Taking dog across border

[drag n' fly]

I remember seeing a thread on this last year but couldn't find it. We are thinking of taking our dog with us across the border (flying) on summer holidays. Is it a big hassle? Where can I get info on what is required? TIA

 

[Sue M]

I didn't take my dog, but a couple of years ago I had to bring my mother's cat (she lives in Florida, I live in BC) back home with me.

Don't know the size of you're dog, but if it's small and can fit in a carrier under the seat, they give you the dimensions of the size carrier you need. You have to book a space ahead of time for pets. All you have to show is that your dog has it's vaccinations, incl, and most importantly, Rabies. I think for the cat, traveling in the cabin with me, I had to pay around $80

Each airline is different with regulations, and if they allow dogs to go in the cargo hold. It's a scary place for them, I'd get a tranq. from your vet.

 

[drag n' fly]

He is a bichon frise-shih-tzu cross but he is 22 pounds so too big to ride in the cabin. It is approx the same price to kennel him for 2 weeks as it is to fly him there and back with us. I would hate for him to be miserable so i think i will just kennel him

 

[christiane]

We travel with our dogs very frequently, including to the US & other international destinations. It is really no hassle. For the US, you usually just need a valid rabies certificate. Other countries may require additional paperwork if they allow dogs to travel there. Some airlines require a health certificate as well. For flying in cargo, temperature acclimatization letters are required by some airlines. Shih-Tzus & their crosses should not fly in cargo, however due to concerns about their breathing.

Your dog is right at the upper limit for in-cabin travel. Currently for Air Canada, the limit is 22lbs including the carrier. Could she go on a diet??

Our Shih-Tzu fits in the largest Sherpa Bag. She is the same height as our smaller (5kg, 7kg) dogs but due to her breed conformation, she is about 9kg. So in her carrier, she just squeaks under the 10kg limit.

But honestly, no airline has ever asked to weigh her. They ask over the phone at the time of booking, but that's about it. She can stand up & turn around in her carrier, so that is the most important thing.

I know you have decided not to fly with your dog, but I thought I would send this answer, in case anyone else is wondering...

Some dogs are just as happy to stay at home if there is someone there to feed them, walk them & rub their furry bellies!

 

[drag n' fly]

We travel with our dogs very frequently, including to the US & other international destinations. It is really no hassle. For the US, you usually just need a valid rabies certificate. Other countries may require additional paperwork if they allow dogs to travel there. Some airlines require a health certificate as well. For flying in cargo, temperature acclimatization letters are required by some airlines. Shih-Tzus & their crosses should not fly in cargo, however due to concerns about their breathing.

Your dog is right at the upper limit for in-cabin travel. Currently for Air Canada, the limit is 22lbs including the carrier. Could she go on a diet??

Our Shih-Tzu fits in the largest Sherpa Bag. She is the same height as our smaller (5kg, 7kg) dogs but due to her breed conformation, she is about 9kg. So in her carrier, she just squeaks under the 10kg limit.

But honestly, no airline has ever asked to weigh her. They ask over the phone at the time of booking, but that's about it. She can stand up & turn around in her carrier, so that is the most important thing.

I know you have decided not to fly with your dog, but I thought I would send this answer, in case anyone else is wondering...

Some dogs are just as happy to stay at home if there is someone there to feed them, walk them & rub their furry bellies!

Thanks for the info. There is no way he could stand a 5 hour flight in a carrier. We will kennel him. Good info though