US Customs sucks

This is a placeholder text
Group text

by Silbersee on 08 March 2009 - 14:03

I never had problems with Customs here in Washington DC. But then, most of the dogs shipped to me were my own homebred dogs after training, titles and being bred in Germany or dogs which I have had in my name for a while. And I always wave my registration papers as proof when I enter the customs window. So far, so good. And I never ever lied about the intended use for the dog (show, trial, breeding etc.). I simply state that it is my family's hobby (expensive as it is).
For the future, I would recommend that people get together and pay for a flight over and accompany the dog(s) back as access luggage. I did that last year for somebody but found out that too went up to 400 Euros (for an adult dog). But at least, nobody questions anything on the other end.
If you add broker fees, puppies from Europe will become quite expensive in the future. It might be much cheaper to find a reputable U.S. based breeder.

by eichenluft on 08 March 2009 - 14:03

I have imported quite a few dogs and picked them up from DC Dulles, DC National, Baltimore, and Philadelphia airports - never had a problem with customs - as Shelly said - the biggest PITB is getting to customs which is usually in the terminal when the dog is at cargo (different building/area) so parking, walking into the terminal - getting the papers signed (takes 5 minutes tops) and back out to cargo again. Never had a problem other than their hours, they usually close at 4 pm.

molly

by HareValley on 08 March 2009 - 14:03

I've several experiences with Denver Customs now, and some posts here make me feel like sending Denver a Thank You card! Always smooth as silk.

by B.Andersen on 08 March 2009 - 16:03

Get a broker in adavance it is much easier.

by Gustav on 08 March 2009 - 17:03

Just imported a puppy three weeks ago....because the puppy came to Houston first then to Phila., I get a call from County health dept. a week later to tell me that I shouldn't have the puppy in my possesion because it hasn't cleared customs. I picked the puppy up straight from Continental and signed for puppy and took him home. I informed the County health lady that I had papers from picking up the puppy at Philly indicating that the puppy had cleared customs in Houston...I then asked was Houston customs the same customs as Philly customs! I then got the same routine as Shawn in that I have to bring them rabie verification at 3 months and they have set a date for that. These people need to get on the same page!!!

by 1doggie2 on 08 March 2009 - 20:03

If you have more than 1 pup coming you better get a broker to clear customs.

by Schluterton on 08 March 2009 - 20:03

I got kinda lucky in Seattle. The customs guy I got was nice but pretty much cleuless. Never looked at anything but the airbill and had no idea what he was looking at when he checked her crate. I could have had a hyena in there for all he knew.

by Ninja181 on 08 March 2009 - 21:03

Customs out to try guarding the border, instead they bother law-abiding citizens.

by animules on 08 March 2009 - 22:03

A few of you have mentioned taking the paperwork to the Customs Office and a few minutes at the window. Do you not have to wait for Customs to come to the cargo area and check the dog? Each time I was involved, a couple times went with friends, imported two myself, I had to wait at the cargo area for the Customs agent to show up and check the dog against the paperwork before I could get the dog out of the crate. One was a puppy and yes I ran into the same thing about rabies shots, including a follow up phone call to make sure the she was bein quarentined as required. Every time involved some waiting, and a couple were pusing their quit times so were not happy.

by eichenluft on 08 March 2009 - 22:03

Every time I've imported a dog they only check the import paperwork, that the air frieght agent (Lufthansa) takes off the crate.

molly

Contact information Disclaimer Privacy Statement Copyright Information Terms of Service Cookie policy ↑ Back to top

US Customs sucks - Page 2

Pedigree Database