Destination: Los Angeles
Taking Pets to Los Angeles
Taking Pets to Los Angeles
Relocating your pet from the UK to Los Angeles requires detailed preparation, a clear understanding of international import regulations, and consideration for the city’s climate and urban landscape. As a globally recognised hub of entertainment and innovation, Los Angeles also boasts an impressive range of pet-friendly amenities, from outdoor cafés to hiking trails and dedicated dog beaches. With year-round sunshine and a strong pet-loving community, it’s a city where pets can thrive.
PetAir UK helps pet owners navigate the complex logistics of relocating animals overseas. From arranging compliant travel crates and securing the right documentation to managing airline and customs procedures, we make international moves manageable. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest in the world, so attention to detail is key to avoiding delays and ensuring your pet’s safety. In the following guide, we outline the ten most important steps for moving your pet to LA so you can focus on settling into your new life while your pet arrives safely, legally, and comfortably.
1. Research Entry Requirements and Restrictions
Start with the CDC and USDA rules for importing pets into the United States. These typically require:
- Up-to-date rabies vaccinations
- A valid health certificate issued by a licensed vet
- Microchip documentation
While California follows federal law, it may enforce additional regulations around animal entry or quarantine. Check with your chosen airline for breed, size, or seasonal travel restrictions. PetAir UK stays informed on the latest import guidelines and can help you confirm all requirements ahead of time to avoid issues at customs.
2. Consult Your Vet
Schedule a vet visit at least one month before your departure to:
- Confirm vaccinations, especially for rabies
- Check microchip registration
- Issue a health certificate within 10 days of travel
This is also the time to discuss LA’s warm climate and your pet’s ability to manage travel stress. Your vet may recommend flea, tick, and heartworm prevention if you plan to explore outdoor areas after arrival.
3. Secure the Right Travel Crate
The crate must comply with IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards. It should be:
- Spacious enough for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down
- Equipped with ventilation, secure locks, and water bowls
Introduce the crate weeks before departure to help your pet acclimate. PetAir UK can recommend the correct size and make adjustments to ensure comfort and compliance with airline regulations.
4. Understand Airline Policies
Each airline servicing Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has unique animal transport rules. Policies may include:
- Cabin access for small pets
- Breed exclusions for certain snub-nosed animals
- Temperature bans during peak summer
Aim for a direct flight to minimise transfers, and contact your airline well in advance to confirm documentation, crate guidelines, and check-in procedures for international pet travel.
5. Sort Out the Paperwork
Rabies is MANDATORY in Texas & Florida and required for travel on all US-bound American Airlines flights. Although not federally required in every case, it’s highly recommended.
Your pet will need:
- A valid health certificate (issued within 10 days of departure)
- A rabies vaccination certificate
- Microchip details
- Possibly a titre test or CDC permit if arriving from a high-risk country
Carry both digital and hard copies of all documents in an organised travel folder. PetAir UK can cross-check your paperwork to ensure it aligns with both US and California entry standards.
6. Plan Your Travel Timetable
Los Angeles has a warm Mediterranean climate year-round, so:
- Choose flights during the coolest times of day—early morning or late evening
- Avoid travel during heatwaves, as airlines may restrict pet transport in high temperatures
- Opt for direct flights to LAX to reduce layovers and stress
Build in time for vet checks, crate training, and customs formalities, and avoid peak travel periods for smoother handling.
7. Consider Using a Specialist Pet Shipper
Relocating a pet to a major hub like Los Angeles can be complex. A professional shipper like PetAir UK offers:
- Flight booking and crate compliance support
- Health and customs documentation preparation
- Arrival coordination and ground handling
This service is especially helpful if your pet has medical needs or if you’re unfamiliar with US import protocols. A pet shipper ensures a stress-free and reliable experience for both you and your pet.
8. Prepare for Arrival in Los Angeles
At LAX, your pet will clear USDA and customs checks and may be held temporarily at the animal cargo facility. Prepare by:
- Having all documents easily accessible
- Bringing fresh water, a leash, and weather-appropriate gear
- Pre-arranging pet-friendly transport to avoid delays or exposure to heat
Give your pet a calm, quiet environment to recover after the journey before introducing them to their new surroundings.
9. Alleviating Pet Stress and Anxiety
International travel can be stressful for pets. To ease the transition:
- Crate train early and maintain routine before and after travel
- Ask your vet about calming products like sprays or supplements
- Use familiar bedding and toys to comfort your pet post-arrival
Introduce your pet gradually to new people, streets, and animals, and limit stimulation in the first few days as they adjust.
10. Settling into Life in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is one of the most pet-friendly cities in the US. To help your pet settle in:
- Register your pet with a local vet and the City of Los Angeles
- Explore pet-friendly spots like Runyon Canyon, Griffith Park, or Rosie’s Dog Beach
- Walk during cooler hours to avoid overheating and paw burns from hot pavement
With proper care, your pet will adjust quickly to the sunny, active lifestyle that LA offers.
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Pixel to USA – October 2019
I just thought you’d like to know that we have collected Pixel. All went well and he seems in good form too. I can’t thank you and all of the Pet Air team enough for being so perfect: so prompt, attentive, communicative, always available to clarify any questions I had, to calm my worries, so lovely to Pixel. I will endeavour to recommend you as much as possible to anyone that may need your services or even just to let them know how amazing you are :-). Once again thank you so much for making this stressful and emotional experience very easy and lovely.
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Stanley and Alfie flew to New York
“Hi Cat
I just wanted to say a massive thank you on behalf of me, my partner and our pets for all the work you and everyone else has done to get Stanley and Alfie safely to us in New York. They arrived about half an hour ago a little confused but well looked after. And after a little exploring of our accommodation seem to be settling down nicely.
Everyone from Zara who dealt with my initial enquiry, you who answered all my questions and the people that were involved in transporting the pets have made us feel at ease about what was the scariest part of our relocation.
Thank you once again
Lxxx, Jxxx, Stanley & Alfie Jane”
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Molly flew over to Houston, USA
I wanted to take the opportunity to say a huge THANK YOU! to you and your staff for doing such a wonderful job transporting Molly here to me in Houston.
She arrived safe and sound last Friday, as scheduled, and your staff did a fantastic job with her crate and comfort amenities. Understandably, she was VERY happy to see me and to get out of the crate and move about, but it appeared she had a relatively comfortable flight over.
Molly is adjusting to life here in Houston, and she is back to her typical Jack Russell ways!
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Peter the cat has flown to Boston, USA
“Hi Bob and Cat and Peter
Thank you so much for everything! Peter arrived safely (if a bit smelly!) to a very cold Boston last night. After an hour and half car journey to his temporary home in NH, he met is ‘grandparents’ and is settling in quickly. Yesterday was already an emotional day for us – but knowing that he was being so well looked after certainly made the journey easier for us. The whole process was so well organized – from initial quote to picking him up, and thank you to Peter (who picked him up, appropriately) for being so calm and thorough to two blubbering owners! We hope we won’t have to travel internationally again, but if we do – we will be in touch!!!
Thank you!!
Bxxxxx”
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Luna Arrives In NYC!
PetAir UK helped me to move to NYC with my Staffie Luna. They provided an excellent service and kept me updated with her progress via photos which really helped me know she was doing well during the transfer.
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Sassy, Rahna and Dexter went to Orlando, USA – July 2015
I just wanted to thank you both for what you and your colleagues for the amazing service you have provided us with.
All 3 of our pets have arrived in Florida fit and well. As this move has had my wife and I on an emotional roller coaster but having our pets arrived today has so much.
Though you dealing with the mountain of silly little questions that put our minds at ease, we were worried how long it would take our pets to settle but as you can see Sassy and Rahna have settled so well, Dexter has as well just not as easy to get a picture of him.
Thank you again
All are friends have been made aware of what a fantastic company you are for transporting our pets.
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Thanks again to you and all your colleagues at Pet Air UK for a brilliant service.
“Freddie loves America! Here he is before and after a groom yesterday and when he had just arrived.
We will be sure to use you again when we return to the UK in a few years.”
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Princess to USA – 2019
We were so happy with how the journey went, start to finish you guys were so helpful and reassuring.
Princess arrived safely and has settled in so well to her new life in LA!
Nothing but positive things to say. Thank you again!
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Ciara’s Exciting Adventure to San Francisco!
Ciara has arrived safely to San Francisco, huge thank you to you and the rest of the PetAir team for making the process so smooth and for looking after her.
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George and Minnie
“Hi Linsey, Cat and Zara,
Minnie, George and I are safely in Cleveland and settling in very well! Thank you for all your help and fantastic service. We could not have done this move without you! Here are some photos of M&G in their new home..
Lots of cuddling!”
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Lilo the dog flew to Tampa, USA
Can we just say thank you so much LILO is in perfect health and in no distress when we picked her up it was so enjoyable being reunited with her. This is all thanks to you at Pet Air Uk.
She ate and drank straight away and did her business soon after all great signs that she was happy.
I will be highly recommending you to all my pet owner friends.
Thanks so much
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Atticus the cat flew to Portland, Oregon
Dear Valerie, Jackie, Victoria and the Petair UK team,
I wanted to say a massive thank you for all your help with bringing Atticus over to Portland, Oregon, and for answering all of my many questions. I was extremely anxious and worried about Atticus flying all the way over here, but felt reassured with all your replies. Atticus arrived safely Tuesday evening, he was a little bit concerned with the loud noises in the cargo area but soon settled down on the car ride home with us talking to him. We have been getting lots of head rubs, chirrups and purrs since he arrived!! 🙂 The past couple of days he has been enjoying his new American food and looking out of the windows at all the wildlife. I have enclosed a couple of photos of him 🙂
If we ever relocate back to the UK we will definitely be contacting Petair UK. You have all been fantastic! Thank you so much! Jxxxxx 🙂
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Happy Pup Arrives In Chicago
All went well with the clearance and handover of this cutie in Chicago last night. Look at that smile on the pup’s face!!!
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A huge thank you to everyone at PetAir
“I just wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone at PetAir for how accommodating and helpful you have all been. We were very apprehensive about putting the cats on a plane, but everything went so smoothly that is took away a lot of the stress. We also really appreciated you looking into the various routes for getting here, especially when we almost changed the final destination to Detroit rather than Chicago a week before the flight!
Pip and Elsie have settled in very well in Michigan, and they were back to their usual selves within no time at all. I’ve attached a couple of photos of the mischievous pair!
Thanks again for everything.”
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Jake and Reggie to San Francisco
I am happy to report that everything went well & the boys arrived safe & sound.
We would like to say a very big thank you to you & the team for all your support throughout this process. Your professional, calm approach ensured we felt confident that our boys would be treated well & looked after.
So Thank You!
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Casper’s journey to the US!
PetAir UK were absolutely fantastic. They made our whole experience relocating from the UK to the US so much more relaxing. It was so reassuring to know that real professionals were on hand to look after Casper, our cat, throughout his journey. They were very efficient answering all our questions and made us feel very relaxed and confident that Casper would be ok. Thank you so much!!
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Lieutenant Worf, Jeanne d’Arc and La Reine Margot flew to Atlanta, USA
Dear Darren, Luke and everyone else involved in shipping our pets to Atlanta,
I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking such good care of our three pets Lieutenant Worf, Jeanne d’Arc and La Reine Margot.You have made a very stressful process easy and we were very impressed by your professionalism via email and at your center.Our pets were so comfy in their crates that we have decided to decorate them and keep them as their individual dens.
So once again, many thanks. Kind regards, Jxxx and Bxxxxxx
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George to Houston
I wanted to drop you a quick message to let you know we all made it safe and sound. George is in great shape, other than a little confused but is very happy and most importantly healthy. Thank you for the outstanding service!!!
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Benson and Riley the dogs flew to Miami, USA
Both Benson and Riley have settled in well, I’ve attached a few snaps.
Can I just take this opportunity to say thank you for making the whole process so easy. From every step of the way I had absolute confidence that Benson and Riley would be well looked and confidence in Pet Air delivering a great service.
During a stressful situation, managing everything that had to be done for my move to the states and everything that has to be completed on arrival, it was fantastic not to have to worry about the transportation of Benson and Riley, so thank you once again for easing the stress levels.
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Toby to Orlando
He is doing great thank you. He’s been on lots of walks already and already made some doggy friends 🙂
I haven’t yet taken one of us reunited however I do have some of Toby enjoying the pool life in the Florida sunshine….
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Lola to JFK
“Thanks Linsey – really happy with the service from start to finish, communicative and professional and Lola was so relaxed when she got here. Attached some pictures and will review on Facebook.
Thanks again”
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US to the UK
From start to finish the service provided by PetAir UK was excellent. They are on top of everything – they communicate well – they let you know the process and keep you informed. We went for the Gold service and our dog took three days to get to us in the US from the UK. We knew he was in safe hands – you can tell that they genuinely care as my parents who had the job of handing our dog to the driver in the UK were upset to see him go. The driver was lovely and reassuring – the team in the office even had photos of him sent to them when he arrived at the UK kennels to reassure them he was okay. On the US side the agent took care of everything and he was safely delivered to us chilled out and care free three days later. Thank you PetAir UK. We will be using your services again when we return in maybe 2/3 years time.
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Charlie to Pittsburgh
Thank you for the receipt, and a huge thank you to everyone at Pet Air, you really came through and we couldn’t be happier with the service!
Charlie arrived in one piece, quickly ousted the already resident cat owned by my wife’s father and is enjoying watching new wildlife (there are bobcats) out the window.
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Penny and Trixie to San Francisco
“Hi Darren. I wanted to thank you again for all your work getting Penny and Trixie here. They both arrived just fine and are settling in nicely. I hear they meowed the whole flight.
I hope you’ll pass on my thanks to the rest of the team at pet air. -Kxxxx”
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Blue & Belle in Florida
Amazing from start to finish !
Travelled with my 2 Doberman : Blue 11 month & Belle 2 years . The kennel pick up prior to our long haul flight (London – Miami) was perfect , the custom build crates were perfect , and the Miami kennel that picked the dogs up from customs was great as we met there to let the dogs have a run around /loo break after their long flight . Both dogs seemed completely unaffected by the long flight and all the people that they encountered during the journey. I was naturally anxious about it all : I didn’t need to be as everything went absolutely perfect !
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Bella and Nelson Travel to the USA!
Bella and Nelson travelled from UK to the USA with Pet Air Uk We might be a long way from our old home and there is still a lot of unpacking to do but our most precious dogs have made it safe and well! We are really appreciative of all the support and help that meant we could be reunited in our new home Wilmslow Cheshire to Carmel Indiana – what seemed such a big ask was made easy by Manisha and team at Pet Air UK Everything went smoothly and we were kept up dated at all times and there was so much help with the forms and paperwork The dogs were reunited with us and an hour and a half after landing in Chicago and their pet taxi driver and customer broker was very lovely. The whole experience was brilliant I would highly recommend the service.
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Monty to Los Angeles
“Monty is safely ensconced in Los Angeles after an extremely long journey. Our old cat has not welcomed him with open paws but that will probably change and the rabbit doesn’t know what this alien creature is except he chases her around the house. I am attaching a couple of photos so you know what he looks like – looks rather sweet and innocent to me – don’t believe a word of it!
So thank you for getting him here safely.”
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Ayumi and Askari to the USA – September 2019
Thank you for everything!! The cats arrived safely and they are settling in nicely. It’s so lovely to see them again and have them home. You have all been so amazing and taken the stress out of this experience for us. The crate was great and they seemed very comfortable and Chris, who picked up the cats from my parents was great! Thank you again.
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England to Washington DC
Like most, I find the idea of pets on a plane a bit weird. PetAir made it so easy. I just filled in some simple forms when asked, and my dog and cat were delivered door-to-door from the North of England to Washington DC. They also have good packages to either bring down the cost, or go for a comprehensive service. I found it reassuring that PetAir is run by vets. Strongly recommend!