Travelling to the USA with your dog? One question often comes up: Are there banned dog breeds in the USA? The short answer is – not at a national (federal) level. But the reality is more nuanced, thanks to breed-specific legislation (BSL). As a vet-led pet relocation company, PetAir is here to help you understand the rules and ensure a smooth, stress-free journey for your pet.
What Is Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL)?
Breed-specific legislation refers to laws that regulate or ban certain dog breeds – or “types”. It is based on appearance, rather than individual behaviour.
These laws are passed locally, by cities, counties or towns – not by the federal U.S. government.
Where Does BSL Occur in the USA?
- There is no federal law banning specific dog breeds across the whole USA.
- Instead, BSL is enforced locally: some cities or counties have restrictions, while others do not.
- Historical data shows over 1,000 U.S. municipalities have (or had) breed-specific laws.
- That said, many places are repealing BSL: more than 100 U.S. cities and towns have removed such laws in recent years.
- Some states now prohibit local governments from passing new BSL, making breed-neutral policies more common.
Which Breeds Are Most Commonly Regulated?
Breeds or types frequently affected by BSL include:
- “Pit bull” types (e.g., American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier).
- Rottweilers, Dobermans, and sometimes other large breeds.
- In some localities, any dog that resembles these breeds may be regulated, not just purebreds.
What Does This Mean for Pet Owners Flying Dogs to the USA?
If you’re relocating your dog to the U.S. with PetAir, here are some key take-home points:
Check Local Regulations
Before moving, investigate the city or county where you’re going. Even if there’s no national ban, there may be local BSL restrictions. Contact local animal control or view local government websites for up-to-date rules.
Know Your Dog’s Breed and Type
Be clear about how your dog is classified (purebred, crossbreed, “pit-bull-type,” etc.). This helps when assessing risk for BSL in a given area.
Documentation Matters
When you work with PetAir, you’ll already be preparing travel health certificates, vaccination records, microchip details, and so on. Having clear breed information will be helpful for local compliance.
PetAir’s Expert Support
Our vet-led team understands global pet travel, including the patchwork of regional legislation. We guide you on documentation, routes, and logistics – making sure your pet’s U.S. entry is as compliant and stress-free as possible. Over the years, we have safely relocated over 33,000 pets to 300+ global destinations.
What to Do If You’re Unsure
Reach out to PetAir for a tailored quote and advice.
Ask for help checking whether BSL applies at your destination, based on the specific city or county.
If you’re travelling with a breed that might be regulated somewhere, our team can help assess risk and plan accordingly.
Final Thoughts: Are There Banned Dog Breeds in the USA?
In summary: No, there is no nationwide banned list of dog breeds in the USA – but yes, many local jurisdictions still have breed-specific laws. At PetAir we are here to support you through these complexities. We help you navigate legislation, paperwork, and logistics so your pet’s journey to the USA is safe, legal, and stress-free.
Want to Relocate your Dog to the USA?
Want to make your dog’s relocation to the USA worry-free? Call us today or get a bespoke quote online. Let our vet-led team handle the details – so you can focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
To learn more about relocation your pet to the USA, visit our USA specific destination page.
