Pet Relocation to the United States of America
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Moving to the USA with your beloved pet? The United States is a vibrant, pet-friendly country known for its diverse landscapes and welcoming communities. As the world’s largest economy with over 330 million people, the USA offers plenty of space and opportunities for families, including our furry family members. From bustling cities to national parks, the USA has something for everyone. Whether your destination is sunny California, historic New York, or the friendly suburbs of Atlanta, you’ll find pet-friendly parks, trails, and pet communities.
At Sky Companion, we make sure your pet’s journey to the USA is as smooth and joyful as a walk in the park. Below you’ll find an overview of the USA’s pet import requirements, and how our expert team handles every step for a stress-free move.
USA Pet Import Requirements
Bringing pets into the USA involves specific health and documentation steps. Here are the key requirements to keep in mind:
Microchip Identification
A microchip is required for export. It must be registered on the manufacturer’s database and implanted before any other pet travel procedures are carried out.
Age Requirement
Pets must be 4 months or older for import.
Dogs must be at least 6 months old on arrival in the USA, as required by the CDC.
Rabies Vaccination
All pets must have a valid rabies vaccination for travel. The vaccination must be:
- Older than 30 days.
- No older than one year.
Annual Vaccinations
Annual general vaccinations must also be current, meaning older than 30 days but no older than one year:
- Dogs: 5-in-1 vaccination
- Cats: 3-in-1 vaccination
Rabies Vaccination Certificate
A current, valid rabies vaccination certificate must be supplied by the private vet, showing:
- The owner’s name and address.
- The pet’s breed, sex, age, colour and other identifying information.
- The vaccination date, vaccine product information and expiry date.
- The vet’s name, licence number, address and signature.
Health Certificate
A health certificate must be issued by a South African private veterinarian, confirming that all requirements are met and your pet is fit to fly. It must be signed and stamped by the vet.
The certificate is valid for 5 days from the date of issue. We provide the completed and correct health certificate for your vet to sign.
Rabies Titre Test (Dogs Only)
Dogs need a rabies titre test, done 30 days or more after the rabies vaccination:
- The result must be no less than 0.5 IU/ml.
- There is a 28-day waiting period from the blood draw before your dog may travel.
- The result is valid for your dog’s lifetime, as long as rabies vaccination coverage does not lapse.
Dogs without a titre test must instead complete 28 days of quarantine at a CDC-registered animal care facility.
CDC Entry Rules for Dogs
CDC dog import permits are no longer issued. Instead:
- All dogs must enter through a CDC-approved port, including ATL, LAX, MIA, JFK, IAD and PHL.
- Your dog must have a reservation at the airport’s CDC-registered care facility before arrival.
- Your dog will be examined and revaccinated on arrival.
Travelling via the EU
If your pet’s route passes through an EU port, all pets must have a valid and current RNATT rabies titre test result that is older than 3 months at the time of travel.
Each requirement helps keep your pet and others safe. We summarise all of the above in our detailed USA Pet Travel Requirements PDF, which is available for you to download. This handy checklist ensures nothing is missed before departure.
Download Your USA Requirements Checklist
To get started, download our free USA Pet Relocation Requirements PDF. This comprehensive guide outlines all vaccinations, documents, and steps you need. Keep it handy as a checklist; it’s exactly what we use behind the scenes to prepare your travel plan.
How Sky Companion Makes the Process Easy
At Sky Companion, we’re more than a moving company; we’re your pet’s personal travel agent and guardian. Our dedicated team handles every detail of the USA relocation, so you can focus on your move. Here’s how we help:
- Expert Guidance & Documentation: We navigate the complex USA rules for you. Our experienced team will prepare and review your pet’s health certificate, vaccination records, and CDC forms, and apply for any necessary permits. You won’t have to guess what’s needed; we keep everything compliant and on time.
- Scheduling & Logistics: We coordinate all vet appointments, blood tests and crate needs. We also book flights tailored for pets, working with airlines to secure the best routing and attention to your pet’s comfort.
- Pet Handling & Care: Your pet’s well-being is our priority. We can arrange extra comforts (calming wraps, familiar toys) and ensure frequent checks. For larger pets travelling in the hold, we monitor crate conditions and liaise with ground staff at departure and arrival.
- Door-to-Door Service: From your home in South Africa to your new home in the USA, we take care of it all. Many clients appreciate our VIP service, where we pick up pets from your home or vet, escort them to the airport, and arrange arrival procedures. Our partners on the ground in the USA meet your pet to clear customs and deliver them safely to you.
- Personal Touch: We know every pet is unique. Whether you have a nervous cat or a playful puppy, we adjust our approach. You’ll have a single point of contact at Sky Companion who keeps you updated at each stage.
With Sky Companion, you get peace of mind and a truly stress-free move. Our passion is caring for pets as if they were our own, and it shows in our 5-star service.
Ready for a Seamless Move? Contact Us Today!
Don’t let paperwork or regulations slow you down. Contact Sky Companion for a free consultation and quote. Our friendly team is eager to walk you through the USA process and answer any questions.
- Free Quote: Send us your details, and we’ll provide a transparent quote covering everything (vets, flights, paperwork), with no surprises.
- Round-the-clock Support: Moving across time zones? No problem. Our staff is available to assist South African clients and coordinate with our partners in the USA.
- Happy Pets, Happy Owners: We’re proud of the thousands of pets we’ve relocated. Your pet’s health and happiness during travel are our top priorities.
Travelling with pets internationally can be complex, but with Sky Companion by your side, it becomes an exciting new adventure. Let us make your move to the USA safe, joyful, and seamless. 🐾