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Do pets need a health certificate to fly to us?

CDC does not require general certificates of health for pets for entry into the United States. However, health certificates may be required for entry into some states or may be required by airlines. Check with officials in the state of final destination and with the airline before your travel date.



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You will need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection to travel and some airlines require an acclimation certificate. Both of these certificates can only be completed and signed by a federally accredited veterinarian.

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How to get a pet passport to import your dog, cat or other animal to the United States in 7 Steps
  • Step #1 - Export Requirements. ...
  • Step #2 - Proof of rabies vaccination. ...
  • Step #3 - Screwworm Inspection. ...
  • Step #4 - Import Permit. ...
  • Step #5 - Veterinary Health Certificate. ...
  • Step #6 - Requirements to Import a Puppy.


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Animals count as carry-on items. The combined weight of the pet and carrier may not exceed 20 pounds. The pet must remain inside their dog or cat travel crate (17-by-8.5-by-12.5 inches) while at the airport and in the aircraft for the entire flight. Only four pets are allowed per flight.

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The X-ray at the security checkpoint is used to screen passengers' personal property and carry-on luggage only. If possible, carry the pet through the walk-through metal detector during the screening process. Alternately, a pet can walk through the screening process if the owner has the pet on a leash.

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U.S. Airline Pet Policies Typically, airlines require pet health certificates that are no older than 10 days, even if the receiving country accepts an older one. Some countries, however, require a health certificate to be even less than 10 days. Check directly with the airline.

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You probably have a plan for your own passport, but your animal companion needs one too. All pets traveling to and from the United States need a passport. Keep in mind, a “pet passport” in the U.S. refers to the extra documents you need to travel to other countries with your pet.

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A pet passport is a document that officially records information related to a specific animal, as part of that procedure. The effect is to drastically speed up and simplify travel with and transport of animals between member countries, compared to previous procedures if the regulations are followed.

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Measure your pet Your pet's measurements should be slightly smaller than the carrier measurements. If you need an extra bit of height, the SturdiBag carrier will give you that. The airlines will require that your pet can stand up and turn around comfortably in the carrier.

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While Delta Air Lines does not require a health certificate for your animal to travel in the cabin or as checked baggage, some States and Countries do require health documents.

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Domestic flights and smaller pets If your pet is flying domestically within the continental U.S., Puerto Rico or into Hawaii, has a combined weight (pet and kennel) of less than 100 pounds, and uses a kennel no larger than 36Lx26Wx28H, then they will fly as Priority Parcel Service (PPS).

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All pets should be brought to a security checkpoint in a hand-held travel carrier. Remove the pet from the carrier just prior to the beginning of the screening process. Place the empty travel carrier on the checkpoint conveyor belt so it can be X-rayed. Never place a pet in the X-ray tunnel.

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Adult dogs and cats easily make it through the night without having to relieve themselves, so your pet should also be OK on most very long flights. Regardless, you'll have to line their carrier with something absorbent - a Dry Fur pad works nicely under your pet's own crate pad or thin blanket.

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