 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
katiemadrid
Puppy
Joined: 10 Feb 2010
Posts: 6
Location: Madrid, Spain
|
 Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 2:27 am Post subject: AIR TRAVEL AND MOVING |
  |
|
We're moving back to Seattle from Spain this summer. Has anyone flown with their Amstaff? Sophie's six years old and very healthy, but I'm really worried. From here to Seattle we normally take two flights--one 7 hours, the other about 6.
The other issue is that it's not safe to fly with dogs during the summer months, so we would have to make an earlier trip out to take her and then leave her with someone (I hope) until we got there. She would be living in the country then (she's a city dog now) and I would worry about her running off, and getting along with the boxer they have there. (A male. Sophie is fixed.)
Are we being selfish to put her through all this? I can't imagine giving her away. We have two kids, too, and my 12 year old daughter would be heartsick.
Thanks for, hopefully, helping us to keep our Sophie!! |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
asti-chateau
Shamans
Joined: 16 Jul 2009
Posts: 591
Location: central Illinois -
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 9:43 am Post subject: |
|
|
Several of us on here have shipped pups / dogs to other countries without troubles. On long distances, while the plane changes are happening, they are given a chance to relieve themselves.
There are embargoes during a few months of the year, either too hot or too cold to safely fly. If it is at all possible to plan your relocation around those times that would be my choice.
I see no reason to try and place Sophie with another family....  |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sagebrush
Shamans
Joined: 11 Jan 2008
Posts: 591
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 6:09 pm Post subject: Re: AIR TRAVEL AND MOVING |
|
|
| katiemadrid wrote: |
Are we being selfish to put her through all this? I can't imagine giving her away. We have two kids, too, and my 12 year old daughter would be heartsick.
! |
Putting SOPHIE through this? LOL! I think the process is often harder on the owner than the dogs! But, I know what you mean -- you really do want to it as expeditiously as possible and minimize the time the dog is being "shipped".
The process can be daunting when shipping internationally, with stops, plane changes, etc. I have found that the airlines themselves are not the best with accurate information. I have found the use of international pet shippers to be a great value when it comes to a transport where the dog is having to stay over and change planes and go through more than one country. The trick is to get started early with the process -- paperwork can be a pain. The pet shippers have been very good about needed paperwork, scheduling and all the vaccination requirements, etc. A non-stop flight is easy, but once there are plane changes and the dog having to stay overnight in some facility, then to be taken for a flight the next day -- it can get complicated. Of course, there is a fee; but you can google international pet shippers to by country and maybe look at websites and see what they offer...
I worry more about where your dog will be staying once in this country. I dunno, it seems more accidents happen with these dogs in the care of others....out in the country with no means of confinement? I don't think so. Are these people dog savvy?Do they know how to read dogs? How long of a stay are you looking at before you return to USA after you drop her off? A good boarding kennel might be best?
You might ask the pet shippers about traveling with your dog and see if they can set up a flight schedule that will enable the dog to change planes, etc with you. Or to be taken care of and put back on the plane if there is a layover with same plane. Having the dog travel WITH you will be cheaper. Any way you can move YOUR schedule so that you are flying in Spring before it gets hotter? You might ask what the temperature restrictions are going to be on the international flights...might not be the same as domestically...
Carla |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
asti-chateau
Shamans
Joined: 16 Jul 2009
Posts: 591
Location: central Illinois -
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2010 7:22 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Jeeze Carla, who have you dealt with? |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
katiemadrid
Puppy
Joined: 10 Feb 2010
Posts: 6
Location: Madrid, Spain
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 4:16 am Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks so much for your help! I'm going to try to make a trip over to Seattle in the beginning of May when temperatures will be lower and plan a longer layover in Chicago or JFK, since she'll have to pass customs (right?). If I'm traveling with her will it still be necessary to hire a company to help with things? Are we starting the process early enough?
I'm a teacher and I have two kids in school. My jobs depend on the school year schedule, and unfortunately I can't move until the beginning of July.
I do have a new offer for a place for Sophie to stay until we get there, she wouldn't be out in the country, but it's still not the kind of life she's used to here. (We live in a fourth floor flat.) She'd be in a suburban neighborhood with dog experienced people who own a chocolate lab right now (also a female--they're both fixed). Any advice for introducing her into this home? Or to help introduce her to cats? There are quite a few running around the neighborhood. (Just in case she's off leash at some point.) It's my sister's house, she has two teenaged boys who spend lots of time with their dog as well.
Thanks again for everything. We hadn't really planned on moving to the states but my dad's not doing well and I've just got to go. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sagebrush
Shamans
Joined: 11 Jan 2008
Posts: 591
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 5:13 am Post subject: |
|
|
| katiemadrid wrote: |
since she'll have to pass customs (right?). If I'm traveling with her will it still be necessary to hire a company to help with things? Are we starting the process early enough?
|
You don't "need" to hire any of the pet shippers for ANY flight. They can make things easier on some of the more complicated scheduling and requirements and timing. Going from Spain TO USA might be less complicated than the other way around. I don't know about customs...I suppose so these days. You could get a list of the procedures from the airlines and see if it's doable for you.
It's all much easier and less expensive if someone flys with the dog. The airlines can help you work out a scheduling that will enable the dog to make the same connecting flight and probably a list of requirements -- I would do that first...
Cathy: I used one in Houston -- can't remember the name. Getting a dog from Dallas, Texas to Poland turned out to be quite an effort, complicated by how difficult it is to get a STATE VET signature there and the timing that has to go along with that...
Carla |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
bfkamstaffs
Alpha Dog
Joined: 17 Dec 2007
Posts: 743
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 8:07 am Post subject: |
|
|
If you are flying with the dog you do not need a shipper. You can check on the dog at the gates.
I have flown overseas with dogs and have not had any problems and have found the airline to be very accomodating.
Maureen |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
katiemadrid
Puppy
Joined: 10 Feb 2010
Posts: 6
Location: Madrid, Spain
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 10:11 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Could anyone recommend an airline, or will it be similar among most? Continental sounds great but they have a ban on "dangerous breeds". |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sagebrush
Shamans
Joined: 11 Jan 2008
Posts: 591
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 10:42 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Try Delta. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Badazz
Pack Members
Joined: 14 Jul 2009
Posts: 378
Location: Sweden
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 10:43 am Post subject: |
|
|
I have flown with my dogs several times and it's gone great.
I would recommend Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) they fly from Spain to Seattle and their prices aren't too bad and they don't have restrictions on any breeds. When you order your tickets do it by phone and say you will be bringing your dog with you in the cargo hold. They don't cgarge that much extra for the dog I think it's about 150$ or so, but you can look it up at their website to get a more accurate price. You will have to provide a crate for the dog and bring it with you because they don't have rentals anymore.
The most important thing is to check out the rules for bringoing the dog to USA so you have all papers iand vaccinations n order in good time before departure.
http://www.sas.se/en/
Good luck! 
Last edited by Badazz on Fri Feb 12, 2010 7:53 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DivinityAmstaffs
Scouts
Joined: 19 Nov 2009
Posts: 482
Location: Maple Valley, WA
|
| Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2010 2:08 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| I've mostly used Alaska Airlines... their hub is Seattle but I'm not sure how far they go (i.e. overseas?) |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
katiemadrid
Puppy
Joined: 10 Feb 2010
Posts: 6
Location: Madrid, Spain
|
| Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2010 3:52 am Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks! I just checked Scandanavian Air and nearly had a heart attack until I remembered that they don't use the Euro and the price was in Kronor... their prices are great!
Any advice on introducing her into her temporary home with the female chocolate lab? We'd seperate them from each other when no one was home, but will I be unloading a ton of work on their family?
Last question: I found a webpage that charged for each document to present in the US.. $7.95 or something. Is that valid?
If I can get the time off work I'll take Sophie over in May and she'll stay with my sister's family until we arrive in July.
You've all been so helpful! |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TooleShed
Omega Dog
Joined: 25 Sep 2008
Posts: 205
|
| Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2010 6:53 am Post subject: |
|
|
| I just brought some dogs back from Serbia (into NC). I was SHOCKED at how easy customs was. They checked the rabies vaccinations, looked in the crate and said, "yep it's a dog", and we went on our way. I had a health certificate and pet passport...none of that was even looked at. I would definitely get them done, but it is really simple when you are flying with them. I was amazed at the difference of flying with them and them flying alone (which does involve a broker and dealing with customs...it's not so easy then). |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
digitalgiga
Puppy
Joined: 12 Feb 2010
Posts: 1
|
| Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2010 2:14 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| I was put in a similar situation as you were. We moved. And I traveled about 3 hours on a plane with my dog. You're correct in saying its better not to travel in the summer months, but if you have to leave her then make sure shes *beep* in well before committing to anything. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
bullylady
Omega Dog
Joined: 26 Jan 2010
Posts: 218
Location: Washington State
|
| Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2010 1:34 am Post subject: |
|
|
I just wanted to say HI and welcome back! We live in Washington too!
When you introduce the new dogs it is always best to do it on neutral territory - this may/may not be possible, but I like the front yard if all else fails. Make sure they are both in a calm state of mind and on leashes and then just mosey around and gauge their interest in one another and you can take it from there. Depending on each dog's level of curiosity, you may have to facilitate sniffing of the rears or posturing. Make sure they are both respectful and have plenty of room to retreat if they are uncomfortable. Once they are comfortable outside, bring them in the house and preferably crate them by each other or one in/one out to get used to each other on a different level. For the first day at least, potty them outside seperately. Also, feed them in crates or different rooms. Giving both of them treats while they are in each other's presence is a good idea too - it helps to put into the mind that when the other dog is there, good things happen. A walk together the next day and gradually more side by side interaction will help facilitate a good relationship while you are gone |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
|
|
