Shipping Dog to Guatemala! any clues????

And I thought you weren't a pet person, Juan! That is definitely the ideal way to keep dogs...with lots of space for them to run around in! Cats, on the other hand, are sneaky. They lure you in with "I don't need much, just a small sunny corner to curl up in", then they completely take over your life!

"Dogs have Masters, but cats have staff."

Zoe

Oh Zoe...funny.......As a former cat staffer, I have to agree. We'll tell you the cat stories once you arrive.....looking forward to meeting yours!

Wow!
you guys have gone crazy on this one. Thanks a whole bunch for all the information. I got what i needed and a lot of information that I did not need. There are a lot of dog lovers out there....especially the dude who told me how yummy they are. That is cool of everyone in the THORN TREE WORLD to share. So I figured i should put a few concerns to rest.
#1. yes, I have been to Guatemala before and I know the condition of these dogs and the respect and or lack of respect they might get. I know about the tainted food that is left out and the wild packs that roam during the night. I am aware of the disease potential and other such hazards such as theft, etc. I guess you could say I have a bit of experience in the C.A.

#2. yes, I have heard that dogs enjoy exercise and a place to walk and run!!! I guess I will have to look into that. Oh, that must be why so many folks were concerned about the yard potential. I usually just tie my dog to a tree when I need to leave town for a while or something and just leave a big pile of food and a kid pool of water. It usually lasts about 2 weeks. Come on guys, give me a break.

#3. yes, the BULLSH#*T from the Guatemalan government can be significant but my dog is more significant in my life. I am not just going to find her a good home. She is my dog and she would not be happier without me. She is a 90lb pure bred dog, very protective, loyal and intelligent. I think she might know the difference.

#4. My job in Guatemala will be environmental in nature and working as a mountain guide. My dog will be going with me on most these trips. Lots and lots of exertion for the both of us. And we wil be living in Antigua. The most civilized city in all of Guatemala and maybe all of Central America (save Costa Rica).

Thanks again for everyone's input.
I love the thorntree world.
peace
sol ....and the dog.

Sol, don't you think that your comment #2 is a bit smartass for people trying to help you? We're not mind readers. We didn't know if you knew much about Guatemala, or not.

You all keep talking about bringing a pet into Guatemala, but if you ever want to bring your pet back to the United States thats when its going to become a bigger issue. Even if you are allowed to bring your pet back to the states it will have to be subjected to a very long quarantine where many animals die.

I love dogs, but would not subject mine to the CA hounds....good luck as #24 points out, it may be a major debacle getting the pooch back in the USA...

getting the pooch back into the States requires only proof of current rabies vac. That's the easy part. i travelled with my two hounds for eight months in guate. No major problems other than making sure they did not get poisoned, whacked or run down.
for me, it wassomewhat stressful. I finally rented a five acre compound in Chiapas where i knew las perritas were safe and secure and had plenty of room to run off leash. a private dog park if you will. Guess i over-reacted just a bit.

Marie54

From the heavens you appear...amazing....must of heard the hounds barking :)

I've had dogs all my life, as many as 7 at once, mostly big races. Never had any problem of poisoning or anything. I now have a small Shih-Tzu, I often go for a walk with him around Antigua, something he loves, and have never had any problems with other dogs, au contraire, if the dog is friendly enough, a lot of people will aproach and will want to pat and caress the dog, ask his/her name, etc. (Good for meeting people as well...)

Guatemalans are very dog friendly and dogs are very common, more often than not Guatemalans have dogs at home. Remember the ancient Mayans were some of the first cultures to domesticate dogs, they've been with us for a long time, already.