Flying With a Dog in the USA: Airline Rules, Documents & Requirements
Flying with a dog in the United States can be fairly straightforward, especially when travelling between states. Many American airlines allow small dogs in the cabin, and domestic flights usually involve less paperwork than international travel.
However, if you're flying into the USA from another country, there are some important rules you need to know. The United States has strict dog import requirements, including a minimum age, microchip identification, and a mandatory CDC form.
In this guide, I'll explain what documents you need, how domestic and international rules differ, which airlines accept dogs, and what to check before booking your flight.
Flying With a Dog in the USA: At a Glance
Travel situation | Main requirements |
Domestic flights between US states | Airline pet rules and any applicable state health requirements |
Entering the USA from a low-risk rabies country | CDC Dog Import Form, microchip, minimum age of 6 months and good health |
Entering from a high-risk rabies country | Additional vaccination documents and potentially testing and animal care facility arrangements |
Flying from the USA to Europe | Destination-specific documents, microchip, rabies vaccination and usually an EU health certificate |
Flying to Hawaii | Special animal import requirements and advance preparation |
Small dogs in the cabin | Approved under-seat carrier and airline reservation |
Larger dogs | Airline offering eligible hold or cargo transport |
Important: US dog import requirements depend on where your dog has been during the previous six months, not simply which country your flight departs from.
Flying With a Dog Within the USA
If you're flying domestically, for example from New York to Miami or Los Angeles to Chicago, travelling with your dog is generally simpler than flying internationally. You don't need a CDC Dog Import Form for an ordinary flight between US states. However, you still need to follow the airline's pet policy and any animal health requirements imposed by your destination state.
What documents does your dog need for domestic flights?
There is no single nationwide pet passport or health certificate requirement covering every domestic flight.
Depending on the airline and destination, you may need:
Proof of rabies vaccination
A veterinary health certificate, sometimes called a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)
Identification and vaccination records
Any additional documentation required by the destination state
Some airlines don't routinely require health certificates for ordinary cabin pets, but others may require documentation in particular circumstances.
My recommendation: Even when a health certificate isn't required, keep a digital copy of your dog's vaccination records available.
Does your dog need a microchip for domestic flights?
A microchip is not a universal federal requirement for ordinary domestic dog travel. However, microchipping is strongly recommended, especially when travelling through busy airports or unfamiliar places.
Do dogs need rabies vaccinations to fly domestically?
There isn't one universal federal rabies vaccination rule for all domestic flights. Instead, vaccination requirements can depend on state laws, the airline, and the dog's circumstances. You should check the requirements of the state you're visiting rather than assuming that the rules in your home state apply everywhere.
Flying Into the USA With a Dog From Another Country
This is where the rules become more specific. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regulates the entry of dogs into the United States. Since August 1, 2024, the CDC has applied updated dog import requirements, including a mandatory import form and minimum age requirement.
What are the basic requirements?
All dogs entering the USA must:
Be at least 6 months old.
Have a microchip readable by a universal scanner.
Appear healthy upon arrival.
Have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt.
Meet any additional requirements based on their travel history and vaccination status.
These rules apply to dogs returning to the USA as well as dogs visiting for the first time.
Does your dog need a rabies vaccination to enter the USA?
This depends on where your dog has been during the six months before arrival. The CDC divides countries into two categories:
Dog rabies-free or low-risk countries: Dogs arriving from these countries generally do not need to present a rabies vaccination certificate under the CDC's basic import rules, although vaccination is strongly recommended and other authorities may require it.
High-risk countries: Dogs that have visited a high-risk country during the previous six months must meet additional rabies vaccination and documentation requirements.
This distinction is particularly important if you're travelling through several countries before arriving in America.
What Is the CDC Dog Import Form?
The CDC Dog Import Form is a mandatory online form for dogs entering or returning to the United States. It collects information about the dog, the person bringing it into the country, and the dog's recent travel history.
How do you complete the form?
You can complete it online through the official CDC website. You'll need information such as:
Your personal and contact details
Your dog's identification details
Microchip number
Country of departure
Recent travel history
Arrival details
For dogs arriving from high-risk countries, additional information and a photograph are required. After submitting the form and confirming your email address, you'll receive a receipt. You can present the receipt electronically or print a copy.
How much does the CDC Dog Import Form cost?
The CDC Dog Import Form is free. You don't need to pay a third-party website to complete it.
How long is the form valid?
For dogs arriving from rabies-free or low-risk countries, the receipt is generally valid for six months and can be used for multiple entries from the same country of departure. For dogs arriving from high-risk countries, the receipt is valid for a single entry. If your travel circumstances change, you may need to complete a new form.
When should you complete it?
For dogs arriving from low-risk countries, the CDC allows you to complete the form as late as the day of travel. However, I would recommend doing it several days before departure to avoid unnecessary stress at the airport.
Flying to the USA From Europe
If you're travelling from an EU country such as Spain, France, Germany, or Italy, bringing your dog to the United States is generally relatively straightforward. These countries are not classified as high-risk for dog rabies by the CDC. For a dog that has only been in rabies-free or low-risk countries during the previous six months, the usual CDC requirements are:
Requirement | Needed? |
CDC Dog Import Form | Yes |
Minimum age of 6 months | Yes |
Readable microchip | Yes |
Dog must appear healthy | Yes |
Rabies blood test | No, under standard low-risk entry rules |
CDC-specific veterinary health certificate | No, under standard low-risk entry rules |
An EU pet passport can be useful as proof of your dog's identification and vaccination history, but it does not replace the CDC Dog Import Form. Also remember that airlines and individual US states may impose additional requirements.
Example: Flying from Spain to New York with a dog
If your dog has lived in Spain and hasn't visited any high-risk rabies countries during the previous six months, you would generally need to:
Confirm that your dog is at least six months old and microchipped.
Complete the free CDC Dog Import Form.
Reserve your dog's place with the airline.
Check the airline's carrier requirements.
Confirm any additional requirements for entering New York.
If you plan to return to Spain afterwards, you'll also need to make sure your dog meets the EU's re-entry requirements.
Flying to the USA From a High-Risk Rabies Country
If your dog has been in a country classified by the CDC as high-risk for dog rabies during the previous six months, the process is more complicated. The requirements depend on whether your dog was vaccinated in the United States or another country.
Dogs vaccinated in the USA
You generally need:
CDC Dog Import Form receipt
Valid Certification of U.S.-issued Rabies Vaccination, endorsed by the USDA
Compliance with microchip, age and health requirements
The certification must be arranged before your dog leaves the United States. A regular rabies vaccination certificate is not a substitute.
Dogs vaccinated outside the USA
The requirements are stricter. You generally need:
CDC Dog Import Form receipt
Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip
A reservation at a CDC-registered animal care facility
Arrival at the airport associated with that facility
A valid rabies antibody test result, or quarantine arrangements
Dogs with a valid qualifying rabies antibody test still require the animal care facility reservation, examination and revaccination. Without a qualifying test, a quarantine period may be required.
Important: If your dog has been in a high-risk country, don't book your flights until you've checked the exact CDC requirements. These arrangements can take considerable time. You can use the CDC's official Dog Importation Navigator to identify which rules apply.
Flying From the USA to Europe or Another Country
When leaving the United States with your dog, the destination country determines which documents and vaccinations are required. The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) provides official guidance for international pet travel.
Flying from the USA to the European Union
For most dogs travelling from the United States into the EU, you'll generally need:
A compliant microchip
Valid rabies vaccination administered after microchipping
An EU animal health certificate completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and endorsed by USDA
A non-commercial travel declaration
Additional treatments if required by the destination
The EU animal health certificate must generally be issued within 10 days before entry into the EU. The United States is on the EU's list of countries exempt from the standard rabies antibody test requirement.
For more details, see my guide: Flying With a Dog in Europe: Airline Rules, Documents & Requirements.
Flying from the USA to other countries
Requirements vary considerably. For example, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Australia and the United Kingdom each have their own animal entry rules. Some countries require advance permits, specific veterinary testing or quarantine arrangements. Always check the destination's official government guidance before booking.
Don't forget about returning to the USA
If you're a US resident travelling internationally with your dog, check the CDC re-entry requirements before leaving. This is especially important if you're visiting a high-risk rabies country, because some documents must be issued before departure from the United States.
Which Airlines Allow Dogs in the USA?
Several major American airlines accept small dogs in the passenger cabin. However, policies differ when it comes to carrier dimensions, weight restrictions, pet fees and transporting larger dogs.
Airline | Dogs in cabin? | Dogs in hold? |
Yes | Limited exceptions | |
Yes | Limited eligibility | |
Yes | No general checked-pet service | |
Yes | No | |
Yes | No | |
Yes | Yes, on eligible routes | |
Yes, on eligible routes | Yes, with restrictions | |
Yes | No |
Policies refer to ordinary pet dogs and may vary by aircraft, route, and destination. Trained service dogs follow separate rules.
Important airline differences
United Airlines: Does not have a general cabin pet weight limit, but your dog must fit comfortably in an approved carrier under the seat.
Southwest Airlines: Accepts small dogs in the cabin on eligible routes but doesn't transport ordinary pets in the aircraft hold.
JetBlue: Accepts small dogs in the cabin subject to carrier and combined weight restrictions.
Alaska Airlines: Offers both cabin and eligible baggage-compartment transport, making it worth investigating for owners of larger dogs.
Delta Air Lines: Accepts small dogs in the cabin, while larger-animal transport options are considerably more restricted.
For detailed cabin weight limits, fees, and worldwide airline comparisons, see my article: Which Airlines Allow Dogs? A Worldwide Airline Comparison.
What Happens at Airport Security With a Dog?
When travelling with a dog in the cabin, you'll normally go through airport security together. In US airports, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific procedures for screening pets.
Typically, you will:
Remove your dog from its carrier.
Send the empty carrier through the X-ray screening machine.
Carry your dog or walk it through the passenger screening process, following TSA instructions.
Return your dog to its carrier after screening.
Never place your dog inside the X-ray machine. Only the empty carrier goes through. If your dog is nervous or might try to escape, ask TSA staff about alternative screening arrangements before removing it from the carrier.
Connecting Flights and Layovers in the USA
If your journey includes a connection, confirm that your dog is accepted on every flight. This is particularly important if you're changing airlines. You should also check whether your dog needs to be collected and checked in again, especially if travelling in the hold.
Are there pet relief areas in US airports?
Many major American airports have designated pet relief areas where dogs can take a toilet break. Some are located inside the secure terminal, while others are outside.
Before booking a long layover, check:
Whether the airport has an indoor pet relief area
Which terminal it's located in
Whether you need to leave the secure area
Whether you'll have enough time to use it between flights
For a long international journey, choosing an airport with convenient pet facilities can make a real difference.
Checklist: Flying With a Dog in the USA
For domestic flights
Confirm that the airline accepts your dog.
Check carrier dimensions and weight restrictions.
Reserve your dog's place.
Check destination state requirements.
Prepare vaccination records and any required health certificate.
Check airport pet relief facilities.
For international flights into the USA
Check your dog's travel history for the previous six months.
Confirm whether any visited countries are high-risk for dog rabies.
Make sure your dog is at least six months old.
Verify microchip identification.
Complete the CDC Dog Import Form.
Arrange additional vaccination documents, tests or reservations if required.
Confirm your airline and arrival airport accept your dog.
Check requirements for your return journey.
Flying with a dog in the USA is generally manageable, especially for domestic journeys with a small dog. The biggest difference comes when travelling internationally. The CDC's import rules are strict, and the requirements can change considerably depending on where your dog has been during the previous six months.
My biggest tip is to check the entry and return requirements before booking your flight, not afterwards. Once the paperwork is sorted, you can focus on choosing the right airline, preparing your dog's carrier and making the journey as comfortable as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly with my dog within the USA?
Yes. Many US airlines accept small dogs in the passenger cabin, while some offer transport options for larger dogs. You must meet the airline's requirements and any applicable destination state rules.
Does my dog need a passport to fly in the USA?
No. The United States doesn't have a national pet passport system equivalent to the EU pet passport. Domestic travel may require vaccination records or a veterinary health certificate, depending on the airline and destination.
Do I need a health certificate to fly domestically with my dog?
Not always. Some airlines don't require health certificates for ordinary cabin pets, but individual states and certain travel circumstances may have additional requirements.
Does my dog need a rabies vaccination to fly within the USA?
Rabies vaccination requirements depend on state regulations and airline policies. There is no single federal vaccination requirement applying to every ordinary domestic flight.
Can I bring my dog from Europe to the USA?
Yes. Dogs arriving from European countries classified as rabies-free or low-risk generally need a CDC Dog Import Form receipt, readable microchip, minimum age of six months and good health. Additional airline and destination requirements may apply.
Is the CDC Dog Import Form free?
Yes. The official CDC Dog Import Form is free to complete online.
Can I bring a puppy under six months old into the USA?
No. Under the current CDC import rules, dogs entering or returning to the United States must be at least six months old. Domestic flights are governed by different rules.
Can I fly with a large dog in the USA?
Yes, on some airlines and routes. Larger dogs generally cannot travel as ordinary cabin pets and may need eligible hold or cargo transport.
Can my dog sit on my lap during a flight?
Ordinary pet dogs generally must remain inside their carriers under the seat during the flight. Trained service dogs are subject to different rules.
Can I fly to Hawaii with my dog?
Yes, but Hawaii has additional animal import requirements, which may include advance veterinary testing and quarantine-related procedures. Preparation should begin well before departure.
