PDX Flight NannyHome · What you need to fly a cat
What I'll need before we fly.
Nothing here is unusual. The one thing to get right early is timing, because where a health certificate is required the window is usually ten days, and that's tighter than people plan for.
Whatever paperwork the destination asks for
That's between the breeder and the buyer, and I don't add requirements of my own. It varies by state more than people expect, so tell me the destination and I'll tell you what I know. State-by-state detail here.
A cat under twenty-five pounds with the carrier
That's what I'll carry through an airport all day. The airline cares about fit rather than weight: she has to stand up and turn around in the carrier. Send me a weight and a rough body length.
Twelve weeks, if it's a kitten
Every airline flying out of PDX sets eight weeks. I don't take one under twelve. By then a kitten eats reliably on its own and handles a travel day far better. More on why twelve.
A carrier that actually fits
Soft-sided, leak-proof, and within the under-seat size for that specific plane. Alaska's is the tightest at 17 x 11 x 9.5 inches. I can supply one for a fee. Sizes by airline.
Both phone numbers
Breeder and buyer. If something moves I call both of you.
An honest word on the cat
Off its food, sneezing, or just had a rough week, say so. I'd much rather move the date than fly a sick cat.
That's the whole list
If you're not sure about any of it, send me the destination and the cat's age and weight and I'll tell you what's missing before you book anything.