First class pet travel since 1966
The USA is one of the more accessible destinations for UK pet owners. There is no mandatory quarantine and the preparation timeline can be as short as 6–8 weeks for most dogs and cats. Multiple direct daily cargo flights connect London Heathrow to the major US gateways (JFK, LAX, ORD, DFW, MIA, BOS, PHL, SEA), with American Airlines and British Airways each operating their own pet-cargo capacity.
From August 2024, all dogs entering the USA must comply with updated CDC requirements. Dogs must be microchipped, at least 6 months old, and arrive with a CDC Dog Import Form completed online before travel. Dogs vaccinated outside the USA must show proof of vaccination administered after microchipping.
Summer embargoes are the main operational risk for hot-climate gateways (MIA, DFW, ORD May–September). Cooler routes (JFK, BOS, SEA, PHL) remain available year-round. Embargo rules are airline-specific, so the exact dates and affected routes vary by carrier. Hawaii has its own quarantine requirements and is treated separately.
Individual US states may have additional dog licensing requirements at the county or city level — register within 30 days of taking up residency. It’s also worth noting that some ports of entry require a licensed customs broker to clear your pet.
Yes — even with self-clearance there are still landing fees and handling charges payable to the airline and ground handler, typically around £200 (US dollar equivalent depending on the airport). Self-clearance saves you the broker’s fee but does not avoid the airport’s standard charges for receiving and processing a live-animal shipment.
Customs clearance for pets entering the USA usually takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the port of entry, the time of day, and the volume of cargo being processed. Major hubs like JFK, LAX, and Chicago O’Hare are typically quickest. Clearance can take considerably longer if you choose to clear your pet yourself without prior experience of the process, which is why we recommend using a customs broker.
It depends on the port of entry. US airports are designated either as “formal” or “informal” ports of entry, and most airlines specify that at formal ports owners cannot self-clear and must use a registered broker. At informal ports, owner self-clearance is permitted, but Airpets strongly recommends using a broker regardless — customs procedures vary significantly between airports, and a missed step can lead to lengthy delays. Self-clearance is only sensible if you’re already familiar with both the process and the specific airport.
Moving to or visiting New York with your pets? This guide covers the city's most dog-friendly neighbourhoods, pet-welcoming hotels, public transport rules, and standout activities like Prospect Park's Dog Beach — plus how to get your pet there safely with Airpets.
Read article →Our team of pet relocation experts is here to guide you through every step of the journey. Get in touch for a tailored quote.
Get a free quote