Can Cats Fly Unaccompanied?
Flying Pets Separately From Their Owners
Hi,
My cat has been under the care of someone in Hawaii for the last couple of years as I have been traveling, and is now ready to return him to me. I am in New York.
Can the cat be flown here without someone with him, or does he need a person to bring him along? What else is required for the move?
Thank you,
Caitlin
Hi Caitlin,
Thanks for the question! Your cat does not need to be accompanied during the flight(s). In short, we recommend choosing a pet friendly airline (we often use United) and then arranging for someone to drop him off at the airport and pick him up in New York.
These are the pet import requirements for the United States -- primarily you'll need proof of an updated rabies vaccine and a vet health certificate stating he is healthy and fit to fly. If you want to hire some assistance you can check IPATA.org for agents, or you can fill out our online consultation form to find out about our door-to-door services. We've arranged many such moves and would be happy to assist!
No matter how you go about it, just know that pets fly safely all the time without being on the same plane as their owners. It's all about making the right choices, and when you do, it's a pretty straightforward process.
Let us know if you have any more questions, and good luck with everything!
Pet Transport Question Details:
Name: Caitlin
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Cat
Pet Breed: Cat
From: Big Island, Hawaii
To: Brooklyn, New York