Violets are blue

Thank you, I will have a look at Ottawa, I also didn't consider Montreal however might have a look at it. I am really just looking to have the easiest process with regard to clearing the dog. I wasn't aware that I would have to physically clear him before moving on to Winnipeg.

ArthurBrit

The trouble is once you land in Canada and get off the plane you need to clear customs, the next flight you are getting on is a national flight I.E. no customs!

The only way you would get around that is fly to the US and then make your landing airport within Canada, Winnipeg.

Unfortunately there is no direct service to/from winnipeg anymore and I am not aware of their being any service where the plane lands somewhere and carries onto Winnipeg. (Zoom used to do this but they went bust).

Former Lancastrian

What dates are you looking at flying on as this will make a big difference.
Which airport from the UK will you be departing from?
Are you budget minded and want the cheapest flight?
I just did a quick search using Expedia.ca for a one way flight departing Heathrow on Sun 1 Sep 2013.
Cheapest was $973 all taxes included LHR to Dublin to Chicago to Winnipeg
total flying time 17 hours.
Sometimes the return flight booking is cheaper than a one way as there are too many variables.
Do your research.

Violets are blue

Winnipeg is not the most popular destination so nothing direct or carrying on to there that I could find either .

I have no problem making Winnipeg my landing airport at all and going through the States however the problem was that when going through Chicago that last time it was necessary to offload and clear customs there also. Had to offload everything, clear customs and get on flight to Winnipeg, it took hours (not a problem really) and they lost luggage and so on. Did not want to risk them losing the dog . Will have a look at Pearson and Ottawa procedures for getting the dog cleared and go for the simplest.

I'm guessing I will have to do some running about regardless of where I land - between cargo and the terminals.

ArthurBrit

I know I live here!

You are right either option will be a pain, I personally flew through the states once and I will not do it again unless I am desperate, it's not that it's a bad service or anything but paying the extra $200-300 to fly air Canada is money well spent to avoid country hopping.

Good luck with your search!

Violets are blue

We are looking at about mid May this year at the moment as there are restrictions listed for dogs up to sometime in April for certain flights. We are going from Heathrow and not looking at cheapest to be honest as we were looking at more direct as possible than price. Had more or less decided on Air Canada to Toronto to Winnipeg originally. It looked pretty straightforward and the only drawback was the dog with regard to getting his paperwork sorted in Toronto.

I guess it will just mean taking a taxi to the cargo area a couple of times and making enough time between connections. Just did not realise that we had to get the dog paperwork sorted in Toronto before flying onto Winnipeg. Had not thought of that at all so very pleased I was this thread and asked.

Violets are blue

Thanks so much for your help, its much appreciated. You are correct, its not a bad service, I also just prefer to go through Canada.

Former Lancastrian

If you allow plenty of time between connecting flights then its less hassle. Arriving in Toronto with only a 90 minute gap between flights is basically asking for trouble as Customs clearance can take anywhere from 30 mins to 3 hours depending on what time you arrive.
Sticking with the same airline if possible is a good option as you wont need to change terminals on arrival.

Violets are blue

Thanks so much Former Lancastrian, will have a look at Air Canada all the way through and look for at least 4 hours in between. Hopefully that will be enough time to get there and do whatever running about is necessary to get the dog paperwork through. Might have to phone Air Canada to get the flights with enough time in between, can only find flights online with under 3 hour gap and that does not really sound long when it comes to getting all our stuff off and on, going through customs and then finding the paperwork for the dog if its in another location also.

It's all really go to know at this stage before we book the flights. Thanks again, its much appreciated.

Oink

Has anybody tried to smuggle drugs in a dog and been caught?

Former Lancastrian

Yes they have and plenty have been caught also undervaluing dogs they have purchased.
They also do it with cats, horses, birds etc etc.
Undervaluing an animal by $1000 doesnt mean you are saving $1000 in taxes or ripping off the Feds for $1000.
This is why we love stoopid people they keep us employed and make our job interesting

Violets are blue

Looks like it!! Quick search found this

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...aine-dogs.html

Not sure if the link will work

Former Lancastrian

Or these
http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/2...es-into-canada

This one will appeal to Oink
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/n...f-4e31246a8b4e
http://www.richmondreview.com/news/163114916.html
http://phys.org/news/2011-03-carp-smuggled-canada.html

Oink

A good job by the CBSA although the fine should of been much higher. The local Dungeness crabs are really delicious, especially with some melted butter, so we want to keep anything that threatens them out of our waters. Now if the local plods would arrest the naffers who keep stealing my traps, all would be good.