returning with your pet from abroad

[Rose Cingari]

Posted by Rose Cingari on May 23, 2001 at 14:54:49:

I am considering a move TO Europe and want to bring my pomeranian dog with me. I am concerned with the problems with regulations about returning to the US with her. ANy suggestions about where to find what if any quarentine issues are in place.

[Bill]

Posted by Bill

Bill on June 07, 2001 at 04:11:08:

In Reply to: returning with your pet from abroad posted by Rose Cingari on May 23, 2001 at 14:54:49:

We shipped our dogs to Slovakia and back to the US, took them to Moscow, and then on to Germany. It was no major problem getting them into the US mainland (Hawaii, etc..., may have differing restrictions.)Check with Customs / USDA (I believe they do the animal inspecting)about current re-entry requirements for household pets. (The airlines may have the best contact info.) It's also best to check with the consulate of whatever country you are going to about their entry and exit requirements. (Russia had some unique exit requirements and fees, which wasn't surprising.) Up-to-date rabies shots are a must, and a physical examination for communicable diseases is usually required. We have an international health record for our dogs, which lists exams and shots as well as the veterinary record. I'm not sure if they're used in the US, but they are helpful in Europe.

While you didn't ask about it, airlines provide differing levels of service, but we've had no problems with any of the lines we've flown. We've been impressed by KLM, which walked and fed the dogs during a layover in Amsterdam (Our cockers had to go as checked baggage, not in the cabin.)

If you do have to check a Pomeranian, it seems cheaper and easier if the dog accompanies you as extra baggage and not air cargo. Our dog came to Germany from Russia 3 months after we did, and it was significantly more expensive to ship her as cargo than if she had been on the same flight as us. It also seemed to require more paperwork.