USA Pet Import Details

USA information and requirements for the importation of cats, dogs, rats, rabbits, hamsters.

There is no official quarantine for cats and dogs entering the USA from the United Kingdom. The entry requirements vary from state to state - some requiring that a rabies vaccination be given to the animals on arrival in the USA if there is no documentary proof that this has already been given. The UK vaccination is however different from the one obtainable in the USA as it is made from a dead, rather than live, culture and takes longer to be effective (approximately 30 days).

For a full set of requirements it is advisable to contact the relevant State Veterinarian or the US Department of Agriculture for that State.

We can advise you of the state Veterinary fax number for the State you are travelling to.

Official Export Health certificates from DEFRA in the UK and Import permits are not required except in the cases of Hawaii and Alaska.

However the Airline requires that you obtain a general health certificate (Fitness to Fly) from any vet within 7 days (10 days if BA) of the date of travel.

Animals must be shipped in containers built to IATA specifications which are the correct size for them i.e. they must be large enough for the animal to stand up without touching the top of the box, lie down comfortably and be able to turn round within the box. There must also be a fixed water container inside the container with a means of filling it from the outside (funnel).

With information on the measurements of the animal(s) we can build Kennels (wood frame, plywood sides, wire mesh front) to fit. This can be either picked up from us or delivered to any U.K. Airport to coincide with your check in time or be delivered to your home.

You may be able to take cats and dogs as excess baggage, which would mean booking direct with the airline. This is generally (but not always) the cheaper option (please note that some airlines cannot take livestock and that there may be restrictions such as standby status depending on the airline and the route). However should the animal(s) be a particularly large shipment (in Airline terms) or coping with the animal(s) at the same time as the move be particularly difficult then we can offer the cargo option along with other services including collection, kenneling and fitness to fly certification.

During the hotter summer months and colder winter months transshipments of cats and dogs to non-international airports are generally not permitted because of temperature restrictions at various Airports. Also some airlines operate a total embargo on excess livestock during the summer (American Airlines for example).