To travel to the United States dogs, cats (and ferrets) must be microchipped for accurate identification and at present do not need to be vaccinated against rabies if travelling directly from the UK and resident here for at least the last six months. However, virtually all individual States require up to date rabies inoculation. To conform to individual State law we very strongly advise that your companion is vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before travel. We cannot complete a “Fit to Travel” certificate without an accompanying valid rabies vaccination certificate. A pet also needs a Health Certificate stating it is free from signs of infectious or contagious disease and is fit to travel.
Visit the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for up to date information.
Individual States within the United States do change their import requirements. We advise you to contact the state authorities of the state you will be landing in and check their entry regulations.
To travel to Canada or Mexico, dogs, cats (and ferrets) must be microchipped for accurate identification and vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before travel. A pet also needs a Health Certificate stating it is free from signs of infectious or contagious disease and is fit to travel. The UK’s Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) recommends that pets travelling to Canada or Mexico also have an Export Health Certificate (EHC). We can provide you with these documents
BY AIR DIRECT
When travelling directly to the United States, Canada or Mexico, the airline you use requires a ‘Fit to Fly’ health certificate issued within 10 days of travel unless stated otherwise by your airline. Please check with your airline for their latest requirements. For travel to the USA please complete this Rabies Vaccination Certificate Application. (If we vaccinated your pet we have the vaccination details).
For travel to Canada or Mexico please complete this Export Health Certificate (EHC) application form. It includes the rabies vaccination certificate.
Please complete this Fit to Fly Application. (Please note that an anticipated high temperature at the American arrival airport can interfere with your pet travel plans).
Some American airlines allow small dogs and cats to travel in the passenger section, in carriers that fit under the seat in front of you. Check with your airline to find out if this is permitted.
BY AIR VIA AN EU COUNTRY
Many European airlines allow dogs and cats to accompany you in the passenger section of the plane. Regulations and individual airline policies may change. Please contact your airline well in advance, to confirm that the airline meets your expectations regarding travelling with your pet. If you plan to fly to the United States on a European airline such as Air France or KLM, through a European airport, please complete the EU’s AHC Application. This contains the rabies vaccination certificate required for the onward arrival in the United States. When your pet enters the USA this way it is doing so not from the UK but from your EU departure airport. It’s your responsibility to check on the US import requirements from your EU departure country.
https://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/
Please complete this Fit to Fly Application. This can be used for your flight to Europe and the onward continuing flight to the United States. (Please note that anticipated high temperature at the American arrival airport can interfere with pet travel).
BY AIR TO USA VIA CANADA
If you plan to travel to the United States via Canada, with an onward connection to the United States, please complete this Export Health Certificate (EHC). This includes the Rabies Vaccination Certificate needed for the onward connection to your US final destination. Regulations and airline policies change Always check with airlines for their up to date regulations before booking travel and completing the EHC application.
BY BOAT
As present, the Queen Mary 2 allows dogs to travel with passengers from Southampton to New York. Please check with Cunard about kennel availability and restrictions. Please complete this Rabies Vaccine Certificate Application and “Fit to Travel” applications.
RETURNING TO THE UK FROM THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA
Both the United States and Canada are designated “Listed Countries” by DEFRA. That means to return to the UK, dogs and cats need to be microchipped, treated for parasites, be healthy and fit to travel and have valid rabies vaccinations. The rabies vaccination certificate we give you for your pet’s outward journey from the UK has an ‘expiry date’ for its rabies vaccination. If you are returning to the UK after the vaccine’s expiry date, have your pet revaccinated. Your pet will not be allowed to enter or re-enter the UK until 31 days after the date of revaccination.
To return to the United Kingdom from the USA or Canada you will need to apply to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) for a GB import certificate. Speak with your American or Canadian veterinarian who will assist you.
FAQs
Do you have a preferred pet travel shipper?
We do not have a preferred shipper. Our clients have used these shippers.
I am travelling from the UK to the EU, then to the USA then back to the UK. Can I use the AHC for each part of my dog’s trip?
An AHC is valid only in the EU and only for one visit. If you are travelling onwards to the US we will provide you with a Rabies Vaccination Certificate and a Fit to Fly Certificate. To return from the US to the UK your dog will need a GB import certificate issued by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Your American vet can help you get one.
I don’t want my dog vaccinated against rabies. How can I travel with him?
Rabies vaccination is mandatory. If a dog is not vaccinated it cannot be given travel documents.
What if I miss or cancel an appointment of change details once I’ve given them to you?
Once you have booked an appointment with the clinic for a travel appointment it means that we have reserved a time in our schedule exclusively for you and your pet.
For Canada and Mexico, after completing the travel questionnaire and confirming your appointment we fill ask for payment then apply to the APHA for certification for your companion, and complete the APHA’s data requirements for your travel. if you change who will be travelling with your pet after that, and we must amend the completed application, you will be charged an additional 50% of the AHC fee.
If you change your travel destination country on the day of your appointment, there is an additional 100% of the fee charge.
If you need to cancel your appointment less than 24 hours before it is scheduled to take place, you will be subject to the full cost of the visit.
How will my dog/cat cope with flying?
Some cats vocalise a little but most settle down very well and go to sleep.
Dogs are much the same. There are several organic calming supplements which you may want to try including Calmex and Zylkene. If you prefer homeopathic remedies we are familiar with people using Bach Flower Rescue Remedy. We do not recommend using prescription sedatives simply because of the risk of an adverse reaction without immediate access to veterinary advice.
How old must a puppy be to enter the UK from North America?
Dogs and cats must be microchipped and 12 weeks of age or over when given their rabies vaccination. Then there is a required minimum 30 day period for the vaccine to actively produce protecting antibodies. That means that puppies and kittens must be over 15 weeks of age to meet the health requirements to enter the UK.
We are flying to the US via France. What paperwork is needed for our dog/cat?
We can provide you with an AHC to enter France, a certified rabies vaccination certificate and a ‘Fit to Fly’ certificate for your airline.
We are unable to advise you about the USA’s requirement for pets arriving from France.
The AHC is valid for travel in the EU. Travelling on to the US invalidates the AHC for return to the UK. If you are returning to the UK from France, you need to arrange for a new AHC issued by a French veterinarian.
I am flying back from the US to the UK via an EU country. What documents do my pet need?
Your US veterinarian will advise you on the specific import requirements of the EU country you arrive in. Your US vet will advise you on how to apply to the USDA for a GB import certificate.
What documents are needed to travel to Canada?
The APHA recommends that pets travelling to Canada do so accompanied by an Export Health Certificate (EHC) The EHC includes a certified rabies vaccination certificate. To avoid unexpected entry problems/charges this is what we recommend.
Some clients tell us that they have taken their pets from the UK to Canada accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination certificate and a ‘Fit to Fly’ certificate both of which we can complete. If you have spoken with the relevant Canadian authorities and are happy to travel with these documents we are happy to help.
I can’t find an answer to my question. What do I do?
Please book a telephone consultation with one of our OVs. Export telephone/video consultations are 20 minutes and are charged at £90. Payment will be requested prior to your consultation.
