Salamanders as carry-on

[mizzerman]

Anyone ever brought a salamander on an airplane before. I am going to the US and then back to Canada, if i find anything i like i may try and bring it back on the airplane as carry-on, anyone tried it. Was thinking maybe a A. Andersoni but only allowed bottle with <100mls of liquid on the plane. Would it survive in checked baggage? in a cooler? The CFIA now does not have any import requirements for amphibians unless they are on CITES so i think i am OK that way. Just worried about the plane ride and if customs will be baffled by the little guy and confiscate or quarantine him because they don't know what it is. Any ideas?

 

[axolotlfriend]

very good question i'm interested as well.

maybe you should put it with your check on luggage in a Gatorade bottle.

 

[Terroricha]

Anyone ever brought a salamander on an airplane before. I am going to the US and then back to Canada, if i find anything i like i may try and bring it back on the airplane as carry-on, anyone tried it. Was thinking maybe a A. Andersoni but only allowed bottle with <100mls of liquid on the plane. Would it survive in checked baggage? in a cooler? The CFIA now does not have any import requirements for amphibians unless they are on CITES so i think i am OK that way. Just worried about the plane ride and if customs will be baffled by the little guy and confiscate or quarantine him because they don't know what it is. Any ideas?

No animals in carry on luggage as far as I know.

That said, you could probably get away with checked baggage. Just make sure it is somewhat climate controlled.

 

[mytimemic]

I don't know that checking the salamander with you luggage would be a good idea. If the airline is not transporting pets then they don't always pressurize the baggage areas. That is why sometimes you will find your bottles of shampoo, etc have leaked or exploded.

Most airlines will accept small pets as carry-on as long as it's carrier will fit under the seat & is in a carrier.

 

[Kaysie]

You need to call the airline you plan to use and explain to them the situation. They'll be able to tell you yes or no.

 

[freves]

From what I have read as well as experienced these situations are often at the whim of the airline personal and airport security of your particular flight. Personally I would not chance it. Even if someone on the telephone tells you that everything is OK that may not be the case when you attempt to bring the animals on. I would ship the animals to yourself or better yet a friend before departing.
Chip

 

[Jennewt]

An added complication is that you are going from US to Canada. Any live animals will have to be declared and go through all the procedures involved (both to satisfy US and Canada rules and regs). I think you should completely abandon the idea of bringing any back with you. To do it legally is a lot of hassle (beginning with a lot of phone calls to find out the exact procedures). To do it illegally is a lot of risk.

 

[pete]

This reminds me of this relatively recent turtle on a plane story.

Turtle On A Plane: Two-Inch Pet Causes Taxiing Plane To Return To Gate

 

[Ken Worthington]

Eeeek!
Pete, interesting stuff !
My mother has a couple of breeding families of Testudo Hermanni Hermanni which are native and wild in her garden.
I love the lil' fellas but they're best left in their native habitat (plus, who knows if they'd eat my passport, given the chance?)

Personally, I'd like to discourage HUMANS travelling by air so much, let alone anything else.........

KW

 

[mytimemic]

I had completely forgotten about the Turtle drama in the news not so long ago. Those poor kids & that poor turtle. What a fiasco.

 

[FRANCOIS]

I would not do that. If they catch you.... well....
Now on the other hand, luggages are in pressurized compartments, I assure you that. I hold an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate and know the subject a bit.

 

[mizzerman]

I am not interested in breaking the law, they will be declared if i do carry them on or place them safely in checked luggage. I just want them to be safe and make the trip, as we all know airline personel handle our luggage very delicately . I have a veterinarian in the CFIA looking into it and calls placed into Westjet to see if can be done. (apparently Westjet only allows furry critters in the plane that are bigger than a guinea pig and still fit under your seat) If not on CITES any amphibian or reptile can be imported into Canada without any paperwork (for personal use not commercial). As long as you aren't a turtle or tortoise. website is here: Canadian Food Inspection Agency - Health of Animals - Importation of Amphibians and Reptiles

Just looking into if the US needs export papers or anything.
Basically just want to make it a safe trip for the salamanders, and see if anyone has done it safely or has any info.
Thx

 

[axolotlfriend]

let us know how all this turns out. i'm looking into doing the same maybe this summer.