How to clear Customs in USA for imported GSD - Page 1

I am importing a GSD, that will traveling from Frankfurt to Newark Liberty Airport USA. Is anyone familiar with what is needed for me to have a hassle free experience in clearing the GSD through US Customs (inparticuilar Newark Airport). I was hoping to do this without a broker handling the customs clearence. Thanks, Kyle

The dog should have a Yellow Internationaal shot card with it's record of innoculations and a doctors statement verifying it is in good health. This is generally all customs need to clear the dog. This should be signed by the vet within 10 days of the dogs actual travel. If the dog is traveling alone, I would assume it is going to the cargo area. You should have the airline's name that is transporting the dog. Call them(airline) that is shipping that dog, give them the flight number and they should be able to give you specifics about recovering your animal. You should not have to interact with Customs at all actually, unless the shipping end did not supply the proper paperwork. Have 2 forms of ID when you pick up your animal at the cargo pick-up point.

Not necessarily. Depends on the airlines. Lufthansa takes the dogs to customs, you meet them there, fill out your information pay $25 or so, go back to the airline, and pick up your dog. Delta is different. Sometimes they clear them, sometimes they don't. Animals are supposed to be cleared upon their first stop in the US by customs. Doesn't always happen. I've had to call customs from Delta (so Delta doesn't get charged, gees) and luckily caught one on his way home at 11pm otherwise dog was to be boarded overnight because they didn't clear it in the first stop. Usually goes pretty smooth and dog clears, you just pick up, but it can vary!

Thank you for the information. I called customs and the inspector said all I would need is identification if the correct paperwork is with the dog. I've been caught in the bureaucratic web before and don't wish to be surprised again. I'll let you know how it works out. Thanks again. Kyle

The old yellow vaccination records are no longer used. The dogs now get a blue EU pet passport. Make sure the dog has been vaccinated for Rabies. Vaccination must be at least 30 days old, but not older than one year. Different rules may apply for pups under 4 months. Some states require an import permit. Check with your state vet. The dog also needs a current international health certificate. A page in the blue pet passport is used for that, it needs to be filled out and stamped by a vet and cannot be older than 10 days. Usually the dog needs to be vetted and cleared by customs at the first port of entry. Getting a direct flight is always ideal. When clearing customs, tell them this is a pet. No commercial value. They may ask you what you paid for it and you may have to pay customs if it exceeds the value you are allowed to bring back with you from your travels.

I've heard that nightmare before, DH. Be sure to say the dog has no value, or you may end up paying out a thousand dollars for your own puppy!