Moving with parrots?

[ClaireBearx3]

My husband is in the Marine Corps so we have to be prepared to move around. I've moved my birds around the US no problem, however we have been told that we could be moved to Japan or possibly Hawaii in the next 1-3 years (nothing set in stone yet but Japan is more likely than Hawaii). Have any of you moved to other countries with your pets? I honestly have no idea where to begin! I know the base out there doesn't allow pets but we would be living off base anyways, so what would I need to do to move my babies with me? I can't go without them!

 

[roxynoodle]

I haven't done it, but the previous owner of my amazon was in the armed forces and took Pete with him to Hawaii. He said he was able to keep the carrier in the passenger area of the plane with him. As for actually going out of the country with them I would suggest you check with Japan's laws for bringing in parrots. Many countries including the US make that very difficult in order to prevent disease transmission or poaching of wild parrots.

 

[ClaireBearx3]

That's the thing, I'm having trouble finding info on Japans laws on importing exotic birds ... I've found some sites that say they need to be banded and microchipped, so that's no problem, but I never thought about them possibly being threatened or disease transmission/poaching.

 

[roxynoodle]

Hmm, I wonder if someone in our government could find out for you. Maybe the USDA? I think they were in charge of imported wild caught parrots before they were banned in the US. My oldest bird is actually a wild caught bird who was brought in before the ban.

 

[Enjru]

You need to find out what Japan and the US positions are on enforcing CITES regulations (UN International law) when it comes to the importation/exportation of individual pets. All parrots fall under CITES. Although the US is a signatory to CITES, it sometimes does not enforce the letter of the law. Japan has actively sought changes to CITES regulations, so they may be more lax about enforcing them. However, this position may only apply to certain species of particular interest to them, eg, marine species including turtle, tuna and whale.

Another separate consideration is each country's own importation/exportation and quarantine laws.

Also, don't forget...when you and your husband come BACK to the US, what will the US' position be, on letting your parrots back in?!?

 

[suebee]

good points above, especially with return!

i do hope your birdies get to travel with you

 

[roxynoodle]

I was wondering the same, about the US letting them back in.

I know someone here took her horses to Mexico for a vacation and they had to stay in a quarantine station for a month when they returned.