Sam Katz at home in New York

Bringing a pet with you into another country can often be tricky, and in some cases next to impossible. Each country has varying rules and regulations, and some even require a quarantine. Contributing writer Frank Radice shares his story of how he brought his cat, also known as Sam Katz, with him from New York to London.

This is the story of Sam Katz on the loose. Sam, a 14-year-old tuxedo cat, is a world traveling international cat of mystery, who is making his first trip to the United Kingdom.

Forget about the issues of getting him ready (no pills, just all-natural calming treats) putting him in his carrier (which is never easy), taking him to the airport, and getting him on the plane. The part about getting him cleared by two governments is where the real fun begins. Get ready for an arduous process that spans six months.

The UK has an intense fear of rabies. This is the beginning of part one of our journey.

Because the barrier to entry (the international borders) are water, they can stop you from trying to bring your furry family member in if you don’t follow some very strict guidelines.

Six months before your trip, be sure of two main things: that your pet has an up-to-date rabies vaccine and an ID chip.

Then get ready to document everything on a pet passport (a lot of papers which are an official veterinary report) that can be downloaded online. The UK rules are strict and time sensitive and relate to your planned day of travel.

Your Veterinary Certificate to EU Annex IV form should be endorsed by the country of origin’s relevant governing body.

You need to send (scan an e-mail) all of the completed documents to the airport of arrival (eg: HARC Heathrow Animal Reception Center) office before you go to the USDA so they can pre-approve your pet’s entry into the UK.

Get your vet to do one final checkup 10 days before you fly and then you must physically go to the USDA vet (at your international airport) so they can approve and stamp every page five days before you fly.

You must include supporting documentation:

• Microchip: You should have received a certificate from your vet upon chipping.
• Rabies vaccination certificate: This certificate must have your pet’s microchip number and state the manufacturer, product name (eg Defensor), batch/lot/serial number, and lot expiry (eg November 2013).
• Blood test (Rabies serological test): You or your vet would have received a certificate from the EU approved laboratory. This should list your pet’s microchip number and show successful vaccination, defined as a titre level of 0.5iu or above.

Sam Katz in his carrier before departing for JFK

Usually your pet will fly in a special section baggage compartment (made so your little guy can be comfortable). The only way to travel with your pet in the cabin is to get a doctor certificate that states your pet is an emotional support animal or a service animal.

This form, signed by your doctor, will also be part of the package to send to HARC as well as to the airline prior to travel.

When all of that’s done, you’re ready to go to the airport. That’s when the fun part begins.

Don’t feed your cat five hours before you fly. That should help him from having an accident on the plane. In Sam’s case it didn’t help him from throwing up, then pooping in his carrier on the way to the airport in the car.

One whole roll of paper towels, a bottle of water, and a jar of cologne later (for the smell and all the bloody scratches and bites) we managed to get him to the terminal. If you take a cab or Uber, don’t forget to tip the driver generously. He will need to clean the back of the car thoroughly.

Then part three begins.

Be prepared for a much longer wait at the ticket counter before you take off while they approve everything again.

While going through security, you’ll need to take your pet out of the carrier and carry them through the metal detector. (Hold tight!)

Part four is the easiest part—the flight. Remember to keep hydrating your animal. I found that a syringe without the needle is a great way to squirt water into Sam’s mouth. No food. A treat is fine, and put a familiar blanket or piece of clothing in the carrier to keep him calm(er).

Sam Katz at home in London

When you land, the HARC (British animal police) will meet you at the gate to check the paperwork again and read the digital chip.

But wait, there’s more: part five.

Customs will also check the paperwork one last time and ask you a lot of questions about why you’ve brought your little friend to the UK (be prepared for a much longer stop at the border.)

Once they are satisfied, you’re in.

Sam was pretty good on the flight. After all, he got his business done in the back of the very nice driver’s car.

It took two hours of airport waiting (in cues and in a customs holding pen) and driving to our UK destination (all while he kept hissing and scratching—my hand looked like it had been sliced by a knife). But we eventually made it.

It took him two days to forget about all the trauma, but he’s fine now, and his box is now in the loo!

For more information about traveling with pets, check out:

• New Regulations That Will Make Flying With Pets Easier
• Emotional Support Animals: How More People Fly With Their Pets
• Quirky Hotel Perks for Your Dog

Text and Images by Frank Radice for PeterGreenberg.com