Nick Has the USDA Stamp of Approval

Today is the beginning of Nick's 10 days to enter Ecuador. In order to import a pet into Ecuador, there are steps that must be taken within a 10 day period. Step 1 is the health certificate. A health certificate must be completed by a USDA certified veterinarian. The certificate must have an address for the US as well as an address for Ecuador. Mick is writing down our Cuenca address.

Nick and I are waiting for his exam. All of his shots had previously been done. The only additional vaccine that was required that is not standard here was the corona. Last week blood work and fecals were done. The physical this morning was mainly a formality.

Here's Nikolas with his doctor, Jill. She's expecting a little girl next month.

After his exam, Nikolas was passed off to Katie to go to daycare while we went to Raleigh.

The paperwork was being finished up and Renee and Jill were posing for the camera.

Step 2 is to get an endorsement by the US Department of Agriculture. Mick and I were on our way to Raleigh to the USDA office of Veterinary Services. This office is on the campus of North Carolina State University. Although by degree we are not Wolfies, but we've always been followers of the Pack for decades. This was our last trip to the State Campus.

At the USDA, Keith Price reviewed Nick's file. The certificate contains his shot records as well as the microchip number. A copy of the rabies certificate also was included. The price for this was $35; cash is not accepted.

Below is the finished document with the official seal of the USDA embossed at the bottom along with the signature of the state veterinarian.

On Wednesday, I will take this USDA endorsed document to the Consulate of Ecuador in Atlanta for legalization; that is step 3. Nick must now enter Ecuador within 10 days. We arrive on August 25.

For those who don't have pets, this all seems irrelevant; however, for those of us with pets, they are our children. We will do what is necessary for them. There are companies that will take care of all the documentation and transportation for the pets; one such company is Pet Express, in San Francisco. Nick will be traveling in the cabin with us; therefore, no assistance is needed with that. At the suggestion of our vet, I did double check with Mark-Paul at Pet Express. He was very helpful and confirmed what I had found. The consulate in Washington and Atlanta were very helpful also with their information.

We're now one day closer to Cuenca, with one less thing to worry about. Besides, Nick has the USDA stamp of approval.

Until next time,

Mick and Kathy