I'm planning on making an extended (1 to 2 year visit) to CC Belize and am planning on taking Rosoe (18lbs. Bichon Frise) with me. If anyone has had any experiences taking a dog with them to Belize via the U.S. or other, I'd love to hear of your experience and any suggestions that could make life easier for us regarding the travel.

Right now we're talking to the airlines and we seem to be getting conflicting information from the people we talk to. We'd rather take him as carry on to avoid having to put him in Cargo. It appears that all airlines have different policies regarding animals. Our little guy is right on the board line regarding weight for carry-on however he does fit in a carry-on carrier.

We have a good handle as to what BZ customs requires and are confident that won't be an issue. However, the airlines is a different story.

Any and all information regarding travel with a furry loved one would be greatly appreciated.

Hi IndyGuy,
My papillion (9.5 lbs)DeeOGee made 18 round trips to Belize with me, over a 3 year span. We flew US Air all but one trip. I never had a problem with the airlines at all regarding the trip. She fit in a large carry-on, which was approved by the airline, however, they would ALWAYS tell me that it didn't fit completely under the seat in front of me. So, I would carry a blanket, and cover up my legs, thus covering the case until we were off the ground. My vet would give me "doggie downer" pills and she would get one the morning we would travel.
One word of advise, make sure you have copies of your permit to bring Roscoe into Belize!! Just because you have paid you $, and had conversations, don't think they will absolutely have your paperwork. Out of DeeOGee's 18 trips, we had to pay a "fine" when they couldn't "find our paperwork", over half the time. It actually got to be a joke, I'd just walk in with the $ out already, and tell them to just let us go instead of looking for the paperwork.
That said, it has been 2 years since I last flew in with her, so maybe it has changed.
Good luck with your BZ stay, and kisses to Roscoe.

Hey Indyguy...how tall is Rosco? I have a papillion that I want to bring with me, he's old and I'm very afraid of him flying cargo. He is under 15 pounds, but I think he's too tall to fit under the seat. I think he's 12 inches at his shoulders, and I think the limit is 9 or 10. What size carriers do you guys have for them? We will be coming down in January, and I would like to be able to fly my little critter in the cabin with me. Thanks for the info.
Oh yeah, Continental sounds like it is the best for flying animals in the cargo area. It's pressurized and climate controlled. Good luck...

Thanks for the info, I'm hoping everything will end up alright we're just concerned that his weight is right on the border line. The carrier that we have for carry-on is approved and it's the typical "airline" carry on luggage size, whatever those dimension may be. Roscoe can fit it when he lays and sits but he looks a little uncomfortable as he's unable to stand up in it. But with the proper dosage of some drugs we're confident he'll sleep the whole way.

Thanks again...

Also if there's any more info regarding anyone who's carried on a 18lbs. Dog who snuggly fit into a carry dog carrier. I'd love the reassurance.

To carry your dog on the plane it has to be able to fit under the seat in a carrier big enough for it to turn around in, this is during take off and landing it cant be on your lap. I have brought dogs here and just wont ever do it again, it was easy getting them here, but island life can be tough on dogs not imune to all the things here. We have so many dogs needing love and homes I now own Island dogs,

Very admirable, Cooper. But, if you have dogs who have been a part of your family for years, you aren't going to leave them behind. We are bringing two dogs with us. If, God forbid, something happens to either one, we will adopt an island dog there. But, not going to leave my babies behind to avoid having to deal with the hassles. They are both very adaptable, will live their lives out with us, and then, we will adopt again.

Pets are family, if you had kids would you leave them behind?

On a side note: Debbie, why do you try and guilt people out about bringing down their pets? In my experience animal lovers are the ones most likely to adopt more pets from the Humane Societies around Belize. You may have had a bad experience but it isn't common.

The only thing I have to add is that people I have known (around the Placencia/Maya Beach area) who have brought dogs from the States is that they don't do well with the botflies and tick fever etc. Maybe AC is different because it is an island. I think that native potlickers have an immunity to the local bugs and disease (to a point; I've seen some awfully mangy dogs around San Ignacio)

True, but as long as you keep up on the meds for your pets they'll more likely have a better life here on the island than they would anywhere else. BC's on a Sunday is as good as it gets in a dog's life.

Botflies are a rarity on AC, tick fever is reality and you most DEFINITELY need to keep up on the meds, Potlicker or otherwise.

Listen, I love and loved my dogs, I brought Shante down here, and it killed her, with all the good food and good love, vet care tic and flea colars she died. Its hard to keep a dog from drinking standing water, especially during rainy season. when she got sick we had to take seats out of tropic air plane to get her to the city. I am not trying to scare people, its just information. I dont want people to loose their beloved pets. I do alot to try to suppoet our humane society, I am more active than most of you in helping our animals. I go around during dry season putting water out in places around the island, DONT BRING UP LOVING PETS AS FAMILY TO ME!!!!!! My next dog was only out in the yard for 5 minutes, but poison had been set out for the dog accross the street, and Sheaba ate it up. You ever seen a dog die of cyanide poisoning, ITS HORRIBLE!! The dog I have now was practically dead when I got him, hes fine now, hes a champ, and I have to watch over him like a hawk. ITS TOUGH FOR DOGS HERE, if you think its not you just have not opened your eyes. Even if you do bring your pet down its best to have all the info you can have, it would not be right to let folks think all is well with the dog world here. If you think it is get invovled with your local shelter vet etc. If you are coming to Caye Caulker Belize Dive Services handles most our vet services, picking up strays and spaying and neutering them, going around the island giving homless animals their shots, the money for this comes out of their own pocket, they also provide great Dive trips and Padi certification.

Couldn't agree more! He said it.
Both comments are so true.

Sorry, just had to agree with yet another brilliant post. Absolutely agree from experience.

My dog drank any water she wanted. Absolutely the opposite of tough for my dog and most others there... and my eyes were wide open watching her swim the ocean each morning, run the beach each night, play with children and friends, chase birds, and go to bars and restaurants with me. It's way tougher the way dogs have to live in the states and I can't wait to get Karmin back to paradise.

I was a bit put off by the post that hinted I did not understand that dogs are family routine, and for sure their is the other side of a dogs life here. We on Caye Caulker may have things a bit tougher, I dont know. KRA Z K When it rains our puddles have ground sewage, parasites, lots of animals get sick, if you were informed you would not have made such a silly comment that you dog drinks all the water he wants. not that you would ever know. I think the poster was coming here. Dogs get machette, poisoned, this has stopped mostly in the last year thank god. 2 Christmases ago we lost 14 dogs in one week. My dog swims at the split most everyday, he has a great time. mostly your pet can have a great time, but it only takes one bad time. The lady down the street has had her dogs poisoned several times, they survive.Most all dog lovers that have been here fo awhile have had a bad situation. now we have a dog pac killing cats, and after small dogs, biting children. a person could come and visit and just never know. I lost the first 2 dogs because I wanted them to have some freedom, all seemed safe enough. Now my dog stays on our deck, sadly no freedom, but he gets out at least 3 times a day, and always gets his swimming in. I wish somone had informed me more on how to keep your pet safe here, I would not have lost 2 dogs. Sometimes I just over react and take the dogs side, not the persons, My dogs had their freedom in the Sates, Montana was great for that.

Debbie, as a pet owner I’m truly sorry for all that you have gone through but it's just not a common experience for immigrant pet owners on AC. Yes, there are issues with certain agencies but they are kept in check by public pressure. There are many happy pets that have emigrated to AC without any problems; I can't speak for CC as I don't have the experience that you have.

Veterinary care continues to be a growing enterprise throughout Belize and the quality of care is improving rapidly. As with any health care issue preventative care is the answer to many problems.

I too am sorry for your loss, absolutely am and know it would be very hard. Your comment stating "not that I would ever know" however makes little sense as my dog was there for 2 years and did not get sick from water. Agree with you, however, that it only takes one time. My dog fortunately moved to AC without any problems that you stated and adapted fine. Fortunately in another situation had wonderful veterinary care on the island.

Preventative care is absolutely the answer to a good portion of issues.

I appreciate all comments concerning our beloved pets. I don't think if you have a soul, you can own an animal without loving it. Everyone loves at a different capacity, tho. My dogs are pretty well trained, do not go without being on either a leash or under our control. To let your pet wander the streets without supervision is irresponsible. You never know what they will encounter. As a pet owner, we are duty bound to keep their world as safe as we can. Just like toddlers, they will taste most anything, whether it is good or bad for them. We are also responsible for making sure their vaccines and meds are current. I hate to hear of anyone losing a pet....I've lost three in the last two years, and although time helps heal, you never forget. The two I have left are never out of my sight. I intend to keep it that way. One is very aggressive, so will be muzzled, to keep the others safe, and the other is very old, on medications, and not much longer for this world. When he goes to glory, I'll get a potlicker, and save another life...and so the cycle continues.

Yeah Roscoe generally won't let us out of his sights. I heard about the pack of dogs and that's probably our greatest fear. When dog's pack up they're unpredictable. I've already had to save Roscoe's life once from two "wandering" dogs, one pit bull one chow mixed. As they charged and tried to grab him by his neck. I charged back and luckily they saw me as threat. Come to find out those dogs had killed three other dogs in the neighborhood who were left outside on a chain.

As far as flea and ticks we plan to come fully loaded with frontline. Any other concerns will be addressed by the fact Roscoe is nearly inseparable from us. So, while we're aware of some of the troubles Island life will present our greatest and most immediate concern is getting him there.

Cooper I greatly appreciate your comments because if there's anything that we haven't thought of it's better to have them exposed now so we're blindsided. While we're aware of most of what you stated it's alway good to be reminded, it helps to increase an owners vigilance.

Cooper what types and sizes of dogs did you take down and did you have them carry on or cargo? Also what airline/airlines?

We brought our dog from the UK. She is a small to medium sized dog. She flew to the USA, where we had a short break and then from Atlanta to Belize. We again had a short break on the mainland for 3 days before flying to San Pedro. She traveled in cargo all the way except the local flight. For that, we were required to pay for three seats . In fact, the local flight was the most expensive leg of the journey for our dog.

We got all the paperwork from BAHA ahead of time and had no problems. They were extremely helpful and clear with their instructions.

Our dog was absolutely fine. We didn't sedate her as the advice of both vetinary surgeons and the airlines in the UK was strongly against medicating.

She thoroughly enjoys her life here. She jumps off of docks, swims and catches crabs and fish every day. Her quality of life is far superior to anything we were able to give her in London. We believe in responsible dog ownership and we didn't see any reason for our responsibility to our pet to be reduced just because we'd moved to San Pedro. Therefore, she is never anywhere unenclosed without supervision. We make sure she gets daily walks and pick up her poop. She has never been attacked or hurt by another dog here. She has caught tick fever. I do warn people about tick fever because I know a few people who have neglected the symptoms for so long that an easily treatable disease became fatal. The symptoms are rather subtle but quite simply if your dog goes a little bit off it's food for more than one day, you should see a vet. This is often one of the only early symptoms of tick fever. If you catch it early, a simple course of antibiotics will sort it out.

We wash our dog, groom her and examine her thoroughly every day. We'll get days where she'll have a tick every day for week and then long periods without. Also be aware of your home environment as you can get tick infestations indoors.

OK..this is a stupid question, but I've not seen it in my travels. If you bring a dog in the cabin with you, in a carrier, how does it get through security? Do they have to ride through the XRay machine? I don't think it would hurt them, but is it necessary? OK..stop laughing....what's the answer?

yes, through security as we do and usually have them step aside with you to pat them down. For the cities that have the extra security devise for random people they put them through there too.

just re read your question. No, they don't ride through with your bags. They go through as we do the security machine.

Thanks, KraZK. I thought so, but wasn't sure. I wouldn't want my little guy to ride through the XRay machine. He wouldn't like it, either.

To reply here, Caye Caulkker is small, during rainy season, we have standing water, espacially on the south side, our dump burns trash, all sorts of plastics, paints etc, our septic tanks get a foot of water around them for days, on occasion weeks, the kids that love to play in the water, get sick, get rashes, they dont drink it, animals do. We have just had such a problem here with animals, especially dogs, when I said you would never know, I meant to a short term person on the island you would never know the situation, AC may be different. Thankfully things are getting better, I would not say loosing 14 dogs in a week to various poisonings, and a month later another 5 in one day can be described as a uncommon occurance. To answer another question, my first dog I brought down was big, 90 lbs, my 2nd dog was about 30 lbs. Dogs coming down from the southern States seem to do better than those from colder climate. The security in SFO actually took my dog in a back room, the young lady put on surgical gloves, and did quite the exam on my dog, they were checking for internal smuggling I guess.
So if I had advice for you bringing a dog here, Alot of the flea and tick collars and meds just dont work here. Get Frontline Collars and the liquid once a month application. Even with that have your dog checked often for tick fever. The last several visits from Dr. Jane our Vet, she has suggested most all dogs here have tick fever, even those with collars etc. It is treatable, but a constant battle. Of course heartworm is common, but very preventable with med. You can purchase all these products here.

"Pets are family, if you had kids would you leave them behind?"

Lol, my grandmother never wanted me to give her "grandpuppies". And the authorities frown on one kennelling their children while they go shopping or so they don't chew your shoes or wreck your curtains. {Just teasing Simon)

Honestly, unfortunate things can happen anywhere. I had two adopted dogs in Reno Nevada. They had a daily playdate at a woman's ranch in Sparks, two happy free range dogs with about 10 others. They were both hunting dogs, and while on a bunny chase, one got his big old head stuck in a pipe and suffocated. It happens. Bears got my ex's dog in Alaska. It happens. In Germany, my dog lost a race with a train............heartbreaking, but, you guessed it....it happens.
Here, there are a different set of circumstances to examine, and Debbie is being serious and honest about some of the very real problems that can arise here. It is easy to have a pre-conceived notion of what things will be like, she is telling some of the less tasteful parts of the story. The author has already made the decision to bring his pet, so it is good to know some of the pitfalls to watch for.
Debbie, kudos to you for your dedication to the animals in your area. Maybe when the author gets to Caye Calker, he will donate some of his time to helping too.

Sadly we lost Mutley 2 nites ago, a friends dog, died of tic fever, so sad, the dog was loved, but the disease was missed.

That is horrible, I am sorry to hear about your dog and the train. May I ask why your dog was not on a leash in Germany?

Exactly my thoughts, spl. Responsible pet ownership includes keeping them safe from things unknown. Yes, there are times when they will escape, but ultimatly, it is up to us to keep them out of harms way. Being able to "roam free" is a very wonderful thing, but not if they are placed in harms way. After all, they are the "dumb" animals, able to give love, but not able to reason and deduct, so we have to do it for them.

For those who are concerned, that was not Mutley "The Wonderdog" from AC.

He was not on a lead because it was deep in the woods on a bike path, one my husband took him on every day to let him run. It was an area where we all took our dogs to play. My husband hit a fallen tree on his bike and called the dog back to him while he tried to repair the tire. It was terrible luck that Recon (dog) crossed the tracks in front of the train.

So sorry for your loss. Sort of reinforces how important it is to keep our dogs under our control at all times.

I have been trying to find the applications to bring the dogs with us to the island. The one I am finding is a template, and no where to actually fill in the information it is requesting. Do you have to get the actual form from the BAHA? If so, do they mail it to you, or will they email it so you can just print it out? Time is closing in, and I need to get all of this resolved. Any one know what I need to do now? The dogs have had their shots, and are ready to go. I know I need a fresh exam before we leave, but anything else? Thanks all...

You should phone BAHA, best to get the info first hand. My advise though is a few days before you come down phone immigration at The International Airport and make sure your paperwork is in hand at the Airport. Belize is slow when it comes to processing any paperwork. If it has not been sent to the Airport you will have a few days to sort things out. If you show up and no paperwork they can put your dog in quarantine. Its all up to the Immigration Officer.

Sun and Sand,

It is very easy and many will tell you the same. You do not have to have a form, just the required information you must type, sign and fax the required info to BAHA. Do not worry about them getting it to the airport as you personally fax it there and bring your original along with the fax confirmation when you enter Belize. (along with your shots required and health certificates from vet and USDA.) The rabies shot must be not less than one month from date of entry and not more than one year old before the date of entry. The International Vet Cert. used to be required at least 4 days before and no more than 7 days prior to date of entry. However call to make sure this has not changed over the past few years.

A few years ago the total fee was only $30.
It's no sweat, best wishes.

http://www.baha.bz/animal%20health%20application%20form.pdf

BAHA
Tel: 501-822-0818 or 501-822-1378
Fax: 501-822-0271
Email: baha@btl.net

PHILLIP GOLSON INT. AIRPORT
Tel: 501-205-2521
alternate number for pet import 822-3084
Fax: 501-225-3557


They require the your name, dogs name, breed, age, sex, weight, color, address in US, intended address upon arrival in Belize, estimated date arriving, port of entry(Phil Golson Int. Airport). They may require a few other details related to the shots so call to get full details. They are very helpful and easy to work with. Also call the number(s) above to verify all places your info must be faxed to.

I bringing my dog in Jan or Feb and had the same question so I emailed Baha. They told me I can just print the application off the website, so I guess a little white-out will work, and then fax it to them. Then I think they fax it back or its there when you arrive. They also gave me an email address for any other questions about it. animalhealthbz@gmail.com (Ms.Nadime Hegar)
Hope that helps.

yes, it is there upon arrival. They won't fax anything back to you in the states.

Wow, thanks KraZK and Indyguy, and everyone else. I guess I'm making this harder than it really is. I will hopefully arrive in January, dogs in hand, hubby at my side, ready for a little living the dream. The info provided on this board is just the best. Way faster and easier than going through the channels...

We arrived on the weekend a lttle over 3 years ago, we had our paperwork sent over a month ahead of time with a copy of it on us. However BAHA had not for some reason sent it to the Airport. The office was closed. They were very nice at the airport, they did tell us they would have to keep the dog til Monday, then after some discussion of the situation we had to pay the $25 again as they had no record of payment. The whole thing took about 20 minutes. The next time they had the paperwork and it took all of 5 minutes.

That was the last thing I forgot to mention. You are not supposed to arrive on a weekend anymore, make sure to come M-F.
As far as them not having the paperwork you fax it yourself direct to the international airport now so you won't have to worry if baha does or not.

Not that I will ever bring a dog down again, as you can tell by my post I am pretty opinionated,,,, however I like to be updated on all animal issues. So you fax your application to BAHA and the airport, then you no longer have to send money with application, that is paid at the airport???? This is a question.

I have had wonderful luck with BAHA. I emailed the information to them, they faxed the permit to me, and all I have to do now is bring the permit with the vet certificate when we fly in, arrive between 9 AM and 4 PM M-F and they will inspect my dogs, and we pay the $$ there. From what I understand, it shouldn't take more than 10-15 minutes. So, we are ready to fly now. Didn't take as much effort as I thought it would. They are very helpful at BAHA.

Thanks, thats a much better system, It was always a fast in and out situation.

correct cooper. you simply fax to both places and pay when you get here. 10 minute process and very easy.

Also, very easy getting your pet back to the states should you ever want to.

Here, here Debbie! I visited San Pedro, Caye Caulker and Placencia nearly 6 years ago. I came back to the states with two, very sick dogs I love dearly. It was all I could do to get a couple pups away from a rotten place for dogs. I've traveled in many third world countries and never seen what I saw in SP as far as the dangers to the local dog population. Why the heck do they have to use strychnine? One of the dogs we had agreed to take with us (thanks to Bronwen's help) was poisoned at her foster home the night before our departure. What a SICK place. I will NEVER go back to Belize and I discourage all my friends and acquaintances to visit. Sorry. I'm happy there are people like you and Saga Society who are aware, strong, and helpful.

Lol! Rolling on the floor. I see your original post and see you visited in 2002. Things sure have changed quite a bit since 2002 and you should reconsider a visit back here since you're giving advise on traveling with a dog.

For anyone looking for updated info on traveling with a dog to/from SP PM me. Karmin and I just did it last week. Unfortunately she is in the states right now with me on business for two weeks with much less freedom and activities. I couldn't find a better place for my dog. Life is so much better in SP than the states for Karmin and she can't wait to return.

SP is a very easy place to travel to/from the US with a dog. And we very lucky to have such a wonderful vet on the island.

Erin, if you dislike Belize so much, go away!

"I have nothing interesting to say" could possibly be changed to
"I have very accurate and great advise to give"

Good call.

Rollin on the floor huh, well just a few weeks ago I believe 4 dogs here were marked for strychnine poisoning by our village council, thanks to some good people these dogs were collected and put down humanly via injection, the practice still goes on, and its not a laughing matter. I do Belize Weddings you should be a bit wise in the fact that although you may have good experiences, as most folks do, their are still folks with bad experiences and how trite to laugh at them,and their losses, by the way, I have met the original posters of this topic, they are here on Caye Caulker with their cute wee dog, the family is doing well.....you seem a cruel person,,,

here we go again, repeat.... Those who don't have their animals with them at all times just like their children are sure to have bad things happen. WHEN did I ever ever laugh at anyone for loosing their pet! That is a horrible thought and would be terrible! I stated I was rolling laughing that the person hates Belize and has not been in Belize since 2002!! NOT laughing at any dog having any horrible situations.

Go re read this thread, I am nothing close to a cruel person and a love animals more than most humans! My opinion is still SP is an amazing and hard to beat place for dogs.

btw here is my past comment to the person who lost their animal. The thought is horrible and sad. I couldn't imagine my life without my best friend.

I too am sorry for your loss, absolutely am and know it would be very hard. Your comment stating "not that I would ever know" however makes little sense as my dog was there for 2 years and did not get sick from water. Agree with you, however, that it only takes one time. My dog fortunately moved to AC without any problems that you stated and adapted fine. Fortunately in another situation had wonderful veterinary care on the island.

Preventative care is absolutely the answer to a good portion of issues.

Great news for anyone bringing pets into Belize...Baha is open every day of the week now and you don't have to bring pets in M-F!