped our dog, but not a bunny so can't help much beyond that, sorry!
Welcome to BE!

scrubbedexpat099

There are plenty of bunnys in the US.

Bob

but less stew :/

Anyway, to the OP, good luck and welcome to BE

It really is a case of asking the individual airlines what their policy is, some like BA require you use a pet exporter, some allow you to do it on your own, some won't fly animals during certain times of the year because of the heat/cold on the tarmac.

Definitely check the state you intend to fly to as there are probably state specific requirements for bringing an animal into that state for vaccinations and what not.

scrubbedexpat099

Stuffed might be easier and cheaper?

Scouse Express

There are a couple of conditions for shipping Rabbits to the USA.

1 - All Rabbits must arrive at Chicago O'Hare Airport

2 - You must treat the Customs Officers to lunch at the I-HOP.


Jim.

IPM

I would assume that the prevailing market price for bunnies (either new or used) is less than GBP 2,000..

Craig1987

I like a good joke, but that was a bit far IMO.

scrubbedexpat099

Sorry,

For the Scottish, deep fried.

sir_eccles

I was actually expecting a sex toy joke.

tonrob

Maybe if you shave a little bit you can get a stamp to stick on?

cowtowntaff

I took my rabbit with me from Amsterdam to LA when I first moved to the USA. But the process will be the same for you since the import is the hardest part.

Generally, you should expect far more hassle from your airline than from US customs. I had to fight until the last minute of check in at Schiphol to get my rabbit onto a flight without proof of a 'rabies innoculation'. I actually took my case so far with United that they changed their exotic pet policies (for the better) specifically because of me But at Dulles Airport all that customs did was confiscate the hay in the rabbit's carrier. They inspected no paperwork.

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_exp...rts_pets.shtml

"APHIS does not have animal health requirements for the importation of fish, reptiles, lions, tigers, bears, mink, rabbits, sugar gliders, foxes, monkeys, endangered species, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, chinchillas, squirrels, mongoose, chimpmunks, ferrets, or other rodents provided they have not been inoculated with any pathogens for scientific purposes."

Here is a good checklist.

Check with the department of agriculture in the state of your destination for any rabbit specific rules. None that I have dealt with have had any requirements.

Confirm carriage requirements of the airline. Either get confirmation via email from customer services or print out the relevant parts of the airline's website for carriage of rabbits. Take these to the airport with you.

Get a certificate of health from a vet about a week before you fly. This is also mainly for the airline who can point blank refuse to carry any pet without one. US Customs probably won't care, but is handy to have if you get an agent who wants to be thorough.

Rabbits travel very well as checked baggage. In actual fact some say this is less stressful than the cabin where there is more movement and noise. Familiarize your rabbit with it's carrier in advance of your journey. Pet shipping companies are a bad idea. Bunny will spend more time in transit which is not good and operatives at these companies are generally unfamiliar with rabbit care.

For their faults at the airport because of poorly trained ground staff in my specific case, United are a good rabbit friendly airline and I'd recommend them.

Also remember that the biggest risk for travelling rabbits is their gut doing into stasis, which is fatal. Put plenty of hay, leafy wet greens or something like pellets and hard alfalfa cubes in the carrier for it to eat. Even if they take only a few bites, that can be enough to keep the gut moving.

scrubbedexpat099

I have a friend who is a United Pilot, I will pass on your comment.

cowtowntaff

washsaint

You could always take it in luggage if it's an Ann Summers rabbit.....boom boom!