International Pet Transport to Chicago

Pet dogs and cats travelling to Chicago from Australia fly on Emirates and Qatar Airways with a comfort stop at Dubai or Doha, depending on the airline. The flight duration is approximately 20 hours. Petraveller needs a lead time of about 30 days to organise your pet’s transport to Chicago. 

International Pet Travel Requirements for Cats and Dogs

• Airline-approved pet travel crate
• Annual vaccination
• Customs clearance
• Australian Government accredited veterinary consultation
• Australian Government export permit
• Australian Government health certificate
• Microchip
• Tapeworm treatment

International Pet Relocation Arrival

All pets will disembark from the aircraft on priority after arriving in Chicago. These pets will then proceed to the customs department for clearance and veterinary examination, after which pet parents can collect their pets from the designated collection centre.

Petraveller will help with a collection guide with detailed information such as location, contact details, work hours, etc., to simplify the collection process. 

Frequently asked questions

What type of crate should my pet travel to the United States in?

Petraveller will arrange for an IATA airline-approved Petraveller Sky Crate tailored to the size of your pet. The crate should be large enough for your pet to lie down, stand up and turn around comfortably. The Sky Crate has a water container and funnel fixed to the door and is lined with an ultra-absorbent Petraveller Sky Mat. Petraveller recommends familiarising your pet with their Sky Crate and ensuring they know how to drink from the water funnel before they travel. Read more

Will my pet be quarantined after arriving in the United States?

Pets travelling to the US will not be quarantined if they meet all import conditions and show no signs of illness when they enter the country.  Read more

Local Pet Requirements

All pet dogs that are four months and older have to be registered with the city of Chicago. The city council awards three-year registration emblems for dogs with a three-year rabies vaccination and a one-year emblem for dogs whose rabies vaccination is valid for a year.

Pet owners are legally responsible for their dogs and any injuries or damage to property caused by their pets. The pet owner is responsible for ensuring that the dog is well cared for and exercised adequately. Dogs must not be left alone in cars without proper ventilation and protection from the heat and cold.

Living in Chicago: A Canine Perspective

Chicago has designated dog-friendly areas (DFAs) where you can take your dog for exercise and socialisation. You can find dog-friendly areas within most Chicago public parks and beaches; pet dogs are allowed off-lead only in these areas and nowhere else in the city. Most DFAs have doggie water fountains, cleaning-up stations, separate enclosures for small and timid dogs, bulletin boards for dog owners, and trash bins for dog waste. Before you bring your dog to a DFA, they must be vaccinated against rabies, dewormed and fully immunised.

Chicago has several beautiful dog parks and beaches for you to enjoy with your pet dog, including the Montrose Dog Beach, Belmont Harbor Beach, Norwood Park Dog Park, Hamlin Dog Park, Logan Square Dog Park and River Park Dog-Friendly Area.

Did you know?

Chicago is known as the birthplace of Modern Architecture, and the city is home to several iconic and historic buildings. The Home Insurance Building in Chicago was considered the world’s first skyscraper. It was built in 1885 and subsequently demolished in 1931. The Home Insurance Building was 12 floors tall and is thought to be the first tall building supported by a fireproof steel frame and reinforced concrete. 

About Chicago

Chicago is the third most populous city in the United States of America. Chicago is renowned for its architecture, sports, education, culture and food. The city is also a major transport hub, and the O’Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world.