Moving to Finland with 2 cats from the US

[lunasu]

Hi everyone! I am so lucky to find this forum when browsing. I am likely relocating to Finland this summer, never been there but very excited. I saw that there was a post about flying with one cat to Finland.

My task here is: I have 2 cats to relocate to Finland with me from the US this summer. According to Finnair, they only allow 1 cat in cabin per passenger. Has anybody relocated by themselves to Finland with 2 cats from US before?

If not, is there any airlines that allow 2 cats in cabin by 1 passenger? I would love to buy extra ticket just for the cat too. So far not much luck.

I very much appreciated any help!

[AldenG]

That seems the small challenge. You've already looked into the documentation and quarantine requirements?

[jamesbrown]

Moving to Finland with your cats? Your cats must have a microchip and a rabies vaccine at least 21 days before travel. A USDA-approved vet needs to issue an EU pet health certificate within 10 days before your trip. Check your airline’s rules for pet travel in the cabin or cargo. When you arrive, declare your cats at Finnish customs for approval. Safe travels!

[Ju_Ville]

If not, is there any airlines that allow 2 cats in cabin by 1 passenger? I would love to buy extra ticket just for the cat too. So far not much luck.

The reason they only allow 1 pet per passenger in the cabin is simple: the box goes under the seat of the passenger in front of you. Where else would you want to put a living being in a transportation box. In the compartment above your head, they suffocate. The pet needs to stay in the travel box at all times, with most airlines, you are usually not allowed to take it on your lap, like a child. So it will have to be another ticket. There are facebook groups dedicated to finding passengers who would accompany a pet. If you do not just want to buy another seat, but also have someone sitting there, maybe soothing the cat a bit, that would likely be a good place to search. Just remember, cats are super sensitive to noise, and new surroundings, much more than dogs. Such a long flight is a serious stress for any cat. Consider well, what is the best for the cats. And do not drug them, many airlines do not take drugged animals, at all. It is a serious additional risk for the life of the animal.

[FinlandGirl]

My task here is: I have 2 cats to relocate to Finland with me from the US this summer. According to Finnair, they only allow 1 cat in cabin per passenger. Has anybody relocated by themselves to Finland with 2 cats from US before?

If not, is there any airlines that allow 2 cats in cabin by 1 passenger? I would love to buy extra ticket just for the cat too. So far not much luck.

Did you ask Finnair about buying a second seat?
This works for a cello.

[lunasu]

That seems the small challenge. You've already looked into the documentation and quarantine requirements?

No need to quarantine. I'm all set with documentations. Thank you!

[lunasu]

Moving to Finland with your cats? Your cats must have a microchip and a rabies vaccine at least 21 days before travel. A USDA-approved vet needs to issue an EU pet health certificate within 10 days before your trip. Check your airline’s rules for pet travel in the cabin or cargo. When you arrive, declare your cats at Finnish customs for approval. Safe travels!

Thank you for the detailed guide. I am aware of all of the documentations. It is more of a question that Finnair doesn't allow 2 pets per person at the moment.

[lunasu]

If not, is there any airlines that allow 2 cats in cabin by 1 passenger? I would love to buy extra ticket just for the cat too. So far not much luck.

The reason they only allow 1 pet per passenger in the cabin is simple: the box goes under the seat of the passenger in front of you. Where else would you want to put a living being in a transportation box. In the compartment above your head, they suffocate. The pet needs to stay in the travel box at all times, with most airlines, you are usually not allowed to take it on your lap, like a child. So it will have to be another ticket. There are facebook groups dedicated to finding passengers who would accompany a pet. If you do not just want to buy another seat, but also have someone sitting there, maybe soothing the cat a bit, that would likely be a good place to search. Just remember, cats are super sensitive to noise, and new surroundings, much more than dogs. Such a long flight is a serious stress for any cat. Consider well, what is the best for the cats. And do not drug them, many airlines do not take drugged animals, at all. It is a serious additional risk for the life of the animal.

I got your point. I have my cats since they were 4 months and they are family to me. Thank you for the reminder though. I'd rather that they bear the travel than separating with them for any reason. I will always have them with me regardless. It is also the reason I mentioned I would love to buy extra ticket just to bring another cat. I think Finnair doesn't allow that so I might consider travel twice to grab the other one.
For the FB group you mentioned, any clue what those groups are called?

[lunasu]

My task here is: I have 2 cats to relocate to Finland with me from the US this summer. According to Finnair, they only allow 1 cat in cabin per passenger. Has anybody relocated by themselves to Finland with 2 cats from US before?

If not, is there any airlines that allow 2 cats in cabin by 1 passenger? I would love to buy extra ticket just for the cat too. So far not much luck.

Did you ask Finnair about buying a second seat?
This works for a cello.

I did! Unfortunately they do not allow it. Thank you for the advice though:D

[finfrog]

Hi! I just stumbled upon this forum and saw your question while browsing.

I moved to Finland in 2023 with my husband and our 3 cats. I didn't find any airlines that allow you to buy a ticket for a cat without a passenger, so my brother ended up flying with us so we could take the third cat in cabin. We paid for his ticket and considered it a paid mini vacation for him This is the best option from what I could find, so if you have a close friend or family member that's willing to fly with you I'd recommend this.

The other possibility is if your cats are small enough and like each other enough, some airlines let you travel with two cats in one carrier. I wouldn't recommend this unless your cats are small and very friendly with each other though, as my cats were already pretty cramped in their carriers.

If you have any other questions feel free to message me! The cats were one of the most stressful parts of the move for me but there was no way I was leaving them behind.