Pets: Do you have to be the owner to transport a pet into the U.S.?

[Gypsyangel 11]

I am wondering if anyone knows the answer to this question.

I have German friends who are transporting a rescued dog from Germany to the Newark airport. The new owners are picking up the dog at the airport. The dog has all its papers (rabies), so it's good to go.

The question is ... will it be a problem that they are not the owners as they go through Customs as just the transporters? The rescue operation told them to tell Customs that they're taking their own dog on vacation with them, but they do not want to lie.

I'm Canadian/American (and live in NJ), that's why I'm asking this forum, which has been really helpful in the past. I've already tried googling it, and I've tried asking the Humane Society, but they haven't been any help.

I've suggested that they get a letter from the new owners, but other than that I don't know what else to tell them.

Any thoughts? Or information? Or links?

Thanks!

[pro_star 52]

Granted I've never crossed from Germany to the US but whenever my mutt and I have made the cross, actual ownership has never come up. All they really care about (and sometimes they don't even care about that but they may actually check more for air crossings) is that they're up to date on shots.

[Gypsyangel 11]

Thanks for your response pro_star. That's my sense too. When I brought my cat over, they couldn't have cared less. Mind you that was by car.

[Ontarkie 13,937]

I think the only time it could be an issue is if they got it from a breeder and are trying to minimize the cost of the dog and don't tell the person bringing it in. Like if they bought the dog for 1,000 and send your friend to pick it up and they get papers saying the dog was 300$. CBP do look up going rates of pets.

[pro_star 52]

If it's a rescue and documented as such though, it's obvious the mutts of questionable breeding are worth less (speaking purely money wise here) than their akc/Crufts competitors.

(Before anyone pounces on me for being pro purebred, my pup is a purebred Albertan lol. Her litter was surrendered - and there were a couple different sires in the single litter - didn't even know that was possible!)

[NikLR 13,220]

Considering that people buy animals across the border and handlers (not owners) take dogs to shows in other countries, I can't see this being a big issue. But call the CBP and ask exactly what's needed for them to bring the dog into the country for the owners.

[Kimbear 53]

Just current ven paperwork with shots is required. My dogs have been in and out of the USA multiple times and without me. They pretty much don't seem to care at least where we were crossing into Ontario.

This link may help you:

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/55/~/pets---dogs,-rabies-vaccines

Edited April 23, 2014 by Kimbear

[Flames9_RN 358]

Coming from another country (other than Canada) there are requirements. We are coming from Nicaragua and coming back to the USA for a few months, and our 2 dogs need more than just rabies! Requires a Vet health inspection and various forms, such as Form 7001.

Yes traveling between Canada and the USA, they just require Rabies---did it with my dog back in 2011. But since this dog is originating from outside Canada, might be a different story. I sure would not be claiming it as mine--since it is coming from a different country. But thats just me and I'm a huge animal lover

[kc247 22]

I would imagine you would just need all the proper vaccinations. Lots of breeders get breeding dogs from over in Europe and shipped into the US or Canada.

I also don't think it makes any difference if you are the 'owner' or not, I think they mainly just care about the vaccinations. My parents will be driving my boy down here eventually & I never thought or worried about it mattering if they are the owners.

[Rob & Monika 87]

We brought my MIL's dog over the border several times, no questions asked.

[Flames9_RN 358]

This dog is NOT originating from Canada--totally different procedure.