Requirements for Shipping a Cat to Brazil
So, you're going to Brazil (or you just want to get rid of a cat!). Pet import rules and regulations as set down by the Brazilian government are fairly extensive, so that the animals in Brazil are protected against illness from any pet being imported. According to the Brazilian Embassy in Washington, DC, you will need to start gathering your information and getting your pet vaccinated at least 30 days in advance of kitty going to Brazil.
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Vaccinations and Certifications
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You must obtain a certificate of rabies vaccination from your veterinarian at least 30 days before travel to Brazil, and the certificate must state that the vaccination is good for at least one year. You will also need a clean bill of health from your vet. It may also be a good idea to get your kitty some Valium for the trip, as that can alleviate some of the stresses of travel and keep her from getting too excited during the journey.
Documentation
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Next, you'll need an international health certificate (IHS). The certificate (USDA-APHIS) must be filled out and signed by a vet accredited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and then needs to be signed off on by the USDA-APHIS Veterinary Services Office. They will state that there has been no outbreak of any infection in the area where you live for 40 days prior to leaving the U.S., and they will also attest that the cat was examined no less than ten days prior to departure, and that there are no known health issues.
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Deadlines and Commitments
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Plan ahead. Your IHS is only good for ten days, and then kitty doesn't get into Brazil. Contact the Brazilian Consulate Office either in person or by mail, as they have to "legalize" (authenticate) the form. There is a $20 charge (payable with a U.S. Postal Money Order). If you are obtaining the legalization by mail, mail early, and be sure to include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so they can return the certificate to you.
Flying the Friendly Skies
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When you make kitty's airline reservations, find out what their carrier restrictions are and whether or not you can take the cat on the plane with you. Get all the information on layovers, in which countries they anticipate stopping and any possible change in airline between legs of kitty's journey. While there is no quarantine period when entering Brazil, other countries do require it. Check with every embassy for each country on your route. You would hate to have Fluffy detained in a country for quarantine, while you have to go on to Brazil. While traveling, check on your cat on every layover, and ask to see her personally to make sure that everything is going well. There are reported stories of animals arriving dead at their destination due to poor handling. Make sure you go "eyes-on."
A Room at the Inn
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If you have to be in a hotel, even for a few days, make sure that you check with the hotel about their pet policies. Many hotels will not allow cats for any reason. If you're going to a residence, be careful to keep a close eye on your cat until he is used to the circumstances. Pets in Brazil that stray are picked up quickly, and you only have two days to claim your pet before it's euthanized. Depending on how long you expect to spend in Brazil, you may want to consider taking cat food and kitty litter with you, especially for the first few nights. You don't want to be caught without supplies.
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