FAQ: How to take a pet python from Japan to the USA A:
Step 1. Give her leg growth hormones.
Step 2. Dress her up as a common dog and teach her how to bark.
Step 3. Implant a chip on her shoulder.
Step 4. Get a Pet Passport (YES, I am serious.)

No problem!

Ok... let's get real. I have had Bucchi for 3 years now. She is the best! A great dancer and great listener. She is independent, quiet, clean, and oh so--------- cute!!! She is a great room-mate and pet. I really don't want to leave her behind... and I have no idea who could give her a good home here... even temporarily. It is a tough one yo! DOU SYOU????

The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery says that as long as Bucchi is not a hipopotamus, she won't be quarrantined in Japan. And according to the US Center for Disease Control the importation of snakes is not regulated. The USDA Veterenary Services National Center for Import/Export also states the same thing.
So... the legalities seem less complicated. But-- will airlines let me travel with her (>_<) Especially since I am doing a stop-over in Taiwan, it is a little doubtful. I guess my English is getting rusty, because I am not sure what Delta means when they say they won't allow shipment of snakes from unkown senders-- does that mean that they DO allow them from known senders???
But... if I do finally get her on-- I can't keep her... This is waaaaaaaaaay so complicated!

The Fish and Wildlife Service says:

All snakes in the Boidae family (boas, pythons) are listed in CITES Appendix I or II. Some are also listed as endangered or threatened under the ESA. Commonly held pets, such as the boa constrictor (Boa constrictor) [excluding the Argentine boa (B. c. occidentalis) which is listed in Appendix I], ball python (Python regius), and reticulated python (P. reticulatus), are listed in Appendix II. Check the lists to determine how the boa you own is protected. (If the species name is not individually listed on the CITES list, the species is listed in Appendix II.)

* To export an Appendix-II species from the United States, you need a CITES permit. Click here for an application form. Contact the foreign country to meet its requirements.
* To import an Appendix-II or Appendix-I pet snake into the United States, you need a CITES permit issued by the exporting country.
* To import a snake listed in Appendix I you may also need a permit from us unless the foreign country has issued a CITES bred-in-captivity certificate. To import a snake listed under the ESA, you need a permit from us. Click here for an application form.
* You must import or export your pet boa through a designated port unless you have received a port exception permit. You must notify the FWS wildlife inspection office at the port of entry or exit at least 48 hours in advance, present our declaration form to the wildlife inspectors, and receive clearance from us prior to export or at the time of import. We will validate any U.S. CITES permits during this clearance process.

Did anyone get that? It is chotto muri-- a little bit impossible. I checked the CITES site (not a gyagu... I swear!). Very troublesome and very expensive. And it will be a lot of stress on her if she has to be shipped so-------- far. Poor Bucchi! So... the conclusion is BUCCHI can't/won't come with me. (At least not this trip.) So... what will I do? Where will she go? That is the next question. It is so sad. I love her!  ¶ miércoles, febrero 28, 2007