questions re: traveling internationally with pet bird

[capybara]

Question too specific for GQ–
I am facing the possibility of spending a year in Antwerp for research, and I have a pet parrot. I’m not keen on giving Murphy a babysitter for 9-12 months and would like him to come with us when it happens (birds are emotionally delicate, and he travels better than he lives lonely). Anyone ever had to deal with something along these lines? Where would I find information on what kinds of animals are permitted to be moved from the US to Belgium? ARE animals allowed to move overseas (especially birds-- he was born in the USA, not wild-caught in Africa, if that matters)? Is this going to be bureaucratically expensive?

[Shayna]

The answer can be found by visiting the website of the U.S. Embassy in Belgium. [ul][li]Click “Going to Belgium” at the top.[/li][li]Click “Taking Pets” on the left[/li][li]Click “Bird”[/li][li]Click “Traveling from the U.S. to Belgium with your pets”[/ul][/li]

1.1.1. For birds in general

If you are traveling on the same plane with your pet, the formalities are simple.

Your veterinarian will be able to provide you with an International Health Certificate.

On this certificate, he will have to mention the following statement:

I ….(the veterinarian will have to write his name) certify that I personally checked the animal and I concluded that the animal is in good health, fit to travel, and exempt from any usual disease associated to the species.

<snip>

Read the rest as it applies to various species, etc.

[Shayna]

Oh, this is important, too…

You have to make arrangements for your bird to be allowed to return to the U.S. before you leave the country.

Visit the USDA’s website at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/oa/pubs/petravel.html

Here’s what it says about birds: (Bolding mine)

Bird Travel Abroad

Bird owners who take their pets with them while traveling abroad are generally exempted from some of the USDA quarantine and foreign certification requirements for imported birds. This exception applies only to U.S.-origin birds and is permitted as long as the owner makes special arrangements in advance. If you wish to take your bird abroad, you must obtain all necessary documents from USDA and the Department of the Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before departing the United States. Such preparation is especially critical for birds covered by the treaty known as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. You should get a health certificate endorsed by a USDA­APHIS veterinarian. This endorsement is subject to a user fee. U.S.-origin birds may reenter the United States through any international airport that can be serviced by a USDA veterinary official. For more information on traveling abroad with your bird, contact USDA­APHIS Veterinary Services at 4700 River Road, Unit 39, Riverdale, MD 20737­1231. The telephone number is (301) 734­5097.

[capybara]

Hey, thanks! I guess I should have looked at embassy sites, but I didn’t think they would have such specific information. Much easier than I thought. You rock!

[Shayna]

You’re most welcome. Having traveled outside the U.S. with my cat, I knew where to look for the info. Glad I could help. Have fun and enjoy your trip!