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Pet Transport from United Kingdom to United States

Moderate complexity 6-10 weeks typical

Planning to move your pet from United Kingdom to United States? Get Your Quote

Pet transport from United Kingdom to United States is a moderately complex route. The documentation is specific and there are a few stages to work through, but families who plan ahead get their pets there without major issues.

At minimum, your pet needs a microchip (ISO 11784/11785 standard), a current rabies vaccination, and a government-endorsed health certificate issued close to your travel date. Allow 6-10 weeks from starting preparation to travel day.

No general quarantine for dogs and cats, but dogs must meet the CDC rabies vaccination requirements. Puppies under 6 months from certain countries face additional rules. Use our step-by-step guide below to track what you need to do and when.

Step-by-Step Process

1
Get your pet microchipped (ISO 11784/11785)

Before any vaccinations. Must be done first.

Responsible: Your veterinarian

2
Rabies vaccination

At least 21 days before travel (after microchip)

Responsible: Your veterinarian

3
Obtain health certificate / veterinary clearance

Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirements)

Responsible: Official veterinarian

4
Book IATA-compliant flight and arrange pet cargo/cabin booking

2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space availability.

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

5
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation

3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets

Responsible: You + airline cargo desk

United States Import Requirements

What United States requires for pets entering the country.

Microchip

Required (Universal scanner detectable). MUST be implanted BEFORE rabies vaccination or vaccine is considered invalid

Rabies Vaccination

Required

Rabies Titre Test

None

Quarantine

Quarantine may be shortened if dog receives US-licensed rabies vaccine and meets titre requirements during quarantine

Import Permit

No formal import permit. CDC Dog Import Form is the registration mechanism.

Health Certificate

No standalone health certificate requirement. The CDC certification forms include health attestation.

Exporting from United Kingdom

What you need from United Kingdom before your pet can leave.

Export Permit

No formal export permit for pets. AHC or export health certificate serves as documentation.

Cost Factors

Costs vary depending on pet size, transport method, and whether you use a transport agent.

  • Airline cargo/cabin fees (varies by carrier, pet weight, and crate size)
  • IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
  • Veterinary fees (vaccinations, health certificate, microchip)
  • Government endorsement/USDA endorsement fee (if applicable)
  • Pet transport agent fee (if using a relocation service)

Important Warnings

Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds face cargo restrictions on most airlines. Check breed-specific policies before booking.
Microchip MUST be implanted before rabies vaccination. Vaccination given before microchip is invalid and the clock restarts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Allow 6-10 weeks from your first vet appointment to travel day. The main variable is how quickly your pet’s health certificate can be issued and endorsed.

Yes. Quarantine may be shortened if dog receives US-licensed rabies vaccine and meets titre requirements during quarantine Plan your trip around the quarantine period and factor in the cost, which is owner-paid.

No formal import permit. CDC Dog Import Form is the registration mechanism.

No standalone health certificate requirement. The CDC certification forms include health attestation. Your United Kingdom vet must be approved to issue official veterinary certificates. The certificate must be issued within the timeframe required by United States: usually 10 days before travel. Present the original at check-in.

Required (Universal scanner detectable). MUST be implanted BEFORE rabies vaccination or vaccine is considered invalid The microchip must be in place before the rabies vaccination is given. If your pet was microchipped after its rabies jab, the vaccination is invalid and must be repeated.
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Route summary
  • From: United Kingdom
  • To: United States
  • Complexity: Moderate
  • Timeline: 6-10 weeks
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