Moving a cham Overseas

[Rosie]

In about two years I may or may not be moving to Japan. I havent decided yet. Ideally, I'd like to take my cham with me.

Does anyone have any advice or experience on moving a cham so far and into a foreign country? I can imagine sitting on a plane that long would be quite unpleasent, if I can even take him on the plane and through customs.

 

[Chameleons Northwest]

My experience with taking animals overseas is that they have to be quarantined once they arrive. There are also generally restrictions against certain species. Within the U.S. it costs $75 to take a chameleon on a plane with you in the passenger section, don't know about overseas flights.

 

[Rosie]

According to the official Japanese Animal Quarantine site, quarantines arent required for amphibians, reptiles or fish. Of course, things could go differnetly once I'm at the airport with the cham in a box.

Thanks for the info about taking them on the plane. I wasnt even sure you could do that.

Would it be best to label the box with big bright stickers or leave it unmarked to not freak people out?

 

[davemailcall]

I'm not sure how long you plan on living in Japan, but what about when you RETURN to the states with your cham?

Whats the story on US quarantines?

 

[joeintokyo]

Not sure on reptiles but as for dogs when we brought our dog here we had to do two weeks of quarantine in Narita, but if we go back there is no quarantine in America as long as the vet paperwork is in order.

Basically it's because Japan is an island without any big household animal disease problems. Rabies and so on so there is no worry about them.

But as before no idea for reptiles.

If you do come though get someone to help you with the paperwork unless you speak pretty good japanese as it can be a real pain. And the way they pay fees in government offices is pretty confusing.