Taking pets back to US?

Hi just a quick question.

Has anyone had any pets that they took back to the states with them?

If so, how did that all work?

Thanks -
Liza

some friends of ours moved to the US from england last year with 2 dogs.

they said they didn't need to do much other than reporting it somewhere as taking pets to the US was a whole lot easier than vice versa, shot-wise, anyway.

their main problem was that they had to rent for a few months in the US so couldn't bring them along straight away.  once they bought a home they had the dogs sent by plane (check with the airlines regarding cage size for travel for your dog).  the dogs also had to be tranquilized for the flight but they are now happy, safe and sound with them in NJ.

hope this helps some.

Hi Islandgirl -

Thanks for the advice.  We are trying to gather as much informatiion as possible before we make any final decisions about going back or not.  

From what I can see here, it alot more difficult to go home than it was to come here in the first place.  Nightmares reign supreme in this senario.

If we do go we have a cat that we want to take with us.  I can't even consider leaving him behind he bas become such a big part of our lives now.  So we basically want to do the best we can by him when and if the time comes.

Thanks again!
Liza

I know this thread was last posted on a long time ago but I thought Id share the information that Ive gathered in prep for moving my 2 cats to the US with me and my husband.

The cats are UK Natives and therefore have never been in a country exposed to Rabies. They both had to have rabies vaccinations and althought I dont believe that US Customs requires certificates to verify rabies immunity, we've had the blood tests done and certificates ordered to be on the safe side.

For cats, the only US Customs requirements that exisit are that upon landing the cat must be checked by a vet acting on behalf of US Customs, this is done at the airport, and that the cat must appear to be free of infectious disease and in good health.

Texas state Zoonosis division requires all animals to be rabies vaccinated. You can find your particular states requirements on the state website. They may be different for every state. Texas requires animals who are new to the state/country to have been rabies vaccinated no less than 30 days but no more than 12 months before arrival in Texas.

Pets can travel into the united states accompanied in Cargo, accompanied in cabin (some airlines only), or unaccompanied in Cargo. Companies like Air Pets, who are based in the UK, can arrange for your pets travel including all supporting documents and a travel container.

Martin and I have decided not to go with a company to transport our cats simply because the cost was to high for us. Instead we have decided to fly with our cats in cabin with Delta.

Very few airlines allow transatlantic flights with animals in cabin. Delta, Air Canada, North West and KLM offer this option however you must book early in advance if you wish to take advantage of it. Only two animals are allowed inside the plane at one time and they must meet certain weight and size requirements - ie the must fit in a container under the seat in front of you. We've decided to use Sherpa Bags to carry our cats. My mother recently purchased a Sherpa bag for her dog and said that it was of fantastic quality. You can find them in the UK at a VERY decent price in comparison with other importers at www.petplanet.co.uk.

For people who wish to travel with their pets in cargo, or have them sent unaccompanied by plane, there are a few guidelines that should be followed. The container should be sturdy and strong without wheels so that the container does not run the risk of being crushed by accidently dislodged containers and so that it does not flip over. The animal should be able to stand and turn around inside the container.

Pets going via cargo are placed in a pressureized, temperature controled cargo bay, apart from general luggage.

Air Pets can have containers custom made for air transit according to your needs. For example, its cheaper to have a container made with a divide to contain two small dogs or cats seperatly but in one box. The fees for transporting a container of this sort are half.

If youre sending a pet by cargo be aware that there will be fees inccured - expect an extra baggage fee and also a cargo transport fee. People traveling with their pets incabin will also encounter a fee - I believe its $75 per pet. Im not sure if your pet carrier counts towards your baggage limit in this case.

You should always carry a picture of your pet on you incase your pet escapes from its container, god forbid, and gets lost. You should also carry your pets MicroChip information (MicroChips arent required in the US) and medical reccords in your hand luggage.

The US Customs website has a lot of information that you might find helpful in traveling with your pets, including pre-flight watering and feeding information.

Regardless of what container your pet will be traveling in you should get it well in adavnce of your flight and leave it out in an open area to allow your pet to get used to it. Put a warm familiar blanket inside and encourage your pet to use it as a bed. Once it is familar with the container your pet will feel safe and sound when traveling.

Most airlines, regardless of method of transport, require health certificates for each traveling animal. These certificates can be obtained from your vet and usually should be done 10 days or less before the day of travel. Generally it is just a letter that states the pet is fit for air travel.

I hope this information has been helpful to anyone traveling with pets from the UK to the US. If you have any questions please send me a message and Id be happy to try and help.

Best Wishes,
Sarah

 Just a point missed, we had no problems bringing over our doberman to the states.    The main concern of the airlines was that the animal arrived into the states and off an aircraft before a certain temp was reached outside.    So this meant we had to fly at night so arriving in Chicago before 11 am and the heat wasnt above the limit.     After arrival and picking up a hire car it was then round to the freight section on the other side of the airport to collect the dog.   I also remember having to pay a further $20 to get her released from customs there.

Thats for that fantastic information!!