Bringing Pets to the US?

[Agentes 0]

My wife will be bringing a small dog with her; and I was wondering if anyone could share any first hand experiences, or tips they might have in this situation?

I appreciate any and all input.

Thanks!!!

[AnneLise+Mark 0]

hey ...I was wondering the same and planned on asking the same question.

I won't go to the us until a few months, but when I do, I plan on bringing my cat with me. I already read a little about the kennels and things for the plane, but I would appreciate too to have tips from someone who did bring his pet to the us

thank you

[AusCal 3]

My wife will be bringing a small dog with her; and I was wondering if anyone could share any first hand experiences, or tips they might have in this situation?

I appreciate any and all input.

Thanks!!!

Idon't have any specific info for bringing a pet into the US, (but, at least the US doesn't have lenghty quaratine!)but, as for flying with dogs in general:

*Different airlines tend to have different requirements. Some don't even fly animals. If the dog is small enough, some allow it in the cabin - if the carrier will fit under the seat.

*Check with the airline your wife is flying with for their specific requirements.

*I would recommend 100% making sure the dog is booked on the same flight as your wife (not as cargo on a different flight).

*Buy your dogs crate/carrier well in advance of the flight, and get them well used to spending time in it & using it as "their" bed. This will make them a lot more comfortable on the flight.

*Airlines regs require a separate water & food bowl to be fixed to the crate for the flight. Obviously water just gets spilt, but, if you freeze the water in the bowl before the flight. it melts slightly during the flight.

Hope that helps, a little.

HTH

[Jeraly 4]

I am taking my cat with me - I have to make sure she has a certificate of health that is dated within ten days of my travel and I can take her in the cabin with me (on certain airlines) providing her carrier is within hand luggage size requirements.

Another thing to bear in mind if you are travelling in the summer is the heat embargo - I don't know all the specifics but it is worth googling

[milimelo 4,568]

I brought our cats - they flew in cargo (never again!). Got to O'Hare, lady came to see them - didn't even look at their paperwork that I had out and ready for inspection - EU health certificate, Pet passports... She looked at the kitties and said you're good to go.

[Jeraly 4]

As I recall though you don't need a kitty passport - just a certificate of health from the vet...? Correct me if I am wrong...

[Agentes 0]

Thanks for the great replies!!! It is also nice to know I am not in this alone. I think this has been more stress than the visa itself.

Right now my wife has gotten the dog's shots and a physical. I am under the impression it was just a certificate from the vet as well, but I do not know if it needs to be translated? I read something that the shots had to be within 30 days and the airline says 10 days, so it is just as conflicting as some of the visa process.

I notice that some airlines have different regulations and different months on this "Pet Embargo". This has just completely changed our plans. You know what? I flew so much last year that I am eligible for upgrades to first class and now I have to change airlines. Ouch!

What really scares me about this whole processes is that my wife will be held up at the POE, and the dog will go round and round on the baggage claim; or they will quarantine her because the shots are too recent, and I will be stuck paying like 30-50 dollars a day.

Thanks again!!!

P.S. That freezing the water tip was excellent!

[Mononoke28 135]

If it's a small dog the dog doesn't have to go in cargo, it can just be placed by your wife's feet in a dog carrier during the flight.

Diana

[Jeraly 4]

Yes - and even if there is conflicting advice, speak to someone at the airline - at the end of the day it is their plane so what they say goes - defo do some research with different airlines

[Agentes 0]

We were hoping to squeeze her (the dog) in as a carry on, but she is just about an inch and half too big. She just fits in the carry on pet carriers, but her head is touching the top. On the 6-7 hour leg from Bogota (or Panama) I think it will be just too much to keep her cramped in there.

I think you (Jeraly) are right to just listen to the airlines. I think I will take the attitude of the visa... in the sense that I will worry about the rest after the dog is on US soil.

Looking back, I remember the last time I was at the airport the customs people rushed someone through because they had a dog. They brought the lady right to the front of the line, and sent her through quickly so they could get her dog out of the cage. This was in LA. I hope we can get the same compassionate person.

[Mononoke28 135]

That's too bad. When is your fiancée planning on traveling because that is also a factor. Airlines won't carry pets if the weather is either too cold or too hot, it is cargo after all.

Good luck with everything!

Diana

[Agentes 0]

Thanks! we will need the luck. jaja I will be happy to have them all here and just return to peace.

She is coming in April. Originally I suggested we do our homework and ship the dog on a later date, but she does not like this idea. I do not think I like it either, especially after other's are recommending the dog to be on the same flight.

I myself like COPA, but it looks like we may be going with Avianca. If I am reading these websites correctly, Avianca doesn't seem to have an embargo like the other airlines. COPA's website makes it sound like the embargo involves the airport too, but LAX tells me it is just airline specific.

Does anyone know how the cargo compartment is for pets? Is there a little special section for animals or are they thrown in like baggage?

[Mononoke28 135]

They put them with the rest of the baggage but they are handled with care (or so they say). They are in a section of their own, but yes, they are with all the other luggage. So lots of hugs and kisses are needed when they land.

Diana

[Agentes 0]

I am going to need lots of hugs and kisses when she lands too!!!! jeje

Thanks!

[FaustInAK 1]

Hello pets friends!

Well, I am really concerned about the question of travelling with pets, because I have two cats and there is no way I leave them behind when I leave France!! I have been really stressed out about this, I am afraid this could be the most terrible experience in their life, especially because I am going to Alaska, and the average trip there is 25hours .

Anyway, first thing you have to do is call the US embassy in your country. They will tell you everything you need to know about the regulations of pets there.

As far as I know, all you need for a cat or a dog is make sure they have all their vaccinations, especially the rabies: It is now mandatory in Europe to get them a passport, and I think rabies vaccine has to be less than 6 months old. Well, I am not really sure about this last part, my vet wasn't really sure about the required validity (because apparently, more and more european countries have agreed that rabies has to be done only every two years), so the best is to get the info to the Embassy.

Then, depending on which airlines you will travel with, you will want to make sure they do transport pets. Usually, the animal has to weight less than 5kg to stay with you on the plane, otherwise they are going with the luggages... Make sure you reserve your ticket a long time in advance, because they accept only a limited numbers of animals per flight. And if the animal is too young or about to give birth or in bad shape or sick, they will refuse to take them. Most of the time, all these information are on the airlines website. I personnally think the best is to call them, because unless you buy your tickets in a travel agency, I don't think it is possible to book any animal tickets on the internet.

Then, make sure that two weeks before leaving, you go to your vet to get a certificate certifying that your pet is able to travel.

I hope this helps!

Good day to all of you!

Faustine