If you are bringing any animals to Ecuador there is some information you need to know.

Small animals around 20 to 25 lbs. or less can fly with you but you need to check with all the airports that are in your flight schedule. Larger dogs will most likely have to fly under the plane. Each airline has its own standards so it's very important that you check into their rules before booking your flights. There are some burrs in the system that can be a real pain.

For example, if you're flying from Columbus, Ohio to Miami or Houston, the Houston airport requires that the dog stays at the airport for 3 hours. When our lay over was going to be 2 hours, we were told the dog would have to arrive the night before as the 3 hour mark was not going to be met. In other words, instead of letting the dog stay at the airport for the 2 hour delay they wanted him there for 26 hours which was crazy so we chose not to do that.

For another example of some of the problems we ran into, when bringing a large dog that will have to go under the plane, you have to make sure that you fly down when the temperature in either Florida or Texas (or where ever you fly down to Ecuador is) that it is below a certain level or they will not allow your dog to go.

Also, other requirements are needed for the dog. Your animal will have to have certain shots which have to be done in a 10 day window period. If you're leaving, for example, on Aug. 10th, you have to have the shots just after Aug. 1st. You cannot have the shots before 10 days of the flight.

Also, if you are bringing a large dog that has to go under the plane, you have to get the correct size kennel for the dog with the right equipment or they will not allow you to take the dog on the plane.

As was mentioned above, all airlines are different, so checking ahead of time is the best option. Most US airlines are in sync together concerning rules for smaller animals, however.

Also, you will need to check with the rules in Ecuador to know their policies for animals coming into the country. You can go to www.ecuador.org to learn more on the policies and regulations.

If the animal is not allowed on the plane once in Ecuador, there are other options to get them where you want to go. They have buses and/or private taxis which are fairly inexpensive. A 10 hour bus ride from Quito to Cuenca is around $10.00 dollars.