Bringing a dog to the US from Japan

regrannell

Hi Everyone - anyone have experience bringing a dog to the US from Japan? I have an interpreter helping me find a Kishu Ken in Japan, and it appears that she has contacted one who will be breeding soon, and is willing to sell to me!!!! Now I need to start the process of finding out the logistics of it. I will fly there for a bit of a vacation, and then bring her home in the plane. I hope a puppy can fly in the cabin from Japan just as they can on domestic flights. Lots to learn. Any help will be so greatly appreciated!

Hinata23

@regrannell You might want to check on the prices of shipping a dog from Japan... Because of a few airline's new regulations, the dog has to be checked in as cargo instead of luggage and it could probably cost you a lot more than the dog...

Calia

Some older posts about importing:
http://www.nihonken.org/forum/index.php?p=/discussion/5472
http://www.nihonken.org/forum/index.php?p=/discussion/5541/exporting-dogs-from-japan/#Item_18

PoetikDragon

@Hinata23 it depends entirely on the airline. American Airlines still allows pets as "excess baggage." But don't fly United unless you want to pay through the nose...

@regrannell I've had two puppies sent to me and picked up two dogs in Japan in person. I'd say I'm fairly familiar with it. I highly recommend having a bit of vacation for yourself and bringing the dog back with you. Its much more enjoyable, and will save you money. Whether or not it can fly in cabin depends on its size. It has to be able to stand up in a 10" tall carrier if I remember correctly, and can't exceed more than 20lbs or so (including crate). I think only toy breed puppies can meet those guidelines... Check with the airline for specifics, though.

Hinata23

@poeticdragon I know, which is why I advised him to check before booking. I did say a "few airlines", not all.

PoetikDragon

@Hinata23 Ah! I misread it as "new airline regulations" whoops.

shishiinu

If your planning on bringing a pup while vacationing, make sure to give your self lots of time. First off notify your air line ahead of time that you will be traveling with a animal. Once the air line is notified and good to go, you will need to take the pup to the veterinary office in the air port (for narita, not sure if the process is the same at Kansai or haneda) for a health check. You can't board the pup until this is done and it can be confusing to some to find the office. Once you clear the vet, go back to the check in counter with the pup and paper work to have the pup boarded. The first time is always nerve wrecking but if you do it enough times you get used to it. Make sure to call the air line while you are in Japan and I would let them know several times prior to the flight just to make sure they know.
Hope this helps.