Planning to travel with your cat from the UK to the USA? Requirements for entry may vary between states, and the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also has guidelines for pet entry. Understanding these steps in advance can help make the process hassle-free.
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This guide is intended for situations where:
Your cat is over 12 weeks old.
They have lived in the UK (or another low-rabies-risk country) for at least six months prior to travel.
The purpose of travel is non-commercial (e.g., not for sale or adoption).
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For different circumstances, feel free to reach out, as other requirements may apply.
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We have extensive experience assisting pet owners with international travel. If you need additional support or guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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1. Microchip
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All cats entering the US should have an ISO-compliant microchip (a 15-digit microchip is ISO-compliant).
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If your cat lives in the UK, they are likely already microchipped, as this is a legal requirement for all cats over eight weeks old.
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2. Rabies Vaccination
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The CDC does not universally require a rabies vaccination for cats arriving from the UK, but most individual US states do.
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In many cases, the rabies vaccination must have been administered between 30 days and one year before entry, so if your cat’s rabies vaccine is over a year old, consider getting a booster rabies vaccination (or check with the destination state if they allow rabies vaccines outside this timeframe).
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Should your journey involve transiting through other countries (e.g., the EU) or if you are planning to return to the UK with your cat, a rabies vaccination is mandatory.
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Ensure your vet scans your cat’s microchip before administering any vaccinations, and be sure to receive a rabies vaccination certificate or vaccination card for your records.
3. Additional Vaccinations
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While there is no requirement for other vaccinations when travelling to the US, we recommend keeping your cat current on annual shots for their overall health.
4. Choosing Flights or Ferries
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Airline pet policies vary widely, with some allowing pets in the cabin or hold and others restricting them entirely. It’s essential to research options that best suit your travel preferences.
At present, no direct US airlines allow pets in the cabin from the UK. However, some travellers find that flights through Canada or Europe allow in-cabin pet travel, provided the cat (including crate) weighs under 8kg. There may be additional requirements for transit countries so please check these in advance.
Private flight services also offer seats where you can travel with your pet in-cabin, or you may consider the Queen Mary 2 from Southampton to New York, a seven-day voyage that accommodates pets.
5. Health Certificate (Fit to Fly or Travel Certificate)
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Many states require a Health Certificate from a veterinarian, also called a Fit to Fly, Fit to Travel, or Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI).
In certain states (e.g. Hawaii or Massachusetts), an Export Health Certificate (EHC) may be required, which must be issued by a government-approved Official Veterinarian. Please contact us if the State you are travelling to requires an EHC.
The Health Certificate certifies your cat has been examined and is fit for travel. Generally, the Health Certificate will cover the entry requirements for most US states and airlines, though checking with both the airline and your destination state is important.
Once you have a departure date in mind, please contact us to schedule your Health Certificate appointment with one of our vets. All our vets have years of experience issuing pet travel documentation, and our prices are almost always more affordable than at your general vets. Click here for more information including our pricing.
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We would advise that this certificate is issued less than five days before departure, so please ensure you book the appointment within this timeframe.
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6. Preparing for the Trip
Airline guidelines on pet crate dimensions are strict, so be sure to confirm crate specifications with your airline and secure an appropriately sized crate for your cat.
Acclimate your cat to their crate in the weeks leading up to travel to help them feel comfortable.
Sedatives are prohibited during flights, but natural calming supplements are available—contact us for advice on suitable options.
Pack the following items for the journey:
Health Certificate
Adequate food/medication (verify any extra documentation requirements)
Water bowls, a favourite toy, a blanket, and a secure lead or harness
7. Before the Flight
Depending on your airline and airport, you may be directed to drop off your cat at a designated area or bring the crate into the terminal. Confirm the specific requirements with your airline or pet transport agent in advance.
Avoid feeding your cat two hours before the flight, and offer only a light meal beforehand.
8. Arrival in the US
Upon arrival, you will likely pass through customs with your cat’s documentation, including the Health Certificate and other relevant forms. A brief inspection may occur to confirm your cat’s health and compliance with entry requirements.
If your cat travelled in the hold, there will be a designated pick-up area. Confirm these details with your airline or travel service before departure.
9. Returning to the UK
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If you plan on returning to the UK with your cat, a GB Health Certificate from a US veterinarian is required.
This document requires your cat to have a valid rabies vaccination. There is no tapeworm requirement for cats travelling to the UK, this only applies to dogs.
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It’s important to note that UK-bound flights do not allow pets in the cabin unless on a private plane, so cats must travel in the hold. If you would like your cat to travel in the cabin with you, you may find better options by flying into an EU country (e.g., Paris) and arranging a pet-friendly road transfer to the UK. Travelling through the EU will also require an EU Animal Health Certificate issued by a US vet within 10 days of departure.
We hope this guide helps you plan your trip to the US with your dog. If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment with one of our specialist pet travel vets at PassPets, please get in touch by calling on of our team or emailing info@passpets.co.uk. Our team has helped thousands of pets travel safety and we can't wait to help yours too.
This guide is based on the information available at the time of writing. The exporter is responsible for verifying the requirements with the importing authorities and airline before travel.