Bringing Spago to Canada

Today we undertook the challenging task of bringing our almost 19-year old cat, Spago, to Vancouver from Tokyo. It was not an easy decision to make since it had the potential to place a great deal of stress on him during the lengthy journey. Yet his health was stable and the only other alternative was to remain in Japan with him for the duration of his life.

He would need to remain in a pet carrier for the duration of the roughly 14-15 hour door-to-door trip, including inspections in both airports. Air Canada allows for pets inside the cabin but a limit to one pet per flight. Well in advance we made our flight reservations, including a seat just for him. This turned out to be the best decision of the journey.

Shortly after noon we left the condo in Tokyo and went by taxi to Shinagawa Station where we caught the train to the airport. At the airport at Narita Spago underwent a short exit examination by officials and then we checked in for the flight. AC only allows pets in Economy Class but we hoped to pass the time durng the overnight flight while Spago slept. If only we could have been so lucky.

Lots of kids and crying babies on the flight. Spago was clearly stressed by the experience and required our constant attention. The limited space in the seats were made worse by the passengers in front of us who reclined them to sleep. The eight hours passed like it was eight days.

Things got better when we arrived at YVR and everyone from Customs to Agriculture (animal quarantine) were cooperative and understanding. We were through the process and onto the rental car in less than twenty minutes.

Spago seems to be adapting well to his new surroundings but none of us want to make that journey again.