Understanding pet quarantine rules in the US
Are you and your pet relocating to the United States of America? To relocate a pet into the US, there are several pet import rules and regulations to be followed. US law requires that your pet is vaccinated, has the right documentation and is healthy without any communicable diseases to be able to enter the country.
US pet import rules are different depending on the country your pet is travelling from. All the regulations need to be followed for entry into the country; failure to meet the requirements will mean your pet will be denied entry. Read More
5 Things Every Pet Owner Should Know When Moving a Dog to the USA
Are you in the middle of a relocation? Whether you are moving for work, to be closer to a loved one or simply looking for a fresh start, it’s important that no member of the family gets left behind. And that of course includes your dog.
But with strict import rules and regulations, it’s important to be prepared when you are moving your dog from Australia to the USA. Here’s 5 things you should consider to make the move as seamless as possible.
Medical Certificates to Get Before Moving Your Dog to the USA
When moving your dog to the USA, understanding the medical certificates needed for your dog to enter the USA is essential for a smooth process. Australia is not currently listed as a high-risk country for dog rabies so rabies vaccination documentation may not required if they have been in Australia for 6 months. But as rules and regulations are constantly changing, it’s important to stay up to date until the day of moving your dog to the USA. Some medical certificates can have lengthy processing times so being aware of your deadlines and collating these well in advance is recommended.
Vaccinations Before Moving to the USA with Your Dog
For health benefits, you should fully vaccinate your puppy at the recommended ages. When Moving your dog to the USA entry is different depending on the state you enter in. For example California does not require pets to have a rabies vaccination for pets coming from Rabies Free countries however Florida and Illinois does require all pets to be vaccinated against rabies prior to entry regardless of the origin country is rabies free.
Pet Passport and Documentation For Moving Your Dog From Australia to the USA
Much like we need our passports to fly, your dog needs theirs for a successful overseas pet transport. Mainly this is a collection of documents including a description of your dog, ownership details, vaccination and treatment details and more. Microchip records are also commonly required in the USA. Consider exportation requirements as well as importation requirements when collating the necessary paperwork.
Healthy on Arrival With Moving Your Dog to the USA from Australia
It goes without saying that prior to moving to the USA with your dog you should ensure that your dog is healthy and able to fly before they board their flight. But the reason goes beyond their comfort and happiness. Dogs that arrive sick or injured to the USA will be subject to veterinary testing and examination at your expense before they are reunited with you.
In-Flight Comfort For Moving Your Dog to the USA
Don’t get so wrapped up in paperwork that you forget to consider your dog’s comfort levels in-flight. A comfortable and sturdy carrier crate, a t-shirt with your scent on, any travel amenities, and their medication (if required) are all important to your dog. These will ensure a comfortable, safe and anxiety-free pet flight for your four-legged friend.
Moving to the USA With Dog Made Easy
A pet relocation can be a stressful time, especially when you are moving a dog to the USA from Australia. Make the load lighter by calling in the experts. Ensuring that your dog has the appropriate documentation, certificates, health tests and immunisations, you won’t have to worry. And with door to door international pet transportation, your pet won’t be travelling alone. Here at Petraveller, you are guaranteed a successful move. Read Less
Quarantine in the US
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires that all pets entering the country must be healthy and be vaccinated for rabies at least 30 days before the travel date. Puppies entering the United States also need to be immunised before arrival. Since the rabies vaccine is administered at three months, your puppy will have to be at least four months old to be able to enter the US. Pet cats entering the US do not need to be immunised for rabies. However, CDC encourages all pet owners to vaccinate their pets before travelling.
Most US states and territories do not require quarantine for dogs and cats coming from other countries, provided other health, and veterinary conditions are met. However, Hawaii and Guam are rabies-free territories and have quarantine requirements for pet dogs and cats entering the territories.
Unimmunised dog permit
If your pet dog is travelling from a country that is considered rabies-free, you have the option of applying for an unimmunised dog permit. With this permit, unimmunised dogs will be allowed entry into the country, provided all the other conditions of import are met.
The CDC considers pet dogs that have never been immunised or have been immunised when they were less than three months old or dogs that have been vaccinated less than 30 days before travelling to the US as unimmunised dogs.
If you are bringing an unimmunised dog to the US, you will need to apply for a permit at least two weeks before the date of travel. The CDC grants these permits under limited circumstances on a case-by-case basis. The permits are issued only to US residents and visitors who will stay for 30 days or more in the US.
Confinement agreement
The unimmunised dog permit includes a confinement agreement, which pet owners applying for the permit must agree to. In lieu of quarantine, pet owners must agree to confine their dog at home or any other enclosure until your dog is fully immunised against rabies.
Your pet dog will have to be immunised for rabies within four days of entry into the country and will need to be confined at home for at least 30 days till the vaccine takes effect. Puppies that are too young to be vaccinated must be kept in confinement till they can be vaccinated at three months of age and they will continue to be confined for 30 days for the vaccine to take effect.
Confinement means your dog should not come in contact with people or other animals during this period. When you take your dog out, he or she must be muzzled and leashed at all times. State officials from CDC will monitor the confinement. The importer is responsible for enforcing the confinement and will have to ensure all conditions of the unimmunised dog permit are met for your pet dog to be able to come out of confinement.
Making the Process of Moving Pets from Australia to the USA Straightforward and Stress-Free
If you’re planning an overseas move from Australia to the USA, chances are your four-legged family member is coming with you. Relocating and moving dogs from Australia to the USA is a significant undertaking, but with proper preparation, it can be a smooth and straightforward process. Doing the research prior to the move and understanding the specific regulations and requirements for importing your pets to the USA can help you to prepare ahead. It’s useful to help your pet acclimate to the travel crate well in advance of your departure, so they feel secure during the journey. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to ensure your pet is fit to fly and has all the necessary vaccinations. Different states may also have specific important requirements, so it is important to check what is needed beforehand.
Are You Interested in Assistance When Moving Dogs to the USA?
At Petraveller, we understand that moving dogs to the USA can be incredibly stressful, especially when it comes to international pet transportation. We can take charge of all the essentials required for your pet’s safe transportation. Our team of pet transport experts will manage every detail, whether it’s ensuring your pet complies with the entry requirements of your chosen destination to making sure they have everything they require throughout the flight. We tailor your pet’s travel arrangements to meet their distinct needs. Our comprehensive services include door-to-door international pet transport, quarantine arrangements, veterinary services and customs clearance and documentation.
Call the experts
Relocating to the US with a pet may not be as straightforward as it sounds; you have to ensure all health tests, immunisations and paperwork are complete and error-free for your pet to be able to enter the country. If you are moving to the US with your pet, reach out to us at Petraveller for a comprehensive travel plan and assistance in making this move successful.
flying@petraveller.com.au
Within Australia: 1300 644 115
