Travelling to the US from the UK with your dog is relatively straightforward, but it's essential to be aware of the specific requirements set by individual states, in addition to broader regulations from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Understanding these rules will help ensure a smooth journey for you and your pet.
This guide assumes your dog:
Is more than 12 weeks old.
Has been in the UK (or other low rabies risk countries) for the past six months before your departure.
Is travelling for non-commercial purposes.
If your situation differs, please contact us, as the requirements may vary.
We have assisted thousands of pet owners in taking their pets abroad. If you need clarification or more information, don't hesitate to contact us.
1. Microchip
All dogs entering the US must be microchipped with an ISO-compliant microchip (if it's 15 digits, it's ISO compliant).
It's highly likely your dog is already microchipped, as this is a legal requirement for all dogs over eight weeks old in the UK.
2. Rabies Vaccination
Although the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that a rabies vaccination isn’t always required for dogs travelling from the UK to the US, almost all US states do require a valid rabies vaccination.
Most states mandate that the vaccination be administered more than 30 days but less than one year before your arrival. While rabies vaccinations in the UK are valid for three years, many US states will only accept them if administered within the specified timeframe. Therefore, if your dog received a rabies vaccination more than a year ago, consider booking a booster shot (unless you have confirmation from the importing state that they accept vaccinations outside this period).
If you plan to transit through other countries (e.g., the EU) or return to the UK, the rabies vaccination remains an essential requirement.
Before administering the rabies vaccination, ensure your vet checks your dog's microchip. You should receive a rabies vaccination certificate or a vaccination card for your records.
3. Other Vaccinations
While we recommend keeping your dog up to date with their annual vaccinations, it is not a requirement for travel to the US.
4. Booking Flights or Ferries
Every airline has different pet policies. Some do not allow pets, while others permit them in the hold or cabin. Researching and finding a suitable option is crucial.
Currently, no US airlines permit pets in the cabin on flights out of the UK. If you would like to travel in the cabin with your dog (assuming the dog is small enough - normally <8kg including crate), you may have better luck booking a flight to the US via Canada or Europe. Alternatively, services are available to book a seat on a shared private plane, allowing you to travel with your dog in the cabin.
Another option is to take the Queen Mary 2 from Southampton to New York, which typically takes around 7 days and allows pets.
5. Health Certificate (Fit to Fly Certificate / Private Veterinary Certificate / Certificate of Veterinary Inspection)
Most US states require a Health Certificate issued by a vet. This document is also known as a Fit to Fly Certificate, Fit to Travel Certificate, or Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. Some states require an Export Health Certificate, which is slightly different to the above certificate and must be issued by a government-approved vet (Official Veterinarian).
The Health Certificate confirms a vet has examined your dog and deemed them fit to travel.
Typically, the Health Certificate and the CDC Import Form are sufficient for entry into most US states and airlines. However, always verify with both to ensure no additional documentation is required.
Once you have booked your flight, contact us to schedule your Health Certificate appointment at one of our veterinary travel clinics. We recommend booking this certificate less than five days before your travel date. For more details, including pricing, please click here.
Our services are competitively priced, and we strive to be more affordable than general vets, offering specialised expertise in pet travel.
6. CDC Import Form
From 1st August 2024, the CDC Import Form must be completed before arriving in the US. You can find the form here.
To be eligible, your dog must have resided in a low rabies risk country for the past six months, as per US regulations. If your dog has been in a high rabies risk country within the last six months, travel is still possible, but the process is more complex. Please contact us for assistance in these cases.
The CDC Import Form can be submitted up to six months before your travel date, and each dog will need a separate form.
7. Preparing for the Journey
Airlines are strict about crate sizes, so ensure you follow their guidelines to get the correct crate for your dog.
We recommend getting your dog accustomed to the crate in the weeks before travel to minimise stress. Sedatives are not allowed during flights, but natural calming supplements are available—contact us for recommendations.
Make sure you pack the following:
Health Certificate
Sufficient food/medication (check for any additional documents needed for these)
Water bowls, toys, blankets, and a lead
8. Before the Flight
Depending on the airline and airport, you may need to drop your dog off at a designated departure point or bring the crate into the terminal. Check with your airline about their protocol.
Avoid feeding your dog within two hours of the flight, and offer only a light meal beforehand.
9. Arrival in the US
Upon landing, you will likely need to clear customs and present your dog’s health certificate and accompanying documents. Typically, there will be a brief inspection to ensure your dog is healthy and meets the entry requirements.
If your dog travelled in the hold, you will be directed to a specific area to collect them. Confirm these details with your airline or transport company in advance.
10. Returning to the UK
If you plan to return to the UK, you will need to obtain a GB Health Certificate from a vet in the US.
This certificate requires your dog to have:
A valid rabies vaccination
Tapeworm treatment administered between 24 and 120 hours before arrival in the UK
Flying with pets in the cabin to the UK is not possible unless on a private plane. All pets on commercial flights must travel in the hold.
For smaller dogs (less than 8 kg), you may have better options by booking a flight to an EU country (e.g., Paris) and arranging a pet-friendly transfer back to the UK. If travelling through the EU, your pet will also need an EU Animal Health Certificate issued by a US vet within 10 days of arrival in the EU.
We hope this guide helps you plan your trip to the US with your dog. If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment with one of our specialist pet travel vets at PassPets, please get in touch by calling on of our team or emailing info@passpets.co.uk. Our team has helped thousands of pets travel safety and we can't wait to help yours too.
This guide is based on the information available at the time of writing. The exporter is responsible for verifying the requirements with the importing authorities and airline before travel.