
You can indeed take your pet to the US, but there are specific requirements and restrictions that have to be followed. These requirements vary depending on the type of animal and the country of origin. For dogs, for example, there are additional requirements if they are traveling from countries that are affected by rabies, screwworm, or foot and mouth disease.
Cats are normally inspected at the port of entry and could be denied entry should they show evidence of any infectious disease that is transmissible to humans. Rabies vaccination is not required for importation, but it is recommended by the CDC. If you are traveling with a dog from a rabies-free nation, different requirements apply.
What are the requirements if you want to take your dog with you to the US for a visit?
To take your dog with you to the United States while you are visiting that country, you need to follow these requirements:
- A health certificate issued by a veterinarian stating that the animal is in good health and fit to board a flight. This certificate has to be issued within 10 days of the start of the journey.
- Proof of rabies vaccination for dogs that originate from a country where rabies is a risk. Puppies should not be vaccinated before the age of three months, and they should get their rabies vaccination at least 30 days before the flight. This means that a puppy has to be at least 4 months old before it will be allowed to enter the United States.
- If your dog is traveling from a non-English speaking country, its rabies certificate should either be in English, or you will have to produce a certified English translation.
- Optional vaccines include Hepatitis, Distemper, Para-influenza, Bordetella, and Parvovirus.
For dogs that originate from regions that are at risk of screwworm, the following requirements will apply:
- The animal has to be accompanied by an official certificate that carries the signature of a salaried, full-time veterinary official of the country of origin.
- This certificate should either state that the dog is screwworm-free or that it was found to be infected with screwworm but treated successfully.
- Apart from that, you should also check with your airline for any specific requirements related to pet travel – some airlines may ask for additional documentation or restrictions.
What are the requirements If I want to visit the US and take my cat with me?
When bringing your cat to the US, there are also specific requirements to consider:
- A health certificate: A health certificate issued by a veterinarian stating that your cat is in good health and ready to fly is recommended. This certificate has to be dated 10 days or less before the start of the trip.
- Rabies Vaccination: According to the CDC, there is no requirement that cats should have proof of being successfully vaccinated against rabies before they will be allowed into the U.S. However, specific states might require a rabies vaccination. This is why we recommend that you also check with local and state health authorities at your final destination.
- Optional Vaccines: For cate, optional vaccinations e.g. include Feline enteritis (Feline distemper or Feline panleukopenia), Caliciviral, and Rhino tracheitis.
Additional Considerations
To make 100% sure, check with the CDC or Center for Disease Control and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) since they might have specific regulations related to taking your cat into the United States. Also, make the necessary arrangements for pickup at the final destination and check with your airline for any additional requirements they may or may not have.
Can I take my cat or dog with me on the plane to the US?
If you are planning to travel with your cat or dog to the United States, here is what you need to know about traveling with them with you inside the cabin:
Eligibility:
In-cabin travel is only allowed for cats and dogs when there’s available space. Consult with the airline about this.
Pet Carrier Requirements:
Your pet must travel in either a soft-sided or hard-sided carrier. The latter must fit under the seat in front of you during the whole flight. Only a single pet is permitted per carrier, and the animal must be able to turn around and stand up while inside.
Service animals are an exception and can travel without a pet carrier.
Preparation:
- You should make sure before the trip that you have all the necessary paperwork and proof of vaccination for the animal ready.
- When booking your trip, select “Travel with a pet” during the booking process.
- Most airlines will charge a fee each way for traveling with your pet, and additional fees often apply for layovers.
Traveler tips:
- Pack a pet-friendly travel kit with essentials such as a collapsible water bowl, leash, treats, and plastic bags.
- Bring their favorite toy, blanket, or pillow that smells familiar to keep your pet calm during the flight.
- At the airport, check in for your flight at the ticket counter, providing both your own and your pet’s confirmation numbers. You will get a special bag tag for your pet’s carrier.
- Many airports have designated pet relief areas for bathroom breaks.
- On the plane, your pet has to stay in their carrier the whole time, with the door closed. The carrier has to be under the seat throughout the flight.
I am disabled. What is the position regarding traveling with a service animal in the cabin with me?
As a disabled individual, you have the right to travel with your service animal in the cabin with you on a commercial airline. The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) prohibits discrimination by commercial airlines on the basis of disability.
Service animals are allowed to accompany passengers with disabilities in the cabin, and airlines must permit service animals to accompany passengers with disabilities at any seat in the cabin, as long as the animal does not obstruct an aisle or other area that has to stay unobstructed in case of an emergency.
To determine whether an animal is a service animal, airline personnel should ask the passenger if the animal is required to accompany them due to a disability, look for physical indicators such as the presence of a harness or vest, or observe the animal’s behavior.
Airlines may require documentation stating that the service animal will not need to relieve itself or can do so in a sanitary way on flights scheduled for 8 hours or longer.
It is essential to note that airlines are not required to accommodate unusual service animals, such as snakes, other reptiles, ferrets, rodents, and spiders. Additionally, airlines may deny transport to a service dog if it violates safety requirements, poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, causes a significant disruption in the cabin or at airport gate areas, or violates health requirements.
If you experience any problems or feel that your rights under the ACAA have been violated, you can request to talk to a Complaints Resolution Official (CRO) at the departure airport.
How can I make sure that the flight to the US will not be a stressful experience for my pet?
To help ensure that your pet enjoys a relaxed flight, consider the following:
Make sure they feel safe and comfortable
Consider your pet’s comfort during the trip, especially during loading and unloading. Get it used to its carrier before the flight, choose flights with fewer connections, and consult with your veterinarian for advice on ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for your loyal friend.
As far as possible, ensure that there won’t be any delays because of problems with documentation
Ensure that you have all the necessary documentation ready for your pet’s journey well before the trip. This includes things like a health certificate issued by a veterinarian, proof of vaccinations, microchip information, permits, and any other required paperwork based on airline and country regulations. If you arrive at the airport and there are long delays because of paperwork, the whole experience will start on a stressful note for your pet (and yourself).
I will be traveling with my pet to the US on an ESTA. Are there any specific issues I have to be aware of?
Generally speaking the procedure for traveling to the US with a pet on an ESTA is similar to if you will be traveling on a visa. Your pet will need a health certificate issued by a veterinarian, proof of vaccinations, microchip information, permits, and any other required paperwork. You should also comply with all the relevant airline regulations and before landing, you should declare the pet in the Customs Declaration form.
How long before the time should I apply for the ESTA?
While the whole application process for an ESTA will often take no more than a few hours or days, it is not wise to postpone the application until the last possible moment. The authorities could, for example, require additional documentation, or you might be asked to explain something about the information you provided on the application form. And if your ESTA application is not approved, you will most likely have to apply for a visa – a process that involves a personal interview at a US consulate or embassy that could take months to finalize.
That is why we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the ESTA requirements and apply as soon as possible after you have made the decision to travel to the US with your pet.
Sources: