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by ERChance on 21 September 2009 - 22:09
First, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank DiAngelo Jackson for his very kind endorsement! I am very flattered, and it turned into a referral for me from this database. Please pet Fayza for me!
I am a Customs Broker in Atlanta, and I wanted to let people know that, while it is sometimes possible to bring in dogs and pups from other countries and clear them through customs yourself, there are advantages to using a Customs Broker that will make up for big headaches on puppy/dog arrival day. Those big headaches can come from the airline, customs or public health.
Our company clears dogs through Customs in several locations in the US- Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Orlando, and San Francisco. Every port has slightly different procedures, but some of the main points are:
- If the puppy is under 12 weeks old, CDC-Public Health must have some notification of some kind to track rabies vaccination dates. This may be handled by the CDC directly or through Customs. Your broker will make sure it is taken care of for you.
- If you are bringing in animals for commercial purposes- whether breeding, showing, or for sale to others- Customs wants you to have a broker. You may get away with bringing in a "pet" once or twice, but trust me, customs DOES check you out to see if you've ever done it before. So instead of doing it the right way, you might be forced to go scrambling for a broker on the day of your animal's arrival.
- The value of the animal affects Customs decisions about needing a broker.
- The airline will only let the dog fly if it will arrive in the destination port during Customs regular hours - 8:00 AM to 5:00PM. When the heat restrictions are in effect in Phoenix, for example, the only way to get a dog there is to fly it in at night (sometimes near midnight!). You need a broker to handle Customs during the day so you can pick it up without problems.
Best regards,
Ellen Chance, CHB
Jean D. Duncan Customs Brokers
by Rain on 21 September 2009 - 22:09
by mobjack on 21 September 2009 - 22:09
It could come in handy!
by SitasMom on 21 September 2009 - 23:09
When the flight was set up, I was given a phone number and way bill number to confirm that I would pick up the dog. I asked if I needed a broker - they said no. They asked me to confirm the flight before leaving my home so that I didn't have to wait if it was delayed. I did exactly as asked.
I got to the counter of the freight company, they gave me a bunch of papers and directed me to customs.
I took the papers to the customs office which was about 2 miles away, stood in line, agent made a call to have another agent check out the dog, and signed a paper and gave them back to me.
I paid the cargo company 35$ for live animal charge, they carried the crate to my SUV and it was done..........
The last time I imported a 3 month puppy that didn't have his last rabies shot. I was told at customers to have the shot given to him at 90 days and to in house quarantine him for 30 days after.. That was it......
I cannot see spending 200$ - 400$ for someone to take care of 30 minutes of paperwork
I suggest that anyone getting a foreigner dog as a pet............keep in very close contact with the kennel, and the cargo company and ask a million questions. It may save you quite a bit of pocket change.
by ERChance on 21 September 2009 - 23:09
Yes, Customs does work 24 hours a day- the officers are at the airlines, inspecting cargo and baggage for contraband. And I am certainly glad you did not have a problem! My main reason to post the information is so that the community is "forewarned"- I am an animal lover, and only want the least stress for animal and owner.
Ellen
by ERChance on 21 September 2009 - 23:09
I am only offering the advice. The question came up on an earlier message, and I thought the advice would be pertinent to the professionals who read it.
Ellen
by Prager on 21 September 2009 - 23:09
Ellen Chance provides valuable service so do not blow it off so lightheartedly. Our government in their infinite wisdom will make you use customs broker if you import dogs on regular basis. Also some airlines insist on using one even on first time shipments. Dog needs to be processed by customs at the point of entry. Airlines used to do that, but now they are more and more reluctant to do that in order to cut cost. If you get dog on direct flt from Europe then you can do it yourself (Unless you have shipped on several occasions before). But if the dog has to change the plane than you most likely need a person who will process the dog with US Customs. Ellen is great to be there for you.
Ellen is very good at it and is reasonable price wise. I would Google her and find out about her service or send her PM before you are getting another dog from overseas or if the dog needs to change flt. Also check with airline because they may insist on this. It's too late if you get call from Atlanta or Pitt,.... that your dog needs to be precessed there before he is forwarded to you. It happened to me and it is not fun. I hate this bureaucratic BS too, but Ellen makes it easier on you. Service well worth it. Take it from a guy who imported 1000s of dogs.
Prager (Hans)
http://www.alpinek9.com
by Rik on 22 September 2009 - 01:09
Did a goggle, picked Ellen basically "out of the air" and could not be more pleased. All I had to do was show up at the terminal and collect my dog. She was already cleared through customs. Plus, Ellen stayed on the phone acting as "air traffic controller" until she had me off I285 and into the terminal parking lot.
I guess I have "experience now" but at the time, her service was cheap at any price, and it was not anywhere close to $400.
Rik
by Rain on 22 September 2009 - 01:09
Thank you for your information. I'm just glad I didn't run into any problems with my pup at the airport. I imported without knowing anything about it. I was lucky..I surly wouldn't know where to start if there was a problem with customs at 3 AM. It 's nice to know someone who can help.
Thanks,
Rain
by 1doggie2 on 22 September 2009 - 20:09
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