Moving dog back to US- few questions

Hi everyone,

We will be moving our dogs back to the US soon.  I've contacted the airlines for a reservation and everything.  When we asked what else needs to be done they said "just bring them in with the rest of your luggage".  I'm just wondering if anyone has flown there pet another time and what sorts of tips you might have (ie labeling the kennel, how to get them in the airport, etc).  The only time I did this was under PETS-- I'm not used to the "simple way"

Thanks-- oh, forgot to ad we are flying direct from Manchester to Chicago on AA.

I flew back to the U.S. about a month ago with one of my cats. I flew there and back and neither direction was I able to "just bring him in with my luggage"
He had to go out to some cargo area.And I had to go pick him up there as well.

I flew British Airways.I  assume that Manchester has some kind of animal reception center ,like Heathrow does. They should be able to tell you for sure ,where to bring your dog.

As for labeling the crate, I put a picture of my cat on there that said"I'm Cavuto and I'm very friendly." Also a few "live animal stickers" and the food and water bowls . I think that was all. Oh, I also used zip ties to secure the door so it could not come open.

It's much easier than GOING to the UK.

                             Good luck!

We asked the airline (twice) -- we are going with american-- and they said just to bring them inside when we check in.  Thats probably what threw me off the most because I know they need to wait someplace-- I can see them just going back with the luggage- haha.  Did you just put your name and address and things on the crate??  We will be getting to the airport extra early but will also have a 9 month old so the more I can do ahead the better for my mental health- haha.

Thanks for the tips

I flew BA back to the US and I had to take him to the BA World Cargo place and drop him off there. Had to have letter from vet saying he was ok to travel. Also updated rabies vaccine (usually not an issue for those of us from the US).

He was flying ahead of us so my mom was picking him up. I had to fax her everything that customs would need to release him. She had to go to customs, obtain release clearance for him and then go to BA World Cargo in Atlanta and pick him up.

We are flying Manchester to Chicago on American airlines.  They are flying with us as excess baggage.  I wonder if they are taken to the cargo area once we get there.  Like I said we asked the airline twice and they said just to bring them to the counter with us.  I will get the letter from the vet the week before we go.  Also will get some ties for the kennels.  I was going to attach some food to the top in bags if I can as well.  I also like the idea of their photos.

Yes, I put a regular luggage tag on the handle of the crates with our names and address. But that info is also on the paperwork , which they taped to the crate.

                     

I'm in a similar boat and just starting to look at what we need to do...When we moved from Bosnia to the UK, the dog needed every vaccination known to man, was quarantined in the US for months, and finally was allowed in country.  Is it really just a matter of going to the vet, getting this "fit to fly" letter, and bringing her with our luggage?

If I remember, flying her into the US from Bosnia was no prob.  We were just waved on through.  If there's some vaccination to get her out of the UK, I'm more worried about that and getting her pet passport up to date.

fit to fly letter and up to date rabies vaccination. Its actually the CDC that has the rabies requirement:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/animal_import/animal_imports_pets.shtml

Though from the UK you may be able to skip the rabies vax:
In general, they require that dogs be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days prior to entry, except for puppies younger than 3 months and dogs originated or located for 6 months in areas considered to be free of rabies.

However you'll need it in the US so getting it is just one less potential hassle.

Not all states need rabies vacs for cats - Maryland doesn't and we're going to do it in the US after they get here.

I'm confused though. I thought you couldn't fly animals over to the US as excess baggage anymore?

fit to fly letter and up to date rabies vaccination. Its actually the CDC that has the rabies requirement:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/animal_import/animal_imports_pets.shtml

Though from the UK you may be able to skip the rabies vax:
In general, they require that dogs be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days prior to entry, except for puppies younger than 3 months and dogs originated or located for 6 months in areas considered to be free of rabies.

However you'll need it in the US so getting it is just one less potential hassle.

Thanks for the link, Julia.  very helpful.  Luckily, we have the rabies vac.  looks like we need that fit to fly and we're gold.  btw, we were told by Aer Lingus that we just need to book our flight two weeks before we were leaving, w/ height and weight of carrier and dog.  suppose regs change airline to airline.