Bringing Your Pet to the USA: A Complete Guide for International Travellers

🐾 Dogs Entering the USA: CDC Requirements

The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) manages dog import requirements.

All dogs must be microchipped with an ISO-standard chip. Dogs coming from countries where dog rabies is considered a risk - which includes most of the world - must meet additional requirements including proof of vaccination administered in the US or by a USDA-approved lab, or must arrive via a CDC-registered facility.

UK to USA: What You Need

Dogs from the UK travelling to the US must be microchipped and have proof of rabies vaccination. The UK is currently classified by the CDC as a 'screwworm-free' country, which simplifies some requirements.

However, rules have changed significantly in recent years, and it is essential to check the current CDC guidance before booking.

🐈 Cats Entering the USA

Cats face fewer restrictions than dogs when entering the USA. There is currently no requirement for cats to be vaccinated for rabies to enter the US at the federal level, though individual states may have their own requirements.

A health certificate from an accredited vet is still strongly recommended.

🌍 State-Level Rules

The US is a federal country and individual states can impose additional requirements on top of federal rules.

⚠️ Important Note

Hawaii, for example, functions more like a separate country when it comes to pet import - with quarantine requirements similar to Australia. If your final destination is Hawaii, treat it as an entirely separate process.

✈️ Airline Requirements

Each US-bound airline has its own pet travel policies - covering which breeds are permitted, maximum carrier dimensions, in-cabin versus hold requirements, and seasonal temperature restrictions. These rules are entirely separate from government requirements and must be checked independently.

📋 Get Your Personalised US Pet Travel Checklist

The requirements for bringing a pet to the USA depend on your country of origin, your pet's species and breed, and your final destination.

Pet Holiday Club generates a personalised, government-verified checklist in seconds. Enter your details and know exactly what you need for free.

🎯 Key Takeaway

The USA welcomes pets from around the world, but the rules are more complex than many owners expect. Use Pet Holiday Club to get your personalised checklist and travel with complete confidence.