Cat from Portugal to the US

Question
QUESTION: HI, i would like to travel to the us with my two cats, what would be the
requirements?
Thanks, Maria

ANSWER: Dear Maria
Sorry your request got lost in all the emails I get...
The only requirements for entering USA is a health certificate
from your Veterinarian issued within 10 days of travel, and a
valid rabies Vaccination.  Microchips are not required but since you
are in EU they probably have them.  Good idea to have them.
Regarding actual air travel, you must contact the airline directly.
Recommend you bring them as excess baggage as this will be MUCH
cheaper and they would clear customs with you.  This does NOT mean
in the cabin.
Try to avoid using U.S. carriers, other than Continental, as they
are all subject to hot weather embargoes in the USA  Use Continental
or any of the foreign carriers as they do NOT have the embargoes.
Hope this helps.  Let me know what else you might need.  ALSO
Do NOT  sedate....
Regards, Jerry Mishler

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much. I am planning to be in the US for 3 or 4 years, so I really
needed to know if I could take my cats with me (they do not have microships,
they do not leave the house...). What I do not understand is 1. is there any
way to take them in the cabine? And 2. wont they suffer a lot being taken as
excess bagage?Won't it be too cold, and won't they be handled like lugage,
turned upside down? Will not sedate, good piece of advice....thanks again!

Answer
Dear Maria
The fact they are indoor cats is NO excuse not to microchip.  One
reason for microchip is to identify an animal with the rabies
vaccination info needed by many countries.
You will need to contact your airline as to taking them in the
cabin...
The temp in the cargo area is the same as cabin. No, they will NOT
get cold.  Thousands of animals fly all the time.  They are NOT
turned upside down.
Regards, Jerry