I am anticipating acceptance to a veterinary school in Grenada and my dog will be coming with me. I’m an early planner and want to make sure that everything is in order months in advance. My boy is a 67 lb Shepherd/Husky/Terrier mix that absolutely *abhors* closed confinement in any form. He’s a rescue dog (I volunteer with a rescue here in NYC as a foster caretaker) and fellow rescuers have called it “shelter syndrome” or “crate craze.” True to his Husky traits, he is an escape artist of the most elaborate form and I had to install special locks in my home as he had learned how to open 2 bolt locks and use a handle door to let himself out.

He has broken out of 3 crates and I am utterly terrified of him doing the same with an airplane crate. He froths and throws his entire body weight against the front of the crate until it gives, even after a long run or bike ride before being placed in one. Do you have any tips as to how I could make the trip a bit easier for him? I’ve started sitting with him in the crate that I have now and giving him treats once he lies down and letting him out after he relaxes and yawns. But when I’m not in there with him, he panics.

If I could drive, I would. I will be driving down to Florida and flying out of an airport there to minimize the time he spends in the crate, but am such a control freak and nervous Nelly when it comes to him (as he is extremely sensitive and not the easiest to handle – he’s not aggressive, just very strong (I’ve worked with dogs three times his size and none compare to his strength) and very vocal). I would be ever so appreciative for some of your insight.

Thanks so very much and have a beautiful day!

Thank you for your messages!

To answer your first questions:
1. The longest flight my dog has been on was about 10-11 hours (in the air).
2. He has separation anxiety – very much so – but we did not sedate him. There are alternatives to sedation, such as herbal remedies, but I am not sure if they would be available in India.

Besides looking into the pet import rules for Canada, you also need to check the pet export rules for India. I would highly recommend contacting http://www.PetRelocation.com as they deal with moving pets from/to India all the time and are very helpful. Please let them know that I have referred you to them. I will also send you their email privately.

Thank you and I hope you have a safe journey!
Leila

One more question – do you have any knowledge of what the pet requirements (vaccinations, quarantine etc) in Canada are?

Thanks,
Shibani

Thanks for the helpful info. here….I am travelling with my 1.5 yr old labrador from Bangalore, India to Toronto, Canada. He suffers from separation anxiety – and I am unsure of whether he should be sedated on the long haul flight. Also, I called the Animal Import department in Canada and was told that ALL I need is a anti-rabies certificate from a licensed vet. I was told this verbally and do not have anything in writing. The official Canadian Immigration website does not have any info. reg. pet quarantine requirement.

Having read the stringent US requirements, I am not sure if what I was told for Canada is correct. I do not want to be stuck at the Toronto airport with my poor little pet. I have 2 questions:
1. What is the longest flight your dog(s) have been on?
2. Have you sedated them? Do any of them suffer from separation anxiety?

Any advise that you can give me would be greatly appreciated….

Thanks & regards,
Shibani