Documents5 min read
How to check your pet’s documents before a flight
A typo in the chip number or dates in the wrong order — and questions may come up at the border. Here’s how to go through the documents yourself and what to check first.
Your dog or cat is flying to the USA: where to start
We prepare turnkey documents for taking a dog or cat to the USA: procedures, veterinary paperwork and a data check — all in one place. The requirements for bringing dogs into the country have been revised in recent years, so we draw up a plan of procedures for your situation rather than relying on outdated approaches.
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The CDC is responsible for dog imports into the USA, while animal health matters are also overseen by the USDA veterinary service. The rules for dogs have been updated in recent years, introducing additional forms as well as age and microchip requirements, and conditions can vary depending on where the dog has travelled.
Federal requirements for cats are usually less strict, but individual states and territories, such as Hawaii, may set their own conditions. We carry out all veterinary preparation and paperwork ourselves.
Preparation stages
Requirements depend on the destination country, the type of animal and the travel date. Please check transport conditions with your airline or transport company.
- 01
Getting the details
As a rule, the first step is to confirm your animal’s species and age and which documents it already has: this determines which CDC and USDA requirements apply.
- 02
Microchip and age
Dogs are often subject to microchip requirements and a minimum age at the time of entry. If there is no chip, we implant one ourselves; please check the age requirements for your entry date on the official CDC website.
- 03
Proof of vaccination
Dogs may need a particular form of rabies vaccination proof, and it may need to be endorsed. We’ll establish which one applies to you and prepare it ourselves.
- 04
Forms and notifications
For dogs, an official online form usually has to be completed before travel. We check that the details in the form match the veterinary documents.
Things to keep in mind
- The CDC rules for bringing in dogs have been revised in recent years, so information from older articles and forums may be out of date — check the requirements as of your travel date.
- The conditions for a dog often depend on which countries it has been in over the past few months.
- Individual states and territories, such as Hawaii, may set their own requirements for bringing in animals.
- Puppies are subject to a minimum entry age, so the travel date for a young dog should be checked against it.
Official sources
Entry rules can change — check them on the official websites before you travel.
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Frequently asked questions
Why are the rules for bringing dogs into the USA discussed so often?
In recent years the CDC has updated its dog import requirements, and much of the familiar advice no longer applies. That’s why it’s best not to rely on older articles and forums.
Do cats need special forms too?
As a rule, federal requirements for cats are simpler than those for dogs. But the destination state, such as Hawaii, may have its own conditions.
Can we bring a puppy?
There is often a minimum entry age for dogs. If you are planning to travel with a young animal, send us its age — we’ll tell you which procedures and documents it needs.
Do you prepare the documents for us?
Yes. We do everything in one place: we carry out the procedures, issue and check the veterinary documents, and hand over the ready package.
Tell us about your trip to the USA
Leave your details — a specialist will get in touch, give you the price and timeline, and then take care of the documents for you.
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