General Care Discussion :: help, i dont know what to do!

[michiemee]

Hi All,

I'm really hoping someone can provide some insight. First off, I have 2 turtles, have had them for almost 2 yrs, they are probably about 3 - 3 1/2 inches long, shell only. Speedy and Flash, I love them, they are so cute, and each have their only little personality and quirks!

My dilemma, I might have to move...I live in Toronto, Canada and maybe moving to Denver, Colorado and I dont want to leave them behind. Its a temporary move (2yrs), but its a big responsiblity to leave them with friends or family to take care of.

Chances are i'll be flying there. Can turtles be transported in the air? would the airline put them in the cargo hold? I dont want them to die in there, what if they freeze? I realize each airline will be different, i'm hoping someone here might have had to do the same and know about an airline that would allow it.

Also, does anyone know if i'm even allowed to take them into the US from Canada? i've been reading about turtles under 4" not being allowed for purchase, but dont know if it's different since I already own these. And would there be any issues to bring them back to Canada when I move home?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

[marisa]

Welcome to the forum.

I don't know of any airlines that knowingly allow turtles to be brought into the passenger cabin. I wouldn't place them in cargo, they could indeed freeze if it's not heated. I know of someone a few years ago who arranged to have his turtles transported in cargo from Taiwan to Canada. He had told it would be heated---it wasn't and all but one were dead on arrival. He had no recourse with the airline, it was his loss. So I'd avoid cargo. You could always call around to different airlines, but I really don't think you'd get a yes from any of them. Shipping them is something you could look into.

I know a Canadian who brought her turtles from Canada to Texas for a stay of a few years (her husband's job took them there). They drove, and she had no problems getting them through U.S. Customs. She was going to bring them back to Canada as well when their time in the U.S. was over. You need to check with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. There is a form that you need to fill out. I used this form when I brought my RES from Tokyo to the U.S., and I don't think things have really changed, but you need to check to be sure. Keep records---you want a paper trail proving that you owned your turtles prior to coming to the U.S. when you return to Canada.

As for air travel with them, my RES did travel by air with me, but the airline didn't know about it. Don't know if you want to go that route, though.

[mikee]

michiemee -- I cannot tell you about the international rules but I can tell you how I have checked them around the country with my many moves. I check here every day while I am not on the road.








Author Message
michiemee

[Blue Flamingo]

The turtle being under 4in should not be a problem. You can own them but you are not allowed to sell them thats what the rule is (I believe) I would call the different airlines like suggested. You could always drive down here if you have the time. Anyways ,not to be nosey, what brings you down here to Colorado?

[ACF&RESLOVER]

Would it be possible to ship them overnight via UPS etc... on the same day you fly?

Then they would arrive at your destination the next day. You will be there when they arrive. It would also give you some time to set something up before they arrive. It's always a risk to ship, but you can include a heater etc... to reduce the risks.

If it's possible to ship turtles that are bought online safely, it should be safe for you too. Just a thought.

[michiemee]

oops...didnt know anyone had replied, I didnt get those email notifications :S

marisa - thank you for the info...I'm not too comfy with putting them in cargo that's for sure!

mikee - if you have the time I'd love to know any tips you have about moving them. I've read they dont really like to be moved around too much and like a stable environment.

blue flamingo - good to know, i thought it applied to owning them too, def not planning on selling! I'm still contemplating the drive, if there's enough time i'd love to do it...i love road trips!! Its a job relocation, new office opening up.

Thanks all!

[erinemcgreevy]

Have you checked with any pet relocation services? I know that it's probably expensive but it worth checking it out.

[erinemcgreevy]

Just thought of something...your work will probably reimburse you for your moving cost so maybe they'll cover the move for the turts. I have checked airlines in the past for traveling with turts as carryon and it's not allowed by any of the airlines.