The United States of America! Land of the free. Home of the brave. From sea to shining sea, with so much to see and do, it’s the perfect travel destination for both you and your dog(s). From New York City and Los Angeles to San Francisco and Miami, there is no shortage of dog-friendly hotspots in the United States for you and your furry companion to discover, explore, and share memories of.
Of course, before being able to enter the USA with your four-legged companion, they’ll have to meet certain criteria. And once you’re on the way, there is a lot you can do to prepare your dog for their flight to the United States. From understanding US entry requirements to more practical tips on how to make your dog’s air travel experience easy and memorable, Mikojet can guide you through everything from the paperwork requirements before taking-off to providing your dog with a comfortable in-cabin experience to arranging pre-customs clearance for you and your dog.
Whether your dog is flying in cabin or in cargo, this guide will equip you with everything you need to know before flying with your dog to the United States, ensuring that both you and your furry friend are well-prepared to charter new territory.
US Entry Requirements for your Dog
Flying into the United States with your dog can be a straightforward experience, as long as you come prepared. The only requirement to fly with your dog in cabin to the United States is a “Fit-to-Fly” letter from your veterinarian. This letter serves two purposes: For one, it confirms your dog is in good health to fly, and secondly, it includes a statement that your dog has not been in a high-risk country in the last six months.
Please note that as of August 1, 2023, there has been a temporary suspension for dogs entering the United States from high-risk countries for dog rabies. Consult the following entry requirements for entering the United States with your dog from countries classified as high risk.
Currently, the CDC does not require a dog travel health certificate, however, if a dog arrives at its destination sick or injured, they will automatically undergo a veterinarian examination at your expense. This is essentially done to avoid the spread of potential diseases to fellow passengers.
Keep in mind, however, that certain states have different entry requirements for dog travel and is something you should consider if you are planning a multi-destination trip in the United States. Be sure to consult your veterinarian or your airline for more information on state-specific entry requirements before flying with your dog.
Preparing your Dog for Air Travel
Flying with your dog, especially if it is the first time, is all about preparation. From one final checkup at the veterinarian to having all your paperwork completed, a little pre-flight preparation can go a long way at ensuring a seamless trip and effective dog travel.
Veterinarian Visit
Before flying with your dog to the United States, a preflight checkup at the veterinarian is required. Your veterinarian will firstly assess the health of your dog and evaluate whether or not they are fit to fly. Additionally, if your dog suffers from increased anxiety and stress levels, veterinarians can prescribe medication or tranquilizers. Currently, the only entry requirement for flying with your dog in cabin to the United States is the ‘Fit-to-Fly’ letter from an accredited vet.
In any case, a final visit to the veterinarian before your flight is recommended as they can also provide you with calming and soothing techniques while in the air. Air travel can be unnerving for humans and dogs alike. Indeed, familiarizing yourself with these techniques should help you deal with unexpected circumstances, from turbulence to sudden changes in air pressure.
Understanding Entry Requirements
A key component of flying with your dog anywhere, let alone the United States, is understanding the entry requirements. While entering the United States with your dog is rather simple, requiring only a ‘Fit-to-Fly’ letter from a vet, different states have different entry requirements for dog travel.
As a result, it is always a good idea to consult both the CDC’s entry requirements as well as the Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service in the United States for dog travel. If you are still unclear over the entry requirements of the state you will be travelling to, be sure to contact your airline well in advance of your departure date. This should eliminate preflight stress, avoiding unwelcome surprises come boarding time.
Pack smart
Much like you pack all your flight essentials, from chargers and headphones to snacks, the same applies for your dog. Before flying with your dog, be sure to create a checklist with everything you’ll need to ensure their comfort onboard. This can include your dog’s favourite toys and snacks, guaranteeing a seamless air travel experience.
Keep in mind, however, that not all dog toys are airline-approved, particularly if they make noise. As a result, contact your airline beforehand and let them know what you intend on bringing onboard. Pet parents should be equally as cautious with snacks and food, as overfeeding can lead to unexpected bathroom breaks.
Keep your dog active beforehand
All veterinarians recommend keeping your pet as active as possible before flying with your dog. Whether that means going for a long walk before taking off, or taking the time to familiarize your dog with the airport beforehand, keeping your best friend active is the most effective way of burning off excess energy all-while reducing their stress and anxiety levels before air travel.
Simply put, the more tired your dog is, the better traveller companion they will be. However, it is important not to exhaust your dog before flying just for the sake of it. An extra 15 to 30 minutes of play time should be more than enough for your furry friend.
Flying with your Dog to the United States: Day-Of Travel Tips
Now that everything is in order, from pet paperwork to your dog’s travel bag, you may think you’re ready to fly with your dog. However, it is nonetheless important to better understand day-of travel tips when flying with your furry friend to the United States.
Early Airport Arrival
When flying with your dog to the USA, arrive at the airport as early as possible, typically up to three hours before your departure. Flying with a dog in cabin undoubtedly leads to longer check-in and security procedures, and should be factored into your time estimates.
Arriving early to the airport will not only ensure you make it on time for boarding, but also gives you ample time to socialize your dog with the airport environment, as well as other dogs and pet-friendly relief areas. An early arrival can ultimately help you proactively deal with your dog’s preflight anxiety and nervousness, which is essential to seamless dog travel.
Pet Relief Areas
Every airport comes equipped with pet-friendly relief areas for service dogs and pets flying in cabin. Before arriving at the airport, it is typically recommended to familiarize yourself with these areas by contacting your airline or visiting their website, ensuring a smooth dog travel experience.
Best of all, these pet-friendly areas will give your pet the opportunity to mingle with fellow dogs, easing their preflight nerves and anxiety. A final bathroom break as close as possible to boarding is the optimal way of flying with your dog, guaranteeing their comfort onboard. Indeed, it is equally important to closely monitor their water and food intake as your departure time approaches.
Stay Calm and Positive
Flying with your dog to the United States can be a smooth experience with the right mindset. Dogs are incredibly perceptive and often mirror their owner's emotions. Therefore, maintaining a calm and positive demeanour is crucial. When you exude tranquillity, your dog senses this peaceful energy, making them more relaxed and at ease during air travel.
Remember, your furry friend looks to you for cues on how to react in unfamiliar situations. By staying composed, you provide a sense of security for your pet. This serene approach not only benefits your dog but also enhances your dog travel
experience, creating a harmonious journey for both of you.
Flying with your Dog to the United States
A trip to the United States always makes for an exciting venture, let alone with your best friend by your side. From unique sight-seeing opportunities to visiting some of the world’s biggest metropolitan cities, there is plenty to do with your dog in the land of liberty.
Before flying with your dog to the United States, however, it is crucial to have all your paperwork in place and take all the necessary steps to prepare your furry companion for the flight. From taking long walks and socializing your dog in unfamiliar environments to being in regular contact with your airline, there are a number of steps you can take to ensure your pet’s comfort and safety in the air.
We hope we answered all your questions about flying with your dog to the United States, from entry requirements to preflight preparation, but in case we didn’t, get in touch with Mikojet and we’d be happy to streamline your upcoming trip with your furry companion.
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