Do I put pets on B4 form?

[bally21]

I remember reading somewhere that depending on the number of dogs - I think it's if you have more than four (but don't know if it's of one species and thus 3 dogs + 1 cat is in our out) some fees kick in.

I've read the part about importing animals and it says its $30 for the first animal in the shipment and $5 for each subsequent one. One of the dogs is a retired greyhound racer but I have her racing papers signed over to me and will be bringing it along, so hopefully it won't be a problem.

And if it is, well I'll bring lots of cash for bribery

 

[bally21]

Ok spoke to shipper again..we take it to the warehouse tomorrow and he will store it free of charge for us until the day we go, then ship it to canada so it arrives after us.. Phew! And I have that in writing lol

 

[OhCanadiana]

I've read the part about importing animals and it says its $30 for the first animal in the shipment and $5 for each subsequent one. One of the dogs is a retired greyhound racer but I have her racing papers signed over to me and will be bringing it along, so hopefully it won't be a problem.

In addition to that inspection fee there is (or there used to be a few months ago) an import duty if you imported more than a certain number (I think four - but don't remember if it's animals total or by species). I only have one dog so just thought it was interesting. However, if you are flying with your spouse, it would be a mute point either way since you could each import two.

And if it is, well I'll bring lots of cash for bribery

In my experience, the hardest part of traveling with dog in tow is all the 'aaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwww........he's soooooooooooooo cuuuuuuuuuuuuuuteeeeeeeeeeee!' comments from security, customs, etc. and being able to keep going. Our doxie has even acquired multiple dog treats from customs officers when we drive across. IME, it's been surprisingly easy. I tend to be a dot i's and cross t's person with immigration/customs to make sure things go smoothly and really would advise you to not worry beyond getting the vet docs and getting them used to their bag/crate.

Since one of your dogs is a greyhound, clearly at least one will be in the 'belly' of the plane (sounds nicer than cargo). Consider taking a small note to send up to the pilot reminding them that your dog(s) and cat? are down in cargo and asking them to take extra care of them. Not to get your hopes up, but pilots have said that it's a good reminder and I know folks who have gotten their pets a bit of extra TLC and photos from the pilot on a cell phone or camera of the dogs settled in from moves like that with the right pilot A few candy bars for cabin crew reportedly work magic too

Ok spoke to shipper again..we take it to the warehouse tomorrow and he will store it free of charge for us until the day we go, then ship it to canada so it arrives after us.. Phew! And I have that in writing lol

Excellent!

 

[bally21]

Since one of your dogs is a greyhound, clearly at least one will be in the 'belly' of the plane (sounds nicer than cargo). Consider taking a small note to send up to the pilot reminding them that your dog(s) and cat? are down in cargo and asking them to take extra care of them. Not to get your hopes up, but pilots have said that it's a good reminder and I know folks who have gotten their pets a bit of extra TLC and photos from the pilot on a cell phone or camera of the dogs settled in from moves like that with the right pilot A few candy bars for cabin crew reportedly work magic too
Excellent!

Yes all 3 dogs and the cat will be in the cargo hold, the other two are large German Shepherds. We had to get the Giant Vari kennels for them. 4ft long! We have no room left in our house!!

My dad's a commercial pilot, I'll have to ask him if that works 8)

 

[OhCanadiana]

Yes all 3 dogs and the cat will be in the cargo hold, the other two are large German Shepherds. We had to get the Giant Vari kennels for them. 4ft long! We have no room left in our house!!

My dad's a commercial pilot, I'll have to ask him if that works 8)

It'll be cool to hear what your dad's perspective.

If he doesn't do anything special, give him some inspiration to help out anyone on his future flights. For example, someone was invited to go down onto the tarmac with ground crew to their dog loaded on BA enroute from Stockholm to Toronto. There's also an interview USA Today did with Captain Denny from United who takes photos of pets in cargo and mentions another pilot who takes carry-on pets for a walk. Denny Flanagan goes out of his way for friendly customer service (calls to parents of unaccompanied minors, buying take-out for a passengers when delayed, writing notes to passengers in F or middle seats 'because when the flight attendant delivers the card from the captain the people sitting on either side of them wonder who this important person must be and are more willing to share the arm rest', etc) ... service that is unfortunately more inspirational than typical these days.

"Q: There was a lot of talk with the recent merger between Continental and United that got down to the nitty gritty. Even down to the way that the airlines board pets in the cargo compartment. You have an interesting story there, tell us about it.

A: Well, I recognize that pets undergo a traumatic experience when traveling in the cargo section. So if we have time, I will go down to the ramp and take a picture of the pet and show it to their owners to let them know that they are ok. Another pilot I know takes the carry-on pets for a walk around the aircraft because they have been cooped up for quite awhile."
http://travel.usatoday.com/experts/hobica/story/2011-12-13/Fly-Guy-A-pilots-perspective-on-a-passengers-experience/51865330/1

 

[bally21]

Whoa those are great, heart warming stories!

I think I will maybe just make a wee card and when we are boarding, ask the cabin crew to relay it to the captain. Only 19 days left! Can't wait!!