Traveling with dog

[fantonledzepp 159]

Hey guys, for our upcoming religious wedding, we are planning on being away for 20 days in Ecuador. A lot of family and all my friends will be traveling to Ecuador from the US and our options for dog sitters are very limited.

We are strongly considering traveling with our dog. But I'm worried about him being allowed back in by CBP. I read the FAQs, and there is one thing that concerns me, Ecuador is in the grayed out area in the PDF that says areas affected with "screwworm". Has anybody ever dealt with this? I'm just worried that he'll be infected and that he'll be quarantined upon arrival.

Any tips? Thanks.

[TBoneTX 45,288]

Look for "dog spas" or similar places that board pets. Sometimes, veterinarians' offices do this. Not cheap, but reliable, arf man.

[fantonledzepp 159]

Yea, we've considered those, but we're looking at $1,500 for all three animals, approximately (we have two cats also). If I can get a coworker to come over and feed the cats, they can stay at home. We're trying to lessen this gigantic expense.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Look for pet sitters, they come to your home and fed the animals

[TBoneTX 45,288]

Take the cats to Ecu, where they might be eaten, according to Mrs. T-B.

N or B is right: I've used a pet-sitter who charged $19 for a 45-minute visit daily. Beats $1,500.

[SennaBrigante 92]

http://www.rover.com/

[fantonledzepp 159]

So it seems like the general consensus is to leave the dog. Why is that? Is it really that much of a hassle at CBP?

[TBoneTX 45,288]

Call CBP at what would be your POE airport. Ask for clarification of the rules. Meanwhile, see if vet can vaccinate Bowser against screwworm and provide a certificate for same, si man.

[fantonledzepp 159]

I'll do that. Hopefully I get someone who knows what they're talking about. There are always "geniuses" that somehow defied the hiring process.

[TBoneTX 45,288]

If you get a genius, ask for the Shift Supervisor... or call back on another day at another time.

[spookyturtle 9,465]

If your dog has a K-9 visa CBP will not be an issue.

[TBoneTX 45,288]

They're born with those...

[SennaBrigante 92]

Well if you're worried about expenses, I would imagine that flying a dog would be pretty pricey too, especially if doggy will need to be tested/quarantined coming into the US. Is your dog small? Check with your airline if they allow dogs in-cabin. I for one am very paranoid about placing dogs in cargo. I have a friend who wasn't allowed to carry her shih tzu in-cabin and the airline lost it. I don't know what I would do if I lost my dogs.

I have read a blog entry about a couple from Norway who traveled to NYC with their dachshund with no problems. The dog was allowed to fly in-cabin. But that's Norway though. I heard it's harder to do this when a third world country is involved. I will try to look for that article.

I don't think there's a vaccine against screwworm. You will have to get your dog checked for screwworm infection within 5 days of entering the US so you won't have to pay for CBP testing your dog and potentially having to quarantine him.

[NickD 202]

Well its been a few years, was shipping German Shepherd dames to Germany for breeding. From St. Paul, was something like 240 bucks round trip with an approved kennel and shot records from a vet. Haven't checked recently, but kind of noticed airline rates have gone up a little.

You are in the US and can't find a decent kennel that will house your dog? Sure have plenty around here in central Wisconsin. We found a nice one for twenty bucks a day. Kennel owner even sent videos to my wife to let her know her baby was okay. We supplied our own food, his bowls, and toys. Did you google this?

Depending on where you are staying, may be a pure burden to bring your dog along.

[fantonledzepp 159]

Thanks you for the responses. I'll call CBP and see what they tell me.

The airline that we'll be flying doesn't charge much for the dog.

Edited February 18, 2014 by fantonledzepp