Hi Fabibeach,
Air Canada Cargo is likely your only option at this time of year, and it may not even be. Having them fly in the baggage hold with you is the most affordable option, however most airlines have heat embargoes for dogs, and some of those do extend to live cargo service travel as well. Alaska Airlines is the only carrier that has climate controlled baggage holds so you could fly them, but that would mean flying to Las Angeles then on to Seattle, and to Calgary. Firstly, call the local Air Canada office in DF, ask them if Cargo travel is even an option. Don't book anything until you book the dogs. Even if you were to fly Alaska, they only allow so many pets per flight, and sometimes it can be full, so best to book with an agent on the phone, ensure they have all the kennel space confirmed first.
What you do need for the dogs, vaccination records, including the stickers from the given vaccines, all the standard ones that you would get in DF; parvo, distemper, hepatitis; most importantly rabies. It doesn't state this anywhere but we as a rule ensure the Rabies shot is given at least 2 weeks prior to flying, as it can take some time to become active. The vaccine records should include:
here be written in English or French;
be issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian;
identify the animal (breed, sex, colour, and weight);
state that the animal is vaccinated against rabies;
indicate the date of vaccination;
indicate the trade name and the serial number of the licensed vaccine; and
specify the duration of immunity (otherwise, it will be considered valid for one year from the date of vaccination)
Bring a copy of the veterinarian's license with photo, and letter in English from the veterinarian stating the dog is in good health. The Vet can also provide you some bills for travel to help sedate the dog, this is really the best case for everyone, and makes the process much less traumatic for the dogs.
Clearing them through customs in Canada is a very simple process, as long as you have all of the above in order, it should take no more than 30-45 minutes. Sometimes they may ask to inspect the dog, just to ensure that it looks well and healthy (usually not the case in the Calgary airport however if they are accompanying you).
Let me know how you make out with Air Canada Cargo, I really hope they can help. If not, you may have to look at someone keeping them until October 1, when the heat restrictions lift?
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Thank you Tish. Yes all that info you gave me is what they have told me over the phone. I just need to see if we can fly in august or later then. I will let you know how this goes and appreciate your help and advice.
I got my COPR Today!
Where is it supposed to see conditions like condition 51? Is it on COPR? Or on visa stamped on passport?
I don't see if I got Condition 51. It says 00/ no conditions on COPR which is funny because me and my husband have no children and I was expecting I would be conditioned.
Anyways, congratulations to you and every pplicant who has gotten any news these past days.
It is a great feeling to be done with this.
I can wait to be reunited with my hubby.
Hope everyone get theirs very very soon.
