This is a placeholder text
Group text
by VonIsengard on 09 October 2009 - 17:10
Also, anyone know the current rough cost to ship a pup that age?
by ERChance on 09 October 2009 - 18:10
The US CDC rabies confinement requirements are:
Shots at 12 weeks followed by confinement for 30 days afterwards for imported dogs.
If the pups are older than 12 weeks, they only need to be confined until the 30 day limit, if vaccinated overseas.
Different countries have different age restrictions. Some do not allow exports to the US before 10 weeks. Others will allow 8 week olds.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/animal/dogs.htm#dogs
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/pdf/animal/dog_quarantine_notice_08-04-06-cdc7537.pdf
Hope that helps!
Ellen Chance
by SitasMom on 09 October 2009 - 18:10
Last year, the cost was $850 and Hero was under house quarantine until 30 days after his 2 rabies shot. (4 months old). Both of my imported dogs came with "passports" which had shot records and health checks and other info for identification. Yes, the can and do give Rabies vaccinations overseas.
If the flight is too long, they will overnight in Atlanta or somewhere similar and you will have to hire a broker to take care of it during that time. If the flight is direct and it arrives late and the customs office is already closed, again you will have to hire a broker. They can cost upwards of $400.
Hero was 11.5 weeks and came frightened, with a raw nose and paws, hoarse from parking and stinking to high heaven. Puppies just cannot hold it for the 11+ hours of the flight. Being under house quarantine until 4 months, really set us back on socializing him......I would suggest not shipping a puppy at 11 to 13 weeks, they go through a "fear stage" around that age and it can lead to issues.....
I've heard that many of the overseas kennels save the best puppies for local owners and sent the rest over here. We're not there to pick the ones we want.......Who knows it could be true, I hope not.
by ERChance on 09 October 2009 - 18:10
Hi Sita's mom! I know you are an experienced poster/ importer. You have obviously dealt with a broker who did not give you a fair deal and took advantage of you or someone you know.
Unless the shipment is really extraordinary (like 15 papered GSD's at once) my company charges about HALF what you are quoting here. And even more frequently less than $150 for customs brokerage.
For that fee you get my undivided attention on shipping day. My phone does not get turned off until you have your animals, even if they are on a red-eye. I handle paying customs the typical $2 to $25 for their "processing fees" (not DUTY- dogs are duty-free), I make sure EVERYONE has everything they need from faxing delivery orders and releases to BOTH ends of the flights in the US, directions to the cargo building for that particular airport, and even taking care of the animals in my office until the owner can come pick them up. All that to make it EASIER on the dogs and the owner.
So please, give an honest, fair broker the opportunity to make someone happy.
by VonIsengard on 09 October 2009 - 19:10
ERChance, thanks so much for useful information. I read the page, it only states a confinement period for unvaccinated dogs, what if the dog comes in with it's rabies and other necessary innoculations?
A close friend has some friends who work in the airline industry and can get cheap tickets, what is the difference in cost/process if I went and picked a dog up myself?
Sitasmom, my last import came in at 8 weeks and she was happy, confident, relaxed and playful within 24 hours of arrival. I was sent "2nd pick" and after seeing her sisters later this was true and I was dealt with fairly. I would not buy a dog sight unseen from overseas unless it was from someone I knew and trusted. I am also not concerned about any behavioral issues whatsoever as I deal with them professionally every day.
What about customs fees? I heard they were expensive.
by ERChance on 09 October 2009 - 19:10
Regarding if the dog comes in vaccinated, there is no need to confine unless it has been less that 30 days since the shot.
The actual Customs fees in the US were what I quoted above, it depends on the value of the dog. If a customs entry shows that the value of the dog is under $2,000, the merchandise processing fee is $2, over $2,000 is a $25 minimum. Dogs are "duty free" but not "fee exempt" if a customs broker submits the entry.
An extraordinary client brought in 15 at once- his total Customs merchandise processing fees were under $100.
I am a Customs Broker, and my charges were also indicated above. With few exceptions, dogs under $2,000 in value and cleared here in Atlanta are $127- including EVERYTHING. Again, it depends on the value of the animal and where I have to do the clearance.
Best regards,
Ellen Chance
by SitasMom on 09 October 2009 - 19:10
Both times, I took the paperwork to the customs office and it was free, but the cargo company charged me $35 cash for live cargo.....
Hanny's shipping was $1,200, being an adult. Eurosport has to ship their dogs from their kennel, through Prague, over nighted in Frankfort, its 2 days of travel...
I called 3 different brokers in the Houston area and each quoted me a price of $400. I decided to take the day off and get her myself....
It was really easy. Kennel sent me an e-mail with a way bill and a phone number. I call with way bill, confirmed that I will pick up the live cargo. Call airline before leaving the house, to ensure flight was on time. Go to counter pick up papers. Drive to customs, stand in line and eventually give papers to customs officer (about 15 minutes in line), officer disappeared into a room, came out after about 5 minutes gave the papers back and said something like enjoy your dog, shepherds are great. I drove back to the airline, gave the papers back. They asked for ID, and $35, looked up something on their computer. Gave me the papers back and told me to go to the dock, where 2 strong guys loaded the crate into my SUV. While waiting for me, they were kind enough to give her some water, and one was talking to her - he also loves shepherds...
I'm sure that if the kennel, or the air line make a mistake it could get complicated very quickly.
Hero was 11.5 weeks and very close to that "fear stage" it was difficult for him. Maybe at 8 weeks, its easier on a puppy.
Don't know about picking going over and picking up a dog myself, I'd have to make a vacation of it, the adventure would be grand!
by SitasMom on 09 October 2009 - 19:10
by ERChance on 09 October 2009 - 20:10
Each Customs office has slightly different internal procedures and definitely different attitudes when dealing with animal imports. From my Customs Broker point of view- Boston, Detroit, San Francisco, Cincinnati, Las Vegas, Pittsburgh, and Atlanta are exceptionally helpful, and I can do what I do easily.
Houston, not so much, but possible. I have to have ALL the pet passport pages or vet certificates the day before the animals arrive, and this is not always possible for the shipping companies overseas. It requires exceptional communication with the overseas breeders and shippers.
The Dallas port will not return my calls.
JFK-New York City says "not only no, but heck no!" (actually they said it MUCH stronger than that).
Los Angeles is just weird. I have given up being able to do animal clearances there for the moment, although I can give importers excellent help if they need it.
by SitasMom on 09 October 2009 - 20:10
Best bet is to COMMUNICATE with everyone. (kennel, export company, cargo freight lines, airport, local customs and local brokers) and decide from there what to do. If you are unsure about any little detail, then get a broker. Little details are what will get you into big trouble with live cargo.
Contact information Disclaimer Privacy Statement Copyright Information Terms of Service Cookie policy ↑ Back to top