Pet Travel to the USA
Thanks to Great Britain’s rabies free status, the USA is one of the least stressful destinations to emigrate pets to. Simply, dogs require a microchip & rabies vaccination (when at least 12 weeks old) and cats require just a microchip. There are state variations and so we recommend to vaccinate cats against rabies as a matter of course, also because the USA is not rabies free.
Pet relocation to the USA with TailWings
At TailWings, our greatest strength is our team, who genuinely care. The professionalism and experience of each member ensure that your pet’s journey to the USA is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Our attention to even the smallest details makes TailWings a trusted choice. Our range of services includes:
- Preparing necessary documentation
- Obtaining health certificates
- Measuring your pet
- Vaccination consultations
- Providing suitable travel containers
- Organising flight logistics
- and much more.
Requirements for transporting pets to the USA from the UK
To ensure a smooth journey for your pet to the USA, you must adhere to several requirements:
Microchipping
The microchip must comply with ISO standards and be readable by a universal scanner.
Health Certificate
Issued by an accredited veterinarian.
Preparing Your Pet
- Purchase an IATA-compliant crate. Ensure the crate is the right size for your pet and comfortable inside. TailWings offers a full range of services to select and acquire IATA-approved crates to ensure maximum comfort for your pet.
- Acclimate your pet to the crate well before the trip. Familiarity with the crate will reduce stress. Make the inside as comfortable as possible. Encourage and motivate your pet to spend more time inside, so they feel more at ease during the journey.
- Choose a suitable crate liner. The material should be soft yet cushioning. Allow your pet to get used to it in advance, providing extra comfort during travel.
- Add identification elements. Ensure your pet’s identification details and your contact information are fully included. This will help in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
TailWings is committed to making your pet’s journey to the USA smooth and hassle-free. Contact us today for more information and personalised support.
Other Considerations
Non-Commercial Import
Transporting your pet to the USA is considered non-commercial. In this case, only a rabies vaccination at three months of age is required, and a month later, your pet is ready to travel to America. Puppies or kittens for resale are considered commercial imports and are subject to slightly different rules. TailWings is ready to provide consultations or handle the entire relocation process for you. Just contact us or send a request through our form.
Importing pets to the USA from outside the UK
For transporting pets to the USA from countries with a high risk of rabies, you must arrive at one of six airports equipped for special checks:
- JFK (New York)
- LAX (Los Angeles)
- MIA (Miami)
- ORD (Chicago)
- IAH (Houston)
- ATL (Atlanta)
The rabies vaccination certificate must have an official stamp from the country’s Ministry of Agriculture, confirming the authenticity of the vaccination.
TailWings is a trusted supplier of the military, helping to relocate many families with their pets every year. We can assist you with your PCS movement to an international airport and even onward to your air force base. Please do not hesitate to get in touch for more details on our USA pet travel.
Get a free quote today.
Our Services
PCSing with Pets
IATA compliant travel kennels
Measuring your dog or cat
