Imported dogs- how hard is that?

WrylyBrindleWrylyBrindle
edited May 2009 in General
For those in the States who have gotten their dogs from breeders outside the US- how hard was that? Did the pups have to be quarantined? Is there a lot of paperwork and fees? I imagine from Canada to the US it would not be too big a deal, but what about from Europe or Japan? If you are not an official (?) breeder/show-er is it practically impossible or just really expensive?

Comments

  • KFontaine04KFontaine04
    edited November -1
    Corina (ShikokuSpirit) has gotten dogs from Japan...she will be able to help you. Also Brad has imported a few dogs. They will answer this question best for you.
  • ShikokuSpiritShikokuSpirit
    edited November -1
    For those in the States who have gotten their dogs from breeders outside the US- how hard was that? I imagine from Canada to the US it would not be too big a deal, but what about from Europe or Japan?

    The difficulty level depends on what you have to do:

    - First, you'll need to find a breeder and establish contact.
    - Let the breeder know what kind of puppy you are looking for; make a reservation.
    - Puppy is now 8 weeks and ready to come home; will you pick up the puppy? Or will you ship?

    [You'll need all the nesscessary requirements of travel for departure from home to arrival in foreign country]

    - Before puppy can leave, in this case Japan, s/he will need a certificate of health: stating puppy is free from disease and can fly.
    - If puppy is over 3 months of age, s/he will need a vaccine shot.
    - If puppy is over 4 months of age, I believe a rabies shot will also be required.
    - Exportation papers must be filled out completely: you will need to send to Japanese quarantine in advanced (days, weeks before your departing time).
    - You will need a copy for yourself + health certificate: Japanese quarantine should give you copy of exportation paperwork with the approved stamp emblem.
    - Depending on when your departing flight is: feed your puppy the night prior and/or early in the morning, but give your puppy a very small portion.
    - Water should be given up to an hour before check-in.
    - Please make sure to potty your puppy before going to the airport, if long drive...potty again once at airport.
    - On the day of your departure, you will need to visit animal quarantine: a vet there will "re-check" your dog to make sure s/he is healthy to fly.
    - Potty your puppy one last time before checking her/him in.
    - Then you must check puppy in as baggage with your airline: keep all your paperwork on your puppy with you.
    - Once your on the airplace, please ask flight attendent to check to make sure your puppy is onboard.
    [From Japan to the U.S.]
    - Congrats! You've made it home! Please go to Oversized baggage or Animal receiving area to pick up your puppy.
    - You may be required to show exportation paperwork, please keep this handy!
    - Sometimes they check your puppy and the crate and sometimes they don't.
    - Keep your puppy inside the crate until you arrive home: if puppy has made a mess, clean it up and put fresh newspapers or a blanket.
    - Once home, DO NOT play with your puppy: potty your puppy, put him/her in a quiet area, make sure your puppy has fresh water available.
    - Let puppy rest for a few hours before feeding. Try not to play with puppy so much. Limit the puppy's activity.
    - Tomorrow morning, have fun with your puppy [maybe now s/he can meet the rest of the family]!
    - Schedule an appointment or do a walk-in visit with your vet for examination of puppy and continued puppy shots.

    Shipping
    - Aww...I'll let Brad handle this one. I have an idea of how it works but Brad has more experience with this way of travel.

    ----------------------------

    Did the pups have to be quarantined?
    - In the U.S., the dog does not need to be quarantined. It is recommened, however, you visit your vet for another check-up.

    Is there a lot of paperwork and fees?
    - The paperwork, in my opinion, isn't so bad. There aren't any fees for paperwork.
    - The fees lay in the costs of puppy, puppy needs (crate included), health check[/vaccine(s)] and transportation.

    If you are not an official (?) breeder/show-er is it practically impossible or just really expensive?
    - It's not impossible; however, it does cost money -smiles-.
  • ShikokuSpiritShikokuSpirit
    edited November -1
    Oh yeah, Hawaii is the exception, they do quarantine for an extended amount of time. You can check your state for local regulations concerning this matter. However, I think Hawaii is the only state that requires animals to be quarantined.
  • okironokiron
    edited November -1
    Unless the dog is coming from another rabies free place like Japan.
  • WrylyBrindleWrylyBrindle
    edited November -1
    Lots to know and handle logistically!
    Thanks for explaining,
    but I will certainly leave it to the professionals! :)

    I wondered about quarantine for any length of time- that kindof limbo would be hard on a puppy, I'd think. I am happy to know they arent sent off to some holding area for weeks.
  • TeamLaikaTeamLaika
    edited November -1
    Read here for regulations

    http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/animal/dogs.htm

    Some veterinarians will charge moderate fees for health certificates and paperwork.
  • okironokiron
    edited November -1
    Well quarantining out of the US can be done in your home. So besides going to the vet for necessary vaccinations they wont be able to tell they're being quarantined.
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