any NEW rules for traveling w/small dog?

2020

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Apr 10, 2012
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Las Terrenas
Our Vet in the US said that there might have been new rules implemented with the DR government and/or airlines with traveling with a small dog. He said several countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, have made changes. The Vet is from Puerto Rico and sounded like he knew what he was talking about.

For the last 5 years, we have been staying at our home in the DR twice a year for 2 weeks. We never had a problem bringing our 5 pound dog with United or American Airlines and checking the dog in thru Customs in Santo Domingo. We make sure we have all the proper documents, proof of vaccinations, etc.

Has anyone had first-hand experience bringing their dog to the DR recently?
 

janlindy

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Mar 8, 2011
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I flew in to STI in November with no problems AA small dog.paid a $10 US fee had all the paperwork, that was not even looked at.
 

LTSteve

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Jul 9, 2010
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Our Vet in the US said that there might have been new rules implemented with the DR government and/or airlines with traveling with a small dog. He said several countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, have made changes. The Vet is from Puerto Rico and sounded like he knew what he was talking about.

For the last 5 years, we have been staying at our home in the DR twice a year for 2 weeks. We never had a problem bringing our 5 pound dog with United or American Airlines and checking the dog in thru Customs in Santo Domingo. We make sure we have all the proper documents, proof of vaccinations, etc.

Has anyone had first-hand experience bringing their dog to the DR recently?

I don't believe there have been any changes with dogs that are in the cabin. Simply go on line to your airline site and check. They list their rules and regs.
 

retiree

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Jan 18, 2008
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We also flew from the DR with a small dog in early April. 8 lbs. In the cabin. No problem as usual.
 

2020

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Apr 10, 2012
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Las Terrenas
Thank you everyone -
We are waiting for AA emotional support approval now from the airline. It's totally legit from a medical doctor but AA has a new policy that they will call you after paperwork submission before approving. Weird, this is something new with American Airlines. Never had to go thru all this before, not even with United!
 

LTSteve

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Jul 9, 2010
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Thank you everyone -
We are waiting for AA emotional support approval now from the airline. It's totally legit from a medical doctor but AA has a new policy that they will call you after paperwork submission before approving. Weird, this is something new with American Airlines. Never had to go thru all this before, not even with United!

People have abused this by claiming they have an emotional support animal. I know you need a DRs. approval but that is not hard to get.
 

CG

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Sep 16, 2004
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Not to highjack the thread but do they weigh the dogs that go in the cabin ?... Or if your dog fits in its travel bag it's ok even if its a pound or two over the limit?..

Thanks
 
Jan 7, 2016
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They do not weigh the dog, but the dog has to be able to stand and lay down inside the travel bag. Be aware, that on some of the newer airplanes that have in-seat entertainment systems, the room under the seat is severely compressed on almost every row of seats to allow for the electronics. Our dog, 9 lbs, looked quite cramped under there, but tolerated it well for the 3 hr flight from ATL to PUJ.
 

Jaime809

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Aug 23, 2012
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There has been so much scamming....
I expect they're tightening up...

They can't truly eliminate it, the way the ADA is written. Essentially if you have a doctor's note and the "proper" paperwork, the airline has to accommodate your "need." What the airlines can do is make it harder, but if someone challenges them, the ADA is pretty vague on criteria.