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• Bringing Pets and Wildlife Into The United States

Bringing Pets and Wildlife into the United States

Importations of pets and/or wildlife may be subject to state/municipality veterinary health regulations, federal quarantine, agriculture, wildlife, and customs requirements and/or prohibitions.  Pets taken out of the U.S. and returned, may be subject to similar requirements as those entering for the first time.  For some species occasionally considered as “pets,” reentry may be prohibited. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) works in coordination with partner government agencies (PGAs) such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with state, local, tribal, territorial, and international law enforcement agencies to safeguard and deter the introduction of foreign animal diseases, protect animal welfare, and preclude the spread of communicable diseases. 

Agency regulations are subject to change.  Visit CBP and PGA websites for the most current information available.  The information provided here is for general awareness purposes only. 

Not all animals qualify as pets.   USDA APHIS defines a pet as a privately owned companion animal not intended for research or resale and includes the following animal groups only: 

• Birds *   (*Depending on the type of bird you have, APHIS regulations may vary. Due to the possibility of carrying or transmitting certain diseases to the U.S. poultry industry, some pet birds are regulated as poultry and must meet different requirements.  Check current advisories for bird import restrictions on the APHIS Pet Travel: Bringing Birds into the U.S. website).

If the type of animal you are traveling with is not listed above, please visit our PGAs’ websites as some animals are restricted from entering the U.S. based on the current animal health related concerns in the region of origin. 

It is important to note that the CDC prohibits the importation of African rodents, bats, nonhuman primates, and civets as pets under any circumstances. 

Your pet must meet ALL applicable requirements before travel.  Pets excluded from entry into the U.S. will be returned to the country of embarkation at the owner’s expense.  While awaiting disposition, pets could be detained at the owner's expense at the port of arrival.   

CBP highly recommends contacting the anticipated port of arrival before importing a pet or other animal for expeditious processing and to reduce the possibility of unnecessary delays. Visit  CBP Locate a Port of Entry  for contact information on CBP ports of entry. 

The USFWS is concerned with protecting endangered plant and animal species by overseeing the importation, trade, sale, and harvesting of wildlife. Some wild species of dogs, cats, turtles, reptiles, and birds, although imported as pets, may be listed as endangered or threatened and could be protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora ( CITES ) or any other wildlife laws and regulations such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act ( MMPA ), or the Wild Bird Conservation Act ( WBCA ). 

Endangered and threatened animals and plants, migratory birds, marine mammals, certain dangerous wildlife, and products made from them, are subject to import restrictions, prohibitions, and permit and/or certificate requirements.  CBP recommends that you contact the USFWS, CDC, and USDA's APHIS Veterinary Services (VS) before you depart if you plan to import or export any of the following: 

• Wild birds, land or marine mammals, reptiles, fish, shellfish, mollusks, or invertebrates; 
• Any part or product of the above, such as skins, tusks, bone, feathers, or eggs; or
• Products or articles manufactured from wildlife or fish. 

The CBP One™ mobile application can also be used to facilitate the compliant importation of hunting trophies at select ports of entry.

Partner Government Agencies

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) is responsible for controlling the introduction and spread of infectious diseases in regulated live animals and animal products.  In addition,  Animal Care  (AC) is the program under USDA APHIS ensuring the humane treatment of animals covered by the Animal Welfare Act.  AC has additional requirements if you are importing dogs for the purpose of resale, such as sales through retail or wholesale channels or adoption for a fee or donation. 

USDA APHIS VS has further requirements for dogs imported (traveling) into the United States from countries affected by specific diseases. 

The CDC serves as the national focus for developing and applying human disease prevention and control, and is responsible for controlling the introduction and spread of infectious diseases (including diseases that can be spread from animals to humans) into the U.S.  All dogs and cats imported into the United States must be healthy upon arrival.  If a dog or cat appears to be sick at the port of entry, further examination by a licensed veterinarian at the owner's expense may be required.  CDC also requires valid proof of rabies vaccination for dogs arriving from  countries at high-risk  for dog rabies.  For more information, please visit the  CDC Bringing a Dog into the United States  website or email  [email protected] . 

It is recommended you visit the following PGA websites for more information: 

• USFWS: Information for Importers and Exporters  
• USFWS: Information for Travelers  
• APHIS: Bringing Dogs into the U.S.  
• APHIS: Pet Travel  
• APHIS Imports: Animal and Animal Products   
• CDC: Bringing an Animal into the United States  
• CDC: Bringing Animal Products into the United States  

Considerations for Airline Travel

Check with your airline prior to your travel date to identify any additional requirements. Airlines generally require health certificates for traveling pets.  In addition, airlines may charge fees or have rules about allowing certain types of pets onboard. 

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Flying With Your Pet? It Just Got a Lot More Difficult.

A recent C.D.C. rabies rule, pricey pet ‘tickets’ and limits on animals in airline cabins are making traveling with a pet more complicated.

By Debra Kamin

Vivian Harvey, 81, goes to Guatemala every winter, where she spends five months tutoring children. And for 11 years, she has brought her dachshund, Sadie, along for the trip.

But this year, because of a new ruling from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Sadie can’t come. A ban on the import of dogs into the United States from 113 countries has forced Ms. Harvey, who lives in Columbus, Ohio, to rework her plans. The ban applies to foreign dogs as well as those traveling with American owners and re-entering the country after a trip abroad.

As a result, Ms. Harvey is now heading to Guatemala for only a quick two-week trip, while Sadie stays behind with a sitter.

The ban, which went into full effect Oct. 14, is intended to prevent animals at high risk of rabies from entering the country. It comes, the federal agency says, after the pandemic surge in dog adoptions led to a spike in falsified health documents from international pet importers.

The C.D.C.’s ruling has arrived at a time when pet owners are already navigating new restrictions on pet travel in the airplane cabin, reduced options for shipping pets as cargo, and cascades of flight cancellations and scheduling shifts. If the pandemic, with its vaccine mandates and testing requirements, has made air travel difficult for humans, it’s made it infinitely tougher for our furry friends.

The C.D.C. says it has intervened in more than 450 dog importations with falsified or incomplete rabies vaccination certificates in 2020, and it has begun issuing a small number of permits to dogs coming to the United States from high-risk countries, like Guatemala, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, among other places. But requirements are steep: The permits demand microchipping, a valid rabies vaccination certificate and blood work from an approved serology laboratory.

Dogs must also be at least six months old, and rabies serologic titers must be drawn at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and 90 days before entry into the United States. And after Jan. 7, the C.D.C. will also reduce the number of ports where dogs from countries on the C.D.C.’s list can enter the United States, to three from 18: John F. Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Before the C.D.C.’s ban, the United States “was probably the most lax country to send a pet into,” said Mandy O’Connell, regional director for North America for the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association .

“The importation of even one rabid dog is dangerous because rabies is nearly always fatal in people and animals once symptoms appear,” said Emily Pieracci, a veterinary medical officer with the C.D.C., in an email.

But Lori Kalef, the director of programs for SPCA International , said that the ban, no matter how well-intentioned, may actually exacerbate the global incidence of rabies in dogs. Many places that could once find homes in the United States for abandoned dogs are now finding that their own resources for neutering and vaccination are overstretched.

Operation Baghdad Pups , an SPCA International Program that helps U.S. service members reunite with animals they adopt on deployment, currently has close to 30 military personnel waiting to reconnect with a pet.

Sgt. John Weldon is one of them. While on deployment in Syria earlier this year, the infantryman was given an abandoned week-old puppy. He named the pup Sully, went online to learn how to make puppy formula and nursed him to health. In July, when the C.D.C. announced the ban and Sergeant Weldon, who is now based at California’s Camp Pendleton, realized he wouldn’t be able to bring Sully home, he put the dog on a convoy headed for Iraq. Three months later, the dog is still there.

“The entire time I was in Syria with him, he never left my side,” Sergeant Weldon said. “I just want to get him home.”

Pricey pet fares, the dreaded cargo hold and limits on service animals

Even before U.S. borders were closed to many pet owners during the pandemic, flying with an animal had become significantly more complicated.

Last December, the Department of Transportation clamped down on service animals on airplanes. For years, passengers had been able to bring animals in the cabin with them if they had a note from a licensed medical professional deeming the pet to be an emotional support animal . The December ruling — issued after passengers had brought pigs, peacocks and even a kangaroo on board — limits service animals to trained dogs only. Several airlines, including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Alaska Air, announced shortly after that they would no longer accept emotional support animals, including dogs, on board.

Animals without service dog documentation must either travel in a pet carrier that fits under the seat, or in the cargo hold.

And the coronavirus has thrown another wrench into the works: Multiple airlines, struggling to survive as flights were canceled and employee ranks slashed, announced they would no longer take pets in the cargo hold at all. Today, only American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines accept dogs in the hold, and not on every flight — most aircraft can only accommodate a 27-inch crate, making options for those with larger-breed dogs even more limited.

Some domestic airlines have increased fees for flying with pets in the cabin, as well, to as much as $500. “You really want to read into the restrictions of your airline and make sure that you can afford it, said Molly Fergus, the general manager of the travel advice site TripSavvy . “In some cases, you might end up paying more than your own ticket for your pet.”

There are other changes: Swiss Air has a new rule on its website that the airline now charges a $125 transfer surcharge for pets flying through Frankfurt, Vienna, Munich, Zurich and Geneva; Air France says the airline now allows pets in the hold on flights to and from Paris airports only , except on flights between Moscow and Paris, where they can only be in the cabin; and KLM’s website spells out a rule that says if animals are flying in the hold and transiting via Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, their layover must be three hours or less.

Rachel Brathen, an author and yoga teacher who lives in Aruba, learned the last rule the hard way. In August, she was returning from visiting family in Sweden with her Italian greyhound, Ringo, who — like many of us — gained some weight over the pandemic. Ringo was now too heavy to fly in the cabin, so Ms. Brathen booked him in the hold. But two days before her flight, Ringo’s passage was canceled. The reason? His layover at Schiphol was 15 minutes too long, according to the new rule.

She ended up leaving him in Sweden with her brother, and plans to reunite this winter.

“There wasn’t a clear explanation, and if they had shared that in the beginning, we never would have taken him on the trip,” Ms. Brathen said.

Jeni Redmon, who helps coordinate pet transportation for private clients, said that even before the pandemic, many airlines were frustrated with the labor required to transport pets.

“Handling pets is difficult,” she said. “I think some of these services were on the way out prior to Covid. This was just the kick in the pants that the airlines needed.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places list .

A Closer Look at Man’s Best Friend

Dogs are more than just pets, they’re our companions..

How exactly did dogs take over our world? A writer spent a week in the world of luxury dog “hotels”  to find out.

Small dogs with prominent noses live longer than bigger, flat-faced canines,  a new study suggests.

Longevity drugs for our canine companions are moving closer to reality. Here is what to know .

Can your dog make you sick? While dog lovers cherish their pets’ affection, their licks and nips can potentially spread harmful germs .

How do you handle an aggressive dog? Trainers weighed in on how owners can help pets keep their cool .

DogTV, a pay-TV service designed for dogs who are stuck at home alone, hopes to tap into a huge new audience of pandemic puppies  — plus their owners.

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• Special assistance

Carry on or transport your pet

Depending on animal breed and size, they can travel as a carry-on or be transported through American Airlines Cargo. Carry-on pets are limited to cats and dogs that meet the size, age and destination requirements.

We only accept checked pets at the ticket counter for active-duty U.S. Military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders. Fees and restrictions apply.

Fully-trained service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge if they meet the requirements.

Service animals

Which destinations allow travel with pets?

You can travel with a pet on most flights up to 12 hours or flights to / from select locations:

• Within the 48 contiguous United States
• The U.S. and Canada*
• Puerto Rico

*Additional special restrictions may apply when traveling with pets to / from these destinations.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a temporary suspension of dogs (carry-on or checked), including fully trained service dogs, traveling to the United States (U.S.) from a country considered high-risk for dog rabies.

Only service dogs traveling to the U.S. from high-risk countries with an approved CDC Dog Import Permit, or that meet CDC U.S. vaccination and microchip requirements may fly on American. Contact Special Assistance to request travel with a cat or dog in cabin from a high-risk country.

CDC notice of temporary suspension Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Dogs traveling to the U.S. from countries affected by ‘screwworm’ must meet specific requirements from the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services (USDA APHIS VS), including fully trained service dogs.

USDA APHIS VS import requirements Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

The Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources does not accept applications to import assistance or service animals of any species other than dogs.

An assistance or service dog which is accredited by an Australian State or Territory Government will also qualify. In most cases these animals are returning to Australia.

Australian requirements for assistance and service dogs Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

You’ll be responsible for fulfilling all entry requirements and must notify the department of the dog’s intended arrival at least 3 working days before export.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a suspension on the import of commercial dogs from countries at high-risk for dog rabies.

Commercial dogs will not be permitted to enter Canada from the identified high-risk countries.

CFIA notice of suspension Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines

Carry-on pets

You cannot travel with a carry-on pet when traveling to Jamaica.

Additional restrictions

When traveling with a pet to Trinidad and Tobago (POS), you cannot arrive on a flight before 8 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

Continental U.S.

Within the u.s..

Pets traveling within the U.S. and Puerto Rico must be at least 8 weeks old.

To the U.S.

All dogs (carry-on and checked) traveling to the U.S. must meet government regulations on vaccinations.

Requirements Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

You cannot travel with a carry-on pet when traveling to / from Hawaii.

Checked pets

You can travel with your pet to Hawaii as a checked pet if you:

• Only connect via Honolulu (HNL)*
• Follow Hawaii’s quarantine rules

Animal quarantine rules in Hawaii Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

*No pets are accepted on departures out of Honolulu prior to 8 a.m. HT between March 5 and November 1.

You cannot travel with your pet to Hawaii:

• On nonstop flights to Maui, the Big Island of Hawaii or Kauai
• If your pet is pregnant and past 45 days gestation

All pets traveling to Mexico must meet government regulations on vaccinations.

Government regulations and vaccinations in Mexico Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

South America

You cannot travel with a carry-on pet when traveling to / from:

Transatlantic

You cannot travel with a carry-on pet on transatlantic trips.

When traveling to the European Union (EU) with a checked pet, you’ll be responsible for completing all entry requirements. Your pet must have a tattoo or implanted microchip that matches the ID number on their vaccination card.

Apart from service animals, you can't travel with a checked pet to the U.K. or Ireland, but you can transport dogs and cats to London (LHR) and Manchester (MAN) with American Airlines Cargo.

Transport your pet with American Airlines Cargo Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

Transpacific

You cannot travel with a carry-on pet on transpacific trips.

Japan exceptions

Although you can travel with a checked pet from Japan to Los Angeles (LAX) or Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), pets are not allowed as checked bags to Japan. According to USDA restrictions, animals should be offered water every 12 hours, so for travel with a checked pet to LAX or DFW, you must book a flight 12 hours or less.

If you’re traveling with a checked pet for travel from Japan, you’ll need to:

• Make sure your pet has a microchip and documents required by the country you are traveling to
• Notify the Japanese Animal Quarantine Service at least 7 days prior to departure to arrange an inspection

Japanese animal quarantine service Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

On flights with American you can bring one pet carrier as a carry-on if:

• You pay the carry-on pet fee
• Your pet stays in the pet carrier and under the seat in front of you the entire flight

You can bring only one additional item on board with your pet:

• A personal item like a purse or small handbag; or
• A carry-on bag that meets requirements and fits in the overhead bin

Carry-on bags

Remember, you can only bring one with your pet carrier, not both.

Pet strollers must be checked at the ticket counter, and all checked bag fees apply.

To add a carry-on pet to your trip, follow these steps:

• Find your trip on aa.com or the American app
• In the Special Services section, select ‘Add carry-on pets’
• Review and agree to the carry-on pet requirements
• Select the flights that you want your pet to travel on
• Confirm your carry-on pet to complete the changes

Find your trip

At the airport, go to the American ticket counter to pay the fee and ensure your pet and kennel meet the requirements.

We assume no liability for the health or well-being of carry-on pets. These rules are enforced:

• Pets must be small enough to fit comfortably inside the closed / zipped carrier.
• Non-collapsible kennels can’t exceed the under-seat dimensions of any aircraft included in your journey. Please contact Reservations to verify maximum dimensions.
• Soft-sided collapsible kennels are recommended and can be slightly larger but still need to fit under the seat without having to excessively collapse the kennel. They must be secure, padded, made of water-repellant material and have nylon mesh ventilation on 3 or more sides.

Carry-on kennel dimensions

Hard-sided kennel.

• Mainline flights on American: 19 x 13 x 9 inches / 48 x 33 x 22 centimeters (length + width + height)
• Regional flights on American Eagle: 16 x 12 x 8 inches / 40 x 30 x 20 centimeters (length + width + height)

Soft-sided kennel (recommended)

18 x 11 x 11 inches / 46 x 28 x 28 centimeters (length + width + height)

Contact Reservations to verify maximum dimensions.

Reservations and ticket changes

Flying in First / Business on an A321T?

• Pets must stay in their kennel during your flight and will need to be placed in a dedicated animal friendly compartment at the front of the plane during taxi, take-off, landing and turbulence
• The combined weight of the carrier and your pet can’t exceed 20 lbs. / 9.07 kgs., weighed at check-in

We can only accept:

• 7 kennels on American flights, excluding service animals
• 5 kennels on American Eagle flights; 1 in First

Due to the lack of underseat storage space, carry-on pets are not permitted in First or Business on:

As recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), we don’t accept pets that have been sedated or tranquilized. Pets that have been given sedatives or tranquilizers are at a higher risk of respiratory and cardiovascular problems at high altitudes.

If your pet is too large to fly in the cabin, it must travel with American Airlines Cargo. Keep in mind, we only accept checked pets for active-duty U.S. Military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders, and the pet carrier must meet all kennel guidelines for checked-pets. If you don’t meet these requirements, your pet may not travel. Fees and restrictions apply.

Kennel guidelines for checked pets

We only accept checked pets for active-duty U.S. military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders. Up to 2 pets may be checked and they must meet the minimum age and health requirements of the destination. Since capacity is limited, we accept checked pets on a first-come basis.

When checking a pet, you need to:

• Contact Reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel
• Check in at the ticket counter with your official orders
• Allow extra check-in time (at least 2 hours and no more than 4 hours before your flight)
• Complete a checklist with an agent
• Provide a health certificate

To ensure the health and safety of your pet, the health certificate you provide must be issued by a vet within:

• 10 days of your travel
• 60 days of your return (travel on the same ticket)
• 10 days of your return (travel on a separate ticket)

All USDA health requirements Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

American PetEmbark™

American Airlines Cargo offers the American PetEmbark™ service for pets that don’t qualify to travel as carry-on or checked pets.

Ship your pet through American PetEmbark™ Opens another site in a new window that may not meet accessibility guidelines.

When checking in your pet, there are specific requirements for their kennel:

• Large enough for your pet to stand, turn, sit and lie down in a natural position (without touching any side or the top of the container)
• Must not exceed maximum size requirements of the aircraft you're traveling on
• Must not exceed maximum weight (combined pet and kennel) of 100 lbs. / 45 kgs.
• Be made of wood, metal, plastic or similar materials
• Have a door made of welded or cast metal
• Secured at the top and bottom with bolts or screws
• Secured by yourself with release cable ties on all 4 corners (we’ll provide complimentary ties)
• Be rigid and secure enough so the animal cannot escape through gaps or poke any body part through the container
• Be leak and escape proof with a secure fastened door
• Have ventilation on at least 3 sides for domestic U.S. travel and 4 sides for international travel
• Have separate food and watering dishes attached securely inside the kennel
• Have a small bag of food for a 24-hour period attached to the top
• Be clean and have absorbent material (no straw, hay or wood shavings)

If you travel with 2 of your pets in the same kennel, they must be:

• The same species (2 cats or 2 dogs)
• A similar size and weigh less than 20 lbs. / 9.07 kgs. each
• Between 8 weeks and 6 months old

Aircraft restrictions and acceptable kennels

Checked pets cannot travel on:

• A321, A321H, A321neo, A321S

Cat restrictions

We don’t accept brachycephalic cats of any 'mix' as checked pets, such as:

• Exotic Shorthair

Cats must be at least 8 weeks old when traveling within the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Dog restrictions

We don’t accept brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs of any 'mix' as checked pets, such as:

• Affenpinscher
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Boston Terrier
• Boxer (all breeds)
• Brussels Griffon
• Bulldog (all breeds)
• Dogue De Bordeaux
• English Toy Spaniel
• Japanese Chin
• Mastiff (all breeds)
• Presa Canario
• Pug (all breeds)
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• Tibetan Spaniel

Dogs must be at least 8 weeks old when traveling within the U.S. and Puerto Rico. If you're traveling into the U.S., your dog's age and vaccine requirements depend on the risk of dog rabies where your trip starts. Dogs arriving from high-risk countries need to be at least 16 weeks old and have their rabies shots before traveling into the U.S.

Check if your trip starts in a high-risk country.

Flights with connections

If you’re traveling on a connecting flight, checked pets will only be able to connect through these cities:

• Charlotte, NC (CLT)
• Chicago O'Hare, IL (ORD)
• Dallas / Fort Worth, TX (DFW)
• Los Angeles, CA (LAX)
• New York Kennedy, NY (JFK)
• New York LaGuardia, NY (LGA)
• Miami, FL (MIA)
• Philadelphia, PA (PHL)
• Phoenix, AZ (PHX)
• Washington Reagan, DC (DCA)

Food and water

Due to Federal Regulations, you’ll need to provide written certification that:

• Your pet has been fed and offered water within 4 hours (with the specific time noted) before you deliver them to the airplane
• Is securely and visibly attached to the outside of the kennel
• Has your signature with the date and time you signed it

You’ll also need to provide feeding and watering instructions for a 24-hour period. Unless specified by a vet, you cannot leave instructions saying 'no food or water.'

If you’re flying with American Airlines, you can pay your pet travel fee at the airport or at a travel center with a credit card or paper voucher (where accepted). We don’t accept cash or checks for payment.

We don’t collect pet fees for other operating airlines on your trip (even if it has an American flight number). You’ll need to check in with each airline and pay your fees at check-in. To find out if you're on a partner airline, look for the words, "Operated by" on your ticket.

What's a codeshare?

*Fees shown apply for each destination without a voluntary stopover / connection of 4 hours or more. If your trip includes a voluntary stopover / connection of more than 4 hours, fees apply for each connection segment. All pet fees are non-refundable and apply per kennel, each way. Fees for transporting your pet with American Airlines Cargo may vary depending on the trip details and size of the animal and kennel.

**For tickets issued on / before February 19, 2024, the carry-on pet fee per kennel is $125 and for tickets issued on / after February 20, 2024, the fee is $150.

Temperature restrictions

We have temperature restrictions to make sure checked pets and pets traveling with American Airlines Cargo aren’t exposed to extreme heat or cold:

• In the animal holding areas
• At terminal facilities
• When moving the animals between terminal and the plane
• On a plane awaiting departure

You cannot travel with a pet if the current or forecasted temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29.4 degrees C) at any location on the itinerary.

Pets not traveling in cabin cannot travel to / through / from Phoenix (PHX), Tucson (TUS), Las Vegas (LAS) or Palm Springs (PSP) May 1 – September 30.

You cannot travel with a pet if the ground temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7.2 degrees C) at any location on the itinerary.

We may waive the cold temperature restrictions if you have a written letter from a licensed vet that includes:

• Your name and address
• Your pet’s name
• Your vet’s name and signature
• Your vet’s accreditation date and number
• The temperature your pet is acclimated to

The letter must be dated:

• Within 10 days of the first flight your pet will be on
• Within 30 days of any other trips in the same itinerary

You may need an additional letter for lengthy trips. If the temperature is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6.6 degrees C), your pet cannot be checked even with a letter from your vet.

Flying on a partner airline?

Find helpful information if your trip includes 1 or more flights with our partner airlines.

• British Airways
• Japan Airlines
• Qatar Airways

Bringing an Animal into the United States

CDC is extending its temporary suspension of dog importation from high-risk dog rabies countries until July 31, 2024. This suspension includes dogs arriving from countries without high risk of rabies if the dogs have been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months. Learn about the current rules: What Your Dog Needs to Enter the United States

CDC regulations  govern the importation of animals and animal products capable of causing human disease. Pets taken out of the United States are subject upon return to the same regulations as those entering for the first time.

CDC does not require general certificates of health for pets for entry into the United States. However, health certificates may be required for entry into some states or may be required by airlines. Check with officials in the state of final destination and with the airline before your travel date.

CDC is aware that Internet scammers are falsely representing themselves as CDC employees in emails to US citizens. Learn more about internet pet adoption scams .

Photo credit: Derek Sakris, CDC

Animals Regulated by CDC

African rodents.

Control of Communicable Diseases; Restrictions on African Rodents, Prairie Dogs, and Certain Other Animals (42 CFR 71.56) Federal Register notice

Notice of Embargo of Civets May 3, 2005. On the CDC SARS site

Animals NOT Regulated by CDC

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Returning to the United States After Travel Abroad with Pets

Entry/re-entry of cats, entry/re-entry of dogs, entry/re-entry of horses.

A multitude of diseases and parasites might be encountered in a foreign environment. The disease-causing organisms that animals may harbor have the potential to produce serious consequences. For example, in 2003 an outbreak of monkeypox in people in the United States was traced to Gambian giant rats, which carried the virus from Africa. The rats infected prairie dogs intended for the pet market, and the prairie dogs, in turn, infected people.

Depending on the country you are returning from, there may be specific requirements to meet before leaving the country.

When citizens return to the United States, their pets—which may be infected with foreign diseases or parasites—are also presented for re-entry into the country. Dogs, cats, and certain other pets are subject to measures designed to prevent the introduction and spread of parasites and rabies and other zoonotic diseases (diseases that humans can get from infected animals). If an animal is found to have one of these diseases, the case must be reported to the appropriate state authorities, who in turn, will notify the proper federal agencies.

Upon arrival in the US, owners should schedule a physical examination by a veterinarian. This examination may include blood tests. Pets may need to be treated to resolve any infestations that may have occurred while the animal was in transit. There may be additional restrictions if you enter the United States through Puerto Rico, Guam, or Hawaii. Before returning through these ports, travelers should contact animal health inspectors for additional information.

The general re-entry requirement is that all dogs and cats imported into the US be visually inspected by US Public Health Service personnel. Only those animals that are free of any evidence of infectious disease may be admitted. Animals showing signs of illness such as emaciation, skin sores, disturbances of the nervous system, jaundice, or diarrhea, must be examined, tested, or treated at the owner’s expense by a licensed veterinarian designated by the agency.

Cats are subject to the general requirements for entry as stated above. Rabies vaccination of cats is not a federal requirement; however, some states require vaccination prior to entry.

Regardless of their age, dogs may be admitted to the US without restriction if they appear healthy and have been in a rabies-free area for at least the 6 months immediately preceding arrival in the US or since birth. Dogs coming from a high-risk country will need a certificate proving they have been vaccinated for rabies. Dogs coming from a low-risk country or one that is free of rabies, however, do not need a rabies vaccine certificate.

Dogs arriving from countries other than those listed as rabies-free may be admitted to the US if they are 3 months of age or older, free of any evidence of infectious disease, and accompanied by a valid certificate of rabies vaccination. All 3 requirements must be met. Vaccination certificates must identify the dog, be signed by a licensed veterinarian, and specify the expiration date, which must be after the date of arrival. If the expiration date is not indicated on the certificate, the certificate is considered to be valid for only 1 year from the date of issue. Vaccination certificates should also specify the date of vaccination, which must be at least 30 days before the arrival date.

The USDA should be contacted for requirements specific to dogs used for working livestock to prevent importation of Echinococcus species, which are tapeworms associated with the development of hydatid cysts in livestock and humans. Current regulations should always be checked in advance.

The CDC does not regulate importation of horses into the US unless the horse is known to carry a disease transmissible to humans. The USDA requires quarantine of horses for various time periods (3 to 60 days), depending on which country the horse is entering from. The owner or transporter should contact the port veterinarian at one of the USDA Animal Import Centers to reserve space at the quarantine facility.

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Pet Import and Export

Interstate requirements.

Requirements for bringing dogs, cats, ferrets, and other small animals (e.g., rabbits, chinchillas, hedgehogs, and other small mammals) into Washington State are under the authority of WAC 16-54-170 . See additional information at: Small Animal Import | Washington State Department of Agriculture . Note that rescue pets or pets being rehomed are subject to additional requirements. Additionally, ​Washington State does not offer any exemptions to rabies vaccination for dogs, cats and ferrets that are older than 90 days of age. Contact  Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) - Animal Health Program  at 360-902-1878 with questions on import requirements for pets.

International Requirements

Pets coming into Washington from outside the United States must meet federal and state ( WAC 16-54-170 ) import requirements.

USDA APHIS | Bringing a Pet INTO the U.S. From Another Country (Import)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Bringing an Animal into U.S. | Importation | CDC Animals regulated by the CDC include dogs, cats, turtles, monkeys, bats, birds from specified countries, civets, and African rodents. Other species may be regulated by other agencies.

Pets traveling to another state or foreign country must meet requirements specific to that destination.

From Washington State to another state in the United States

• Check the USDA APHIS Pet Travel site and select the specific state to which you are traveling with your pet: USDA APHIS | Taking a pet from one U.S. State/Territory to another U.S. State/Territory (Interstate)

Contact the  Destination State Veterinarian's office  for additional requirements. International Requirements

• Check the USDA APHIS Pet Travel site and select the specific country to which you are traveling with your pet:   USDA APHIS | Taking a Pet FROM the U.S. to Another Country (Export)

I'm importing a pet that's not old enough for its rabies vaccination. What should I know?

Unvaccinated pets that enter from another state will have to be vaccinated against rabies when they are old enough, according to  state requirements . Keep your pet confined at home until its first rabies vaccination, and then for another 30 days to allow time for the vaccination to take effect and give full protection to your pet.

I'm adopting a rescue pet from outside the state. What should I know?

Some people are buying and selling dogs and cats that have been imported illegally, including rescue pets. Importation of animals for adoption by any person or organization must comply with all state and federal regulations. If you intend to adopt a cat or dog – adopt only from a reputable rescue organization. The rescue organization should be open to answering your questions and willing to share all information on the animal's current health and history. Many states and countries have diseases that don’t occur in Washington and could be a risk for your new pet. Be sure paperwork lists where the animal is coming from and where it is going. Visit a veterinarian right away with your new pet to confirm its age; check that the rabies vaccination certificate is complete, accurate, and information has not been falsified; and complete a thorough exam. Learn more, see  WSDA's What to Know When Rescuing a Pet in Washington State .

What is considered a “valid” rabies vaccination certificate?

When traveling, you may be asked to show “proof” that your pet is immunized against rabies. Always carry a copy of your pet's current, valid rabies vaccination certificate with you. Before leaving on your trip, make sure the certificate is complete and valid. Rabies vaccination certificate should include:

• Name and address of owner
• Breed, sex, color, markings and other identifying information for the pet
• Date of rabies vaccination and vaccine product information
• Date the vaccination expires
• Name, license number, address, and signature of veterinarian who administered the vaccination

Learn more from  CDC on what is a valid rabies vaccination certificate  necessary for international travel.

Do airlines have other requirements?

Airlines have their own rules on whether and how a pet can travel. Contact your airline to learn what pets and types of confinement satisfies their requirements and restrictions. For more information on how to fly with your pet, see  CDC's Tips on Traveling with Pets  and  AVMA's Transporting Animals-Basic Requirements and Considerations .

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American Airlines changes pet policy, allows passengers to bring carry-on with pet carrier

Good news for pet owners! American Airlines is relaxing its pet policy and allowing those who travel with their animal companions to bring a full-size carry-on too, along with the pet carrier.

"On flights with American you can bring one pet carrier as a carry-on if: You pay the carry-on pet fee; Your pet stays in the pet carrier and under the seat in front of you the entire flight," says American Airline's on their website , adding that passengers can also bring "one additional item on board with your pet," which can be a personal item like a purse or small handbag or a carry-on bag that fits in the overhead bin and meets the airline's requirements .

"Remember, you can only bring one with your pet carrier, not both," says American.

Earlier, travelers with pets were only allowed to bring a small personal item, that could fit under the seat if they were bringing their pet onboard. Anything bigger than that, like a carry-on, was required to be checked for $35. Alternatively, pet owners could put their pet in the cargo hold if they wanted to bring a bigger item with them on the flight.

However, there has been no change in fees required to bring a pet onboard. That remains fixed at $150, as per the American Airline's website. Meanwhile, pet strollers are still required to be checked in and all checked bag fees apply.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

American Airlines did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment and what prompted the relaxation in policy.

Flying with a dog? Here’s how to ensure a smooth flight for your pet

Traveling with pets

Even with the relaxation in policy, experts advise thoughtful planning and research before traveling with pets and considering factors such as choosing a pet-friendly airline, insurance and preparing your pet for the journey ahead of time.

Every airline has its own guidelines for traveling with pets and the websites for domestic carriers like Southwest , JetBlue , American , Alaska , United and Delta each spell out what pets can travel where and the requirements for a carrier that can fit under the seat.

There are limitations on the number of pets a passenger can travel with on different aircrafts and travelers are advised to go through the airline policies before making their travel plans and booking tickets.

Similarly, country-based restrictions also apply, and travelers are advised to understand pet-entry requirements for their destination county when traveling abroad.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.

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Bird flu that infected Texas farm worker HAS mutated to spread more easily, CDC reveals - as three pet CATS die from virus and America's biggest egg producer is hit with outbreak

• Testing by CDC revealed the virus may have mutated in the Texas patient to better spread in mammals
• Experts are also warning over infections detected in three pet cats which died from the disease
• READ MORE: Experts warn DailyMail.com that bird flu could mutate further

By Luke Andrews Senior Health Reporter For Dailymail.Com

Published: 09:19 EDT, 3 April 2024 | Updated: 11:23 EDT, 3 April 2024

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The strain of  bird flu that infected a person in Texas has mutated to spread more easily, officials say — amid growing alarm the disease could spread to more people.

The CDC  said tests on the H5N1 sample showed it had a mutation that was 'known to be associated with viral adaptation to mammalian hosts' - but insisted the mutations were minor and the overall risk to the public was low.

This mutation was not detected in cattle or in wild birds, with officials saying it 'may have been acquired in the patient during the development of the [eye infection]'. 

Meanwhile, three pet cats have died from bird flu  after catching the disease on dairy farms in Texas, according to reports — as fears are raised that infected animals living near humans could spread the disease to people.

And the largest egg producer in the US has revealed bird flu has been detected in its flock, with nearly 2million chickens now set to be culled. There is growing concern that the outbreak on farms could cause supply chain issues or drive up the price of eggs and dairy products.

It comes amid  concerns that H5N1 — which has already triggered a pandemic in the animal world — could soon do the same in humans. The EU's Food Safety Agency (EFSA) warned Wednesday that a large-scale bird flu pandemic could be triggered if the virus becomes transmissible between people.

A cat pictured in close contact with dairy cows. Three pet cats on an infected dairy farm in Texas have died after contracting H5N1 (stock image)

Infectious disease experts warn every infection in mammals or humans raises the risk of the virus gaining new mutations enabling it to infect people.

Dr Francois Balloux, an epidemiologist in the UK, warned on X that the situation 'might change for the worse, eventually'.

But he added: 'People not professionally involved in pandemic prevention/mitigation being worried/feeling miserable now won't make any material difference to what may hit us, except that their life would suck, far more than it should.'

Dr Peter Hotez, a virologist at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, told DailyMail.com that the cases were 'a reminder that avian influenza is circulating and continuously jumping to new mammalian hosts.

'So far, the subsequent jumps to humans are still uncommon and not producing severe illness,' he added, 'but I believe this could change eventually'.

The mutation detected on the virus infecting a dairy farm worker in Texas has been recorded previously, the CDC said — and did not spark a major outbreak at that time.

The change, on the PB2 gene linked to how the virus makes copies of itself, has not been recorded on wild poultry on in infections in cows. 

The above graph shows human cases of avian influenza globally reported by year. The colors represent different countries with the light blue being Egypt and the orange being Cambodia

The CDC said: 'It is important to note that this substitution has not been seen in available PB2 genes from viruses circulating in wild birds and poultry or in the recently described cattle viruses detected in Texas.

'[This suggests that] the mutation may have been acquired in the patient during the development of conjunctivitis.'

Bird flu makes millions of copies of itself within every cell it infects before bursting out to infect other nearby cells. A number of these copies contain mutations, with every new copy raising the risk of a mutation emerging which could help the virus to infect or spread between humans.

Colorado prison inmate becomes first US citizen infected H5N1

The only symptom he reported was 'fatigue for a few days' and has since recovered. However, the CDC reported he is still be isolated and treated with the influenza antiviral drug oseltamivir.

The patient in Texas had a mild infection, with their only symptom being inflammation of the eye. 

The first case of bird flu in the US reported in 2022 in a prison worker also saw the patient suffer only from fatigue for a few days.

There are also concerns over infections with bird flu detected in pets — which raises the risk of the virus being spread to humans.

Yesterday, three pet cats were reported to have died after being infected with the virus on an affected dairy farm in Texas.

So far, seven dairy farms in Texas have reported outbreaks alongside two in Kansas and one each in New Mexico and Michigan . There are also suspicions over another outbreak at a farm in Ames, Iowa .

Cows infected are reported to be 'lethargic', eating less food and producing less milk than previously — although they are not dying from the disease.

At the same time, more outbreaks are being reported at poultry farms — leaving farmers with no option but to cull their birds.

The largest egg producer in the US — Cal-Maine — revealed yesterday it would need to cull 2million birds after the virus was detected in its flock. 

Officials in Michigan are now also urging people to take enhanced measures to protect their flocks. 

This is raising concerns over rising prices of milk and eggs.

Farmers are being required to dispose of milk from infected animals, while egg producers are knocked out of action for months by the culling of their flocks.

In 2022, egg prices surged more than 50 percent in response to the outbreak — with a dozen large, Grade A eggs, priced at $3.59 in November compared to $1.72 at the same time the year earlier. They peaked in January, 2023, at $4.82 for a dozen eggs.

Bird flu started to take off in 2020 after a wild bird flu swapped genes with a version of the virus from domestic poultry.

It spread rapidly via migrating birds and in May 2021 it was confirmed to have crossed the bird-mammal barrier for the first time  — after two baby foxes in the Netherlands tested positive for the disease.

One died from the infection, while the other was euthanized because of its symptoms. The route of infection was not confirmed, but scientists said it was likely via eating the carcass of an infected bird.

In January 2022, the first case was then diagnosed in a human — in 79-year-old Alan Gosling from the UK.

The former engineer had contracted the virus from one of the 20 Muscovy ducks he shared his home with — and had only mild symptoms.

Barely three months later  a second human case was reported in a prison inmate working on a poultry farm in Colorado.

The patient also suffered from only mild symptoms — 'fatigue for a few days' — and later recovered after taking the antiviral drug oseltamivir.

In November 2022, China recorded the first death from the virus — in a poultry farm worker who was infected with H5N1.

Sporadic cases have been detected since, but experts say the numbers are still much lower than the outbreak in Egypt around 2015 — when more than a hundred cases were detected. 

Bird flu began to spread to domestic birds in February 2022, when the US revealed it had detected H5N1 in a turkey flock.

In that year alone, an estimated 52million birds had to be culled to stop the virus spreading — sending up the price of eggs and chicken meat.

More culling was done in 2023 and again this year, with the total number of culled birds now estimated to be more than 82million.

There are also concerns that the virus could spread into other animals with closer contact with humans after a dog in Ottawa, Canada, tested positive in April 2023.

And there are signs that it is gaining the ability to spread between mammals including seals, after 17,000 pups died at a colony in Patagonia.

Experts said at the time that the animals had been infected with bird flu, and warned that it was likely spreading between animals at the site.

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March 28, 2024 - Baltimore Key Bridge collapse

By Antoinette Radford, Maureen Chowdhury , Tori B. Powell , Elise Hammond and Aditi Sangal , CNN

Our live coverage has ended. Follow the latest news on the Baltimore bridge collapse or read through the updates below. 

Here's what we learned from the authorities this evening

From CNN staff

The federal government has given Maryland officials the $60 million requested to cover the first steps of responding to  the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge , according to a Federal Highway Administration news release.

Federal Highway Administration chief Shailen Bhatt said the emergency funding would go toward removing debris, rerouting traffic and ultimately rebuilding the bridge.

Here's what else the authorities said in a news briefing this evening:

• Four directives to recovery: Gov. Wes Moore outlined four main priorities as Maryland looks to recover after the bridge collapse. The directives include: Continued focus on efforts to recover the construction workers presumed dead "to bring a sense of closure to these families," open the channel and restart traffic to the port, taking care of those affected, rebuilding the Key Bridge.
• Murky water conditions: Moore said the " water is so dark , and debris is so dense, that in most instances our divers cannot see more than a foot or two in front of them."
• Major resources mobilized: The Army Corps of Engineers is moving the largest crane in the Eastern Seaboard to Baltimore to help clear the channel, and it is expect to arrive later on Thursday evening, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said. Clearing the channel has been an important goal so trade and traffic through the port can resume. The Army Corps of Engineers plan to cover the full cost of clearing the channel where Baltimore's Key Bridge collapsed, Sen. Chris Van Hollen said Thursday.
• One larger vehicle detected underwater: There's at least one vehicle of a large size that has been detected underwater, and it is encapsulated by the superstructure of the bridge, concrete and other things, according to Col. Roland L. Butler Jr., the superintendent of Maryland State Police.
• Monitoring possible leaks and pollution: Over 2,400 feet of boom have been deployed to contain any leaks of pollution in the aftermath of the collapse of the Key Bridge, Moore said. Separately, 14 containers on the ship were impacted , and they contained items like soap and perfume, Coast Guard Rear Adm. Shannon Gilreath said, adding that he did not have information on whether any of those materials went overboard. Air monitors are in place to track any potential threats and they have not picked up any threats so far, Gilreath said.

There's at least 1 larger vehicle underwater, official says

From CNN's Aditi Sangal

There's at least one vehicle of a large size that has been detected underwater, according to Col. Roland L. Butler Jr., the superintendent of Maryland State Police.

"There's at least one vehicle, larger in size, that is completely encapsulated by the superstructure of the bridge, concrete," among other things, Butler said Thursday evening. "It's going to take some time to get to that, and it's going to take some time to do that carefully" before divers can go to recover that vehicle, he added.

2,400 feet of boom was used to contain possible toxic materials, Maryland governor says

There have been over 2,400 feet of boom deployed to contain any leaks of pollution in the aftermath of the collapse of the Key Bridge, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said Thursday.

He said he personally did not see any sheen on the water when he went to assess the situation on site.

Remember: 56 containers with hazardous materials were found on the vessel.

There are 14 containers on the ship were impacted, and they contained items like soap and perfume, Coast Guard Rear Adm. Shannon Gilreath said at the briefing, adding that he did not have information on whether any of those materials went overboard.

Air monitors are in place to track any potential threats and they have not picked up any threats so far, Gilreath added.

Baltimore mayor says he remains hopeful bodies of other workers will be recovered

From CNN's Elise Hammond

Baltimore's mayor said he is still "hopeful" the bodies of the other workers presumed dead will be recovered.

Authorities announced on Wednesday they were pausing search and recovery efforts  for the four other workers presumed dead because debris made it unsafe for divers to continue. Once this next phase of salvage operations is complete and the debris is cleared, divers will search for more remains.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said that during the salvage operation, he hopes "we are able to recover those who remain missing and bring them home to their families.

The mayor said he directed his administration to work with the governor’s office “on any and every effort that must be taken.”

Army Corps of Engineers will bear the full cost of clearing the channel, Sen. Chris Van Hollen says

The Army Corps of Engineers will cover the full cost of clearing the channel where Baltimore's Key Bridge collapsed, Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen said Thursday.

"We all recognize that getting the Port of Baltimore running again at full speed is a priority given all the jobs that are associated with it, all the small businesses, all the other businesses," Sen. Van Hollen said at Thursday's news briefing. "And as the governor pointed out, this is not just a Maryland issue, it's a national and global question."

The largest crane in the Eastern Seaboard is expected to arrive in Baltimore later today, governor says

The Army Corps of Engineers is moving the largest crane in the Eastern Seaboard to Baltimore to help clear the channel, and it is expected to arrive Thursday evening, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said.

"Under the leadership of Col. (Estee S.) Pinchasin, the Army Corps is moving the largest crane in the Eastern Seaboard to Baltimore to help us," Moore said at a news conference. "It is estimated that will arrive later this evening."

"It's a 1,000-ton crane coming around midnight," Sen. Chris Van Hollen said at the same news conference. "And another 400-ton crane coming Saturday for the operations to clear the channel."

The post was updated with information about the crane from Sen. Van Hollen.

Officials are assessing pieces of the bridge before they pull them out of the water, Coast Guard says

Officials working to remove the collapsed Key Bridge from the channel are conducting a full assessment of all pieces of debris before they can lift them out of the water, Coast Guard Rear Adm. Shannon Gilreath.

This assessment is critical in figuring out how to cut the bridge into the right size pieces so cranes can lift them out, he said.

“We are doing those assessments right now with underwater surveys, with engineering teams back in unified command,” Gilreath said, adding that the assessment is in coordination with several other partners, including the US Army Corp of Engineers.

“That is our number one priority is to reopen the Port of Baltimore as fast as we can, and do it safely,” he added.

Murky conditions are hindering divers' vision during underwater operations, Maryland governor says 

Water conditions are hindering divers' visibility as they conduct recovery operations, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said Thursday.

"That water is so dark, and debris is so dense, that in most instances our divers cannot see more than a foot or two in front of them," Moore said at a news briefing. "So much of the operation is simply feel."

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