TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Traveling with pet.

We are contemplating taking our daughters pet feline to sxm. She is worried about the animal being quarantined for some unknown govt. restriction. Question.? Should she be concerned?

SXM does NOT have quarantine restrictions. However, technically you are supposed to get the government's permission to import any animal into SXM, even a pet for a very short visit.
Importing a pet into SXM

It is probably a good idea to also check with your airline for any requirements related to international travel with pets. (Note: By "pet feline", I assume you are referring to what most of us would think of as a house cat, and not something more ominous).

You should also check with the resort your staying at. I don't know of any timeshare resort that allows pets. If renting from a private villa the owner may have restrictions too.

And check the airline for what they are charging for a pet. I flew on JetBlue this morning and noticed they charge $100 to bring one pet. Per flight! That's $200 r/t!!!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

Are you going for a lengthy stay? If not, I would recommend you find a good boarding kennel and leave the cat at home. Far better and less stressful for the cat.

No need to be worried. Just have the proper paperwork for entry in to St. Maarten and pay the fee to the airline. Most airlines restrict the number of animals in the cabin, so the earlier you book your cat, the better. Coming back into the USA is no big deal. Cats actually do not need any paperwork at all coming back, although the airline might require something from a vet saying it is healthy enough to travel. We actually just brought a cat back we adotped from St. Martin in May on Jetblue. It was very easy. They didn't even ask to see the paperwork, we had to offer to show them.

For SXM you are supposed to have your pet seen by a vet and a special form signed. Plus rabies shots etc.
We did all that and no one asked for our paperwork to bring cat into SXM.
But it is stressful. I wouldn't bring a cat for a visit.
TSA makes you take the cat out of carrier and that is a major freakout moment!
irina

thank you for the valuable info. our stay on the Island is for 2 wks.
the kitten is a "Ragdoll", that is growing by leaps and bounds. lots to think about. stress, boarding, etc.
thanks.

Just a thought.......Beyond the fact the kitten may or may not travel well, I'd be more concerned it might get loose and ultimately get lost while on the island. And those of us who love the little felines know they tend to be a little independent and don't always come when called. In a lot of places we've stayed across the island, when the maids are in and out doing their daily cleanings and towel exchanges, they typically leave the doors open. Unless the kitty will be with you every single minute, I'd worry more about her escaping. And of course, as others have already suggested, the fees from the airline might make it more reasonable to board or have a cat sitter in. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Since it's a kitten you might consider a "pet sitter". This way the cat stays in familiar surroundings, has attention and less stress. We've done this and it worked better for our 2 cats than boarding did.

Also, I once travelled from Calif to Boston with a kitten who became traumatized by flight and was never the same.

Please don't take your kitty if it's only for two weeks! For all of the reasons others have given you!

Cats love and crave routine and familiarity. I hire a service to come once a day for kitty care...feeding, scooping, litter changes. Perhaps you are lucky enough to have a trusted neighbor (or kid that wants to make $$) nearby.
Then, for evening meals and snacks I use this:

http://www.amazon.com/Cat-Mate-Bowl-Feed...25VHWDNH2KR5VK3

Cats are too likely to bolt in unfamiliar surroundings. An open door or window....kitty could be lost forever. Home care is preferable to boarding IMO....less chance of exposure to fleas and other kitties....plus the cat may be terrified and traumatized hearing the other animals howling and meowing in cages.

https://www.facebook.com/james.crismale.9/posts/854336927981514:0
"The kitty".