Strategies for Caring for Cats While on Vacation

Carpooling, Private Car Hire, or SelfDriving

When it comes to carpooling or hiring a private car, one potential inconvenience is the matter of allergies or preferences. Not everyone enjoys the company of cats, or may be allergic to cat hair. Therefore, it's crucial to communicate with fellow passengers in advance to ensure they are comfortable with the presence of a pet before proceeding with any plans.

In cases where passengers are unwilling to accommodate a cat, opting for a private car or selfdriving becomes more suitable. A key point to remember when hiring a private car is that, according to the "Regulations for the Transportation of Passengers by Motor Vehicles," drivers have the right to refuse service if passengers have not informed them of the presence of a pet. Therefore, it's essential to inform the driver beforehand if you plan to bring a pet along.

Selfdriving is often the best choice, but it comes with its own set of safety considerations:

1. Cats should be kept in a sturdy pet carrier throughout the journey and securely fastened with a seatbelt. Avoid placing the carrier in the front seat unless absolutely necessary. Ensure the carrier is large enough for the cat to move around comfortably, such as turning around or standing up, as cramped spaces can cause stress.

2. Always place the cat inside the vehicle. The trunk lacks proper ventilation and poses a significant risk of suffocation.

3. If you need to leave the car, do not leave the cat unattended inside. The temperature inside a closed vehicle can rise rapidly, leading to illness or even death in the cat. If leaving the car is unavoidable, try to park in the shade or slightly open a window, but be cautious to prevent the cat from escaping.

Flights

Currently, domestic airlines treat pets as cargo and do not allow them in the cabin or cargo hold. Therefore, it's important to confirm that your cat's health allows for air travel. Cats with high blood pressure, heart conditions, or those who are particularly nervous are not recommended for air or train travel.

Generally, airlines do not assume responsibility for risks associated with pet transportation. If you choose to fly with your pet, be prepared for this and, if possible, opt for flights that offer incabin pet transport services (as of now, only Hainan Airlines offers this service on selected domestic direct flights from cities like Haikou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Changsha, Jinan, Qingdao, Dalian, Hefei, Kashi, Taiyuan, Xi'an, Harbin, Wuhan, Zhengzhou, Guilin, Shanghai Hongqiao, and Nanning, but due to the pandemic, these services have been temporarily suspended).

01 Precautions for Flying with Pets

1. Communicate with the airport in advance to understand pet carrying requirements, such as防疫 measures, or seek out specialized pet shipping services.

2. Consult a veterinarian before traveling with a cat that has high blood pressure or a heart condition, and strictly follow medical advice.

3. Do not allow the cat to be in an oxygenfree cargo hold.

4. Air transport carries risks, and airlines are not responsible for any injuries, loss, illness, or death of pets, except in cases where the airline is at fault.

02 Required Documents for Air Transport

Domestic Flights

Required documents include a "Certificate of Animal Quarantine" and an "Immunization Certificate" issued by the county (district) level or above quarantine department. The "Immunization Certificate" must include a pet photo, hospital stamp, pet and owner information, and a rabies vaccination sticker with a hospital stamp.

Important Notes:

1. The "Certificate of Animal Quarantine" is valid for only 5 days and must be used within this period.

2. The department and materials required for obtaining the "Certificate of Animal Quarantine" may vary by city. You can search for "Animal Quarantine" on the local government website for more information.

3. The "Immunization Certificate" must be obtained from the local animal disease prevention and control center or a hospital with rabies vaccination qualifications. If the pet has already received the rabies vaccine (within 21 days to 1 year), bring the vaccination record to the hospital for processing.

4. The "Quarantine Certificate" requires the pet to be tested at the local animal disease prevention and control center, and the test report has a short validity period. The "Certificate of Animal Quarantine" must be obtained within this period.

International Flights

Required documents include a "Health Certificate for EntryExit Inspection and Quarantine" issued by the EntryExit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau of the People's Republic of China, a health declaration, a rabies immunization certificate, a vaccination record, an entry or transit permit, and other documents required by the destination or transit country. You can refer to the "TRAVEL INFORMATION MANUAL," consult the relevant embassy of the country, or check the government website of the country in advance. Also, be sure to call the airline in advance to discuss the requirements.

03 Shipping Requirements

1. The pet carrier must be made of sturdy material (metal, hard plastic, wood), have at least three sides with ventilation, and have a locking mechanism. The door must be made of sturdy metal and must be able to effectively prevent the pet from opening the door.

2. Accessories must be sturdy and functional, with a stable bottom to prevent the carrier from sliding during transport.

3. The carrier size must comply with the IATA Live Animals Regulations, ensuring there is enough space for the pet to stand, sit, turn around, and lie down in a normal posture. Specific dimensions should be confirmed with the airline in advance.

4. One carrier per pet.

5. A feeding device must be provided.

04 Packaging Requirements

1. Reinforce the lock on the pet carrier door with a nylon strap.

2. Use a pet carrier guard, ensuring it is large enough so the cat's head cannot fit through. The guard should be sturdy, and the tie should avoid the carrier door and bottom. Wrap and tie the carrier securely with the guard before packaging.

3. Use packing tape in a "checkered" pattern on the outer layer of the guard, evenly spaced, approximately 2030 centimeters apart.

4. Do not crosspack the sides of the carrier. The packing tape on the sides should be in a vertical parallel state. When packing, thread the packing tape through the carrier door and guard grids, going in one grid and out the next, evenly spaced, to effectively secure the door, body, and guard.

5. Secure the feeding device properly.

05 Specific Requirements of Airlines

「China Eastern Airlines」

Contact Number: 95530

Website section on animal shipping: http://www.ceair.com/guide2/cxzysx/tslkxz/xdwysfwxz/

1. Scope of Application and Risks:

... (details of the scope of application and risks for China Eastern Airlines)

2. Rules for Animal Transport:

... (details of the rules for animal transport for China Eastern Airlines)

「China Southern Airlines」

Contact Number: 95539

Website section on animal shipping: https://www.csair.com/cn/tourguide/luggage_service/checked_luggage/live_animals/

... (details of the scope of application and risks for China Southern Airlines)

2. Rules for Animal Transport:

... (details of the rules for animal transport for China Southern Airlines)

「Hainan Airlines」

Contact Number: 95339

Website section on animal shipping: https://www.hnair.com/lvxingxinxi/tsgh/tyxdw/

... (details of the scope of application and risks for Hainan Airlines)

2. Rules for Animal Transport:

... (details of the rules for animal transport for Hainan Airlines)

...

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