Need Advice Moving Hammy from UK to USA

[ADemonsAngel]

Hi there!

I'm new here to posting on the forums but I've been reading them since my fiance and I decided to get our Syrian in November of last year. We haven't had her long but she has completely melted our hearts. Her name is Ginger and she is the first hamster either of us have had. (I desperately wanted one as a child but my mom knew she would end up doing the maintenance so I had to wait. )
Anyway, I'm American and my fiance is British and we have decided to move back to the US to live. We can't even imagine leaving here without taking Gingy but we're having trouble figuring out how. I've done some research but it's hard to find immigration info from airlines and other resources that isn't just about dogs, cats, or birds.
I would really like to hear some personal stories from other hammy owners! Have you ever flown with your ham internationally either on your own or through a certified service?
Any advice or personal experience is greatly appreciated!

[Amethyst_ice]

Hmm

Personally, I would imagine this wouldn't be a viable option. I know they have pet passports but with rodents I believe they have to travel in the cargo section and with such a long flight from the UK and the USA I don't think that it would be fair.

I'm not sure of the paperwork (I know a few friends have rats and hamsters from Holland but that is a much shorter flight) so they may be able to assist.

As much as I sympathise with you, hamsters have such a short life span and are rather fragile little things. Could your furbaby not be fostered by a friend or family memeber who could send you updates?

All the best x

[souffle]

It is possible for hamsters to travel to the USA however I would consider very carefully if you want to do it. I have a friend who sent some breeding hamsters over and it is quite expensive. They need to be closely coordinated with the flights. Have vet checks before leaving and on arrival and they need to travel in a special cage and on flights where the luggage compartment is heated. Some animals do not do well in the air conditioned and slightly different pressures in the planes. If she is an older hamster especially this would all be stressful for her and adjustment to another time zone is more stress. You will also be a bit unsettled when you get there.
I would agree with Amethyst that perhaps it would be kinder to find an adopter who would keep you updated.