Difference between revisions of "Bring a Pet Into the United States from Another Country"

[[Category: Transporting Pets]]

# Consider your options for your pet’s air travel. You have several options for airline travel: having your pet travel with you on the same plane, booking your pet on another flight, or shipping your pet to the US via a licensed commercial shipper.<ref name="rf1">http://www.state.gov/m/fsi/tc/c10442.htm</ref> If you pet will be traveling on the same plane with you, he can travel in the cabin with you, be checked in as baggage, or shipped as cargo.<ref name="rf2">http://www.cdc.gov/features/travelwithpets/</ref>

#* Only small dogs and cats are allowed to travel in the cabin with you and they must be securely stowed under the seat in a special carrier in front of you.<ref name="rf2" /> Ask your airline about carrier requirements if your pet will be traveling in the cabin.

#* Dogs and cats checked-in as baggage or shipped as cargo must be in a sturdy carrier that will allow them enough space to comfortably stand, sit and lie down.<ref name="rf2" />

#* Air travel can be very tough on pets, but airlines do make efforts to make the flight comfortable for pets that are shipped as baggage or cargo. For example, the baggage and cargo area is pressurized and quiet.<ref name="rf2" />

#* Shipping crates can be purchased at your local pet store or through your airline. Make sure the crate is USDA-approved.<ref name="rf3">https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/air-travel-tips</ref>

# Contact your airline to learn about its pet travel requirements. It is very important for you know your airline’s pet travel requirements ''before'' you book your flight.<ref name="rf1" /> Keep in mind that pet travel requirements will vary from airline to airline, and may differ between US and non-US airlines.  

#* US airlines generally require a health certificate for pets traveling internationally. Some US airlines require the certificate to be no older than 10 days old, while others may require a certificate that is less than 10 days old.<ref name="rf1" />

#* Be aware that pets weighing 100 pounds or more will be considered as cargo. If your pet is around 100 pounds, check with your airline to learn if you will be charged a cargo fee.<ref name="rf1" />

# Attach identifying information to your pet’s carrier. This is very important! Include your contact information, as well as the address to where you will be traveling. It would also be helpful to attach a clear picture of your pet to his carrier, in case he escapes from his carrier.<ref name="rf3" />  

#* Attach a ‘live animal’ sign to your pet’s carrier, along with arrows to indicate which side of the crate should face up.<ref name="rf3" />

# Notify airline employees that you are traveling with a pet. From the time you check in until the time you get settled in your seat, notify as many airline staff as possible that your pet is on the plane with you. They may be able to make special accommodations to make sure your pet is comfortable and safe.<ref name="rf3" />

# Maximize your pet’s comfort during the flight. In addition to making sure your pet is healthy, you can make air travel itself as comfortable for him as possible. For example, you can feed your pet a light meal about two hours before you arrive at the airport.<ref name="rf2" /> You do not want him to have a lot of food on his stomach before getting on the plane.

#* If you have a dog, it is a good idea to take him for a walk before heading to the airport, and again after you check in.<ref name="rf2" /> This will give him some exercise, as well as an opportunity to go to the bathroom before getting on the plane.

#* Minimize the number of layovers for your trip. Layovers may be unavoidable, depending on where you are traveling from. If you are unable to get a direct flight, an itinerary with as few layovers as possible will minimize the stress of loading and unloading your pet—for you and for him.<ref name="rf2" />

#* For long flights, it is helpful to freeze a pouch of food and water the night before your flight. Freezing the food and water will prevent a mess in your pet’s carrier, and can make it easier for you or the airline staff to feed him.<ref name="rf3" />

# Determine if you need a health certificate for your pet. A health certificate, officially known as a Veterinary Health Certificate, is not required for the entry of most pets into the US. However, most airlines, as well as some states, require health certificates.<ref name="rf4">http://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/</ref> Check with your airline, and the state to which you will be traveling, to get more information about health certificate requirements.  

#* If you need a health certificate, it must be completed and signed by a licensed veterinarian.<ref name="rf5">http://www.pettravel.com/immigration/unitedstates.cfm</ref>

# Learn the entry requirements for canine rabies vaccination. A rabies vaccination is required for all dogs entering the US, including puppies and service dogs.<ref name="rf6">http://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/dogs.html</ref> Your dog must a have rabies vaccination certificate that was completed and signed by a licensed veterinarian.<ref name="rf6" />

#* The certificate will include such information as your contact information (name and address), information about your dog (e.g., age, breed, sex), the date of rabies vaccination, and vaccine product information.<ref name="rf6" />

#* If your dog has not received a prior rabies vaccination, he will need to receive the vaccination at least 30 days before your arrival in the US.<ref name="rf6" />  

#* It is acceptable for your dog to receive a booster rabies vaccination less than 30 days before arrival if he meets the following requirements: 1) at least 15 months of age, 2) received a rabies vaccine after 3 months of age, and 3) the vaccine has expired.<ref name="rf6" />

#* Your dog will '' not '' need a rabies vaccination if you are traveling from a rabies-free country in which you have lived for the past six months.<ref name="rf2" /> A current list of rabies-free countries can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/importation/rabies-free-countries.html

#* Be mindful that your dog may be denied entry if you do not have valid proof of his rabies vaccination.<ref name="rf6" />

# Learn the entry requirements for pet birds. If you would like to bring your pet bird with you, be aware that bird imports are banned from some countries due to the risk avian influenza. Visit the USDA APHIS website (https://www.aphis.usda.gov/wps/portal/aphis/ourfocus/importexport) for a list of these countries.<ref name="rf7">https://www.aphis.usda.gov/wps/portal/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/sa_import_into_us/sa_entry_requirements/ct_import_live_animals/!ut/p/a1/jVPbdqowEP2a85iVEYKER-1FsdrLctkKL1kRAuQsboboqn9_ArUXT22FF5iZPZPM3hsc4jUOS76XKdeyKnnexuGQzR6m1mAMlj9Zejfg3z_fLujctR-mxACCE8DkZmwAt_NH925mwZ3zX_9p-em9_2oymhJ3DgCEWuBfj6fXrrcA8If9-uGHZwSX-l9wiMOo1LXOcMDrTDYsqkotSs1yuVFcHf5Aw1m1Uyypol3TRbyUBc9ZJniusy4ji7pSmslSV-wIMiPUgSmx3UklChOZdKTfkbnci-Ocpr1CHckYB44XUy8hCRJxbCNChwmixPKQ5zkboCRxYxhcoNzsdEGyWQ9OLbW4WqTmWlxnSJZJhdcfezfddy0004rvhTGJWetIydt2TVtt2jny73YbjgzDLaevGq_7UnykSby2ry-kv1U_D-84PXd4J-wFa3aA37zXAX4xV2CkcH-m0sXLT23BBqDCBcQHQBHZRDHiQ8qR4B4R3LYGTuJ-G3gqnke-DuxlllmPH_i82KeW7lLfLd1pf87SL2McLtUuWqW4LlarVUHtAwqDx3my9BHfULCdPKXpP0-cLmc!/?1dmy&urile=wcm%3apath%3a%2Faphis_content_library%2Fsa_our_focus%2Fsa_animal_health%2Fsa_import_into_us%2Fsa_entry_requirements%2Fsa_avian%2Fct_nonus_pet_bird</ref>

#* Even if you are not traveling from one of the banned countries, your bird will have to enter a 30-day quarantine at the USDA Animal Import Center ''' at your expense. '''<ref name="rf7" />

#* Pet birds require several pieces of documentation for entry into the US: Exporting Country Veterinary Health Certification, USDA Import Permit, and a Fish and Wildlife Certification (if necessary).<ref name="rf7" />

# Learn the entry requirements for pets other than cats, dogs, or birds. There are no restrictions or requirements on the import of rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, or ferrets. If you have one of these pets, they must be healthy at the port of entry. If your pet looks sick when you enter the US, he will need to be quarantined ''' at your expense. '''<ref name="rf8">https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/66/~/pets-and-wildlife---general-information</ref>

#* If you have a pet turtle, the length of shell will be important for his entry into the US. A turtle whose shell is less than four inches (about 12 centimeters) long can be permitted for entry into the US, as long as he is not used for commercial purposes.<ref name="rf9">http://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/turtles.html</ref>

# Take your pet to your veterinarian. Making sure your pet is healthy and up-to-date on his vaccinations is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a safe and smooth entry into the US for your pet. There may be a specific time frame for this visit, usually no more than seven days before you travel. Be aware that a pet who looks sick at the port of entry will need to be examined by a licensed veterinarian ''' at the owner’s expense. '''<ref name="rf5" />  

#* Notify your veterinarian when you schedule the appointment that you will be traveling to the US.<ref name="rf2" /> Your veterinarian will ensure that your pet is fully vaccinated and make sure you have all of the necessary veterinary documentation before you travel.

# Check your pet’s rabies vaccination status. For the US, rabies vaccination status applies to dogs and cats. Cats are not required to have a rabies vaccination for entry. However, some states may require that your cat have a current rabies vaccination. Check the rabies vaccination requirements for the state to which you will be traveling.<ref name="rf10">http://www.cdc.gov/importation/bringing-an-animal-into-the-united-states/cats.html</ref>

# Discuss your pet’s air travel with your veterinarian. Air travel can be difficult for pets. The anxiety of travel, along with confinement on a plane, can be very stressful for your pet. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) strongly advises '''against''' giving sedatives to a pet for air travel, since the sedatives can negatively affect his breathing.<ref name="rf3" />  

#* Talk with your veterinarian about safe options to keep your pet calm during the flight.<ref name="rf2" />

# Microchip your pet. This is most applicable for dogs and cats. A microchip is not required for entry to the US,<ref name="rf5" /> but is highly recommended for air travel. The microchip will help identify your pet if he happens to escape.<ref name="rf3" />

#* Make sure that your dog or cat also has a collar and ID tag.<ref name="rf3" />

* Since puppies cannot receive a rabies vaccination until they are at least three months old, they must be at least four months old to enter the US.<ref name="rf6" />

* Your dog will also be denied entry if he has screwworms. Screwworms can be devastating to US agriculture, so your dog will need a certificate verifying he is free of screwworms if you are traveling from a country where screwworms are present.<ref name="rf6" /> Visit the USDA APHIS website (https://www.aphis.usda.gov/wps/portal/aphis/ourfocus/importexport) for a list of these countries.

* Your dog will be denied entry if he as a communicable disease — a disease that can be spread to people.<ref name="rf6" /> Take your pet to your veterinarian to make sure that he is free of communicable diseases.

* Sedatives can affect your pet's ability to breathe during a flight.<ref name="rf3" />

* It is possible that your pet will become sick, or even die, during your flight. If your pet dies during the trip, public health officials will need to make sure that he does not have a communicable disease.<ref name="rf2" />