Anyone shipped a pet (as cargo) into Chicago O'Hare airport?

[Michael Tomiak 0]

Thanks @yoda one for me - this was really helpful, as I've had the exact same question (moving form UK>US this summer). Interesting to see all the less-than-helpful responses to your original questions above. 

 

Can you please confirm which airline you flew with (was it BA? That's who I am flying with), and where from. 
I will be coming from London Heathrow to Chicago O'Hare.

I've had customs broker/agent fees estimated at almost three times the cost of yours which sees very very very high - especially as I will be at the airport to pick pick up. 
It seems astonishing that the owners can't the customs clearance and pick up ourselves, given it should be paperwork for questions I will be able to answer. 

Do you think regulations may have changed post covid? Would really helpful to know a bit more about your experience. 

Edited April 24, 2023 by Michael Tomiak

[yoda one for me 322]

1 hour ago, Michael Tomiak said:

Thanks @yoda one for me - this was really helpful, as I've had the exact same question (moving form UK>US this summer). Interesting to see all the less-than-helpful responses to your original questions above. 

 

Can you please confirm which airline you flew with (was it BA? That's who I am flying with), and where from. 
I will be coming from London Heathrow to Chicago O'Hare.

I've had customs broker/agent fees estimated at almost three times the cost of yours which sees very very very high - especially as I will be at the airport to pick pick up. 
It seems astonishing that the owners can't the customs clearance and pick up ourselves, given it should be paperwork for questions I will be able to answer. 

Do you think regulations may have changed post covid? Would really helpful to know a bit more about your experience. 

I flew separately from my dog, a week earlier, and left him with family until the shipping company collected him the day before his flight. The shipping company did fly him Heathrow to O'Hare and it was BA/British Airways.

 

The BA cargo area is quite a way from the main terminals, we drove straight there (from Wisconsin) as we weren't already at the airport. Are you renting a car? You may need to drive around the airport campus to the BA cargo area. There was a parking lot and a small indoor reception where you do the paperwork. It's not difficult, it's just a bit of a faff. There was nothing complex on the paperwork, I dont remember exactly as it was a few years ago now but I think it was all confirming ID, paperwork being correct, the ID of the dog, vaccinations docs, liability. Nothing you need to be an 'official' person to sign off on tbh. If you're on the same flight maybe they'll be accommodating and bring your pet to you? I'm not sure how that works. 

 

No idea about post-Covid changes unfortunately. The reception area wasn't busy when I picked my boy up, there were lots of people working in the office and in the back of the loading area. 

 

As a tip, bring some pet-safe sanitary wet-wipes. Doggo had (expectedly) peed on the journey and smelt a bit. There was a pee-pad in his crate but he still got some on him, bless him. We had a blanket down in the car for him anyway and then bathed him properly once we got home. Also, bring a collar and leash (sometimes they get lost if they were attached to your crate). There is green space where you can let your dog stretch their legs but it's very vehicle heavy so keep them safe on a leash.

Edited April 24, 2023 by yoda one for me