Cat Care At Home And Away

It is not only top breeders who export their highly prized pedigree cats and kittens to countries around the world.

Retirement, career changes or even health considerations can prompt cat owners to move from one country to another, and if it is for any significant length of time, the cat goes too. Arranging exportation first involves contact with the local animal health offices of the relevant government department.

This should be done as soon as possible and will provide essential information. You will need an export license, and it is advisable to apply for this about four to six weeks in advance.

This is due to the fact that vaccination against specific diseases is mandatory for a number of importing countries and has to be administered at a specific minimum time before import is allowed.

Many countries receiving cats from the United Kingdom will insist upon the rabies vaccine having been administered at least 28 days prior to import.

As the United Kingdom has been, to date, free of rabies, the rabies vaccine is only issued to authorized vets who are local veterinary inspectors. The application must state details of both owner and animal, date, importing country and method of travel.

A special order has to be raised for each individual dose, and in most cases, the injection still has to be given a clear 28 days before the animal leaves the country.

In some cases proof of vaccination against rabies and other diseases, depending on the importing country will be required before the issue of an export license.

Paperwork is scrutinized carefully upon entry at immigration. Often, precise details of the departure date and time, the consignees address, route and method of travel may be required on the import documents as well as on the rabies vaccine application order.

The airline will give you precise details of the type of carrier in which the animal is to be sent, and what you should include in it for the journey.