Multiple trips to move to Washington

[Megnme 0]

I will be moving from central BC to King County mid Oct - Wahooo!!! I've downsized a lot, but my move will still involve at least 2 trips as I am bringing my 3 horses with me.

I'm hoping that I will be allowed to cross the border once without endorsing my visa, so that I can go back for my horses a week or so later and endorse it at that time. Otherwise, does anyone know if my fiance can cross with my belongings and then come back with the horse trailer for me and the critters?

I would love to hear of anyone else's similar experience.

I don't think importing the horses is too complicated, but I'm also considering bringing some sheep. Would that be a bahhd idea?

[hikergirl 277]

I will be moving from central BC to King County mid Oct - Wahooo!!! I've downsized a lot, but my move will still involve at least 2 trips as I am bringing my 3 horses with me.

I'm hoping that I will be allowed to cross the border once without endorsing my visa, so that I can go back for my horses a week or so later and endorse it at that time. Otherwise, does anyone know if my fiance can cross with my belongings and then come back with the horse trailer for me and the critters?

I would love to hear of anyone else's similar experience.

I don't think importing the horses is too complicated, but I'm also considering bringing some sheep. Would that be a bahhd idea?

I found some regulations for importing live animals across the border. It has both sheep and equine: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/live_animals.shtml

I hope this is of help to you.

Edited September 4, 2011 by hikergirl

[hikergirl 277]

Found a WA state site also, since apparently there are state specific requirements as well: http://agr.wa.gov/foodanimal/animalhealth/

I was looking ahead for my little kitty once I saw your question and I thought I'd see what I could locate for you at the same time.

[Flames9_RN 358]

With ur k1 visa as you know it is a 1 time entry. Yes others have entered the USA on a k1 and not had the POE officer "activate" it, but they were just visiting and NOT moving their belongings down with them, which you plan to do. So that may be where ur hurdle/problem is. Of course it is up to the POE officer. If you had someone else that could bring them down, would be a better option, not sure if a form 3299 (Declaration of Unaccompanied goods, ur animals) would cover that--plus any of the vetvhealth paperwork! For cats and dogs 99% of the time they don't even look at the paperwork, but could be a different story for horses and sheep. Good luck

[bigdog 376]

Read US and State requirements for importation of livestock. You time line and information is not complete. If you are K1 one entry i believe even from Canada, if your leave before AOS or without an AP you forfeit the K1. Canada to Us easier than from Mexico. I would assume Coggins and heath certificate for horses, sheep similar as a local vet.

Edited September 4, 2011 by bigdog

[Kathryn41 3,205]

You will not be able to do multiple entries with a K-1. You may have to wait to bring the horses or have someone else transport them for you if you are not able to bring all 3 at once. If you bring the horses with you there are veterinary requirements and you may be asked to wait for a veterinary to examine the horses even at the border so be sure to cross during regular business hours as it will be along wait otherwise. Make sure the POE is a main one that will have access to a vet on call (they are not stationed at the border). You may or may not require a veterinary examination at the border - it is up to the border authority to determine if it is appropriate.

The real catch is that you will not be allowed to bring in any of your personal property - which will include horses -until you yourself have been allowed to enter the US on the visa. Since there are no grounds for the importation of livestock until you are established, you cannot bring in the horses. You may wish to transfer ownership of one or two of the horses to your fiance then he would be importing his own property - but he may be liable to pay duty on their value - I am not sure about that.

If you are not able to bring them all when you relocate yourself, then you will have to wait until you either have your green card or your advanced parole in order to go back and get them - or have someone else transport the horse(s) for you after you move. You could meet up with them at the border if necessary.

Other than that do read up on the requirements for importing horses for both the US and your state.

Good luck!

[Megnme 0]

Thanks everyone for your replies and advice. Looks like the hard part will be deciding and organizing the timing of moving everything. Lots of options, tho; just might have to compromise a bit on how I'd like to get it done. Oh well, as long as I get there!!