Taking a cat to Brazil

I have shared a brief explanation of what one needs to relocate with their pet to Brazil but I know that when it came down to the nitty gritty details I wasn't too sure about what I needed to actually get Sebastian, my pretty kitty, onto the plane. Well, now that we have our plane tickets and I don't have a choice but to be ready, I know exactly what needs to be done to take your cat to Brazil. Maybe I can help someone or at least explain what it is that we had to go through, and how to cut corners when preparing to take your cat abroad. I know that another couple American expats already living, or moving to, Brazil have helped me.

I don't feel confident discussing how to take dogs and cats abroad because each country has their own laws, and we don't have a dog so I can't speak for those pets. I can only say what I know, about taking my cat to Brazil.

The first thing that has to be done is know the airline's pet policy. Where one airline may only charge $75 per pet, another, like TAM, may charge $300. You should also know if you need to make a reservation for the pet. I know with TAM we had to call and ask permission to take our cat in the cabin, and then wait a week before calling back to ask if Sebastian was approved. This particular airline allows 4 pets in the cabin on their largest planes (our international flight) and then 3 pets on the smaller planes (our domestic leg of the trip). This is important to know if you are taking multiple pets.

Once your cat's request to remain in the cabin has been approved by the airline, and you learn the cost for transporting him/her, you need to find out the approved dimensions of the pet's kennel. Not only that, but you'll need to know if the carrier has to be plastic with a metal door or if they'll allow soft carriers. If the latter is allowed, then you may be able to get away with a larger carrier because you can make it appear to be smaller and it'll be easier to maneuver. That's for sure.

As far as taking cats into Brazil and their health is concerned, they must have their rabies shots up-to-date as well as have an exam and a completed International Health Certificate before their departure. The trick is that the certificate must be completed no more than 10 days before the flight, and this must be endorsed by the USDA.

In order to break it down, this is what I've learned and have broken it down into steps because it can all be quite confusing otherwise:

1. Verify that your cat has had his rabies shot (or booster) because this needs to be up-to-date in order to be written on the health certificate

2. Once you know your date of departure, you can make an appointment to have the cat visit the veterinarian to have the examination certifying that the cat is in good health. Note: this cannot be done more than 10 days before departure

3. Then, with the rabies certificate, the USDA can endorse the completed health certificate. In Gainesville, Florida this costs $36 (no cash). Now you can mail the health certificate or take it to the office. I'd recommend taking it yourself because at this point you're only days away from moving abroad so you wouldn't want to risk it - in my opinion

++ At this point I'd like to recommend some ways to cut corners on all of this veterinarian business as far as price is concerned. I figured this all out as I was trying to find a USDA vet in central Florida. I did some searching on-line for vets in Orlando and while I did this I found coupons for two different vets in my area, one in a nationally known hospital in a popular pet store,  and another in pet hospital (which is apparently all over the nation). Both allow for a free initial exam for new patients (i.e. ME). So....what I did after calling and setting up the appointment with the USDA was call the other two vets mentioned. By the way, I was sure to print the coupons before doing anything.

I had already called other vets in the area to ask about prices, but wanted to speak with these two hospitals because I'd heard of other people taking their pets there, and they have locations near my house. Once I spoke with both offices I realized I could be smart and use both coupons by going to two different veterinarians. I made an appointment with the vet who charges less for the rabies shot, but more for the health certificate (who is USDA accredited, though he doesn't need to be) to give Sebastian the rabies shot for $20. The exam is free because of my coupon. Then I made an appointment to get the health certificate a few days before the USDA visit, but within the 10 days. That vet, also USDA approved, only charges $40 for the certificate, and because I have the coupon, that exam is also free. So if I were to add up all of the costs (without coupons and at the higher price), I'd pay $174.80, but instead I'm paying $60 for both. Sounds good to me!

This way I'm paying for the service, but not for the vet exam. Fair deal, wouldn't you say? All I'll need is the cat kennel and once I find it I'll make sure to recommend the best that I find.

PS: For more information, and if the Miami consulate is in your jurisdiction, you can visit their website for information about taking live pets to Brazil.