Pets Travelling on K1 Visa - a few questions

[kandikandi 31]

Hi fellow pet parents,

I am applying for the K1 visa to join my US fiance in Houston. We are currently awaiting our NOA2, but I'm trying to start the process on my end to get my doggy ready. I plan on taking her with me when I go to Houston on the K1, whenever its approved - hopefully sooner than later!

I am familiar with the vaccination and other requirements for her to travel, but I have a few questions for those who may have done this before on the K1:

1) Is it risky to take my doggy on my K1 flight - would having her when I land complicate the POE process for me? Should she be sent beforehand or should she be sent to me in Houston after I've gotten there? Is there a recommended way to handle this?

2) I am a little unclear about what they do when pets land - I think there should be a vet at the airport to check the paperwork, examine them and clear them? Also, with all the requirements met, I would like to be sure that no quarantine is necessary and I can take my dog home with me. (I ask because in Trinidad, quarantine seems to be mandatory when pets land, regardless of if all of their vaccination requirements are met or not. I hope this is not the case in the US).

3) I understand that at the POE when you arrive on K1, it takes quite a while before exiting the terminal because they have to basically question you a little first and it can take 1-2 hours to wait to be seen by the authorities. This alone makes me nervous for my frightened doggy waiting unclaimed. United Airlines seems to have a good PetSmart program...I was wondering if anyone had any experience with them. At this point I am contemplating having my fiance come to Trinidad before the K1 trip to accompany us back to Houston, just so he could perhaps move ahead of me when we land to collect the doggy and keep her til I get out of the terminal.

As a pet parent this entire thing is so scary - Im worried enough about my own process at POE so I would love to be put at ease about my pet's process at least! The flight over will be scary enough for her (and she can get skittish) so I am really trying to make the crossover as easy for us as possible. I would LOVE to hear from anyone who has experience bringing their pets over to the US on their K1 flight. Thanks!!

[HYVS 1]

Im taking 2 dogs and i am preparing eversince i met my fiance...and now we are close. ..to flying out...i researched a lot a lot and once i even contemplsted on taking a charter...its crazy to be a pet parent...here is my research

Neuter or spay is must unless u want to pay high licences fees in usa

Microchip (must for india not for usa) but is helpful

Rabies shot unless u are travelling from rabies free country

Screw worm treatment potty test reports to prove that the dog is worm free

Health certificate from licensed vet

Noc from india quarntine office

Updated health record and vaccination card

Flying luftansa..its very expensive but they are the best in dog care

Crate train dogs two months in advance. .

I'm also curious about the questions u have asked but i have no idea on how n wjat happens st poe..

Im travelling in same flight as my gogs because thats cheaper and i feel better that way...

It needs a lot of calls reading and research. .all in all effort to do this but it's better than..leaving them behind

[HYVS 1]

There is no quarntine in usa..usa is the best Country to get dog. .one day quarntine if dog looks sick

..

Im curious to know what will happen when we reach seattle airport. .how and when my dogs arrive...if anyone knows please let us know

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

~ Moved from K-1 Process to Working & Traveling During US Immigration - topic is traveling with pets ~

[baron555 934]

1) Is it risky to take my doggy on my K1 flight - would having her when I land complicate the POE process for me?

No

Should she be sent beforehand or should she be sent to me in Houston after I've gotten there? Is there a recommended way to handle this?

My wife brought her dog when she first came over. Last year she brought back two puppies.

2) I am a little unclear about what they do when pets land - I think there should be a vet at the airport to check the paperwork, examine them and clear them? Also, with all the requirements met, I would like to be sure that no quarantine is necessary and I can take my dog home with me. (I ask because in Trinidad, quarantine seems to be mandatory when pets land, regardless of if all of their vaccination requirements are met or not. I hope this is not the case in the US).

They are "quarantined" at your US residence for 30 days. During this time you should have them examined by a local vet.

3) I understand that at the POE when you arrive on K1, it takes quite a while before exiting the terminal because they have to basically question you a little first and it can take 1-2 hours to wait to be seen by the authorities. This alone makes me nervous for my frightened doggy waiting unclaimed. United Airlines seems to have a good PetSmart program...I was wondering if anyone had any experience with them.

My wife travelled from Russia to the US and the overall time was 15 hours. I think they can make the trip from your country also.

At this point I am contemplating having my fiance come to Trinidad before the K1 trip to accompany us back to Houston, just so he could perhaps move ahead of me when we land to collect the doggy and keep her til I get out of the terminal.

Either or.

As a pet parent this entire thing is so scary - Im worried enough about my own process at POE so I would love to be put at ease about my pet's process at least! The flight over will be scary enough for her (and she can get skittish) so I am really trying to make the crossover as easy for us as possible. I would LOVE to hear from anyone who has experience bringing their pets over to the US on their K1 flight. Thanks!!

Many airlines will not ship certain dogs in the cargo hold. Many have weight/size restriction on what can be brought on board as carry on. Many will not ship in certain weather (hot months).

[kandikandi 31]

Thank you baron555!

The trip from Trinidad to Houston is 5.5 hours nonstop direct on United Airlines. Wow @ 15 hrs for your wife's dogs....if they were okay then my girl should be too.

I've already contacted United and they are fine with shipping her in the cargo hold. She is a small dog but not small enough to fit under a plane seat (one of their requirements) so into cargo she goes.

Thanks for your responses!!! If anyone else has any specific experience with United Airlines PetSmart please let me know!

[HYVS 1]

5.5 hrs! There is nothing to worry. .

Im taking 23 hrs flight with one hour lsyover

[TNJ17 1,329]

I’m following this thread. Traveling with a cat. 

[TBoneTX 45,291]

This thread is 19 months old, and there might be newer ones to consult.