Post by TexasFamily4 on Aug 14, 2014 16:31:38 GMT
Before anyone points me to previous posts on this topic, I have searched and read all the other posts, but my questions are slightly different, so looking for any guidance from anyone that recently imported pets into KSA?
We're anticipating arrival sometime in Sept, and want to take our 2 cats -- we've been waiting 8 months on visa and due to uncertainties of when it would happen, we did not initiate any of this until now (as there are time limits on vaccinations and some of the documentation) -- so hoping to expedite if possible. My questions:
1. I am fully versed on process of getting APHIS form/letter from vet endorsed/certified (thru USDA, then US Dept of State, then Saudi Embassy), and am told that can take 6 to 8 weeks (at which point you have to redo APHIS, since it has to be within 10 days of travel). But I found (via this Forum) a Facebook page called Pet Imports Saudi Arabia, that claims that all we really need is the APHIS form and a Pet Import Application (which can be submitted via email to a govt official in KSA?). Two similar, yet different, procedures -- does anyone have 'first-hand' experience with the 2nd, more streamlined, process? Does it really work that way?
2. Any suggestions on airlines? I have not called any yet, but from what research I've done online, looks none of them will allow pets to fly in the cabin (under seat) with us, is that correct? And will we encounter issues in September with heat restrictions (either in US, or connecting thru Europe, or even in KSA)?
3. We've never travelled so far with a cat -- how do pets fare on such a long stressful flight, especially in luggage compartment (i.e. we're worried about temperature, food/water, litter box needs, etc.). And did you pack a litter box/food in your checked luggage, so that when you finally arrive at Aramco housing, the pets can get settled in immediately? Since most flights arrive late evening, it's probably impossible to run down to the local pet store to get all that stuff upon arrival?
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated -- we're ready in all other respects to embark on this new adventure, but our pets are like family, so it's an important piece of the big puzzle, and we want to do it right.
THANKS!!
We're anticipating arrival sometime in Sept, and want to take our 2 cats -- we've been waiting 8 months on visa and due to uncertainties of when it would happen, we did not initiate any of this until now (as there are time limits on vaccinations and some of the documentation) -- so hoping to expedite if possible. My questions:
1. I am fully versed on process of getting APHIS form/letter from vet endorsed/certified (thru USDA, then US Dept of State, then Saudi Embassy), and am told that can take 6 to 8 weeks (at which point you have to redo APHIS, since it has to be within 10 days of travel). But I found (via this Forum) a Facebook page called Pet Imports Saudi Arabia, that claims that all we really need is the APHIS form and a Pet Import Application (which can be submitted via email to a govt official in KSA?). Two similar, yet different, procedures -- does anyone have 'first-hand' experience with the 2nd, more streamlined, process? Does it really work that way?
2. Any suggestions on airlines? I have not called any yet, but from what research I've done online, looks none of them will allow pets to fly in the cabin (under seat) with us, is that correct? And will we encounter issues in September with heat restrictions (either in US, or connecting thru Europe, or even in KSA)?
3. We've never travelled so far with a cat -- how do pets fare on such a long stressful flight, especially in luggage compartment (i.e. we're worried about temperature, food/water, litter box needs, etc.). And did you pack a litter box/food in your checked luggage, so that when you finally arrive at Aramco housing, the pets can get settled in immediately? Since most flights arrive late evening, it's probably impossible to run down to the local pet store to get all that stuff upon arrival?
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated -- we're ready in all other respects to embark on this new adventure, but our pets are like family, so it's an important piece of the big puzzle, and we want to do it right.
THANKS!!
