Flying without Health Certificate??

[yorkiesmiles]

I know many of you say you have never been asked to show a health certificate when flying with a pet inside the cabin. But does anyone go without one even when the airlines say that don't require it??

I'm flying Northwest and they say they don't require one, but state's might. So who exactly might check for one?? I don't understand, if it's not the airline, are there other officials who might ask for such papers?? I'm confused.

A gal at my vets said you need one just to cross state lines in a car - but she also told me something else that I know for a fact is not true, so I don't know what to believe.

Do any of you not even bother with this?

[livingdustmops]

These are state laws so my best advise is to check with the state you are flying into.

[RONLYNN]

We're flying US Airways on Tuesday and they don't require one. I am just going to get a copy of Teddi's shots faxed to me from the vet.

[yorkiekist]

I always get a health certificate just in case. Some airlines are diligent about this and some individuals working at the counter will require it. When you get one from the vet, he will look up to see what the other state you are flying to requires. I would rather be safe than sorry and have to cancel my trip because I didnt have what I needed to fly.

[Sookie]

When I flew Northwest they didn't check. When I flew Delta they did check. I wouldn't go without one.

[bchgirl]

When I was checking airline restrictions I don't recall ANY of the airlines themselves requiring the health certificate. It's the states that require them and if there is a USDA inspector on the destination end you may be required to produce one.

[Sookie]

Originally Posted by bchgirl

When I was checking airline restrictions I don't recall ANY of the airlines themselves requiring the health certificate. It's the states that require them and if there is a USDA inspector on the destination end you may be required to produce one.

The airline specifically said I would need one and they checked my health certificate at check in. That was the only time I had to produce it.

[Yorkiedaze]

I've never taken a health certificate for the dogs when we fly. I was told it's only required if you travel out of the USA. It sure can be confusing when even the ticket agent is saying otherwise. Now I wonder where we can all get a list of the rules.

[kay6688]

When we flew American in April, they required a Health Certificate. They didn't ask for it at St. Louis (where we left from) or when we landed in San Antonio. They asked for it when we were leaving San Antonio (like the little infected thing had already been there for a week & we were taking his germs back to Missouri) We thought that was a little funny!

[Sookie]

I found this:
DELTA
A health certificate is required when shipping your pet as air cargo. While Delta does not require a health certificate for carried-on or checked pets, upon arrival, the certificate may be required by the state.

NORTHWEST
Northwest Airlines does not require a health certificate for carry-on pets. However, it is your responsibility to comply with all local, state and national entry requirements which may apply.
Many states and foreign countries require that pets be accompanied by a health certificate.
U.S. and international regulations require that all warm-blooded animals shipped as VIP or General Cargo be accompanied by a health certificate. The health certificate must be issued by a veterinarian licensed in the country of origin within 10 days prior to travel.

I had a carry on pet and was asked for the health certificate at the Philadelphia airport, so perhaps it is a Pennsylvania requirement.

My new puppy is coming tomorrow by Continental, so I was a little dismayed to find this on their site:
No oxygen will be administered to a pet in the event of an emergency.

[bchgirl]

Originally Posted by Yorkiedaze

I've never taken a health certificate for the dogs when we fly. I was told it's only required if you travel out of the USA. It sure can be confusing when even the ticket agent is saying otherwise. Now I wonder where we can all get a list of the rules.

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/sregs/

[Yorkiekids]

I flew Delta and they checked for it, so I'd bring it just in case. It would be horrible to get to the airport, and be turned away.

[Yorkiedaze]

Now I'm wondering why I've never been ask? Oh well. Thank you bcgirl. That is a wealth of information for sure. Thank you again!

[yorkiesmiles]

Originally Posted by bchgirl

When I was checking airline restrictions I don't recall ANY of the airlines themselves requiring the health certificate. It's the states that require them and if there is a USDA inspector on the destination end you may be required to produce one.

Have you ever seen a USDA inspector? I'm just trying to figure this out. I'm planning to get the health certificate. Do these inspectors know when pets are flying and might they be there when I get off the plane or when I get back on for my return flight?

Just trying to work this in my head - if the airline doesn't require it, who, when, where wants to see it. Or are the USDA inspectors going to be near the security folks.

Anyone encounter these inspectors? Do they just look at the certificate or also your pet?

I'm getting the form, but boy the vets get their money on these too - I was told there would be an office visit charge and $10 for each certificate - one more expense with flying with pets.

What does a health certificate look like?? Is there a standard? Or is this just basically just a letter from your vet saying the animal is healthy?

[YorkieRose]

The problem is this....while you are arguing with the airlines people, the plane leaves you behind. I have never been asked for one, but was stopped to show the "boarder" a rabies tag..of course it was at the bottom of my bag and I honestly thought I was going to have to miss my flight while I dumped out my carry on to find it....since then I clip the tag to the carrier handler..