Customs process and picking up transported dog at LAX

Question

My family will be sending my toy poodle, from Philippines to LAX through a professional shipper. Any step-by-step advice on how to clear customs and collect my poodle buddy by ourselves? My family in Philippines took help from a professional shipper and have provided the company with all required documentation, travel kennel, and shots. The send-off from Philippines seems to be easily done, but they asked me to contact either the "Kennel Club LAX" or "Rue’s Kennels @ LAX" when the poodle reaches L.A. I called the Kennel club and they seem to have sent me a mail with the CDC Rabies Program package which costs $1.75k. I am expecting similar costs from "Rue's Kennels" as well. Is there a process/way, I can get the poodle myself without having to go through these clubs? Thanks!

Answer

Importing a dog into the United States, especially through a major international airport like LAX, involves strict federal regulations primarily enforced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). For toy breeds like a poodle coming from the Philippines, there are specific steps to ensure legal entry and safe transport.

When using a professional shipper, the shipper often coordinates with either USDA-licensed animal import facilities or “airport kennels” that handle incoming pets. These facilities, such as the Kennel Club LAX or Rue’s Kennels, act as customs clearance points and can provide the necessary veterinary inspection, quarantine compliance, and CDC paperwork processing. This is why they send you packages with fees ranging from $1,500–$1,800; these cover handling, veterinary inspection, and CDC documentation.

It is possible, in theory, to retrieve your dog yourself without going through these specific clubs, but it is complicated:

You must coordinate with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at LAX and notify them of the pet’s arrival. This is usually done via the airline or shipper.
The dog must be cleared by the CDC if arriving from a country listed as high-risk for rabies (the Philippines is considered high-risk). This includes verifying rabies vaccination records, microchip, and health certificates.
You would need to physically retrieve the dog from the cargo area or airport quarantine facility, which generally requires prior approval, paperwork, and may involve fees and strict scheduling.
Handling the dog yourself without using a USDA-licensed facility may require a USDA import permit and CDC approval in advance. The permit application can be complex and time-sensitive, and any error could result in quarantine or refusal of entry.

Step-by-step general guidance if you wish to try direct retrieval:

Contact the airline or shipping company in advance to notify them you plan to pick up the dog directly, and ask for the exact arrival time and cargo handling point.
Contact CBP at LAX’s cargo or animal import desk to understand the clearance procedure and whether they allow a private individual to retrieve the dog without a kennel facility. Request any necessary forms or import permits.
Prepare all original documentation: the dog’s health certificate, vaccination records (especially rabies), microchip information, and airline/shipping papers.
Be ready to pay any applicable federal inspection fees or CDC processing fees directly to the authorities if bypassing kennel services.
Plan transportation from LAX to your destination. You must have a secure travel kennel or pet carrier suitable for the poodle, as the dog will have been transported in a similar crate.
Be aware that direct pickup can sometimes be delayed if inspections reveal any paperwork issues or health concerns.

Practical recommendation: While bypassing kennel services is theoretically possible, most pet importers use kennel clubs like Kennel Club LAX or Rue’s Kennels because they streamline CDC and USDA inspection, handle paperwork, and reduce the risk of quarantine or delays. The fees are substantial, but they cover all compliance requirements and ensure the dog’s safe arrival.

Alternative options to consider:

Work with the shipper to ensure the dog is delivered directly to a USDA-licensed veterinary clinic near LAX that can perform inspection, which may cost less than the airport kennels.
Contact CDC’s Pet Importation Program to request a waiver or direct pickup if you can demonstrate sufficient knowledge and compliance with all requirements.
Hire a professional pet transport agent who specializes in bypassing airport kennels legally; they handle the paperwork, inspection, and transport for a lower fee than some kennel clubs.

In summary, while it is technically possible to retrieve your poodle without using Kennel Club LAX or Rue’s Kennels, it involves coordinating directly with CBP, CDC, and potentially obtaining USDA permits, which can be logistically challenging and risky. Most owners find that using the recommended kennel services is safer and ensures compliance with all U.S. pet import regulations.

Customs process and picking up transported dog at LAX

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