[Nel]

We bring our dog down to Costa Rica every year for the winter.

The first year (2012) we came on United to San Jose and our dog had to travel Cargo because that’s United’s policy for dogs in the baggage dept.

For the last 3 years we travel on American because they don’t consider dogs in the baggage dept as cargo unless you are not on the flight with them. (Cargo is just a designation – the pet travels in the same place whether he’s defined as cargo or excess baggage.) Since he is considered excess baggage, we do not need a broker and American Airlines charges $175 (each way). Now he is out with the baggage before we are through Customs.

With Cargo he had to go through some Import process (which they said included a vet checking him out but the plastic ties on the kennel were not removed so if a vet looked at him it was through the kennel).

This process took at least 2 hours (after we were through Customs) and we had to go pick him up with the broker in some warehouse near the airport.

United charged about $350 each way (our dog and his kennel weigh about 50 pounds) and we paid the broker about $100 each way.

Whether he travels cargo or baggage you need a valid rabies certificate, and the USDA certificate of good health (make sure it has the raised seal).

I will say that after the first trip by cargo, we have flown in and out of Liberia with American (not San Jose), not that the process would be any different, just an easier airport.

3 years ago they wouldn’t accept brokered dogs in Liberia because of they were staffed for the import process but that could have changed.

[Author]

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