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Recent experiences of flying dogs over.

Recent experiences of flying dogs over.

Old Sep 25th 2014, 9:23 pm
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Default Re: Recent experiences of flying dogs over.

Originally Posted by lizzyq
I'm coming in on my O-3 visa, which although non-immigrant is initially for 3 years, so I am hoping not to have problems at POE.
I'm sure the 'non-immigrant' aspect here isn't an issue. We entered on a non-immigrant visa, too (J, valid 2 years) and no one raised an eyebrow at us having pets.

BTW, I think you have the same Vari-Kennel we do. They're great quality. Our cats always just waltzed in and looked surprised when we shut the door; a million times easier than wrestling them into smaller carriers. Good luck, but I'm sure they'll be fine!
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Old Sep 25th 2014, 10:30 pm
  #62  
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Default Re: Recent experiences of flying dogs over.

Oh yeah, and to add to this we came in on 5 month H4 visa with a dog and no one questioned anything.
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Old Sep 25th 2014, 11:01 pm
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Default Re: Recent experiences of flying dogs over.

Originally Posted by sherbert
Oh yeah, and to add to this we came in on 5 month H4 visa with a dog and no one questioned anything.
There's a bit of a difference between arriving for an extended stay on a visa and entering on ESTA to use the VWP with an apparent intent to immigrate.
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Old Sep 26th 2014, 6:34 am
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Default Re: Recent experiences of flying dogs over.

Originally Posted by g1ant
You arrived in Miami on ESTA ?? With two dogs?
And you were surprised that you were sent for secondary inspection?
You clearly had immigrant intent and were VERY lucky to have been allowed entry. What would have happened to the dogs if you had been refused entry into the US??
This has me very worried as I am booked to do something similiar. My wife (American national) flies over sevral weeks before I do but can't take the cat as she needs to find a flat when she arrives. My I-130 has been filed but this trip is only a visit to see my wife and deliver the cat... who I'd rather not keep in the UK any longer because I am moving to my parents house (he's an FIV indoor cat and my parents house is much larger than the flat he's used to and has grandparents and grandchildren who may inadvertently let him out) so thought keeping him here would unsettle him further and it would be best to get it out of the way. I also thought taking him over on the time I enter with full visa for the first time might be problematic also?

I have no intention of staying this time and plan on taking every possible form of proof of this - return flight details, pay slip and letter from by boss + anything else people recommend. I can do utility bills of my flat but am not sure that would help as I'm out about to move out. Similiarly I may have interview and medical dates booked by then (and can at least take proof of my pending visa application) but not sure if that helps or hinders?

Am I taking a big risk, is there anything I can do to mitigate this further beforehand?
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Old Sep 26th 2014, 9:24 am
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Default Re: Recent experiences of flying dogs over.

Originally Posted by DJL99
This has me very worried as I am booked to do something similiar. My wife (American national) flies over sevral weeks before I do but can't take the cat as she needs to find a flat when she arrives. My I-130 has been filed but this trip is only a visit to see my wife and deliver the cat... who I'd rather not keep in the UK any longer because I am moving to my parents house (he's an FIV indoor cat and my parents house is much larger than the flat he's used to and has grandparents and grandchildren who may inadvertently let him out) so thought keeping him here would unsettle him further and it would be best to get it out of the way. I also thought taking him over on the time I enter with full visa for the first time might be problematic also?

I have no intention of staying this time and plan on taking every possible form of proof of this - return flight details, pay slip and letter from by boss + anything else people recommend. I can do utility bills of my flat but am not sure that would help as I'm out about to move out. Similiarly I may have interview and medical dates booked by then (and can at least take proof of my pending visa application) but not sure if that helps or hinders?

Am I taking a big risk, is there anything I can do to mitigate this further beforehand?
I don't know, but for what it's worth that sounds like a credible explanation. It's not like you're telling them you're on vacation and Mr Fluffles simply had to visit Disneyworld.

Take the proof you mentioned -- is your wife's name on the pet paperwork, too? Because that would help establish she's a co-owner and you're delivering the pet to her care -- but don't overthink it.

Are there any restrictions on importing a FIV cat, though? I thought some states' entry requirements related to the pet having no communicable diseases.
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Old Sep 26th 2014, 12:24 pm
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Default Re: Recent experiences of flying dogs over.

Originally Posted by MoshiMoshi
I don't know, but for what it's worth that sounds like a credible explanation. It's not like you're telling them you're on vacation and Mr Fluffles simply had to visit Disneyworld.

Take the proof you mentioned -- is your wife's name on the pet paperwork, too? Because that would help establish she's a co-owner and you're delivering the pet to her care -- but don't overthink it.

Are there any restrictions on importing a FIV cat, though? I thought some states' entry requirements related to the pet having no communicable diseases.
Thank you. I'm hoping a letter from my mother-in-law who is a justice of the peace (though in a different state) may help. I'll make sure my wife's name is on all the paperwork, that's good advice.

Re FIV the USDA says "All cats and dogs are subject to inspection at ports of entry for evidence of infectious diseases that can be transmitted to humans." The Texas Animal Health commissions (where I'll arrive) says they do "not have any specific requirements for bringing pets into the state. However, there are certain requirements that must be met by the Centers for Disease Control and the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)".

The CDC says CDC - Bringing an Animal into U.S.: Cats - Animal Importation "pet cats are subject to inspection at ports of entry and may be denied entry into the United States if they have evidence of an infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans." The Texas DSHS provide lots of info but do not specify. i have mentioned that he has FIV in an email to them but I will get in writing this isn't a problem.
https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/idcu/health/zoonosis/laws/import/entry/

Sorry for all the details but just trying to make sure I cover all bases!
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Old Oct 2nd 2014, 8:09 am
  #67  
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Default Re: Recent experiences of flying dogs over.

A quick report part way through my journey with 2 cats in tow.

Firstly, yes, American Airlines do carry pets as excess baggage at £110 per kennel.

After booking my flight from Manchester to JFK I called customer services and made reservations for the 2 cats, to be paid at the airport on the day of travel. It is worth insisting and speaking to a supervisor if the first person you speak to claims they don't take animals.

In preparation the cats visited the vet a month in advance for microchips and rabies vaccinations, and then not more than 10 days before the flight another visit for the health and fitness to fly letter/certificate.

This morning I woke up earlier than usual for our flight and let the cats out to do whatever cats do at 5am, then fed them a small breakfast and got them into their carriers. The carriers were labelled with the cats' names, chip numbers, flight number, ultimate destination address and our cell phone numbers.

I arrived at the airport 3 1/2 hours before the flight time and went to check in as normal with a trolley laden with suitcase and 2 cat carriers. The check in agent called down the pet check in agent who confirmed that the temperatures were fine for the cats and went through all the paperwork, I paid the fees for the cats and then weighed in the suitcase as normal baggage. The pet agent then escorted me and the cats through security, where I did have to open the carriers so they could be swabbed for testing! After security the cats and I went our separate ways and I was assured that their water bowls would be refreshed before loading. Now I am waiting to see if I can spot them going into the hold before I board.

Further report to come after arrival stateside.

Last edited by lizzyq; Oct 2nd 2014 at 8:11 am. Reason: Extra info
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Old Oct 3rd 2014, 6:22 am
  #68  
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Default Re: Recent experiences of flying dogs over.

Originally Posted by lizzyq
A quick report part way through my journey with 2 cats in tow.

Firstly, yes, American Airlines do carry pets as excess baggage at £110 per kennel.

After booking my flight from Manchester to JFK I called customer services and made reservations for the 2 cats, to be paid at the airport on the day of travel. It is worth insisting and speaking to a supervisor if the first person you speak to claims they don't take animals.

In preparation the cats visited the vet a month in advance for microchips and rabies vaccinations, and then not more than 10 days before the flight another visit for the health and fitness to fly letter/certificate.

This morning I woke up earlier than usual for our flight and let the cats out to do whatever cats do at 5am, then fed them a small breakfast and got them into their carriers. The carriers were labelled with the cats' names, chip numbers, flight number, ultimate destination address and our cell phone numbers.

I arrived at the airport 3 1/2 hours before the flight time and went to check in as normal with a trolley laden with suitcase and 2 cat carriers. The check in agent called down the pet check in agent who confirmed that the temperatures were fine for the cats and went through all the paperwork, I paid the fees for the cats and then weighed in the suitcase as normal baggage. The pet agent then escorted me and the cats through security, where I did have to open the carriers so they could be swabbed for testing! After security the cats and I went our separate ways and I was assured that their water bowls would be refreshed before loading. Now I am waiting to see if I can spot them going into the hold before I board.

Further report to come after arrival stateside.
They swabbed the cats??
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Old Oct 3rd 2014, 9:36 am
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Default Re: Recent experiences of flying dogs over.

Originally Posted by g1ant
They swabbed the cats??
Luckily just the carriers, but I thought opening them to swab inside was asking for trouble however we had no escapees.
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Old Oct 3rd 2014, 9:54 am
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Default Re: Recent experiences of flying dogs over.

I didn't actually see the cats being loaded onto the aircraft, but was assured they were on and "tied down" before I boarded. The flight was just as I like - blissfully uneventful, though on a 757 with drop down screens (no individual av ), but that was a small inconvenience to be able fly with the cats at a reasonable cost.

On arrival at JFK I cleared immigration about 30 minutes after touchdown and then went to baggage claim, waited a few minutes for my suitcase and then a few more at oversize baggage for the cats. They were both fine and seemed quiet but awake and not at all distressed. Clearing customs was also straightforward, as usual. Some of the other passengers came over to see the cats before leaving, having seen them in the check in queue back in Manchester.

Then I met up with steveq for the first time in 2 months and drove home to PA via a route where I was able to see the Statue of Liberty. We stopped an rewatered the cats when we had a coffee and on arrival at our new home they came out of their carriers and explored every room, under every piece of furniture, inside every cupboard for the next couple of hours. I'm not sure whether the q boys were more pleased to see their mum or their cats
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Old Oct 3rd 2014, 4:12 pm
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Default Re: Recent experiences of flying dogs over.

Glad that everything worked out OK.
I'm flying a 10 week old puppy on Oct 20th. BA direct from LHR-Austin.

I'm using PBS Pet Travel who so far have been great. I like their insistence that the dog gets to start sleeping in the travel container at least two weeks before flying.
Their attention to detail has been first class so far.

Watch this space.
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Old Oct 18th 2014, 9:05 pm
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Default Re: Recent experiences of flying dogs over.

Just thought I'd update for everyone incase anyone else was wondering or it helps. I have managed to get my two dogs onto my reservation to fly with us next weeks other American Airlines, took a bit of a long phone call, starting with "we don't fly dogs" to "okay they can fly out of the uk only" to then.. " we can't your dogs on this route as it's over 12 hours total" to "ok as your longest flight is only 8 hours I have added them to your reservation"

So we got there in the end! Hopefully it'll go smoothly, just very worried about them getting lost at the connections!
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Old Oct 21st 2014, 4:51 pm
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Default Re: Recent experiences of flying dogs over.

so we can't fly dogs US to UK as oversize baggage?
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Old Oct 21st 2014, 5:21 pm
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Default Re: Recent experiences of flying dogs over.

I did some further research and found the below link. It seems that from the US you can use most airlines to fly pets into the UK. Surely they would not all require an agency to be used?

https://www.gov.uk/government/upload...air-routes.pdf
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Old Oct 21st 2014, 7:31 pm
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Default Re: Recent experiences of flying dogs over.

Originally Posted by unique_boy
so we can't fly dogs US to UK as oversize baggage?
Originally Posted by unique_boy
I did some further research and found the below link. It seems that from the US you can use most airlines to fly pets into the UK. Surely they would not all require an agency to be used?

https://www.gov.uk/government/upload...air-routes.pdf
Regardless of the airline, you can't fly pets into the UK at excess/oversize baggage rates. It has to be manifest cargo.

Flying out of the UK, it varies.

Either direction, it's definitely possible to avoid using a pet transport agency, but depends on both the route and the airline. Sometimes agencies are mandatory, but more often they aren't.
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