Import Rules
Dogs that have been in a high rabies risk country in the past 6 months face additional requirements: proof of valid US-issued rabies vaccination, or for foreign-vaccinated dogs, serology, arrival at specific airports and a reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility.
Additional notes
Check the CDC's high-risk country list and pathway tool well before booking.
Hawaii runs its own regime as a rabies-free state: two rabies vaccinations at least 30 days apart, a FAVN blood test of at least 0.5 IU/ml, and a 30-day wait after the test qualify a pet for Direct Airport Release or the 5-Day-or-Less programme (around USD 244); pets that do not qualify face long quarantine.
Additional notes
Start Hawaii preparation months ahead. The mainland rules do not prepare a pet for Hawaii.
All dogs entering or returning to the US need a CDC Dog Import Form receipt, completed free online before travel.
Additional notes
The receipt is valid for six months and multiple entries. The form system was updated in February 2026 with a new receipt format, with no change to the requirements.
Dogs must be at least 6 months old to enter the United States. There are no exceptions for younger puppies.
Additional notes
This blocks most puppy purchases abroad: a puppy bought in the UK or EU cannot come to the US until it is 6 months old.
Dogs must have an ISO-compliant microchip, scannable and linked to their records.
Dogs that have only been in dog-rabies-free or low-risk countries in the past 6 months, which includes GB, the EU and Canada, need only the CDC Dog Import Form receipt, plus the age, microchip and health requirements.
Additional notes
No rabies vaccination certificate is federally required from low-risk countries, but most US states require current rabies vaccination once in the country, and airlines may ask for it.
Requirements depend on which countries the dog has been in during the 6 months before US entry, not just where the journey started.
Additional notes
This lookback is the main trap: a dog that visited a high rabies risk country within the past 6 months faces the high-risk rules even when flying in from London.
Dogs must appear healthy on arrival. A dog showing signs of illness can be denied entry or held for veterinary examination at the owner's cost.
Most US states require dogs to have a current rabies vaccination, and some require a certificate of veterinary inspection for entry. Check the destination state's agriculture department rules.
Additional notes
This matters for interstate onward travel too, not just the first arrival.
Export health certificates for pets leaving the US are completed by a USDA-accredited vet and endorsed by USDA APHIS, mostly electronically through VEHCS. Book the vet appointment around the destination's timing rules.
Additional notes
For GB-bound pets this means the GB pet health certificate plus tapeworm timing; for the EU it means the EU certificate with endorsement within 10 days of arrival.
Cats need no federal documents or rabies certificate to enter the US, only to appear healthy on arrival. State and airline rules still apply.
Additional notes
Hawaii is the exception and applies its full quarantine regime to cats as well as dogs.
Pet food containing certain meat products cannot be brought into the US, with restrictions depending on the country of origin.
Additional notes
Customs and Border Protection enforces animal product limits at the border. Buy food after arrival or carry compliant food.
Banned & Restricted Breeds
Pit Bull types (state and city patchwork)
Status: There is no federal or state-wide breed ban anywhere in the US. Regulation is municipal: hundreds of towns and cities restrict or ban pit bull types, while more than twenty states prohibit their municipalities from doing so. Florida's state law ended the famous Miami-Dade ban in October 2023. The practical risks for travellers are housing and insurance: many rentals, condo associations and home insurers restrict breeds even where the law does not. Check the destination city, county and accommodation.
Exemptions: Varies by city and county
Wolf-dog hybrids and exotic pets
Status: Wolf-dog hybrids are regulated state by state, from unrestricted to permit-required to banned. Confirm the destination state's position before travelling with a hybrid or exotic pet.
Veterinarians
TrueCare for Pets
Los Angeles
Studio City, Los Angeles
Schwarzman Animal Medical Center
New York
510 East 62nd Street, NY 10065
Weather & Embargo Risks
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Airline Risk | Heat Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20°C | 9°C | None | |
| January | 4°C | -3°C | High | |
| February | 6°C | -2°C | High | |
| February | 20°C | 10°C | None | |
| March | 21°C | 11°C | None | |
| March | 11°C | 2°C | None | |
| April | 17°C | 7°C | None | |
| April | 23°C | 12°C | None | |
| May | 22°C | 13°C | None | |
| May | 24°C | 14°C | None | |
| June | 26°C | 16°C | None | |
| June | 27°C | 18°C | Medium | |
| July | 30°C | 21°C | High | |
| July | 29°C | 18°C | Medium | |
| August | 29°C | 21°C | High | |
| August | 29°C | 18°C | Medium | |
| September | 28°C | 17°C | Medium | |
| September | 25°C | 17°C | Low | |
| October | 25°C | 14°C | None | |
| October | 18°C | 10°C | None | |
| November | 12°C | 5°C | None | |
| November | 22°C | 11°C | None | |
| December | 7°C | 0°C | Medium | |
| December | 19°C | 9°C | None |
Rows highlighted in yellow indicate months with high embargo risk. Airlines may restrict pet travel during extreme temperatures.
Pet-Friendly Accommodation
Red Roof Inn
One pet stays free at most locations.
Airbnb
Always filter for 'pets allowed'. Contact the host before booking to confirm the pet policy, size limits and any fees.
Booking.com
Filter for 'pets allowed'. Many hotels charge a per-night supplement. Call to confirm the specific policy.
BringFido
Specialist platform where every listing is pet-friendly. Reviews include pet-specific feedback.
Kimpton Hotels
The most pet-friendly major US chain: no fees, no size limits, pet amenities standard.
Motel 6
Pets stay free across the chain, useful for road trips.
Notable Cities in USA (21 cities)
Washington
District of Columbia
US national capital
Atlanta
Georgia
Busiest US airport
Boston
Massachusetts
American Airlines Direct Cargo route from LHR
Charlotte
North Carolina
American Airlines Direct Cargo route from LHR
Dallas / Fort Worth
Texas
American Airlines Direct Cargo route from LHR
Denver
Colorado
Houston
Texas
Los Angeles
California
New York
New York
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania
American Airlines Direct Cargo route from LHR
San Francisco
California
Chicago
Illinois
American Airlines Direct Cargo route from LHR
Detroit
Michigan
Las Vegas
Nevada
Miami
Florida
Minneapolis
Minnesota
Orlando
Florida
Phoenix
Arizona
Raleigh / Durham
North Carolina
American Airlines Direct Cargo route from LHR
San Diego
California
Seattle
Washington
Living with your pet in USA (1 city)
United States (New York and major cities)
City or county dog licence required (for example New York City), usually with proof of rabies vaccination, renewed yearly. Out-of-state visitors are generally exempt for short stays
Leash laws: Leash laws are local, commonly a four to six foot lead in public; off-lead only in designated areas
Muzzle requirements: No general muzzle rule. A few cities have breed-specific permits (for example Denver requires a permit for pit bull types); many places have none
Dog-friendly highlights
Vast network of dog parks, dog-friendly patios, trails and pet-welcoming hotel chains
Things to avoid
Summer heat (hot pavement burns paws), winter cold and road salt, ticks and Lyme disease, foxtail grass seeds in the west, and rattlesnakes on some trails
Americans are very dog-friendly socially, but expect to clean up after your dog and keep it leashed; emotional-support claims are scrutinised
Bringing medications to USA (6 medications)
ACP / Acepromazine
Acepromazine
Quantity limit: Trip supply
Original packaging: Required
Declaration: Required
WARNING: Most airlines prohibit sedation. Do not sedate for air travel.
All controlled substances
Quantity limit: Trip supply only
Original packaging: Required
Declaration: Required
US CBP may inspect pet medications. Carry vet prescription and pet's medical records.
CBD Oil/Treats
Cannabidiol
Original packaging: Required
Declaration: Required
CBD legality varies by EU country. France: legal under 0.3% THC. Germany: legal. Netherlands: legal. Some countries may confiscate.
Gabapentin
Gabapentin
Quantity limit: 90 days supply
Original packaging: Required
Declaration: Required
Carry vet letter in English and local language if possible
Phenobarbital
Phenobarbital
Quantity limit: 90 days supply
Original packaging: Required
Declaration: Required
Controlled substance - declare at customs. Carry vet letter with pet's name and dosage.
Trazodone
Trazodone
Quantity limit: Trip supply
Original packaging: Required
Declaration: Required
Travelling with multiple pets (14 topics)
AHC requirements
Up to 5 pets can be listed on a single AHC (as of current DEFRA rules), provided they are not travelling for commercial purposes. However, many OVs charge per animal regardless.
2 Dogs
Up to 5 pets on one AHC. Two dogs from same household can share one certificate.
3+ Dogs
Up to 5 pets on one AHC. Same OV appointment, one certificate. Some OVs still charge per animal but only one cert needed.
Dog + Cat
Dog and cat can be on the same AHC (up to 5 pets total, non-commercial).
Key rules: Up to 5 pets on a Single AHC. This is a DEFRA rule, you do NOT need separate AHCs for each pet. However, many OVs charge per animal.
Cost implications: £100-250 for the AHC appointment regardless of whether 1 or 5 pets. Some OVs may charge extra per animal for the examination.
Tips: Book all pets in a single OV appointment. Confirm with your OV that they'll list all pets on one AHC. Max 5 non-commercial pets per certificate.
Airline cabin limits
Most airlines allow only ONE pet in cabin per passenger. Some allow one per booking regardless of passenger count.
2 Dogs
Need two passengers to bring two cabin dogs. Some airlines limit total cabin pets per flight (often 2-3 across entire cabin).
3+ Dogs
Extremely difficult by air. Max 1 cabin pet per passenger, and airlines cap total pets per flight. Some pets likely need cargo.
Dog + Cat
Same rules apply, dog in one carrier, cat in another, need two passengers.
Key rules: Call airline before booking to confirm cabin pet availability. Some flights may already have their pet quota filled. Book early.
Cost implications: Cabin pet fee applies PER animal (not per booking). Typically £40-100 per pet per flight.
Tips: If both dogs are under weight limit, book two separate passengers. If only one qualifies for cabin, consider driving instead, splitting pets between cabin and cargo is stressful for everyone.
Airline cargo limits
Airlines limit total live cargo per flight. Large dogs take up more space and weight allocation in the cargo hold.
2 Dogs
Two large dogs in cargo is feasible but must book both well in advance. Some airlines charge per crate + per kg.
3+ Dogs
Contact airline cargo department directly for 3+ animals. May need to split across flights or use a pet relocation company.
Dog + Cat
Dog and cat should be in separate crates and ideally positioned away from each other in the hold (airlines usually handle this).
Key rules: Each animal needs its own IATA-approved crate. Two crates must both fit within the cargo allocation. Book cargo space Early.
Cost implications: Cargo fees per crate: £200-600+ depending on size and route. Two large dogs = £400-1,200+ in cargo fees.
Tips: For 3+ animals, seriously consider a pet relocation company. They handle logistics, documentation, and can charter or block-book cargo space.
Animals belonging to the same family as pet travel scheme animals that do not fall inside the scheme.
Animals other than Cats, Dogs and Ferrets do not fall inside the scope of the pet travel scheme and therefore travel under their own legislaton, which for terrestrial mammals, often involves doing so under a Rabies Import Licence. being under licence means that they must go straight into a quarantine facility and cannot travel in the same vessel as other pets in their family. For example a Rabbit would travel in hold 5 of an Aircraft, whereas the Dog from that same family would be pallitised and placed in the front cargo hold of that plane.
Animals imported under a Rabies licence must travel under their own AWB.
Animals that are travelling under a rabies licence (for example if they are known to be non-compliant with the import regulations into the UK) must travel under their own individual Air Waybill (AWB), even if there are other animals from the same family or house hold carrying out the same trip.
Animals known to be non-compliant with the pet travel scheme.
Animals that are known to be non-compliant with the pet travel scheme must travel under a Rabies Import Licence.
Crate sharing
Dogs Cannot share a crate for air travel under any circumstances (IATA Live Animals Regulations). Each animal must have its own crate.
2 Dogs
Two separate crates required. Even puppies from the same litter cannot share for air travel.
3+ Dogs
Three separate crates. Consider the logistics of transporting 3+ large crates to the airport.
Dog + Cat
Absolutely separate crates. Dog and cat must never be in same crate.
Key rules: IATA regulations strictly prohibit crate-sharing for commercial air transport. No exceptions.
Cost implications: Must buy/hire separate crates per animal. IATA crates for large dogs cost £80-300+ each.
Tips: For ferry/Eurotunnel travel, dogs CAN share the car space, this is one major advantage of driving vs. flying with multiple pets.
Eurotunnel with multiple pets
Eurotunnel allows multiple pets in your vehicle. No separate pet fee, pets travel free as part of your vehicle booking.
2 Dogs
Both dogs stay in your car. Free. No additional booking required. Just present documentation for each dog at check-in.
3+ Dogs
All dogs in your car. Free. Present individual documentation for each at check-in. Staff will check each microchip.
Dog + Cat
Dog and cat both in car. Free. Separate documentation for each.
Key rules: Eurotunnel has no pet limit per vehicle. All pets travel free. Each needs their own AHC and documentation.
Cost implications: FREE. This is the most cost-effective option for multi-pet households.
Tips: Eurotunnel is the multi-pet household's best friend. No fees, no limits, no separation, no crates required (just secure in vehicle). 35 minutes and done.
Ferry with multiple pets
Ferries are generally the easiest option for multi-pet travel. Dogs stay in your car or in pet-friendly cabin/kennel area.
2 Dogs
Most ferries allow multiple dogs per vehicle with no additional documentation hassle. Pet-friendly cabins may have a 2-dog limit.
3+ Dogs
Check ferry operator for max pets per booking. Most allow 2 in a pet cabin; more than 2 may need to stay in the vehicle on car deck.
Dog + Cat
Most ferries allow dogs and cats together in the vehicle. Pet cabins typically have a limit but you can have different species.
Key rules: Check each operator's multi-pet policy. Brittany Ferries, P&O, and Dfds all have different limits for pet cabins.
Cost implications: Some operators charge per pet (£15-30 each), others per booking. Ferry pet fees are generally much cheaper than airline fees for multiple animals.
Tips: Ferry + driving is usually the best option for multi-pet households. Everyone stays together, no crate requirements (just seatbelt harnesses or car crates), and much less stressful for the animals.
Pet-friendly accommodation
Many "pet-friendly" properties have limits on number of pets. Commonly 1-2 pets max. Fees usually per pet per night.
2 Dogs
Most pet-friendly places accept 2 dogs. Always confirm in advance. Expect £10-30/night per dog surcharge.
3+ Dogs
3+ dogs significantly limits accommodation options. Self-catering cottages/villas are often best as they have fewer restrictions than hotels. Booking.com filters are unreliable for 3+ pets.
Dog + Cat
Confirm property accepts both species. Some places welcome dogs but not cats, or vice versa.
Key rules: Always phone/email directly to confirm multi-pet acceptance. Online "pet-friendly" filters rarely account for number of pets.
Cost implications: Pet surcharges add up fast with multiple animals. £20/night x 2 dogs x 7 nights = £280 extra. Factor this into budget.
Tips: Self-catering properties (gîtes, villas, cottages) are almost always better for multi-pet households. More space, fewer restrictions, lower pet fees, enclosed gardens for dogs.
Pets imported under a rabies movement licence into GB
Pets being imported into GB under a Rabies licence are not permitted to share a space with any other animal, due to the risk of rabies. This includes not being put in the same cargo hold, not being transported in the same vehicle and not sharing a kennel or container with any other animal.
2 Dogs
Animals travelling under a rabies licence must be travelled and kenneled individually.
3+ Dogs
Animals travelling under a rabies licence must be travelled and kenneled individually.
Sharing kennels / Catteries at quarantine facilities.
If pets belonging to the same family fail the pets travel scheme, or are imported under a licence, they c
Dog + Cat
Only animals of the same species can share kennels or catteries.
Sharing kennels / Catteries on arrival to BCPs
Pets belonging to the same family and AWB number can share a kennel on arrival to some UK Border Control Posts (BCPs). The number and weight of the pets that can share depends on the specifics of the kennel licencing at that place. However, if one pet fails the pet travel scheme and needs to go to quarantine, sharing a kennel might mean that the other pets must also go into quarantine with the failed pet. Pets imported under a licence are not permitted to share a kennel with pets imported under the pet travel scheme and vice versa.
2 Dogs
Upto 2 Medium Dogs of a certain weight can share a kennel at Animal Aircare Heathrow.
3+ Dogs
Up to 3 pets of the same species can share a kennel at HARC.
Dog + Cat
Only animals of the same species can share kennels or catteries.
Tapeworm treatment (return to UK)
Each pet needs their own tapeworm treatment within the 1-5 day window before UK return.
2 Dogs
Both dogs need treatment in the same window. Book a single vet appointment for both. Ensure both are stamped on their respective AHCs.
3+ Dogs
All dogs need treatment. A single appointment can cover all, but make sure vet stamps EACH AHC individually.
Dog + Cat
Both dog and cat need tapeworm treatment. Same vet, same appointment, same treatment (Praziquantel), separate AHC stamps.
Key rules: ONE missed tapeworm treatment means that specific pet is refused UK entry. The others can enter. The untreated pet faces quarantine.
Cost implications: Vet consultation abroad for tapeworm: typically €30-60 per animal. Multi-pet appointment may be cheaper per head.
Tips: Set ONE alarm for all pets' tapeworm treatment. Do them all in the same appointment. Double-check each AHC is stamped individually.