What Do You Need to Travel to the USA with Your Pet

For those planning to bring their beloved furry companions to the USA, utilising pet relocation services is a crucial step. Taking pets to the USA from the UK involves meticulous preparations, including obtaining the necessary documentation, choosing an appropriate travel crate, and familiarizing oneself with the flight requirements.  So, whether you’re taking pets to the UK from the USA or vice versa, proper planning and assistance are essential.

How to Prepare Your Pet for Transport
Before traveling to the USA from the UK, it is important to prepare your pet. This includes scheduling an appointment with your vet to ensure that your pet is up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations. You should also obtain the documents required by the airline and the USA’s import laws.

In Cabin or In-Flight – Where Will My Pet Be?
Pets flying to the USA must depart from the UK in the cargo hold unless they are registered service animals. There is a specialised hold for pets under the cabin, which is temperature-controlled and dimly lit to create a calm environment. Service animals flying in the cabin must meet specific size and weight requirements.

What Does My Pet Need to Travel?
A travel crate is essential when bringing a pet to the USA. It is crucial that the travel crate you choose adheres to the standards set by IPATA (International Pet and Animal Transportation Association) and IATA (International Air Transport Association) and is approved by the airline. Moreover, the crate must be spacious enough for your pet to comfortably stand (with their ears not touching the top), lie down (with space behind and in front of them), and turn around. It is important to note that the crate requirements for flying out of the UK are stringent, so the crate you previously used for flying may not be acceptable. At PetAir UK, we can build a crate tailored to your specific requirements for a seamless travel experience.

How Can I Prepare My Pet for Travel?
It can certainly help to ensure your pet is calm, comfortable and relaxed in a crate prior to travel. You can also speak to your vet about calming medications, which may be helpful. Keep cats inside in the few days running up to their flight – just in case they disappear at the last minute. Make sure dogs have had a really good walk. On the day of travel, arrive at the airport early to allow your pet time to relax, get used to their surroundings and have a final leg stretch.  

If you are planning pet relocation to the USA, you should thoroughly prepare both yourself and your pet for the journey. USA pet travel can seem overwhelming at first, but PetAir UK can help and advise on all aspects of flying your pets from the UK to USA and we can complete the veterinary work to ensure compliant entry.

Fri Oct 6 2023