Flying to the US from London with Your Pet (in the Cabin): The Ultimate Guide
Moving to the USA with Your Pet (in the Cabin)
Relocating to the USA with your pet can be both exciting and challenging.
With the right preparation, you can ensure a smooth journey for your beloved companion. Here’s everything you need to know (without much yapping).
Can You Fly Directly to the USA with a Pet?
Let’s get straight to the point: yes, but not in the cabin (except for registered assistance animals).
While various companies specialise in transporting pets in cargo to the USA, this guide focuses on flying with your pet in the cabin.
If that’s your goal, you must book a route via Canada or a European country to comply with regulations before continuing to the USA.
Choosing the Right Airline
Picking the right airline is essential for your pet’s comfort and safety. Consider these top-rated airlines for pet travel:
British Airways
Lufthansa
American Airlines
Air France
KLM
Bear in mind that unless your pet is a registered assistance animal, only pets under 8kg (including their crate) are allowed to travel in the cabin.
For larger pets, consider exploring private jet services to enable cabin travel. 🛩️
Finally, check your airline’s and destination’s age restrictions. For example:
British Airways: Pets must be at least 10 weeks old.
Some US states: Minimum age requirement for entry is 16 weeks.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Moving Your Pet
Plan Your Route
Choose a pet-friendly stopover country (e.g., most of our clients have a stop in Germany, Switzerland, France, or in the Netherlands).
Book flights with minimal layovers.
Buy the Crate and Get your Pet used to it
Choose an IATA-compliant travel crate.
Introduce your pet to the crate early (ideally at least 2 weeks before the trip), to help them feel comfortable.
Understand Entry Requirements (Fit to Fly, Rabies Vaccination, Travel Documents)
Most pets leaving the UK require a Fit-to-fly certificate and, for dogs, a CDC Dog Import Permit.
Fit-to-fly certificate - Issued following a veterinary examination within 10 days of travel. Any UK vet can provide this. This is the only requirement for cats.
CDC Dog Import Permit: this is the only additional requirement for dogs that have been ONLY in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries in the 6 months before US entry. This has to be completed by the person bringing the dog into the US (the importer, owner, or shipper). Additional requirements are present for US-vaccinated dogs and foreign-vaccinated dogs that have been in a high-risk country 6 months before US.
While rabies vaccination is not required for entry into most US states, it is mandatory once you reside there. Since rabies vaccination is compulsory in Europe, we recommend ensuring your pet is microchipped and vaccinated at least 30 days before travel.
Pack Essentials
Include a collapsible water bowl, lead, favourite toy, and food for the journey.
Arrival in the USA
Present all documents to customs and prepare for a possible health inspection by CDC officials.
Final Thoughts
Moving to the USA with your pet requires careful planning, but the effort is well worth it to ensure their safety and comfort. At AHC Specialists, we are here to support you every step of the way, from veterinary checks to completing all necessary documentation. The cost for the paperwork starts at £78 and we can even deliver it straight to your door with our convenient and stress-free home veterinary visits in London.
Contact us today to make your pet’s relocation as stress-free as possible!
