If you are relocating a pet from Philippines to United States, the process is manageable once you know the sequence. This route sits at the strict end, and about 10-18 weeks of preparation is …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Philippines to United States
typically takes around 10-18 weeks.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Philippines to United States import process
01
Start of planning.
Confirm ISO microchip pre-dates rabies vaccination.
Responsible: BAI NVQS-accredited vet
02
5+ weeks before blood draw.
Rabies vaccination. At least 30 days before CDC serology blood draw.
Responsible: BAI NVQS vet
03
Blood draw date determines earliest US entry.
CDC serology blood draw at CDC-approved laboratory. Must be at least 28 days before US entry.
Responsible: CDC-approved lab
04
Before travel.
Complete CDC Dog Import Form online.
Responsible: Owner
05
During waiting period.
Reserve CDC-registered facility at planned US entry airport.
Responsible: Owner or agent
06
4-8 weeks before travel.
Book cargo with Philippine Airlines, United, or Cathay Pacific.
Responsible: Owner or agent
07
Within 10 days.
BAI NVQS-accredited vet issues US-format health certificate within 10 days of US arrival. NVQS endorsement. Original only.
Responsible: BAI NVQS vet
08
Travel day.
Pet arrives at CDC-registered facility. CDC inspection.
Responsible: CDC facility
Requirements
United States entry requirements
Every item below must be in place before your pet can enter. We verify and track each one.
Microchip
ISO-compatible microchip. Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Current valid vaccination.
Leaving Philippines
Export requirements
Health certificate
International Veterinary Health Certificate from a BAI (Bureau of Animal Industry) NVQS-accredited vet, endorsed by the BAI National Veterinary Quarantine Services (NVQS). US-compatible format. Issued within 10 days of US arrival.
Costs
What this route typically costs
CDC serology test (Philippines)
BAI NVQS health certificate and endorsement
IATA-compliant crate
Cargo fee: MNL to US hub
CDC facility reservation
Agent fee
Critical points
Philippines is high-risk for CDC. The serology test and CDC-registered facility entry are both mandatory. Neither can be skipped.
The 28-day gap between blood draw and US entry is a firm requirement. Plan the blood draw date first, then book the flight.
Philippine Airlines operates a direct MNL-LAX service. This is the most practical option for a CDC-facility entry, as LAX has a registered facility.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
Airline
Notes
Type
Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines Cargo from Manila Ninoy Aquino (MNL) to US cities. Direct MNL-LAX service and connections to other US hubs. Flag carrier and primary choice for MNL-US pet moves.
Cargo Only
United Airlines
United PetSafe cargo from MNL via Pacific hubs to US cities. Temperature-controlled. Seasonal and breed restrictions apply. Confirm routing and live animal availability.
Cargo Only
Delta
Delta Cargo from MNL via Pacific gateways to US hubs. Confirm specific routing and live animal space.
Cargo Only
Cathay Pacific
Via HKG. MNL to HKG, then onward to US cities. Strong live animal handling at Hong Kong. Well-used MNL-US routing.
Cargo Only
How United States handles incoming pets
United States takes biosecurity seriously, and the requirements reflect that. The paperwork is exacting, so accuracy matters as much as timing.
What experienced owners do
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
Microchip before you vaccinate. The microchip must be in place before the rabies shot for the vaccination to count, and getting this order wrong is the most common and costly mistake.
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
FAQ
Common questions about this route
Yes. The Philippines is classified as high-risk for dog rabies by the CDC. A serology test at a CDC-approved laboratory is required. The result must be at least 0.5 IU/ml. Blood must be drawn at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and at least 28 days before US entry.
You must arrive at a US airport with a CDC-registered animal care facility. Airports with facilities include Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), Chicago (ORD), New York JFK and Newark (EWR), and Houston (IAH). Philippine Airlines flies direct to LAX, which simplifies routing if that works for your final destination. Verify the current facility list at cdc.gov before booking.
Yes. No federal documentation is required for cats entering the continental USA from the Philippines. Your airline will require a BAI NVQS health certificate from a vet, typically issued within 10 days of travel. If your destination is Hawaii, separate HDOA quarantine rules apply.
Allow 10-18 weeks from vaccination to US arrival. The minimum is approximately 10 weeks (30 days post-vaccination before blood draw, plus 28 days before US entry). BAI NVQS documentation preparation, cargo booking, CDC form completion, and facility reservation add practical time beyond the minimum.
Philippine Airlines direct cargo from Manila to Los Angeles is the most convenient option for most US-bound moves, as it avoids an intermediate transit and connects to a CDC-facility airport. Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong serves a wider range of US destinations and is the most common alternative. Both are reliable for live animal cargo.
Airline guides
Philippine Airlines
United Airlines
Delta
Cathay Pacific
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.