Moving from Toronto to Calgary

[lizo72]

Hi all, I know there is another thread about traveling with your guinea pigs but I could really use some advice. I am heading to Calgary, Alberta from Toronto, Ontario (which is all in Canada). This is just for a period of 6 months and then I'll be heading back to Toronto.

I had thought I had it all figured out and I was going to take the train, but it turns out the train doesn't go to Calgary which would mean that if I go by train I would have to get off at Edmonton and take another bus to Calgary. The train ride to Edmonton would take 3 days and probably another day to Calgary.

The other choice was to go by plane, which I really don't want to because it might be too stress for Almond, my guinea pig. Then I was checking pet policy for airlines, so either Air Canada or Westjet. Air Canada seems to have a ton of restrictions and it might not work because I might be traveling during the blackout period (which would mean that they won't be able to accommodate pets). So then I looked into Westjet and called them up. Apparently, they only allow dogs, cats and rabbits....

So, I am looking for suggestions and other options. I would leave her here with my parents but I don't know how well they can care for her or how much attention she would get.

Also, any vet or pet shops in NW Calgary that any of you could recommend would be really appreciated. Thanks.

[kellya]

Hi there,
I am having a similar problem and was veryyy frustrated by Air Canada's incompetence and Westjet's even more infuriating refusal to take my guinea pig in the cabin of the plane although they accept rabbits. Even moreso was the fact that nobody could tell me why. In less than 2 weeks I am moving permanently to British Columbia from Newfoundland, and I was dead set on bringing my piggie with me. My conversation with a Westjet rep was NOT reassuring. They did not seem to know anything about what a guinea pig is. When I questioned them about cargo conditions they informed me there is no temperature control, animals are not separated by species, and my pet would receive no food or water for the 9-12 hr trip. They even thought guinea pigs were nocturnal and would thus "sleep through the trip." Disturbed by this and my own knowledge, I called the vet, and it's not good news. As I feared, the vet confirmed my own apprehensions and all the research I've done so far. She told me that the extreme stress caused by the lack of my presence, the presence of other (predatory) animals, and temperature fluctuations between freezing in the air and too hot before takeoff, would likely kill my piggy. To make matters worse, because piggies metabolize so quickly, they should not be without food and water for a long period of time. The vet told me in my case, even without the stress of flying itself, my piggie would certainly die of seizures over the course of the journey without food or water. The airline will not budge. The bottom line is that guinea pigs do not travel well on planes...even cats and dogs usually get diarrhea from flying, and diarrhea alone can be deadly for small animals. I am constantly looking for a carrier for pets, but so far am not having any luck finding a company in Canada, although there is one in the states. If I hear of anything I will let you know, but I WOULD NOT bring your piggie on that plane in cargo, even if the flight is shorter. I am leaving my pig with my parents until I can figure something out, because although it kills me to leave her behind, her safety comes first. I have been in the same place as you are now for months, so I know how hard it can be to make this decision with all the different opinions out there, which is why I decided to consult my guinea pigs' vet in the first place. Since that, I think the only thing I can do for the health and safety of my pig for now is to leave her behind. If you can find a way to get your piggie there by ground I think you should, but not by air. I hope this helps.
All the best
Kellya