You're right. The first person I spoke with at American Airlines led me astray. There is definitely a distinction between shipping a dog as "cargo" and shipping a dog a "checked luggage". I specifically told the agent I was traveling with my dog but for some reason he presumed I intended on shipping the dog as "cargo". Thus, the whole broker thing. As "checked luggage" I just pay the $200 bucks, get the right paperwork and I'm done.
I'm traveling out of PUJ and will make sure I've got all the paperwork taken care of ahead of time. I've already spoken to my vet about getting the papers from him.
It's a Golden Retriever by the way.
sounds like you already have a Vet who is in the know.
in case you have any troubles with him,
Eduardo, the Vet located at the Highway Crossing/Veron, right at the traffic lights, is a real Vet and very well familiar with the procedures.
he knows the paperwork and what certifications your dog needs.
i can't comment on own experience, as for us europeans the rules may be very different to the requirements for the USA, so i can't compare.
for the EU the dog needs the "Chip" and if traveling for the first time, it need's that Rabbies Check which is sent to Texas and comes with the results back around 20-25 days later, in such case it is advised to do it well on time, just in case of any "dominican time" thingy to happen.
form there on the dog needs just the usual Rabbies "refreshment" certificate to be up to date and is a easy go.
important is the "chip", without that a dog would not be let in to the EU i've been told.
i have it easy for shipment,
mine is a Chihuahua Lady, Lucy, full belly weight of a max of 1kg, 1.2kg during christmas time, lol,
she travels as Hand-Luggage/Carry-on, as she and her box weight well less than the allowed 5kg(some airlines here allow even 12kg carry on). so she needs just the paperwork and the specific box, no seat reservation or contact with any cargo department.
a Golden Retriever will of course not fit as hand-luggage, lol.
poor thing, i relly don't like it when they get stuffed into the belly of the plane.
i had a golden retriever, too, but never traveled with him.
Mike