Anyone have experience. They (other countries) don't agree on quarantine rules, right? just asking if one country (germany) will quarantine my schweetie.
thx. I've read that. And, honestly, it raised more questions than solved. The site seems to be marketing confusion. I guess I need to ask my vet. I don't get the microchip part, nor understand EU rule 998 enough to bet my plane ticket on it. looking for experienced advice of those. I think the whole EU is the same. thx
I can't help with the move, but I've uncovered some disturbing information about an underground canine movement in Germany. I won't go into details because a picture says a thousand words. You've been warned; don't let your little pooch fall in with the wrong pack: Spoiler
My family moved to Switzerland in 2007 and we brought our two dogs with us. Swiss law required that they be quarantined and I believe checked by a vet. I forget the time frame, but I think we didn't get the dogs for almost 3 months after we moved. They were fine, it was just typical Swiss procedural bureaucracy. It is my understanding that German law is much more relaxed, and does NOT require quarantine as long as you have all the vaccination papers, although they can be strict about breed, so checking with the US embassy in the canton you are moving to, the German consulate nearest you in the US, and the appropriate Customs Departments will all be necessary. I would also expect they want you to have a German vet check it out somewhere along the process. I'm pretty sure you can just fly with your dog in a kennel as checked-luggage, or carry-on depending on the dog type, and go right on home with it. If I were you, I would get copies of the vaccination papers in both English and Deutsch, and attach copies to the dog's crate just in case. One tip, EU countries do NOT cooperate on these animal laws, and many are more strict than Germany, specifically the UK. If it were me, I would want a direct flight from the US to Germany for the dog, no matter how much driving that requires. You definitely do NOT want a layover in third country, especially the UK, as the dog will then be subject to their regulations and would further complicate an already difficult process. I have heard horror stories about British Customs and dogs. Since you will likely be flying from Newark or Atlanta, you might have to make some serious pre-arrangements to get the dog there. I would NOT want my kennel to have to change flights during my layover, even domestically. I have had awful experiences with baggage at both those airports. I was apprehensive about both the quarantine and making luggage out of my aging pup (11 years old at the time), but nowadays luggage is tracked like passengers are these days and I was pretty pleased with my experience, both from the airline and the Swiss government. Yours will be easier than ours was, but make sure to call the Airline and the authorities.
hey shipwreck thanks so much. I'm going to take pretty much all your advice. I'll be flying out of Denver. I agree. Atlanta/Delta must be the worst hub. My dog does have a Therapy Dog license. I take her to kids hospitals to volunteer. Do you think that helps getting her on the plan with me,,,or only Service Dogs can do that. I'm not so keen on the idea of her being drugged up and in a cage...she is too much of a good dog for that. But we will.
I really think that depends specifically on what breed the dog is, and for most airlines it's pretty much a size factor. If it can fit in overhead storage, then it's probably good to go. I'm not sure what a Therapy Dog License is really, or if it qualifies your pet to fly upstairs in anyway. Again, I've never done this so I'm just guessing based on what I've seen other flyers do. My dog is a Black Lab/Shepherd mix so we had no choice but to sedate and check him. Boy am I glad I don't have to go through all that again. We flew Delta out of Atlanta, and all I can tell you is that I was a nervous wreck during the flight and of course throughout the quarantine, but everything turned out perfect and I was pleased with both the animal's treatment and Delta's responsiveness to my incessant questions and concerns. I'm a consumer cynic, and have had my fair share of bad Delta experiences, but I have to give my recommendation to them for this one, based on my service. The German Consulate nearest you in the US should be able to answer all your questions that the Airline can't. Alles Gute und Viel Glück!
I'm German, but unfortunately I have no idea. I just did a quick google search and found this e-mail adress: poststelle.tgsh@lhl.hessen.de It's the - and I might get the translation wrong - Veterinary Border Inspection Post of the Frankfurt Airport (Tierärztliche Grenzkontrollstelle am Flughafen Frankfurt) Those guys should be able to help you out.
I don't have an answer for this but I am wishing you good luck with the move. I hope that your dog won't be too stressed out. I can't imagine putting my dog in a cage with all of luggage so I understand your apprehension. Good luck.
OK, thought I'd pass on the answer. Good news is a good Vet will be able to tell you everything. Mine did. Bad news ... start a month out. USDA has the best resources. 1. There are two different requirements for Europe, one requiring "testing" strict countries like Ireland (think islands), and one for "no testing" most continental EU, like Germany. <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=4&ved=0CDAQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aphis.usda.gov%2Fanimal_health%2Farea_offices%2Fdownloads%2FPet%2520Travel%2520Cat%2520Dog%2520-%2520EU%2520No%2520Tests%2520Required.pdf&rct=j&q=usda%20pet%20travel%20eu&ei=4pXdTfz-MeHr0gGdu_T9Dw&usg=AFQjCNENeW3oLk0LHwRzb6MHt-LOVKvllw&cad=rja">Germany PDF here</a> 1. an ISO-Standard Microchip. My vet assistant called it a "universal chip." Apparently, some in the US are not compatible with readers in the EU. The PDF describes it. My vet has them in stock, but your local human society might be cheaper. 2. Rabies vaccination. Must be 21 days in advance. NOTE THIS The USDA says that the EU will not accept any vaccination prior to the Microchip being implanted, because the chip must be associated with a vaccine lot. This one screws me, as now I'm over-vaccinating my pet and can't leave for 3 weeks. I'll see if that is a real requirement, or if I can use my current vaccine records. 3. EU Form 998. Your vet should have this. This certifies the above. USDA-approved Vet must sign it. 4. That form must be certified and stamped by a USDA office. Your vet will fax it there. This can take 10 days. I am told you have to meet with them in person...I will verify this. 5. And any country specific form. My vet had the German one. <a href="http://www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/animals/">Go here and click on your country for specific forms</a>
