Looking for private pilot to fly our 8 pets from the Northwest to Lake Chapala around November 1st

No, we are not the rich and famous.  We are two families, and long time friends, moving to Lake Chapala, Mexico around the same time.  One family from Seattle area, and the other from Bend in Central Oregon.  We can fly out of any airport in Oregon or Seattle...   and it's just one way.
We are too worried to use commercial airlines to transport the pets, as a recent Seattle Times article revealed there are lots of pet deaths when flown in cargo.  Our pets are our family, and we just can't take the chance!
Thank you all for helping brainstorm on how we can be in touch with lots of private pilot associations!
Hey...   this could be an amazing business for someone to start!
~Mary
marymanix@gmail.com

http://www.city-data.com/forum/aviation/

Post here too

A private flight from Seattle to Guadalajara will be very, very expensive. If you want to make the trip in decent time you will need a private jet. They charter for about $2500 per hour. It is approximately 5 - 6 hours from Seattle to Guadalajara so you will be looking at about $15,000 each way. You will likely have to pay the way back for the plane and pilot.

Why wouldn't you drive down and save many thousands of dollars?

But then again, Bob, there are 8 pets @ how much per pet and how many humans in the 2 families? It may not be that more expensive than flying commercial airlines. Probably would need more than 2 cars to travel down, they need to compare costs, only they can know.

Won't they run into restrictions on the number of pets you can bring in at one time? also I can already see the dollar signs in the eyes of the airport staff when they get off a private plane with that many animals in tow. Excellent way to call attention to yourself.

Go commercial, each adult take 2 animals and take separate flights over a 2 or 3 day span.

We have shipped animals to Indonesia and Africa via animal transport companies who deal with the airline and customs/animal officers. If you are really worried use those companies. It cost a LOT of money but there were never any problems and the animal was fine.

Good Luck.

I would suggest looking into hiring a driver, or two. One to the Mexican border then one to Lake Chapala. Or two from the border to Lake Chapala. By land they won't bat an eye but by air they might. Also, if you fly in have the name and number of a good vet in Guad. If the authorities decide they want the animals examined you want a real vet, not some on call quack who will spray them with pesticides.
I know a reliable driver who does animal transport, as well as people transport via land. PM if you are interested.

Sol ajijic, do you have a transport company that you recommend?

Hello Everyone!
Great input from everyone... thank you!
Yes, I am thinking that a few cars traveling together is the best solution. Grizzy, I will be in touch.
Someone mentioned there is a limit of two cats per person. Where could I find that official information?
Thanks for your time!
~Mary

http://www.senasica.gob.mx/?Idioma=2&id=623  is the goverment website outlining all the requirements. I followed this exactly when I flew here with my cats and had no problems other than a lengthy wait at the airport to clear the cats because of computer problems.

Hello Ocelot!
Wow... great photo! Were you in Mongolia?
I can't thank you enough for the link you sent! Very helpful!
I love being a member of this forum!!!
;-)))
Mary

Mary, I assume you are coming thru Nogales.   You can order your TIP on line, doing so can save you hours at the border getting your vehicle permit.  They will send it to your home, so you are good to go!

https://www.banjercito.com.mx/registroVehiculos/  

Also purchase Mexican auto insurance on line and compare.  They will email your policy.   We use Mexicobob for 7 years out of Nogales, email for
price quote......I am sure there are many more.  Here is his email address  .   Mexicobob@aol.com

Hi Jim,

Thanks so much for your help!  I will have to study the route...   had not thought of Nogales.  Are there good highways from there?

Great info on the TIP and insurance!  Many thanks for your time and thoughts!!!

~Mary

Deb and I are from Portland also......moved down in 2005. We made this trip from Casa Grande, AZ 4 times a year 2012-2013. We always take the truck route into Mexico from Nogales USA, and hit the border around 6:30 AM....the border guys are usually eating or sitting by a fire and just get green lights and waved through.

The toll roads are really good, but getting expensive. As I recall tolls will run over 2000 pesos from Nogales to Guadalajara.

Mary, order your vehicle now....costs an extra $25.00 +/- and is delivered to your home, usually by DHL in 3 days or less.

PM Spencer, AKA Intercasa, or post. He will give you all the answers regarding what you need at the border, and whether you need to stop since you have your vehicle permit. If you are going permanente he will provide your legal requirements so you will be prepared to apply upon arrival.

Hi Jim! Outstanding advice! Thank goodness for all the kind souls on this forum!!!
~Mary

Hi Mary,

That was actually Uzbekistan. My 2 BFF's there are Russian actors playing Mongolians in Uzbekistan. We happened to stumble across a movie set one day and these 2 guys were very happy to pose for pictures on their break time.