All dogs must have an ISO compliant 15-digit microchip implanted before any vaccinations. This fixed microchip and its unique microchip number link all documentation and ensure your dog is correctly identified throughout the journey. Your dog must be microchipped prior to the rabies vaccination for the vaccine to be considered valid.

Your dog must have a valid rabies vaccination before travel. The good news is there is no mandatory waiting period after vaccination for dogs travelling to the USA, so your dog can fly shortly after receiving the rabies vaccine. We require all dogs to be vaccinated against rabies to ensure compliance with both federal and destination state regulations. Your vaccination document must clearly show the microchip number, date of vaccination, and vaccine product details.

Beyond the mandatory rabies vaccination, we strongly recommend ensuring your dog is up to date with core vaccinations including DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) and Bordetella bronchiseptica (Kennel Cough). These vaccinations are required if your dog boards with us prior to departure.

The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires an importation form for all dogs entering the USA. This is a short online application that takes approximately five minutes and is approved immediately. The form confirms your dog meets the disease control requirements for entry. We'll guide you through the process to ensure it's completed correctly.

Within 10 days of departure, your dog must be examined by an official veterinarian and issued an export health certificate confirming they appear fit, healthy, and ready to travel. This is sometimes referred to as a fly certificate or fit-to-fly certificate. The certificate must include your dog's microchip number, rabies vaccination details, and confirmation of a veterinary examination. It is then endorsed by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) before departure. Our airport vets can complete this at check-in for your convenience.

The USA does not require specific internal and external parasite treatments for dogs entering from the UK. However, we recommend ensuring your dog is up to date with routine parasite prevention for their own health and comfort during the journey.

While federal entry requirements are consistent, individual US states may have specific import requirements for dogs. Some states require additional documentation or specific vaccinations beyond rabies. We'll check the rules and regulations for your destination state and ensure your dog meets all local pet policies before travel.

Dogs travel as manifest cargo in a pressurised, heated, and ventilated cargo hold. Dogs cannot travel in cabin or as checked baggage on transatlantic flights. We primarily use British Airways and American Airlines for direct flights. For destinations not served directly, American Airlines' hub system allows your dog to connect through major cities such as Dallas, Charlotte, or Chicago to reach their final destination. We'll select the best airline and route based on your dog's breed, size, and travel schedule.

Your dog must be able to stand up without their head touching the top, turn around easily, and lie down fully stretched. We build custom IATA-compliant air kennels based on your dog's measurements to ensure comfort whilst meeting airline requirements. We usually deliver the travel crate at least a month before departure so your dog can get used to it in advance.

There are no banned dog breeds at the federal level when importing pet dogs into the United States. However, individual states and some cities may have specific restrictions on certain breeds such as the American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier. We recommend checking local regulations at your final destination, and we'll advise you during the planning process.

Please note that for commercial pet shipments, such as when a puppy is purchased in the UK and imported to the United States, the dog must be at least six months old. This rule applies to commercial imports only and does not affect personal import of your own pet dog.