Hello,
My name is Reeses, I am a 10-year-old half chow half German shepherd. My owner (who is typing for me because I lack opposable thumbs) plans to move to Finland in January. She has looked extensively online for regulations to import pets and has some general idea of preperatory procedures, but she would just like to hear if anyone one else has had experience importing pets.
ARF (thanks)
BARK BARK RUFF WOOF (I want to come too!)
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SediaAmore
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I moved here in May with two cats travelling on Delta and Finnair.
You will need a health certificate from your vet and stamped by a USDA official, proof of rabies vaccination, and a form that states your dog was given medication against the tapeworm echinococcosis. (Read about it here: http://www.mmm.fi/el/julk/lemtuoen.html.) The medication must be given at least 30 days BEFORE you leave, and just to be safe, I did it again two weeks before I left as well.
Secondly, be sure to reserve a flight WAY in advance and make sure they accept your pet as cargo (since he will not be able to fit in the cabin). Many airlines will only ship pets as cargo during certain months and some will not do it at all.
It's a lot of work, but I found living here would probably be unbearable without my babies.
You will need a health certificate from your vet and stamped by a USDA official, proof of rabies vaccination, and a form that states your dog was given medication against the tapeworm echinococcosis. (Read about it here: http://www.mmm.fi/el/julk/lemtuoen.html.) The medication must be given at least 30 days BEFORE you leave, and just to be safe, I did it again two weeks before I left as well.
Secondly, be sure to reserve a flight WAY in advance and make sure they accept your pet as cargo (since he will not be able to fit in the cabin). Many airlines will only ship pets as cargo during certain months and some will not do it at all.
It's a lot of work, but I found living here would probably be unbearable without my babies.
"A person starts to live when he can live outside himself." - Albert Einstein
Thanks for the info ... I don't think I could live without my baby either. She has been my best friend for 10 years. I know that scandinavian (which is what I will be flying on) allows pets as cargo and the only months that they restrict are the summer months. I also have to get a microchip implanted in her soon. However, I am wondering how to contact the ministry of agriculture in Finland to notify them that I am bringing a dog. I know there is usually no customs agent when I get off my flight from Sweden so I don't know if someone would have to inspect her before we could enter the country or what. It seems strange that they would require all this paperwork but have no one there to look at it when you arrive. I will have to write a lot of emails I am sure. I usually don't get all my questions answered until I talk to a at least 3 or 4 government officials.
Well, from my experience, they require you to fill out LOADS of paperwork, but when it all comes down to it, they don't ask for it. All they care about is getting the money for your dog to fly in cargo.
Just have all the paperwork straight and on you. That way, if they ask for it, they ask for it. And if they don't, then, they don't.
We went through three airports and not once did anyone say anything about my kitties. The customs agents had a chance in Finland to ask about them and they didn't, so, I just walked on through the airport and went home. 
Also, before you leave, you should ask your vet about your dog flying in cargo. Sometimes it can be very dangerous. Depending on her size, I would suggest you buy her TWO crates. A larger one that is a bit big for her and another one that is her size and fits into the larger one. The reason for this is that the people who load the luggage don't give a rat's butt about what they are doing and WILL put your dog in a dangerous place if they have half a chance. If your dog has the protection of two crates, it won't matter if heavy luggage falls on top of her crate and what not--she will be protected.
Here are some tips I found:
- Be at the animal check-in (if you’re handing over your pet yourself) at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight or 4 hours prior to an international one, to allow plenty of time to complete the formalities.
- Pets must travel in manufactured pet carriers – homemade ones won’t do. Label the carrier “Live Animal,” and mark “up” arrows on all sides of the crate. Also, write your home address and telephone number clearly on the crate. All kennels must have fixed food and water bowls clipped on the door. (Note: I find a water bowl to be MESSY. Teaching your dog to drink out of a large water bottle could be beneficial.)
- Never assume your dog has actually been put safely on the plane without verifying it yourself (you visually see the dog go onto the plane), or through someone in authority. This is especially important if you have a stopover or have connecting flights and have to switch planes. Ask an employee (a stewardess or someone at the gate) to check for you before you take off. Keep trying until you get the confirmation you need.
- Try to get a direct flight. If that is not possible, avoid any long layovers.
- Don't sedate your dog; some medication can lower the respiratory rate and cause difficulty breathing at high altitudes. (Note: Stores like Petsmart sells a "pet calmative" that I found worked really well on my cats. It doesn't sedate them, but rather just makes them a little mellow. On looking at the instructions, I realise it just gets them a little drunk.
If you plan on trying it, test it on your dog a few days before you leave to see how he reacts to it.)
- Decorate your dog's crate with bright, colorful designs and specific instructions to personalize it and help draw attention to it.
- Make sure your dog has a supply of water. Ice cubes will help keep it cool, but you can also freeze a bowl of water ahead of time. This can also help prevent spills.
- Attach a package of dry dog food to the outside of the crate (a ziploc bag works well) just in case it's needed.
- Never use a pegboard or wire crate. Toes and nails can get stuck in these during rough flights. Be sure to use a thick layer of absorbent bedding in the crate.
- Use a 3" clear plastic tape to secure the crate door. Don't block the air vents, but wrap it completely around the crate. Airline personnel sometimes like to open crates to pet the dogs or give them water. The tape will act as your "security" and prevent the crate from being opened unnecessarily. This lowers the risk of your dog getting lost, yet the crate can still be opened in case of an emergency.
Hope this helped a little more and I apologise if you already knew all of these things.
Just have all the paperwork straight and on you. That way, if they ask for it, they ask for it. And if they don't, then, they don't.
We went through three airports and not once did anyone say anything about my kitties. The customs agents had a chance in Finland to ask about them and they didn't, so, I just walked on through the airport and went home. Also, before you leave, you should ask your vet about your dog flying in cargo. Sometimes it can be very dangerous. Depending on her size, I would suggest you buy her TWO crates. A larger one that is a bit big for her and another one that is her size and fits into the larger one. The reason for this is that the people who load the luggage don't give a rat's butt about what they are doing and WILL put your dog in a dangerous place if they have half a chance. If your dog has the protection of two crates, it won't matter if heavy luggage falls on top of her crate and what not--she will be protected.
Here are some tips I found:
- Be at the animal check-in (if you’re handing over your pet yourself) at least 2 hours prior to a domestic flight or 4 hours prior to an international one, to allow plenty of time to complete the formalities.
- Pets must travel in manufactured pet carriers – homemade ones won’t do. Label the carrier “Live Animal,” and mark “up” arrows on all sides of the crate. Also, write your home address and telephone number clearly on the crate. All kennels must have fixed food and water bowls clipped on the door. (Note: I find a water bowl to be MESSY. Teaching your dog to drink out of a large water bottle could be beneficial.)
- Never assume your dog has actually been put safely on the plane without verifying it yourself (you visually see the dog go onto the plane), or through someone in authority. This is especially important if you have a stopover or have connecting flights and have to switch planes. Ask an employee (a stewardess or someone at the gate) to check for you before you take off. Keep trying until you get the confirmation you need.
- Try to get a direct flight. If that is not possible, avoid any long layovers.
- Don't sedate your dog; some medication can lower the respiratory rate and cause difficulty breathing at high altitudes. (Note: Stores like Petsmart sells a "pet calmative" that I found worked really well on my cats. It doesn't sedate them, but rather just makes them a little mellow. On looking at the instructions, I realise it just gets them a little drunk.
If you plan on trying it, test it on your dog a few days before you leave to see how he reacts to it.)- Decorate your dog's crate with bright, colorful designs and specific instructions to personalize it and help draw attention to it.
- Make sure your dog has a supply of water. Ice cubes will help keep it cool, but you can also freeze a bowl of water ahead of time. This can also help prevent spills.
- Attach a package of dry dog food to the outside of the crate (a ziploc bag works well) just in case it's needed.
- Never use a pegboard or wire crate. Toes and nails can get stuck in these during rough flights. Be sure to use a thick layer of absorbent bedding in the crate.
- Use a 3" clear plastic tape to secure the crate door. Don't block the air vents, but wrap it completely around the crate. Airline personnel sometimes like to open crates to pet the dogs or give them water. The tape will act as your "security" and prevent the crate from being opened unnecessarily. This lowers the risk of your dog getting lost, yet the crate can still be opened in case of an emergency.
Hope this helped a little more and I apologise if you already knew all of these things.
"A person starts to live when he can live outside himself." - Albert Einstein
I think you will receive all necessary information if you only contact SAS (Scandinavian airlines).
More can be read on ministry of agriculture.. their homepage and necessary info..
http://www.mmm.fi/el/raj/index_en.html
IMPORT OF DOGS AND CATS TO FINLAND FROM THIRD COUNTRIES
Requirements concerning echinococcosis (from 15 June 2002, amendments bolded)
the animal must be accompanied by a certificate issued by a veterinarian showing that the animal has been given not more than 30 days before it arrives to Finland an appropriate dosage of medicine containing praziquantel against tapeworm causing echinococcosis approved for the species concerned;
the certificate referred to in point 1 must also show the name and dosage of the medicine as well as way of administration;
medication of animals referred to in point 1 shall not be required for animals coming from the United States, Canada and Switzerland which are less than 12 weeks old or animals brought back to Finland within 24 hours from leaving the country.
If the customs authority cannot allow the import of the animal owing to defects in the document referred to in point 1, the customs authority may order the animal sent to quarantine approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry at the cost of the importer. If this is not possible, the customs authority may take other measures laid down in Section 16 of the Act on Veterinary Border Inspection (1192/1996).
> form - certificate of medication against tapeworm
Importregulations for medication against tapeworms were eased - effective 15 June 2002.
> press release 130602
> press release 110602
a) rabies-free third countries
Dogs and cats may be imported from Iceland, Australia, New Zealand and Japan provided that the animal shows no symptoms of infectious diseases on the day of departure.
The importer has to provide reliable documents showing that the animal is imported directly from the rabies-free third country, via another rabies-free third country or via other countries so that the animal has not left the customs area during transport.
If the above-mentioned documents are deficient or otherwise such that the customs officer cannot allow the import of the animal on the basis of them, a border inspection veterinarian called at the cost of the importer may allow the animal to be imported, subject to conditions set by the border inspection veterinarian.
b) USA, Canada and Switzerland
Dogs and cats may be imported from the USA, Canada and Switzerland provided that the animal shows no symptoms of infectious diseases on the day of departure. The animal has to be accompanied by a certificate of vaccination or other document with an indication by a veterinary surgeon that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies by a vaccine given in the annex within no less than 30 days and no more than 12 months from the day of import. The vaccination need not be repeated during the waiting period of 30 days. Animals cannot be vaccinated prior to the age of four weeks.
When dogs and cats aged no more than 12 weeks are imported vaccination against rabies is not required but the animal must be accompanied by either
a document showing that the mother of the animal was vaccinated against rabies by a vaccine given in the annex; or
a certificate by a veterinary surgeon on a clinical inspection in which no symptoms of infectious diseases were found in the animal. This certificate remains in force for 10 days from the day it was given.
If an imported dog or cat is not accompanied by one of the certificates or documents referred to above or these are deficient or due to the language or otherwise such that the customs officer cannot allow the import of the animal on the basis of these, a border inspection veterinarian called at the cost of the importer may allow the animal to be imported, subject to conditions set by the border inspection veterinarian. Proof of medication against tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis required beginning 1 Aug 2001 (see above).
More can be read on ministry of agriculture.. their homepage and necessary info..
http://www.mmm.fi/el/raj/index_en.html
IMPORT OF DOGS AND CATS TO FINLAND FROM THIRD COUNTRIES
Requirements concerning echinococcosis (from 15 June 2002, amendments bolded)
the animal must be accompanied by a certificate issued by a veterinarian showing that the animal has been given not more than 30 days before it arrives to Finland an appropriate dosage of medicine containing praziquantel against tapeworm causing echinococcosis approved for the species concerned;
the certificate referred to in point 1 must also show the name and dosage of the medicine as well as way of administration;
medication of animals referred to in point 1 shall not be required for animals coming from the United States, Canada and Switzerland which are less than 12 weeks old or animals brought back to Finland within 24 hours from leaving the country.
If the customs authority cannot allow the import of the animal owing to defects in the document referred to in point 1, the customs authority may order the animal sent to quarantine approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry at the cost of the importer. If this is not possible, the customs authority may take other measures laid down in Section 16 of the Act on Veterinary Border Inspection (1192/1996).
> form - certificate of medication against tapeworm
Importregulations for medication against tapeworms were eased - effective 15 June 2002.
> press release 130602
> press release 110602
a) rabies-free third countries
Dogs and cats may be imported from Iceland, Australia, New Zealand and Japan provided that the animal shows no symptoms of infectious diseases on the day of departure.
The importer has to provide reliable documents showing that the animal is imported directly from the rabies-free third country, via another rabies-free third country or via other countries so that the animal has not left the customs area during transport.
If the above-mentioned documents are deficient or otherwise such that the customs officer cannot allow the import of the animal on the basis of them, a border inspection veterinarian called at the cost of the importer may allow the animal to be imported, subject to conditions set by the border inspection veterinarian.
b) USA, Canada and Switzerland
Dogs and cats may be imported from the USA, Canada and Switzerland provided that the animal shows no symptoms of infectious diseases on the day of departure. The animal has to be accompanied by a certificate of vaccination or other document with an indication by a veterinary surgeon that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies by a vaccine given in the annex within no less than 30 days and no more than 12 months from the day of import. The vaccination need not be repeated during the waiting period of 30 days. Animals cannot be vaccinated prior to the age of four weeks.
When dogs and cats aged no more than 12 weeks are imported vaccination against rabies is not required but the animal must be accompanied by either
a document showing that the mother of the animal was vaccinated against rabies by a vaccine given in the annex; or
a certificate by a veterinary surgeon on a clinical inspection in which no symptoms of infectious diseases were found in the animal. This certificate remains in force for 10 days from the day it was given.
If an imported dog or cat is not accompanied by one of the certificates or documents referred to above or these are deficient or due to the language or otherwise such that the customs officer cannot allow the import of the animal on the basis of these, a border inspection veterinarian called at the cost of the importer may allow the animal to be imported, subject to conditions set by the border inspection veterinarian. Proof of medication against tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis required beginning 1 Aug 2001 (see above).
Oh my gosh! That is so helpful. I would have never thought of the crate inside a crate thing! I did have a fear about an airline worker putting their fingers inside her cage or opening the cage. And with her never having flown before I didn't want her to bite someone out of fear. The tape and the extra crate will certainly help against that.
As for the layovers, I am planning to rent a car and drive to the nearest international airport (in Chicago which is about a 9 hour drive). That way we could enjoy part of our travel time together and avoid one airport entirely. Then there is getting from Sweden to Finland. My fiance and I have considered taking the ferry/cruise from Stockholm to Helsinki or driving north to the border and then back down. I am hoping to only fly once, I think that would be the easiest on her.
I will certainly check with her vet about the doggie downers. I am sure that will help a lot! Come to think of it ... I will probably need some downers too because I will be worried about her the whole time. But really, you all have given really great advice. I am so glad I found this website!
As for the layovers, I am planning to rent a car and drive to the nearest international airport (in Chicago which is about a 9 hour drive). That way we could enjoy part of our travel time together and avoid one airport entirely. Then there is getting from Sweden to Finland. My fiance and I have considered taking the ferry/cruise from Stockholm to Helsinki or driving north to the border and then back down. I am hoping to only fly once, I think that would be the easiest on her.
I will certainly check with her vet about the doggie downers. I am sure that will help a lot! Come to think of it ... I will probably need some downers too because I will be worried about her the whole time. But really, you all have given really great advice. I am so glad I found this website!
I would love if you would inform me of how your trip went. I was caught between those two exact options from Stockholm to Finland (don't know which city to go to yet) because I know that Snowflake's airplanes are quite small to places like Vaasa and Tampere. But I went on a cruise/ferry from Helsinki to Stockholm about 3 years ago on Silja line. I know they allowed dogs because they had a little ... er ... poop depository ...Zs00zsa wrote:
I'm planning to take a flight with Snowflake to Stockholm and then a ferry with Viking Line. Of the first one I know they accept pets, but didn't check the ferry yet.
... on the deck. I would think Viking would be similar. But I was also considering taking a boat from Stockholm to Helsinki to cut back on the time when my dog would have to be confined with the luggage. But best of luck certainly!P.S. So sorry about your kitty. I lost mine a couple years ago and its hard. But like you, I had my dog and that helped a lot. Best wishes.
Does anyone have experience travelling overseas with more unusual or smaller pets? Does the size of the animal affect the reaction to air travel?
I'm thinking way ahead here- it'll be at least a year before we move back to the U.S. but I want to start research already about possibilities of bringing our chipmunk. I'm not so concerned about customs legalities because I'm sure we could get a permit if we need one, but moreso about the effects of travel on our little one. It would break my heart to have to leave her behind, but at the same time I want what's best for her of course. I remember seeing a post here a long time ago about someone bringing a hamster who did not survive long here
One of our friends here has chinchillas, but she did not import them herself.
Our chip is very tame and somewhat used to travel- we bring her in the car with us when we visit DH's folks over a long weekend...I'm trying to get her used to being moved around and in different environments. I've tried to search for some websites for specific info, but haven't really found anything.
I'm thinking way ahead here- it'll be at least a year before we move back to the U.S. but I want to start research already about possibilities of bringing our chipmunk. I'm not so concerned about customs legalities because I'm sure we could get a permit if we need one, but moreso about the effects of travel on our little one. It would break my heart to have to leave her behind, but at the same time I want what's best for her of course. I remember seeing a post here a long time ago about someone bringing a hamster who did not survive long here
One of our friends here has chinchillas, but she did not import them herself. Our chip is very tame and somewhat used to travel- we bring her in the car with us when we visit DH's folks over a long weekend...I'm trying to get her used to being moved around and in different environments. I've tried to search for some websites for specific info, but haven't really found anything.
Former expat in Finland, now living in New Hampshire USA.
I guess I had thought you were taking a flight between Finland and Stockholm and then cruising after that. Sorry! I guess you are right, snowflake doesn't fly between Helsinki and Stockholm ... I thought they did, but I am often wrong (don't tell the bf I said that). However, blue 1 will fly that route for under 100 euros but I don't know if they except pets ... something I need to ask about myself. And if they did it would probably cost a bit more, but it might be something you could check out. If you have Eurobonus with SAS, then blue 1 flights qualify since they are in the same alliance. Try this site http://www.blue1.com/en/ if you are interested.Zs00zsa wrote:I As far as I know Snowflake doesn't even fly to Finland, that's why I have to take a ferry to Sweden first.
Also, about the flight from Helsinki to Budapest, I believe that Malev Hungarian Airlines will fly non-stop between there. So if you would rather do that try this website http://www.malev.hu/bp/eng/index.asp
Cheers!