United States Pet Import Requirements & Vet Timeline
Official pet import rules for bringing a dog or cat into United States under CDC & USDA APHIS. Review the rule table below or pick your origin country, airline, breed, and flight date in the calculator to generate your exact paperwork schedule.
Official USA Pet Import Rules at a Glance
Summary of CDC & USDA APHIS entry rules for accompanied dogs and cats.
| Import Biosecurity Authority | CDC & USDA APHIS |
|---|---|
| Outbound Export Authority | USDA APHIS (VEHCS) |
| ISO Microchip Standard | ISO 11784/11785 15-digit 134.2 kHz FDX-B (must be implanted on or before rabies vaccination) |
| Primary Rabies Vaccine Wait | Minimum 28 days before arrival |
| Rabies Blood Titer Test (FAVN / RNATT) | Required only when arriving from a High-Risk rabies country (28-day wait after blood draw). Exempt when flying directly from Rabies-Free or Controlled/Low-Risk countries. |
| Dog Tapeworm (Echinococcus) Treatment | No 24–120 hour statutory tapeworm window; follow standard pre-flight parasite check |
| Health Certificate & Endorsement Window | CDC Dog Import Form & USDA Veterinary Health Certificate — endorsed within 10 days before departure |
| Advance Import Permit | Required (apply at least 15 days before travel) |
| Permitted Aircraft Arrival Mode | Passenger Cabin, Checked Excess Baggage (AVIH), or Manifest Cargo |
| Post-Arrival Quarantine | 0 days (immediate clearance when all pre-arrival rules are met) |
Calculate Your USA Pet Travel Timeline
Pre-set for arrival in United States. Change your origin country, airline, breed, or departure date below to see your custom schedule.
Enter Your Trip & Pet Details
Choose your origin, destination, airline, breed, and target flight date to get every vet step in reverse order.
Min: 29d • Ideal: 45d
Feasible Timeline: 75 days available (29 days strict minimum)
Starting today gives you sufficient runway to complete USA's veterinary sequence, government endorsement via DEFRA APHA, and Delta Air Lines pet booking.
Based on 30 kg weight and Delta Air Lines rules, your Golden Retriever must travel on an airway bill via Delta Cargo Variation Live (IATA Series 500 (102 x 69 x 76 cm)) from United Kingdom to USA.
🌡️ Seasonal Temperature Advisory (January): Cargo embargo when forecasted ground temperature is above 27°C (80°F) or below 7°C (45°F) without acclimation certificate.
Step-by-Step Vet & Travel Schedule
Counting backward from United Kingdom (GB) USA (US) arrival.
📅 On or before Thu, Dec 17, 2026
Implant or scan-verify a non-encrypted ISO 11784/11785 15-digit 134.2 kHz FDX-B. Any rabies vaccination administered BEFORE the microchip implantation date is legally invalid for USA.
⚠️ Ensure the exact 15-digit barcode sticker is affixed to all vaccination and health certificates.
📅 No later than Fri, Dec 18, 2026
Administer WHO/WOAH-approved inactivated or recombinant rabies vaccine (pet must be >= 12 weeks old). Triggers 28-day primary immunity wait required by CDC & USDA APHIS.
⚠️ Record vaccine manufacturer, product name, batch/lot number, administration date, and valid-until date.
Unlock Full Compliance Packet ($29)
See your exact hour-by-hour tapeworm treatment window, DEFRA APHA endorsement cutoff, Printable Vet Sign-Off PDF, and Apple/Google .ics Calendar Sync with 48-hour alerts.
- Exact 24–120h tapeworm and parasite treatment times
- Printable Vet Sign-Off & 15-Digit Microchip PDF Packet
- One-click .ics Calendar Sync with 48h advance reminders
One-time checkout via PayPal or card • Instant PDF & .ics download
Confirm requirements with a government-accredited vet before travel.
Arriving in United States: Airport & Customs Checklist
- Present CDC Dog Import Form receipt (printed or digital) upon arrival at first US port of entry.
- Dogs arriving from High-Risk rabies countries must enter via a CDC-approved airport with an Animal Care Facility reservation.
- Verify microchip readability at CBP Agriculture Secondary Inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bringing a Pet to United States
How far in advance should I start preparing to bring a dog or cat to United States?
CDC & USDA APHIS recommends starting at least 45 days before travel. Your pet must have an ISO 11784/11785 15-digit 134.2 kHz FDX-B implanted on or before its rabies vaccination, followed by a 28-day primary rabies immunity wait (plus a 28-day FAVN rabies antibody wait where applicable).
Does United States require a rabies antibody blood test (FAVN / RNATT)?
Required only when arriving from a High-Risk rabies country (28-day wait after blood draw). Exempt when flying directly from Rabies-Free or Controlled/Low-Risk countries.
Can my dog or cat fly in the passenger cabin into United States?
Yes — United States allows pets to arrive in the passenger cabin, checked hold (AVIH), or manifest cargo, subject to your airline's weight cap (typically 8 kg including carrier for cabin) and breed rules.
When must the veterinary health certificate be endorsed before flying to United States?
Your government-accredited veterinarian must issue "CDC Dog Import Form & USDA Veterinary Health Certificate" and obtain official export authority endorsement within 10 days before departure.
Popular Flight Routes into United States
- 🇬🇧 Fly a Dog from United Kingdom to USA on Delta Air Lines
- 🇦🇪 Fly a Dog from UAE to USA on Delta Air Lines
- 🇩🇪 Fly a Dog from Germany to USA on Delta Air Lines
- 🇫🇷 Fly a Dog from France to USA on Delta Air Lines
- 🇨🇦 Fly a Dog from Canada to USA on Delta Air Lines
- 🇦🇺 Fly a Dog from Australia to USA on Delta Air Lines
- 🇯🇵 Fly a Dog from Japan to USA on Delta Air Lines
- 🇸🇬 Fly a Dog from Singapore to USA on Delta Air Lines