bringing my cat from canada to the philippines

Question
im planning to move back to the philippines, and i would love to bring my cat with me.... what should i do?, how long would it take for my cat to get to the philippines?, how much am i going to need to spend?

Answer
Hi CJ,

Thanks for your question. You will need to contact the Embassey of the Phillipines and find out what their pet importation requirements are.  You should find out if there is a direct release program, or if your cat must go into quarantine. You want to avoid quarantine at all costs.  

Once you find out from the Embassey what the requirements are (and get these in writing so you can make sure you will follow them to a "T") start working on meeting all requirements.  As you go through the process make sure you stay in touch with the Philippine customs department and make sure that all your paperwork is in order, all your pets medical records are in order and make sure that your pet will be cleared for direct release if they allow it. Again get all of this in writing. Have the customers officers review your paper work at least 1 months prior to departure, 1 week prior to departure, and a couple of days prior to departure.  If your paper work is NOT in order before you arrive, re-schedule your trip.  You do not want to be in danger of arriving and having your cat put in quarantine (it could be as long as 1-6 months depending on the country requirements), or refused and sent back to Canada by him or herself, or in some cases put down.

Once you have all your health requirements, paperwork etc in order for your pet's direct entry, make sure that you arrange for a flight where you can fly with your pet with you in the cabin of the aircraft -  you do not want to put your cat in cargo - it could be dangerous. You also want to make sure you have a direct flight if at all possible - less of a chance for your pet to get lost, or stressed.  Flying is incredibly stressful for pets, especially cats.

The Embassey can tell you how much your fees will be, as well as how long the process will take to get your paperwork in order.

There is a previous question that I have answered that is specific to bringing a pet to the Philippines and has links. You might want to search the question and answer database to get more specifics.

Sincerely,

Chris Shoulet
Dogtravel Company
www.dogtravelcompany.com