Traveling with two pets

[lilgidget]

Sounds a bit risky for your pets. Like you said their rules change, etc. It would be terrible for you and them if you couldn't bring them back after being there for a year.

[yavenay]

Originally Posted by lilgidget

Sounds a bit risky for your pets. Like you said their rules change, etc. It would be terrible for you and them if you couldn't bring them back after being there for a year.

Yup I would have to just follow the US's procedures for getting them back into the US. Fortunately people travel with their pets every day so I am not doing anything unique.

[yavenay]

Originally Posted by lilgidget

Sounds a bit risky for your pets. Like you said their rules change, etc. It would be terrible for you and them if you couldn't bring them back after being there for a year.

Another option I gave some serious thought but decided against it was to simply drive to Panama. But decided against it as I wasn't sure about driving through Mexico, Nicaragua and Costa Rica alone. Again being retire, I pretty much have the time and the money to do it.


I know that even though I have pets, I still want to be able to travel. So I have to go through these logistical nightmares. My dream has always been to be able to spend a year in another country and live as an expat for the experience. I am now in the position to do so and I don't have to give that dream up because I have pets. I just have to find a solution to this. I know I am not the only person who has traveled with two pets alone. Who knows, if I love Panama enough and both of my pets are with me, I would even consider staying for longer than a year. There's nothing really keeping in the US anymore.

I am finally at a stage in life where I can truly let my spirit guide me. If my spirit wants to stay in Panama, I will. I can't think of a better position to be in.

[yavenay]

Originally Posted by lilgidget

Sounds a bit risky for your pets. Like you said their rules change, etc. It would be terrible for you and them if you couldn't bring them back after being there for a year.

I will follow the US's procedures for getting them back in the country. Panama will let me leave with my pets, they are only concern with bringing them in. Everything in life is a risk. The only thing I can do is try to minimize that risk as much as possible. The only real risk though is Chloe being in cargo. Duchess would be flying with me in the cabin so she will always be with me.



My only real concern is Chloe and her flying in cargo if I don't have any other options.

[matese]

Originally Posted by yavenay

Not quite, I still unsure of an option for my cat. Taking one pet is easy but taking two pets with just one person is turning into a logistical nightmare but I do have some options. Each option comes with it's on caveats. I am leaning towards having one of my friends keep her though. However if they unable to do it, I don't know what to do.


I think my worst case scenario if I can't find any one to keep her for a year would be to put her in cargo as much as I dread doing that. Giving her away is not an option. However, there are direct flights to Panama from Miami and Huston TX.


I can drive to Miami from Delaware and catch a direct flight from there to spare Chloe the trauma of flying in cargo for two flights. Once I get to Panama City, I could then rent a car and drive 6 hours to Boquete Panama instead of flying to David Panama from Panama City.
This would be my worst case scenario option


It's a logistical nightmare but I am semi retire so I have the time and money to do all that driving if need be. Besides, I can't think of a better way to learn a new country than to drive 6 hours to get to my destination.


The things we do for our pets.

If a push comes to a shove the bold above sounds like a good plan to avoid Chloe more discomfort. Have you thought of boarding her if you cannot get a friend to keep her for a year, you can ask your vet if they can recommend a clean, trustworthy boarding facility. I myself would never board my kid for even a day but your circumstances are are like a one of a kind situation.

These are not pets, they are family, our babies.

[lilgidget]

This is a situation all of us with furbabies have but not necessarily to the extent you have. Even going on a vacation here in the US presents problems. My daughter invited me to join her and her family at the beach this last summer. She was unable to find a place on their vacation program that would allow pets. My option was to ask my son to keep her. I decided it wouldn't work for me because I would be worried about her the whole week we were gone. It was my decision when I got Gidget that there would be times I couldn't go someplace because of her but that was okay with me. She's with me 24/7. That is more important to me than turning down an invitation where she is not allowed. We all have to make choices and decisions regarding our furbabies.

[matese]

Originally Posted by lilgidget

This is a situation all of us with furbabies have but not necessarily to the extent you have. Even going on a vacation here in the US presents problems. My daughter invited me to join her and her family at the beach this last summer. She was unable to find a place on their vacation program that would allow pets. My option was to ask my son to keep her. I decided it wouldn't work for me because I would be worried about her the whole week we were gone. It was my decision when I got Gidget that there would be times I couldn't go someplace because of her but that was okay with me. She's with me 24/7. That is more important to me than turning down an invitation where she is not allowed. We all have to make choices and decisions regarding our furbabies.

My thoughts and feeling exactly. The few events I have had to opt out of because of my fur babies means nothing compared to having a BFF besides me 24/7.

[yavenay]

Originally Posted by matese

If a push comes to a shove the bold above sounds like a good plan to avoid Chloe more discomfort. Have you thought of boarding her if you cannot get a friend to keep her for a year, you can ask your vet if they can recommend a clean, trustworthy boarding facility. I myself would never board my kid for even a day but your circumstances are are like a one of a kind situation.

These are not pets, they are family, our babies.

I will have to look into long term boarding and see if that's a possibility but than that brings up a whole other set of concerns. At least with my friends, I know they will take care of them, could be an option though.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by lilgidget

This is a situation all of us with furbabies have but not necessarily to the extent you have. Even going on a vacation here in the US presents problems. My daughter invited me to join her and her family at the beach this last summer. She was unable to find a place on their vacation program that would allow pets. My option was to ask my son to keep her. I decided it wouldn't work for me because I would be worried about her the whole week we were gone. It was my decision when I got Gidget that there would be times I couldn't go someplace because of her but that was okay with me. She's with me 24/7. That is more important to me than turning down an invitation where she is not allowed. We all have to make choices and decisions regarding our furbabies.

Exactly. With four it’s even harder to go places but I refuse to board them. I give up a lot for my babies but I don’t regret it at all. I made the decision when I got them that that’s how it was gonna be.

[matese]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

Exactly. With four it’s even harder to go places but I refuse to board them. I give up a lot for my babies but I don’t regret it at all. I made the decision when I got them that that’s how it was gonna be.

[aweitzm1]

I have two myself and looking to get a third. I am also single so it is very hard to travel as I can't take them on a trip.

However, for the times I board them when I travel I find a wonderful family that does both boarding and doggy daycare down the street from me. She is amazing and I trust her 100%. I constantly get updates and pictures throughout the day and if she has any concerns will reach out to me.

Thumper actually thrives there with all the socialization. I wish I can send them there more just for doggy day care but at $100 a day for both that is expensive. (Though she is worth every dime.)

I would not board them where they are in cages all day and there is no supervision overnight. (My vet boards for $15 a day but they are left in cages since its a clinic and no supervision overnight)

If I was away for a full year I do not know what I would do as Thumper needs to be under a vet supervision for his medical issues and I don't trust anyone else to make those decisions but myself.

I would also look into some animal transport companies. There are some reputable companies that transport animals throughout the country for a cost. Also I have heard of a nanny pet company that fly with your animal to your destination for a fee.

I am not sure on the price but it may be comparable to paying the cost of a friend or boarding facility for a year.

Also can you purchase two seats on the plane and put the dog under the seat next to you?

I am interested in this thread because I also have the same issue when traveling I would love to find out more solutions

[matese]

Originally Posted by aweitzm1

I have two myself and looking to get a third. I am also single so it is very hard to travel as I can't take them on a trip.

However, for the times I board them when I travel I find a wonderful family that does both boarding and doggy daycare down the street from me. She is amazing and I trust her 100%. I constantly get updates and pictures throughout the day and if she has any concerns will reach out to me.

Thumper actually thrives there with all the socialization. I wish I can send them there more just for doggy day care but at $100 a day for both that is expensive. (Though she is worth every dime.)

I would not board them where they are in cages all day and there is no supervision overnight. (My vet boards for $15 a day but they are left in cages since its a clinic and no supervision overnight)

If I was away for a full year I do not know what I would do as Thumper needs to be under a vet supervision for his medical issues and I don't trust anyone else to make those decisions but myself.

I would also look into some animal transport companies. There are some reputable companies that transport animals throughout the country for a cost. Also I have heard of a nanny pet company that fly with your animal to your destination for a fee.

I am not sure on the price but it may be comparable to paying the cost of a friend or boarding facility for a year.

Also can you purchase two seats on the plane and put the dog under the seat next to you?

I am interested in this thread because I also have the same issue when traveling I would love to find out more solutions

You are very lucky to have found someone that is close to you that will board your pups in a home type atmosphere and have complete trust in them.