Certifying Panda

Way back on May 1st, we posted a "to do" list for our trip. With nearly two months to go, we've completed most things on that list:

Get long-stay visa

Arrange health insurance

Find a place to live (ideally 1 bedroom, not a studio)

Find subletter

Make monthly budget

Contact French scholars

Email French friends/family

Find/take a picture to headline this blog

Figure out Panda's travel arrangements

Book flight(s)

Find other useful Americans-in-Paris blogs; steal their ideas

Sign up for classes

It may seem silly that the most important figure in this blog - Panda! - is the last one to get set to go. But yesterday we made progress in rectifying that situation.

Panda and I went to the vet after having acquainted ourselves with all the rules and regulations concerning exporting an animal to France. We got her microchipped. She got two out of four yearly vaccinations, as well as year-long Heartguard and Prozac prescriptions (why Prozac?). And most importantly, Dr. Ulrich filled out both a USDA International Health Certificate and the French health certificate, both of which we'll need to make it through customs. The USDA certificate I mailed (along with a rabies vaccination certificate, the $34 fee, and a pre-paid, self-addressed envelope) to the Massachusetts State Veterinarian (find yours here!) so they can stamp it and send it back to me.

What remains? Panda needs to go back to the vet two days before we leave to get her last shots (apparently they need to be given 24-72 hours before leaving), which will be recorded on the French health certificate. The vet will also fill out one more (different) health certificate for the airline, which promises that Panda is capable of withstanding normal flying conditions. The rest happens at the airport (more on that later).

Cliff's Notes, just in case that was confusing:

Panda needs . . .

• to be microchipped (✓)
• to be up-to-date on rabies, tick, worm, and other vaccines/treatments (½ ✓)
• a USDA International Health Certificate, filled out by her vet, stamped by the State Vet, and returned to her owners (½ ✓)
• a French/European Union Veterinary Certificate, filled out by her vet, submitted at customs (½ ✓)
• a certificate, filled out by her vet within 10 days of leaving, confirming her ability to withstand normal flying conditions

Panda is well on her way!