6 months...

I have a rather dumb sounding question, not a totally unusual event for me...

It relates to my dawwg, who is currently in her 6 month wait status, having met the required steps, and the USDA having signed off.

Now, the dumb bit, when is 6 months, 6 months?

I know, I know but she had the bloods taken on the 2nd November 2006, from my understanding that means she can fly (after tick/flea) on the 2nd May... 6 calendar months later.

If anyone thinks I am calculating this incorrectly, please let me know.

Many thanks

Mick

That's correct.  She can come over 6 months after the blood draw.

Yes, she could fly as soon as May 2.

Oh, but one other thing...the USDA cannot sign off on the form until no sooner then 10 days before travel.  The form is only good for 10 days when travelling overseas.

What?

Omg... I was just logging on to thank you for the advice on the timing, 2nd of May being the target and I saw the USDA comment...

"10 days before flight"

I spoke to the USDA vet when I submitted the paperwork and though I can't recall the exact timing it was something like 4 months that I was told, I even held back a little, the only thing left being the normal vet to certify 24/48 hours before that the flea/tick is done.

How can the USDA be so widely out from what you are saying, I am, as if worrying about the forthcoming NY visa process for my family wasn't enough, now in full blown panic mode again, sigh.

I believe there are two sets of forms.  The USDA form and the UK PETS form.  The PETS form is valid for a long time (maybe 4 months can't remember), if you can find a vet who will fill it out for you.  The USDA form APHIS-7001 or something, is only valid for 10 days.  Many of us had vets who would not fill the forms out separately and we ended up sending the PETS and USDA forms off for approval at the state USDA office 10 or fewer days prior to our flight. 

To further seek clarification on this...

Local vet micro-chipped
Local vet did rabies shot
Local vet sent bloods to Kansas
Local vet signed off on all that he could bar flea/tick

USDA signed and put seal on paperwork

Local vet to complete balance 24 to 48 hours before flight.

Can I just clarify, given the USDA may have been mistaken when advising me that I had so long after they had signed it, if;

The 10 days you refer to is a USDA requirement

or

A health check by the normal vet required by some airlines in the prev 10 days.


.....

I am 100% sure you know far more about this than me, so forgive me for the repetitive questions!!

Mick

Carrie et al...

The form stamped by the USDA and my vet, I just pulled it out, reads as follow's;

'Official Journal of the European Union'
3.12.2004

3 pages.

Final page carries guidance notes in which it states,

"The certificate is valid for 4 months after signature by the official veterinarian"

I presume therefore, we have the 4 months form.

Can I start breathing again?

Just make sure that you make an appointment with your vet 10 days from your flying date to get the USDA fit-to-fly form.  Not sure what it's called, but your vet will know.

Ok, so if I understand that correctly, I now just need my local vets input, general health check, flea/tick and no more USDA vet involvement?

All of my paperwork is at home and I'm in the office right now, but I know that I had to send the USDA Aphis (fit-to-fly) form with my PETS form to the USDA state office.  I will check tonight to see if the USDA state vet stamped the Aphis form.  I should be able to let you know by 7 or 8 tonight, if no one else answers you first.

Thanks Carrie,

This just feels like 1 step forward, 20 back, I'm getting quite overwhelmed by it all.

Have a good afternoon,

Mick

Thanks Carrie,

This just feels like 1 step forward, 20 back, I'm getting quite overwhelmed by it all.

Have a good afternoon,

Mick

If your experience is anything like mine (and a lot of people on here) be prepared for that feeling to last until you safely have them in your arms and out of Animal Reception.  I had to argue with my vet to get him to fill in the paperwork completely.  The guy at Continental said "You won't believe the number of people we turn away for paperwork problems." 

Just keep double and triple checking everything.  It's worth it in the end.

Your USDA vet should know what they're talking about.  That's their job.  I used the one in Annapolis Maryland and they were fantastic.  I was annoyed with myself that I hadn't called them for advice from the very beginning.  Don't trust your regular vet.  While they may be very nice and helpful, there's a good chance they have no clue what's going on (this coming from experience).  If I were in your position and needed peace of mind, I'd call the USDA vet, tell them the date you're travelling, and verify your form will still be valid.  It is SUCH a stressful thing getting them ready!  Good luck!

Ok, I shipped my two cats and dog in September 2006.  We went to see the vet 9 days before the flight to get the health certificate and PETS form filled out. 

The vet said that the health certificate would only be valid for 10 days, and I had read that in multiple places online as well.  Now that it is sitting in front of me, I notice it says "This certificate is valid for 30 days after issuance".  Not sure what's up with that. 

The certificate is the APHIS Form 2001 (Aug 1994), United State Interstate and International Certificate of Health Examination for Small Animals.  It is 6 carbon-copy sheets thick.  All three animals are on the same form.  It was filled out and signed by the USDA licensed vet at our practice.  I then sent it, along with the PETS forms, to the NY State USDA vet.  The State vet completed the Endorsement for International Export.  In that section, the form states "WARNING: International shipments require certification by an accredited veterinarian."  This section is signed and it has the raised seal/stamp.

All that is to say that state USDA vet approval 10 days or fewer prior to flying was a requirement in September 2006. 

I second Bmore's recommendation - give your state vet another call and find out what you need to do and how far in advance you can do it.  Good luck.  And make sure that you stay on top of things.