Questions for those with Experience Importing

[Deleted]

There's a breeder in the UK I'm considering getting a ferret from, in case the breeder I'm currently planning to get a ferret from happens to not have any hobs or a hob with the temperament I'm looking for in the litter.

Basically - I know absolutely nothing about having an animal imported from another country. I had a sugar glider shipped to me from Tennessee before, but this is a whole different ball game....

Since I don't know what's needed for importing, I don't really know what questions to ask, so ANY information you have to offer will be greatly appreciated!!

1) What all does a ferret need to be imported?

2) What preparations do I need to make before/upon arrival of the ferret?

3) Roughly, how much does importing cost?

4) Do I need to use a professional pet shipping service?

Again, any info you can offer would be great. Pretend you're explaining it to a kindergartner, because a lot of the import/expo lingo confuses me.

[Deleted]

Apr 1, 2012 3:31:17 GMT -5 @konotashi said:

T

1) What all does a ferret need to be imported?

2) What preparations do I need to make before/upon arrival of the ferret?

3) Roughly, how much does importing cost?

4) Do I need to use a professional pet shipping service?

1. Papers. Its called paperwork. You need to make sure all the paperwork is in order. You might need to pay for the carrier the ferret will travel in as well. Make sure all the vet shots are up to date and they SEND in the paperwork, otherwise they will quarantine or even euthanize your pet if they don't have proof against rabies.

2. Research. Research the airlines, Ask the breeder questions about shipping and their procedures. the moment you get your ferret, i bet you're going to need rescue remedy. He will be extremely stressed out. I would say check out the quarantine dates, chances are your pet might get quarantined DEPENDING on where he comes from and going where.

3. A lot of money. I've heard 500 before. But its not certain.

4. No...but it might be best? regular airlines have been known to be careless with animals. I've heard of animals shipping to Japan being found dead on arrival because regular airlines weren't responsible enough to check the animals periodically.

[Heather]

The papers are called "pet passports", they are mandatory. They cannot travel out of the country without them. I would strongly suggest to save yourself some serious aggravation and get a pet broker, who can arrange as much of the "paperwork and health checks" or as little as you choose. It is expensive but working with your ferret's breeder over there it's well worth the lack of headache. The cheapest that I found was about 700 pounds. Your breeder will have to be willing to do some of the "legwork" to make sure things move in a timely fashion and the crates are suitable but it's worth the hassle. Your ferret will have to go through their passport health check no more than 72 hrs before shipping. You will require an export paper from the UK and possibly an import paper to get them into the US. There are timelimits on all the paperwork, so timing is of the essence. As the UK is a rabies free zone you don't have to do any vaccines except distemper. When I was inquiring, my vet strongly suggested that I get the rabies vaccine over here as the only recognised "ferret rabies vaccine" is the emrab 3. If your county doesn't recognise a dog rabies injected into a ferret it will mean your ferret will also be required to get another rabies once getting here using the proper vaccine (they don't have the emrab 3 in the UK, though they can specifically order it in, it will cost as a vial will do many ferrets and they don't normally have to vaccinate for rabies so you will have to buy the whole vial).
The reason why I tell you to get a broker.....they know the airlines that will ship animals, specifically ferrets. Otherwise, you will be expected to call the airlines over there (they won't do it from this end, you have to make the arrangements in the UK)
As the UK is a rabies free zone, quarantining (at least in Canada) can be done in an animal free zone in your house if they require quarantining at all. I believe with the new regulations do not require any quarantining. I would definitely quarantine at least the usual 2 to 3 weeks away from all other ferrets until you're sure that they don't have anything or that your guys won't give your new fuzz anything either. It's just a standard safety thing.
There are continuous horror stories about shipping and there is a risk but when you think of the hundreds if not thousands of pets that are shipped annually, it's no worse than pets who come into trouble when being shipped anywhere by other means available. Shipping by air is the only method so it's a risk that's there and you should be aware of. Some airlines will not ship any animals during the summer (because of heat issues)
Costs....import and export papers, which may be covered by your brokers fees (actually they don't cover the import papers, that's your responsibility on this side). Possible health checks, you will have to also arrange for your ferret to have a micro chip which will be part of the passport.
I think I've covered most of what you asked. Joan imported a pair last year but there have been some changes that occurred on Jan 2012. I believe that these changes have made it easier rather than more difficult
ciao


FOUND

[Deleted]

It may be worth it to look into flying over there yourself and collecting your ferret. The price of a pet broker may cost more and you will look to your ferret much more carefully than they will.
Also, some airlines will let you carry your pet under the seat in the cabin. I did this (with a cat) on a flight from US east coast to HI in 2002. The fert may need sedated or calmed down (depending on the ferret).
You could work with the breeder to set up the vaccinations while you are there or just to have the paperwork ready when you get over there.
In whatever method you choose, preparation and research is going to be the key (which you already know, or you wouldn't be asking).

[Sherry]

No airlines allow ferrets in cabin anymore
At least not NA ones.

[Heather]

I can tell you this, Sherry is right, you cannot take a ferret in the cabin on any airline, believe me, you don't want to have to explain why your little one startled and poofed or if a hob, why the whole cabin smells of stinkmink. If you go pick up your ferret, it's classified as a pet and the paperwork reflects this. If you have the ferret sent to you (even if it is just a pet) it is classified as a commercial purchase (even if you've no intention of breeding) and you have to do a soft quarantine of 30 days.
ciao

[lorelei0922]

none of the airlines will allow you to Check your ferret either any more... you Must go through a Pet Travel Company who will make all arrangements and see to the paperwork for you.

Quote from Airpets this afternoon £750 to Detroit... thats the same price for 1 as 5... they go by volume of the container and up to 5 can fit in a container that THEY custom make.. you will not find a commercial crate with the proper floor space for a ferret. my carriers are 60*45*18cm this is what the law requires.. if it isn't easy for them to check the boxes.. especially on animals the airline doesn't ship often.. you will be held up or refused.

[ferretlove67]

Konotashi, there has got to be a breeder where you can get the temperament you are looking for. As with any ferret, this is gained IMO by trust and socialization and it can vary of course with age. The older they get, the more docile it seems, except those select few that want to take a finger. Never experienced it, sure it happens, don't want to lol. I am sure there has got to be a breeder who would be willing to adopt you a hob with great temperament and a good pedigree to make for a long life. If you are looking to breed, then you might run into more of a hassle, but they are out there. If you want to insure a docile, very docile and laid back man, I would suggest not a kit and one a bit older but not reaching that midlife age. At least 1.5 years old. Just a suggestion.

Importing sounds like a lot of stress on you and the ferret. I would rather leave this up to an experienced breeder that has imported before. Doing anything overseas scares me personally these days when you are talking about a transaction. One must have the correct paperwork, vetting, tests I assume, license if applicable, and contact to reputable sources. Not sure, may need cites documents, quarantine most likely and perhaps licensed accordingly by the proper agencies depending where you are importing from and to. Brokers do this. You could be looking at a lot of fees, and it seems stressful for anyone that hasn't done it, to do it alone. If you do go that route, I strongly suggest a mentor that has imported to work with you and not alone. JMHO What do I know about importing though?! I wouldn't feel comfortable. That is me though. I know a lot that import other animals do need fish and wildlife and/or dept of agriculture licenses and each state has their own rules too I would imagine. I truly don't know. Wish I could help, I just personally think patience for that perfect one you re seeking will pay off if you wait for it to come along. Go to a show, meet the breeders. You may find that you have made some great relationships to get the ferrets you have your heart set on. Much luck in whatever decision you make.