[PUP] Does anyone know anything about cruising with pets in Polynesia?

[Ken Williams]

A group of us (all powerboats, mostly Nordhavns) are crossing the Pacific in
2009. For many of us, this is the start of a circumnavigation. 

 

Several of the boats are considering taking pets, and we will definitely
have our small dog on board.

 

Our first stop is Polynesia, where we'll be spending a season. I've tried
contacting the Ministry of Agriculture several times to get a sense of the
issues, and can't seem to talk to anyone who can give me a clear answer.
They don't seem to respond to fax or email.

 

Has anyone spent time cruising in Polynesia with pets? Were you able to take
your pet ashore? 

 

I'm happy to get any required paperwork, or medical exams done before
arriving in Polynesia. Our dog is older, and we won't do quarantine of over
a few days. 

 

I've had good success in being able to speak with Australia and New Zealand,
although I didn't like what they had to say. Australia told me that we
wouldn't even be allowed into port. I'd have to fuel at sea. I have some
newer information which implies that we might be able to be in a marina,
with a daily inspector visiting the boat to ensure our dog doesn't leave, at
my (great) expense.

 

I'm hoping things get looser as we venture farther west. At least from the
website, Thailand looks dog-friendly. I believe Tonga is dog-friendly. That
said, I am really just focused on French Polynesia for now. Hawaii is
impossible. I'll solve this one country at a time.

 

Previously, we cruised the med for years, with no problem. We've also
cruised Mexico without incident. The South Pacific is clearly not great for
travel with dogs. 

 

All information appreciated.

 

-Ken Williams

 

PS If you have an ocean-crossing powerboat, and are considering crossing the
Pacific, check out our site - www.rtwcruising.com
<http://www.rtwcruising.com/> .