tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327256081595986023.post3937120631443467173..comments2024-03-28T09:34:33.213-04:00Comments on Living in Potrerillos: Bringing in AnimalsJoycehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188454310320707737noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327256081595986023.post-64722551480044648262008-06-28T05:59:00.000-04:002008-06-28T05:59:00.000-04:00Hi, Steve,Thanks for the very detailed account of ...Hi, Steve,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the very detailed account of the apostille process. Basically, that's what we did. It will give people an excellent idea of what the paperwork hoops are. My only caution is that new rules MAY go into effect August 1, and therefore it's wise--always--to check with the Panamanian Consulate. In particular, Californians have an extra certification to do.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for posting José Saenz's email--I'm sure that will be helpful.<BR/><BR/>JoyceJoycehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18188454310320707737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327256081595986023.post-40151189023624891352008-06-28T00:47:00.000-04:002008-06-28T00:47:00.000-04:00We just arrived yesterday (6/26) with our Australi...We just arrived yesterday (6/26) with our Australian Shepherd. Because we elected to "charter" a plane for the trip I cannot provide any information about airline related issues. <BR/><BR/>But ... with respect to paperwork and the actual arrival process at Tocumen I can offer the following.<BR/><BR/>IMPORTANT - Following applies to U.S. residents only.<BR/><BR/>Paperwork - no problem. We used FedEx (from a location more remote than most, St. Croix, USVI) to/from the Panama Consulate in Washington. You MUST prepay the return. Have your vet complete APHIS Form 7001 along with a rabies certificate (your vet should have these forms available) THEN take/send the completed forms to a USDA vet (your vet should be able to tell you where the nearest USDA vet is located). The USDA vet needs to endorse (stamp) these two forms. THEN, send the two forms plus a USPS money order for $30 to the nearest Panama Consulate (you do NOT need the forms notarized using this procedure) for authentication. Use FedEx (don't forget to enclose a prepaid return FedEx envelope). It's important to phone the nearest (physically) Consulate to confirm they actually will process your papers - they may refer you to another Consulate. Using this procedure (and avoiding the notarization hassle) we received our authenticated documents back from the Panama Consulate in six days.<BR/><BR/>With respect to our arrival at Tocumen. We used Jose Saenz bocasfrog@yahoo.com (website http://www.goldenfrog.net/)and had absolutely no problem. You could do this on your own but most of us don't need the extra hassle and surprises - highly recommended. The Panamanian vets, along with Customs and Immigration officials where all very helpful/professional. We actually attracted a crowd because of "Wags" breed and unusual coloring.<BR/><BR/>If any of the above is confusing feel free to email stxsteve @ islandmail.us (just leave out those spaces).<BR/><BR/>Good luck with your move.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327256081595986023.post-75250306871646864522008-06-26T13:09:00.000-04:002008-06-26T13:09:00.000-04:00Hi, Theresa,I'd be very surprised of the regulatio...Hi, Theresa,<BR/><BR/>I'd be very surprised of the regulations had changed about being on the same flight. I'm trying to remember, but I think that the Panamanian government had a requirement that there be a person responsible for the animals--with them--in order to get them into the country. I don't remember because it was 4 years ago and it didn't concern us because we were going to be with the animals.<BR/><BR/>I didn't feel at that time that the Panamanian requirements were all that bad. To me, the health certification, the rabies vaccination requirement--all seemed perfectly reasonable and for the public good. and that's all it took to prepare the animals for immigration. The vet checking them was a formality, given the documentation, and a way, as far as I was concerned, for the Panamanian government to make more money. Since that happens all the time in the US, it didn't bother me.<BR/><BR/>JoyceJoycehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18188454310320707737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327256081595986023.post-68852070791532361152008-06-26T12:51:00.000-04:002008-06-26T12:51:00.000-04:00Mexico is easier to get animals into than Panama b...Mexico is easier to get animals into than Panama but we were still so worried about our dog that we ended up NOT selling our car and driving rather than deal with him traveling in a cage. Also remember that airlines won't ship animals when it's too cold, so if you are traveling from a cold place you have that additional restriction. When we were moving there was also some sort of restriction that said your animal had to be on the same flight as you, so no leaving him behind, setting stuff up and having him come later. But that was several years ago and stuff changes.<BR/>regards,<BR/>TheresaTheresa in Mèridahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17217945138741786373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327256081595986023.post-82376430295258799672008-06-26T09:42:00.000-04:002008-06-26T09:42:00.000-04:00Will,There is no sugar coating the anxiety you wil...Will,<BR/><BR/>There is no sugar coating the anxiety you will go through on this. Actually, it will work. i did everything by FedEx overnight mail. If you include such a stamped envelope, the Panamanian Consulate will return it to you by overnight mail as well. they were quite used to this in LA and there was no problem.<BR/><BR/>Yes, I have heard--from an official at Tocumen on the day we arrived--of a parrot that was destroyed at Tocumen because its wonderful owner a) had not had the proper documentation and b) abandoned the animal to its fate. We were so unusual with 5 animals that we drew a number of onlookers including the man who had charge of the cages that they use for overnight quarantine should you arrive after the official vet hours. He was the one who told me. <BR/><BR/>I worried more about the actual flight than I did about the official forms. Both Juan and Allan have terrific reputations--or did--and do exactly what they tell you to do. Both speak at least adequate English, both have email, both run professional operations.<BR/><BR/>Resend your new email, please!<BR/><BR/>JoyceJoycehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18188454310320707737noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7327256081595986023.post-66861308773823742662008-06-26T09:26:00.000-04:002008-06-26T09:26:00.000-04:00Joyce,thanks for the great post.What concerns me i...Joyce,<BR/><BR/>thanks for the great post.<BR/><BR/>What concerns me is the 10 day time thing - getting a certificate from the govt dept which is then signed off by my vet (after my cat gets her shots). And getting that bit of paper notarised, and then sent to the Panama Consulate for another stamp....they send it back to me. <BR/><BR/>And I am dependent on all this getting done in less than 10 days, or else I can't fly. Crazy time limits.<BR/><BR/>But what concerns me most of all, was something I read about one's animal being 'destroyed' at Panama airport if it doesn't have the proper documentation. That terrifies me....given how easy it would be to lose a piece of paper or not have one specific box ticked, etc. have you heard anything about animals being destroyed?<BR/><BR/>Thanks for all this help.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com