In the past, Santa Fe Bengal Cattery used Continenal-now-United Airlines' Pet Safe Program to transfer a Kitten out of state. We expect this service to again become available in the future. In past years, we have found that this has been the safest and most comfortable way to fly a Kitten to another destination. The benefits are that your Kitten is kept in a temperature controlled area at all times and hand carried by the Pet Safe Program personnel to and from the Aircraft. The area for Pets is underneath the Passenger cabin, but is a separate compartment and is pressurized and temperature controlled the same as the Passenger compartment. The Kitten is also monitored and given water during the usual short layover in Houston Airport, if heading to a further destination. We have been very happy with this service and feel that it is the best way to fly your Pet, if you are not taking your Pet with you as a "carry-on" in the Passenger Cabin. Remember, you must make a reservation for your Pet, along with your reservation, and strictly follow the Airlines rules on type and size of carrier. Not all Airlines permit in-cabin flights for pets. We can ship Breeding felines.
When shipping, we make all of the arrangements for you and email the reservation number and flight information to you, along with our guidelines and helpful information. This is what is included in the shipping fee:
° A complete Health Check by our Veterinarian ° State of New Mexico Official Health Certificate for Inter-State transfer ° Acclimation specification/Pet Passport with approval to fly ° New Airline-approved Hard (non-collapsible) Carrier with secure metal toggle attachments ° New comfy fleece donut bed (washable for future use!) ° The Airline flight, Insurance, and applicable Airline current fuel surcharges ° Transportation directly to the Pet Safe Program reservation and holding area with the shortest allowable time prior to the flight. The actual costs for all of the above is usually $350. for a Kitten not more than 4 1/2 lbs. The flight costs for a heavier older Kitten or Adult Cat are more, as the Airline charges by weight, and the carrier and bed that we purchase must be larger. We charge for the costs only and not for our time that it takes to safely be able to send your new Kitten to you. Our main concern, as always, is for the health, safety, and happiness of our Kitten... oh, and yours too!
One week Prior to the planned flight, your check for the shipping costs and the balance due on the purchase price of your Kitten, must be received at the Cattery to allow us time to purchase the products needed and to take your Kitten to our Veterinarian. The Pet Passport must be dated within ten days of the flight. We will also mail our contract for you to sign and return approximately two weeks prior to the planned flight and the signed contract must be received at our Cattery prior to the Kitten's flight.
You are welcome to, and it is currently our preference, for you to drive to our Cattery to pick up your Kitten, in person, or to fly to Albuquerque International Sunport Airport (there are also some flights to Santa Fe Airport) to hand carrier you new Kitten. Please make the appropriate flight arrangements for you and your Kitten. Not all airlines allow you to take pets on board in-cabin and regulations are constantly changing - please check with your specific airline. When picking up a Kitten, in person, you must provide an appropriate carrier (Airline approved - if flying) and bedding for the transfer by auto (and then perhaps by plane) for your Kitten's safety. Just like at the Vet... your Kitten MUST be transported in a carrier for their safety.
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