GUIDE TO: Bringing your dog to the USA

[HELP me please 17]

Hi guys,

I recently brought my dog with me to the US. I had a 24 hour flight and I flew on United Airlines. This guide is to help everyone else who may be wondering how to bring their dog to the US without the hassle of quarantine (NOTE: Hawaii will quarantine your dog regardless of how well you prepare) or a chance of your dog flying back. This may also apply to cats. I hope this helps!

Step 1: Making Sure It's What You Want

Decide whether you really want to bring your dog to the US. Prepare to spend a lot of money. Bringing a dog is not like bringing a check-in baggage. You have to think about whether or not you can take care of your dog once you get there and whether or not you are ready to go through whatever extra processes you have to go through. Keep in mind that your dog's readiness to fly is also important to consider. Some dogs go through separation anxiety and it might be turned away at the airport if it is deemed to be aggressive.

Step 2: Choosing The Right Airline Company

Choose the right airline for you. It is the next step because different airlines have different policies on flying a pet as well as different pricing. I chose United Airlines for their Petsafe program not knowing that it will be more expensive than the rest. So, I spent about 700$ to fly my 10lb dog with me. United Airlines also does not ship pets as checked baggage any longer. In some countries, you might have to contact the local office to get your pet booked.

I sent the pdf Petsafe booking form at petsafe@united.com and I was informed to contact the local office. They gave me the wrong number so be sure to double check for yourself if you are calling the right one. If you booked a flight using a travel agent, you can tell them to inform the airline you chose that you will be bringing a pet with you. They might also provide you with a list of numbers to contact. If you are in the Philippines, Rapid Cargo is the cargo company that works with United Airlines. They will send you a form once you contact them, and they will correspond with the local UA office in the country. The UA local office is very unreliable. Sometimes they won't even pick up the phone. I called to book my pet 1 week in advance and they said that everything should be set once I sent in the form I got from rapid cargo but I never heard anything from them about pricing or confirmation until I raged and called them 3-4 times 2-3 days before my flight. I called them every single day before that. They told me that they needed confirmation from Petsafe since they never got that pdf form that I sent 1 week in advance! So a tip, e-mail petsafe@united.com the pdf form you can get on their website. Then call the local office and ask for someone's email address so you can forward them the e-mail that you sent to petsafe. Be firm with them or they will just sit on their butts and do nothing.

I believe that Delta still ships pets as checked baggage and is a lot cheaper than United Airlines. You can search for that information online to check. Philippine Airlines charges 200%-300%excess baggage rate + extra 100% for additional 10kgs. I suggest not only to look at which airline will fly your pet cheaply but also try to research their quality of service when it comes to handling pets. We don't want our pooches to get treated horribly at our expense!

Step 3: Prepare Your Dog For Flying

Contact the airline company and ask for information on what they require from you if you are taking your dog. You might have to call their local office to check. You can also go on their websites for information. United Airlines and Delta airlines have forms you have to fill up to book your pet. The website will also provide you with information on whether or not they will accept the kind of dog you have. Some airlines do not take short nosed breeds for health reasons. You might also want to check the kennel size that is appropriate for the airline you chose.

United Airlines has a guide on their website on the acceptable shipping kennel sizes. Other websites also offer the same information as well as the type of acceptable kennels. The dog must be able to move freely inside the kennel. For my 10lb dog, I bought a 27x20x19 kennel. You will also need to buy food bowls you can attach inside the kennel. You can even watch videos on youtube on how to prepare your dog for a flight.

The biggest thing you have to do to prepare is to get your pet accustomed to the kennel and being by itself. You don't want your dog barking the entire time it's inside the crate especially once you are at the airport as it might get turned away. Do this at least 1 month in advance. My dog learned pretty quickly. I placed snacks in there and fed her there. You might want to include a t-shirt you slept in inside the kennel so your dog can smell you even when you are away and feel comforted by it. That's what I did. I also brought a calming collar for my dog.

Step 4: Country Requirements

You need to get health certificates, vaccination card and perhaps an exit/export permit from your country. It depends on your country. For the Philippines those are the things we need to ship a pet out of the country. The US requires to see Health Certificates and Vaccination cards proving that your dog is free of rabies and swineworm infection. Take note that the Certificate is only valid for 10 days and that is why this is step 4. While you are getting your dog accustomed to its kennel, you can work on getting the vaccination card from your vet and then get the health certificate at most 5 days before your flight to make room for changes. Don't do it too early because the count starts from the date that is stamped on your health certificate. So if your flight leaves on the 10th of the month don't get the certificate on the 1st day of the month.

Step 5: Final Step

Once you have confirmed that your pet has been booked, the kennel well prepared and the certificates, export permits, vaccination cards have been acquired, then you are ready to take your pet to the US. Bring your dog to the cargo bay or the airport, whichever one applies, pay the fee and say goodbye.

OH! Walk your dog for at least an hour beforehand. Get rid of all its excess energy before the flight so that they just lay down and sleep in the kennel and make less of a fuss when you leave.

I hope that this guide helps everyone interested in bringing their dogs with them to the US! Bon Voyage!

Edited October 22, 2012 by AL & JM

[mikey and lizzie 0]

hi im flying my dog to the US as well.. my dog is a mini pincher.. he may be small but overweight.. did u bring him with in the cabin or as cargo? how much did it cost?

[HELP me please 17]

hi im flying my dog to the US as well.. my dog is a mini pincher.. he may be small but overweight.. did u bring him with in the cabin or as cargo? how much did it cost?

Hi Mikey and Lizzie,

First of all, you can only fly your dog in cabin if it's kennel is small enough to fit under the seat. I think that as long as it is around 10lbs or less, it can fly in cabin. Which airline are you using to ship your pet? and if you are flying to Hawaii there is no way your dog can fly in cabin. I dropped my dog off at the cargo bay and she flew as cargo. She was too big to fit in cabin, and none of the planes I flew on accommodated dogs in cabin. Since I used United Airlines, I paid about 700$ to take my dog with me. United Airlines does charge a bit more because of their Petsafe program. If you want to save money, I recommend using a different airline. Try Delta. If you need anymore help or advice let me know =).

Goodluck!

[mikey and lizzie 0]

Hi Mikey and Lizzie,

First of all, you can only fly your dog in cabin if it's kennel is small enough to fit under the seat. I think that as long as it is around 10lbs or less, it can fly in cabin. Which airline are you using to ship your pet? and if you are flying to Hawaii there is no way your dog can fly in cabin. I dropped my dog off at the cargo bay and she flew as cargo. She was too big to fit in cabin, and none of the planes I flew on accommodated dogs in cabin. Since I used United Airlines, I paid about 700$ to take my dog with me. United Airlines does charge a bit more because of their Petsafe program. If you want to save money, I recommend using a different airline. Try Delta. If you need anymore help or advice let me know =).

Goodluck!

[mikey and lizzie 0]

Hi AL & JM.. thanks for the reply, I'm flying through Delta Air.. going from Manila to New York...he is a small dog but 10 lbs heavy so I can't fly him with me in the cabin, I believe it'll cost US$200 in Delta... He just had his rabies shots plus the 5 in 1 vaccine for dogs.. regarding rabies shots, can i still use that even if my flight will be on Dec? I'm confused because it says that the dog should have his shot 30 days before my scheduled flight...

[mikey and lizzie 0]

The US$700 that they charge you was that the minimum or it depends on the dog's weight?

[HELP me please 17]

Hi AL & JM.. thanks for the reply, I'm flying through Delta Air.. going from Manila to New York...he is a small dog but 10 lbs heavy so I can't fly him with me in the cabin, I believe it'll cost US$200 in Delta... He just had his rabies shots plus the 5 in 1 vaccine for dogs.. regarding rabies shots, can i still use that even if my flight will be on Dec? I'm confused because it says that the dog should have his shot 30 days before my scheduled flight...

WOW! Just 200$? that's cheap compared to the fare I had to pay. Well, as far as vaccines go you should be able to take your dog with you since your dog is getting the shot more than 30days prior the flight. The 700$ was based on weight,taxes and handling fees.

[mikey and lizzie 0]

WOW! Just 200$? that's cheap compared to the fare I had to pay. Well, as far as vaccines go you should be able to take your dog with you since your dog is getting the shot more than 30days prior the flight. The 700$ was based on weight,taxes and handling fees.

[mikey and lizzie 0]

Hi Al & JM.. Well, that is what it says in Delta, I still dont know the total amount of shipping and other charges.. What is the breed of your dog? So everything's good for the rabies shots right?

[mikey and lizzie 0]

Hi Al & JM.. Well, that is what it says in Delta, I still dont know the total amount of shipping and other charges.. What is the breed of your dog? So everything's good for the rabies shots right?

[HELP me please 17]

Hi Al & JM.. Well, that is what it says in Delta, I still dont know the total amount of shipping and other charges.. What is the breed of your dog? So everything's good for the rabies shots right?

Yes, you should be good with rabies shot. Well if Delta will fly your pet for 200$ then that's good! But be sure to contact the local office. I actually have the contact information for the Delta Cargo company.

Toni Michelle L. Santiago

--------------------------------------------------------

GGB Building Pascor Drive, Paranaque City

DL: +632-852-7360

TL: +632-852-7357 ext.170

Fax: +632-854-1286

Please visit us at www.airspeed.com.ph

I contacted them as well when I thought United Airlines wasn't gunna be able to book my pet. I have an e-mail from her, if you want I can forward it to you. Hopefully, your experience will be better than mine. Toni replies quite fast. She seems reliable.

My dog is a half pomeranian half spitz.

Edited October 23, 2012 by AL & JM

[mikey and lizzie 0]

Yes, you should be good with rabies shot. Well if Delta will fly your pet for 200$ then that's good! But be sure to contact the local office. I actually have the contact information for the Delta Cargo company.

Toni Michelle L. Santiago

--------------------------------------------------------

GGB Building Pascor Drive, Paranaque City

DL: +632-852-7360

TL: +632-852-7357 ext.170

Fax: +632-854-1286

Please visit us at www.airspeed.com.ph

I contacted them as well when I thought United Airlines wasn't gunna be able to book my pet. I have an e-mail from her, if you want I can forward it to you. Hopefully, your experience will be better than mine. Toni replies quite fast. She seems reliable.

My dog is a half pomeranian half spitz.

[mikey and lizzie 0]

Hi AL & JM... Wow thank u so much for the much needed info I really appreciate it much!! One last thing, after the shot, vet certificate do I need to go to the Bureau of Animal Industry for a permit? Once I am in the states, what documents do I need to show the US immigration so I could get my dog? I'm really so glad to have met u here.. Im so worried about my dog.. many thanks to u!

[kintu 4]

Hi guys,

I recently brought my dog with me to the US. I had a 24 hour flight and I flew on United Airlines. This guide is to help everyone else who may be wondering how to bring their dog to the US without the hassle of quarantine (NOTE: Hawaii will quarantine your dog regardless of how well you prepare) or a chance of your dog flying back. This may also apply to cats. I hope this helps!

Step 1: Making Sure It's What You Want

Decide whether you really want to bring your dog to the US. Prepare to spend a lot of money. Bringing a dog is not like bringing a check-in baggage. You have to think about whether or not you can take care of your dog once you get there and whether or not you are ready to go through whatever extra processes you have to go through. Keep in mind that your dog's readiness to fly is also important to consider. Some dogs go through separation anxiety and it might be turned away at the airport if it is deemed to be aggressive.

Step 2: Choosing The Right Airline Company

Choose the right airline for you. It is the next step because different airlines have different policies on flying a pet as well as different pricing. I chose United Airlines for their Petsafe program not knowing that it will be more expensive than the rest. So, I spent about 700$ to fly my 10lb dog with me. United Airlines also does not ship pets as checked baggage any longer. In some countries, you might have to contact the local office to get your pet booked.

I sent the pdf Petsafe booking form at petsafe@united.com and I was informed to contact the local office. They gave me the wrong number so be sure to double check for yourself if you are calling the right one. If you booked a flight using a travel agent, you can tell them to inform the airline you chose that you will be bringing a pet with you. They might also provide you with a list of numbers to contact. If you are in the Philippines, Rapid Cargo is the cargo company that works with United Airlines. They will send you a form once you contact them, and they will correspond with the local UA office in the country. The UA local office is very unreliable. Sometimes they won't even pick up the phone. I called to book my pet 1 week in advance and they said that everything should be set once I sent in the form I got from rapid cargo but I never heard anything from them about pricing or confirmation until I raged and called them 3-4 times 2-3 days before my flight. I called them every single day before that. They told me that they needed confirmation from Petsafe since they never got that pdf form that I sent 1 week in advance! So a tip, e-mail petsafe@united.com the pdf form you can get on their website. Then call the local office and ask for someone's email address so you can forward them the e-mail that you sent to petsafe. Be firm with them or they will just sit on their butts and do nothing.

I believe that Delta still ships pets as checked baggage and is a lot cheaper than United Airlines. You can search for that information online to check. Philippine Airlines charges 200%-300%excess baggage rate + extra 100% for additional 10kgs. I suggest not only to look at which airline will fly your pet cheaply but also try to research their quality of service when it comes to handling pets. We don't want our pooches to get treated horribly at our expense!

Step 3: Prepare Your Dog For Flying

Contact the airline company and ask for information on what they require from you if you are taking your dog. You might have to call their local office to check. You can also go on their websites for information. United Airlines and Delta airlines have forms you have to fill up to book your pet. The website will also provide you with information on whether or not they will accept the kind of dog you have. Some airlines do not take short nosed breeds for health reasons. You might also want to check the kennel size that is appropriate for the airline you chose.

United Airlines has a guide on their website on the acceptable shipping kennel sizes. Other websites also offer the same information as well as the type of acceptable kennels. The dog must be able to move freely inside the kennel. For my 10lb dog, I bought a 27x20x19 kennel. You will also need to buy food bowls you can attach inside the kennel. You can even watch videos on youtube on how to prepare your dog for a flight.

The biggest thing you have to do to prepare is to get your pet accustomed to the kennel and being by itself. You don't want your dog barking the entire time it's inside the crate especially once you are at the airport as it might get turned away. Do this at least 1 month in advance. My dog learned pretty quickly. I placed snacks in there and fed her there. You might want to include a t-shirt you slept in inside the kennel so your dog can smell you even when you are away and feel comforted by it. That's what I did. I also brought a calming collar for my dog.

Step 4: Country Requirements

You need to get health certificates, vaccination card and perhaps an exit/export permit from your country. It depends on your country. For the Philippines those are the things we need to ship a pet out of the country. The US requires to see Health Certificates and Vaccination cards proving that your dog is free of rabies and swineworm infection. Take note that the Certificate is only valid for 10 days and that is why this is step 4. While you are getting your dog accustomed to its kennel, you can work on getting the vaccination card from your vet and then get the health certificate at most 5 days before your flight to make room for changes. Don't do it too early because the count starts from the date that is stamped on your health certificate. So if your flight leaves on the 10th of the month don't get the certificate on the 1st day of the month.

Step 5: Final Step

Once you have confirmed that your pet has been booked, the kennel well prepared and the certificates, export permits, vaccination cards have been acquired, then you are ready to take your pet to the US. Bring your dog to the cargo bay or the airport, whichever one applies, pay the fee and say goodbye.

OH! Walk your dog for at least an hour beforehand. Get rid of all its excess energy before the flight so that they just lay down and sleep in the kennel and make less of a fuss when you leave.

I hope that this guide helps everyone interested in bringing their dogs with them to the US! Bon Voyage!

awesome job !

[HELP me please 17]

awesome job !

Thank you =)