In desperate need of some help

[ferris'smom]

I'm supposed to be moving from Pittsburgh, PA to Vienna, Austria, in a week. Even after clearing everything with the Austrian authorities, though, I can't find an airline that'll transport Ferris, my standard male chin.

Does anyone have any experience either traveling with, or shipping a chinchilla overseas to Europe?

Or is there anyone out there who might be able to provide a temporary foster home for him, until the end of September/start of October, when the temperature would be more condusive to transporting a chin in cargo?

I feel so heart-broken over this! Ferris is... the furry little non-human love of my life, lol; and I'd really do anything to have him with me. But at the same time, I can't justify putting him in danger simply because... I'm selfish & I don't want to let him go. (And yes, I tried everything to avoid being in this position, in the first place. But sometimes life just backs you into a corner.)

Ferris is a standard male chin; 5 yrs old; and has always been the only chin. He's *very* very people-friendly!

I am so so desperate; and would really appreciate any advice anyone might be able to give me. Thank you so much!

 

[tunes]

Contact someone at chinchillas.com. They ship worldwide all the time and should be able to direct you where to go.

 

[PetoftheDay]

Could he ride in the cabin with you, in a carrier than will fit under the seat? What airline are you flying? It would be much safer for him in the cabin, and he'd be with you, his special person ...

 

[ferris'smom]

Thank you both for your replies. I will try chinchillas.com.

I'm flying Continental and LOT Polish airlines; and had originally intended for him to fly in the cabin with me. But neither of those airlines (or *any* airline that I've contacted) will allow him in the cabin with me.

Thank you both again for your help; I appreciate it.

 

[Essentia]

PetoftheDay, I have yet to find an airline that will let a chinchilla ride in the cabin.

 

[PetoftheDay]

I wonder why not - maybe I'll give Continental a call and ask ... I'm on hold with them now! Their site says rabbits are okay in the cabin ... so the person is asking her supervisor as chins and bunnies are so similar ...

 

[PetoftheDay]

Okay, I was on hold for a while, and the person at Continental was very, very nice (she's a cat person) and she gave me the President of Continental's email address. I will PM it to you, and you can always ask him, as their website says "Continental allows domesticated cats, dogs, pet rabbits and household birds to be carried in the aircraft cabin on most U.S. flights within the U.S. An in-cabin pet may be carried in lieu of a carry-on bag and is subject to a $125.00 service charge each way ($250.00 for round trip travel). For travel that is on Continental Connection by Gulfstream International Airlines exclusively, the in cabin pet service charge is $50.00 each way ($100.00 for round trip travel). Pets can be booked online or by calling Reservations for assistance."

So if bunnies are allowed, maybe you can appeal to have an exception made for your chinchilla!

 

[ticklechin]

I flew two chinchillas in the cabin from CA to FL and back, it cost 150.00 per chin round trip, one chin per carrier, one chin per person booked 14 days in advance, only 4 pets per flight. This was pre-911 and back then it just stated warm blooded animals under 15lbs. They needed a health certificate 7 days prior to flight. Post 911 I would not expect the airlines would stray from the written policy.

 

[ferris'smom]

Yes, unfortunately I'm not having much luck. With either the airlines, or even any pet movers.
If I'm not able to come up with a solution by tomorrow, I'm going to have to cancel my flight.

Now I love my little furball, don't get me wrong--that's why I'm going through all of this trouble! But I also haven't seen my fiancee in 5 months; and I was kind of looking forward to seeing him again.

*sigh*. Oh well. It'll work out, one way or another. It always does, right?

 

[ticklechin]

Chinchilla love is better than human love! LOL

 

[Brittany]

Here's the most updated list of forum members in PA. You may want to contact some of them to see if they can help with boarding or shipping your little man. Good luck!

Pennsylvania: Megan, Mazaklove, allchins, mishalaa, Ash, Daistarya, KeninPhilly, silkrheinchins, Pyronymph, Vyxxin, cupcakexo228, sschins, TijgerStrepen, sight, rach_leigh, Brea, IslandDreamer322, Leowyldemi, staceylwolf, nicki, Stakie, pita839, Tufted Tails, KrptcMschfMkr128, Debbie&Chins, Pocolate, chinsaver, Tojigurl

 

[ferris'smom]

Great, thank you!