How to bring a dog to the USA: everything you need to know!

Written by: D4U Immigration

If you’re wondering how to bring your dog to the USA legally, then you’ve come to the right place.

Bringing pets to the United States may seem like a complex process, but with the right knowledge and preparation, it’s totally feasible.

In this article, we’ll explore all the essential steps to ensure that your four-legged friend can safely and legally accompany you on your journey to the USA.

Read on to find out everything you need to know!

How to take a dog on a trip to the USA: basic requirements

To take your dog with you to the United States, it is important to be aware of the CDC regulations, which you can access directly here.

Dogs coming from countries at high risk of rabies, such as Brazil, must follow specific rules, and this temporary suspension lasts until July 31, 2024.

In addition, your pet must be over six months old and have an ISO-compatible microchip, in accordance with ISO standard 11784/11785. It is also essential that your pet has a valid rabies vaccination certificate issued in the USA.

Remember: failure to comply with these guidelines could result in your dog being returned to its country of origin.

It is also vital to consider the additional regulations of the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and those specific to the state or territory you are moving to.

How much does it cost to fly a dog to the United States?

The cost of taking your dog to the USA varies considerably, depending on factors such as the size of the animal, the airline and whether special accommodations will be required during the trip.

The costs include expenses:

  • Vaccination;
  • Microchip;
  • Health checks;
  • Possible quarantine fees, among others.

In addition, air fares for pets can vary, so it’s advisable to check with your chosen airline in advance or get advice from a specialized company, such as D4U Immigration.

How to take your pet to the USA: necessary travel documents

Traveling with your pet requires preparation and knowledge of specific regulations.

When taking your dog by plane to the United States, some documents are essential to ensure a smooth trip with no mishaps.

Check out what they are in detail in the following topics:

International Veterinary Certificate (IVC)

The International Veterinary Certificate (IVC) is an essential document, as it proves that your dog is healthy and fit to travel.

This certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian, and will contain all the details of your pet’s health, including vaccinations and any specific treatment they may be receiving.

ISO-compatible microchip

An ISO-compatible microchip is a requirement for pets to enter the United States.

This chip, implanted under the dog’s skin, stores vital information about the animal and its owner.

It is important that the microchip is ISO-compatible, as this ensures that it can be read by standard scanners in the USA.

Pet health certificate

In addition to the CVI, a health certificate issued by a veterinarian is necessary, as this document reaffirms your dog’s good health and certifies that he is free from contagious diseases.

It’s an additional way of ensuring that your pet is fit to travel and enter the United States safely.

Up-to-date vaccination card

Finally, it is essential to present an up-to-date vaccination card. The document must include all the vaccinations your dog has had, especially the rabies vaccine, which is mandatory for entry into the USA.

How to take your dog to the USA: air transportation

dog in a pet carrier, representing the process of bringing a dog to the USA

Transporting dogs by air to the United States requires careful planning. First of all, check with the airline about the specific rules for transporting pets, as they may vary.

Make sure you book a direct flight, if possible, to minimize stress for your pet.

It is essential that you get a suitable crate, which must be sufficiently spacious, safe, ventilated and meet the standards of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). In addition, it is advisable to get your dog used to the crate before the trip so that he feels more comfortable during the flight.

Race and health restrictions

In addition to federal regulations, some airlines and states in the US may have specific race and health restrictions.

Some breeds, especially brachycephalic breeds (such as pugs and bulldogs), may face restrictions due to health concerns during the flight.

Check in advance whether your dog’s breed is subject to any restrictions.

Pre-trip preparations

Before traveling, it’s worth remembering a series of preparations to make. They are:

  • Health check: make an appointment with an accredited veterinarian to carry out a health check on your pet. Most international destinations require the examination to be carried out within 10 days of travel;
  • ISO-compatible microchip;
  • Documentation.

Procedures after arrival in the USA

After arriving in the United States, you will have to go through a few procedures:

  • Customs inspection: your dog will be inspected by customs. Have all the documentation ready;
  • Quarantine: Depending on the country of origin and the state of destination in the USA, it may be necessary for your dog to go through a period of quarantine;
  • Local rules: familiarize yourself with the local rules regarding pets at your destination in the USA. Some states have stricter regulations on the entry of animals.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and peaceful trip for your dog.

If you have any additional questions or need assistance, our team at D4U Immigration is always ready to help.

Are you moving and need help getting your dog to the USA? See how D4U Immigration can help!

At D4U Immigration, we offer complete assistance to facilitate the process of moving to the USA with your pet.

Our services include guidance on documentation, advice on best transportation practices and support in complying with all legal requirements.

contact banner

Conclusion

Now that you know how to bring a dog to the USA, remember to plan carefully and pay attention to detail.

At D4U Immigration, we are dedicated to helping you and your pet through every step of this journey, ensuring that your needs are met as efficiently and carefully as possible.

With the right preparation, you and your dog will be ready to start a new adventure in the United States!

D4U Immigration

Eleita a melhor assessoria imigratória dos EUA e América Latina, fruto do compromisso firmado com os clientes, a D4U Immigration é uma empresa que tem auxiliado milhares de pessoas a viverem e trabalharem nos Estados Unidos.

Schedule a free consultation

Tell us a little about yourself

The information you submit is intended to provide general information to discuss your needs. No legal services or advice will be provided.

"*" indicates required fields

Accepted file types: doc, docx, pdf, Max. file size: 2 MB.
Sending your CV is optional, but it gives precision to our analysis and speeds up our response.