Traveling with a Dog

[g2s]

I am hoping someone can give me information about flying into the DR from the US with a small dog. My family will be taking an extended vacation to the DR and we are bringing our Havanese with us. Does anyone know which papers are required? And what should I expect at the airport in the DR? Also, what about returning to the US? Thank you,

[BettyDiamond]

some havanesii in case anyone was wondering what they are

[Bob K]

We travel back and forth from the US with our Havanese (Chip). It really is quite easy.
-You need a certificate of health from your local vet in the US.
-The dog needs an up to date rabies vac. (not the three year one but a one year rabies) and technically needs to have had it for 30 days but that will not be checked
-USDA needs to stamp your health certificate within two weeks (check with your airline as may vary on different carriers) of your trip (can be done by return mail in a couple of days). Many do not do this, but we do just in case some one has a hair up their butt when we arrive.
-on arrival you need to pay a $10 fee or 300 pesos to customs. This is a very easy process and you will still be waiting for your bags after the dog is cleared. (usually a small room near the luggage area)

Going back you need a health certificate from a vet here. Very easy to get and it costs about $30.

Enjoy your vacation

Bob K

[oriole100]

The only other thing you have to check on is, if you want to carry the dog in the cabin, not the hole. Most airlines have a limit of 1 or 2 dogs in the cabin. Based on the size of your dog I would try to put him under the seat. Cont. is easy to work with but we don't know about the others.

[Bob K]

Sorry, forgot to add that he will easily fit in a regulation air line cabin carrier and will be able to travel under your seat. The cost is about $100 per flight, and yes there is a limit (usually one per cabin) on the number of pets allowed.
We have use AA, Cont, UA all with the dog and no problem.

Bob K

[g2s]

Thank you everyone for the information. I am waiting for the USDA stamp and then we should be all set to travel. We are flying American into Santo Domingo, which is a non-stop flight for us. Our havanese, Desi, has his reservation for his in-cabin, under the seat, flight. I'll let you know how the trip goes for humans and dog.

[ybonabeach]

Most airlines have restictions as to the time of year that animals can travel.

[Hillbilly]

NOT when it is in the cabin!!! Except what has been stated here. Please read the whole thread before opining. The OP and the posters have done their homework and know about this. You, evidently, do not.

HB

[pizzabite]

Originally Posted by Bob K

We travel back and forth from the US with our Havanese (Chip). It really is quite easy.
-You need a certificate of health from your local vet in the US.
-The dog needs an up to date rabies vac. (not the three year one but a one year rabies) and technically needs to have had it for 30 days but that will not be checked
-USDA needs to stamp your health certificate within two weeks (check with your airline as may vary on different carriers) of your trip (can be done by return mail in a couple of days). Many do not do this, but we do just in case some one has a hair up their butt when we arrive.
-on arrival you need to pay a $10 fee or 300 pesos to customs. This is a very easy process and you will still be waiting for your bags after the dog is cleared. (usually a small room near the luggage area)

Going back you need a health certificate from a vet here. Very easy to get and it costs about $30.

Enjoy your vacation

Bob K

Hi Bob,

Thanks for the info. Is it necessary to bring the vet health certificate to the DR consulate to be authenticated before entering the DR? We needed to do this in 2007 for our dog.

[LindseyKaufman]

No. The new regulations from the DR say that it is NOT necessary to have them authenticated by the consulate.