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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 .

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Related Links

• Importation and Human Remains
• Import Permit Program (IPP)
• Travelers' Health
• Healthy Pets Healthy People
• United States-Mexico Public Health
• Quarantine and Isolation
• Division of Global Migration and Quarantine

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Bringing a Dog into the United States

CDC regulations require that dogs imported into the United States are healthy and are vaccinated against rabies before arrival into the United States. These requirements apply equally to all dogs, including puppies and service animals.

If your dog is imported from a rabies-free country , CDC does not require rabies vaccination. However, every state requires that dogs be vaccinated against rabies, and all pet dogs arriving in the state of Hawaii and the territory of Guam , even from the U.S. mainland, are subject to locally imposed quarantine requirements depending on their rabies vaccination status.

Dogs may be denied entry if they look like they are sick with a communicable disease or if proof of a valid rabies vaccination is not provided. If a dog appears to be sick at the port of entry, further examination by a licensed veterinarian at the dog owner’s expense might be required. See International Travel with Your Pet for more information.

Proof of Rabies Vaccination

Rabies vaccination is required for all dogs entering the United States from a country where rabies is present. Dogs that have never been vaccinated against rabies must be vaccinated at least 30 days prior to arrival. Adult dogs older than 15 months of age that have previously received a rabies vaccination given no earlier than 3 months of age and that has since expired may be imported immediately following booster vaccination, without the need to wait for 30 days.

Dogs must be accompanied by a current, valid rabies vaccination certificate that includes the following information:

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

Puppies must not be vaccinated against rabies before 3 months of age, so the youngest that a puppy can be imported into the United States is 4 months of age.

These requirements apply to all dogs, including service animals such as guide dogs for the blind.

Crossing the Mexican or Canadian border with your dog?

Download this poster in English and Spanish for more information about what you need to bring!

• Mexican border – English [ PDF – 1 page ]
• Mexican border – Spanish [ PDF – 1 page ]
• Canadian border – English [ PDF – 1 page ]

Importation of Unvaccinated Dogs

Importation of dogs that are not vaccinated against rabies is allowed on a limited basis. Unvaccinated dogs may be imported if:

• They are arriving from a rabies-free country where they have lived for the past 6 months or since birth (check the country list here),
• They are being imported for use in scientific research where rabies vaccination would interfere with that research, or
• They meet the criteria specified in the Issuance and Enforcement Guidance for Dog Confinement Agreements .

Unvaccinated dogs that arrive in the United States from countries that are not considered rabies-free may be denied entry to the United States. Importing a dog purchased outside of the United States or that originated in the United States does not meet the criteria for a confinement agreement.  All dogs are expected to meet CDC’s dog importation regulatory requirements.  Importers are expected to exhaust all other reasonable options for delaying the importation of dogs until they are fully vaccinated against rabies before being considered for a confinement agreement. Questions about importing unvaccinated dogs may be directed to CDC at [email protected]

How to apply for an unimmunized dog permit

Apply online for an unimmunized dog permit at least 10 business days before traveling to the United States. One permit, per dog, per trip.

How to submit permit application

• For Windows operating systems, click “Send Via Email” at the bottom right-hand corner of the application.
• For MAC and other operating systems, save the completed application on your computer and send as an attachment to [email protected] from your own email account.
• Or FAX your application to 404-471-8552.

Issuance and Enforcement Guidance for Dog Confinement Agreements

On July 10, 2014, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posted guidance on the Issuance and Enforcement Guidance for Dog Confinement Agreements . This guidance describes the factors that HHS/CDC will consider in deciding whether to issue a dog confinement agreement or deny entry of a dog being imported into the United States that has not been adequately vaccinated against rabies. Dog confinement agreements are covered under 42 CFR 71.51. This guidance became effective on August 11, 2014 (30 days after publication).

Frequently Asked Questions about the Federal Register Notice, Issuance and Enforcement Guidance for Dog Confinement Agreements »

Importation of Dogs from Rabies-free Countries

Unvaccinated dogs may be imported without proof of rabies vaccination if they have lived in a country that is considered free of rabies for a minimum of 6 months or since birth.

Following importation, all dogs are subject to state and local vaccination or health certificate requirements. All pet dogs arriving in the state of Hawaii and the territory of Guam , even from the U.S. mainland, are subject to locally imposed quarantine requirements. Additional information can be found in the Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control [PDF – 13 pages] .

Importation of Dogs from Countries Where Screwworm is Present

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS), requires that dogs that are being imported from countries or regions where screwworm is known to exist meet the following requirements:

• The dog must be accompanied by a certificate signed by a full-time salaried veterinary official of the region of origin stating that the dog has been inspected for screwworm within 5 days before shipment to the United States.
• The certificate must state that the dog is either free from screwworm or was found to be infested with screwworm and was held in quarantine and treated until free from screwworm before leaving the region.

Please refer to the USDA APHIS website for further information.

Importation of Dogs for Commercial/Breeding Purposes

There are no separate CDC regulations for dogs to be used for commercial purposes, rather than as personal pets. The rules for bringing domestic dogs into the United States are covered under U.S. regulation 42 CFR 71.51 .

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• Page last reviewed: August 18, 2017
• Page last updated: August 18, 2017
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID) Division of Global Migration and Quarantine (DGMQ)

There’s a Travel Ban on Dogs From More Than 100 Countries, and You Can Blame COVID-19

M arine Sgt. John Weldon was deployed in Syria when a dying, days-old puppy appeared at his military base in the middle of May.

To save the newborn, which was barely bigger than the hand of the local who dropped it off, the infantryman scoured the Internet for a recipe for puppy formula that he could make with limited ingredients. He nursed the pup every two to three hours with a mixture of condensed milk, egg yolk, water and yogurt, using a medical breathing tube and a syringe.

Weldon watched as the puppy he named Sully opened his eyes for the first time, as his baby teeth grew in, and as his puppy nose turn from speckled-pink to black. The two had bonded by the time the U.S. announced that, starting in July, dogs from 112 countries , including Syria, would be banned from entering the U.S. due to rabies concerns for at least a year.

Then, Weldon left Syria earlier than expected in August to help U.S. troops withdraw from Afghanistan , disrupting any chance of arranging to bring Sully home with him. “My hands were tied,” says Weldon, 30, who’s now back in California, still waiting to be reunited with his dog.

Like so many of life’s disruptions in the past 20 months, the pandemic is at the center of the predicament facing Weldon and countless other humans and animals. In 2020, as the U.S. reported shelter shortages amid surges in U.S. pet adoptions , sellers overseas capitalized on the demand , sending over hundreds of puppies with falsified vaccination records, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which implemented the new restrictions.

The nation’s first widespread travel ban against dogs is meant to prevent people and pets from exposure to the fatal canine rabies variant, for which there is no cure, federal health officials say. But it has stranded tens of thousands of dogs, including some who’ve bonded with service members abroad, as well as others taken in by rescue groups.

About 60,000 to 100,000 dogs are imported into the U.S. each year from high-risk rabies nations, the CDC says. The crackdown comes as major airlines are canceling thousands of flights and no longer transporting dogs in cargo holds due in part to pandemic-related issues such as staffing, making it even more costly and challenging to fly with pets domestically and internationally.

Despite drastically reduced flights into the U.S. in 2020 due to COVID-19—and the reduction in animals being transported on flights—the CDC turned away nearly 460 dogs in 2020 compared to about 300 in 2019. The vast majority came from countries deemed high-risk for dog rabies, including Russia, Ukraine and Colombia.

Read more: Dog Thieves Are Capitalizing on the Demand for Pandemic Pets

That’s a bigger deal than most people might think. Globally, dog rabies kills about one person every nine minutes, and nearly half are children under 15, according to Dr. Emily Pieracci, a veterinary epidemiologist with the CDC who specializes in rabies. Spread by bites or scratches from infected hosts, dog rabies accounts for 98% of rabies-related deaths in humans worldwide, Pieracci says. It’s less feared in the U.S., where it’s been eliminated since 2007, but it was not an easy feat to get rid of the disease. And just one infected dog could undo decades of progress while creating a cascade of new public health risks, veterinary experts say.

“The canine strain would change things completely,” says Dr. José Arce, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. While bat rabies is contained in certain U.S. wildlife reservoirs, dog rabies would be more expansive and threatening to humans. Because we live with and love dogs, an infection could likely spread rapidly from home to home in urban areas, affecting any unvaccinated warm-blooded mammal, including people and cats. “It could be a domino effect,” Arce says, “and it could just go wild.”

Despite popular Hollywood depictions of beloved pets turning into killer canines when rabid, the more common symptom of dog rabies is not extreme aggression but hyper-friendliness or lethargy, making the disease more difficult to detect. Most rabid dogs become subdued, and for many, the only symptom is that their bark sounds different. “People assume that a rabid dog is Cujo,” Pieracci says, referring to the novel and film about a killer Saint Bernard. “That is not the case.” Most animals develop symptoms within 30 days, but some don’t show signs for three months to a year, adding to the challenge, Pieracci says.

After a single rabid coyote entered Texas from Mexico in 1988, researchers say it infected hundreds of U.S. wild and domestic animals and led to two human deaths. By 1994, after the disease had spread about 160 miles north, the number of confirmed animal cases had grown from 17 to more than 530. All of them died, as did a 14-year-old boy and a 55-year-old woman. It cost millions of dollars over two decades to control the outbreak.

Read more: Some Workers Are Choosing Their Pets Over Their Jobs as Offices Reopen

Today, at least 42 states mandate rabies vaccines for pet dogs, and 38 states require cats to be vaccinated, according to Pieracci, but anti-vax sentiments permeated the pet world long before the COVID-era. Some pet owners falsely believe vaccinations are dangerous , while others feel the shots are unnecessary because their small dogs or cats don’t venture outside. “While we would like to say that more pets are now vaccinated against rabies,” Pieracci says, “we don’t know for sure.”

So in 2020, when hundreds of puppies were landing on U.S. soil with falsified rabies vaccination records from high-risk rabies countries, health officials raised red flags. Many of the imported puppies were estimated to be about six to eight weeks old, which is too young to receive a rabies vaccine, Pieracci says. Yet their paperwork indicated that they were much older and fully vaccinated.

While we would like to say that more pets are now vaccinated against rabies, we don't know for sure.

Then in June, a rescue dog flown in from Azerbaijan with undetected rabies made its way to a family in Pennsylvania, where it came into contact with at least a dozen people before testing positive and being euthanized, officials say. The incident sparked the largest multi-state rabid dog import investigation in U.S. history, according to Pieracci. It marked the fourth time since 2015 that a dog incubating rabies was imported into the U.S. by rescue groups. In each case, the CDC says, the dogs showed symptoms shortly after arrival, despite flying in with what appeared to be legitimate vaccine records. The U.S. announced its travel ban two days before the CDC was alerted to the rabid dog from Azerbaijan. The restrictions include dogs flying in from rabies-free places, such as the U.K., if they’ve been in a high-risk country within the last six months.

The battle for permits

There are some exceptions. On an “extremely limited basis,” the CDC says it would issue import permits , allowing some Americans to fly dogs in from high-risk nations. That includes U.S. government employees who are stationed overseas, foreign diplomats and those who temporarily moved abroad with their American-born pets for work. From July through the end of October, the CDC has issued more than 6,720 import permits, Pieracci says.

But applying for them has not been easy. Weldon has twice been rejected for a permit, despite having help from SPCA International, a group that has reunited more than 1,200 pets with soldiers in the last 13 years. Since the ban, the group has only been able to help two service members secure permits, while another 32 are still waiting. On Weldon’s first try, the CDC said Sully was too young. On his second try, the agency said Weldon had failed to submit the proper paperwork, and denied his request again. “The application is extremely vague and frustrating,” Weldon says. “I just want to get my dog home.”

I just want to get my dog home.

So does Sgt. John Kurulgan, a Marine Corps reservist, who cared for a litter of newborn puppies while deployed earlier this year in Tbilisi, Georgia. The five puppies brought the troops joy, increased their morale and boosted their mental health while they were far from home, he says. Now that Kurulgan, 27, is back in the U.S., he needs them more than ever. On the night the reservist returned from duty to New York City in September, his fiancee was killed in a car accident. The two were newly engaged, and Kurulgan says his bride-to-be had been looking forward to adopting one of the puppies—particularly a mixed-breed terrier named Peggy who was the outcast of her siblings.

“I’m really looking forward to getting Peggy,” Kurulgan says, “because, to be honest, it’s been hard this past month or so. It’s the only silver lining lately.” SPCA International has arranged foster care for Sully and Peggy, while efforts continue to reunite them with Weldon and Kurulgan.

For international rescue groups that rely on U.S. adoptions, operations have come to a near halt. In China, 112 dogs were bound for U.S. homes this year after being saved from meat trades by the nonprofit No Dogs Left Behind. Instead, they’re stuck in sanctuaries and shelters, which are filled to capacity, says Jackie Finnegan, the group’s vice president. Prior to the ban, about 95% of all rescued dogs were adopted by U.S. families. “To have those doors slammed shut,” Finnegan says, “it was a huge blow.”Even for people who get the much-sought after clearance, the hurdles don’t stop there.

A $31,000 one-way ticket

Pet-owners who have permits to fly dogs in from high-risk countries can currently enter at 18 airports across the country. In January, the approved airports of entry will drop to three: New York City, Los Angeles and Atlanta. And major airlines, including Delta and United, are not permitting dogs in cargo. So figuring out routes for pups to come home after receiving an import permit has been like “trying to nail jello to the wall,” says Dr. Walter Woolf, founder of Air Animal Pet Movers. The Florida-based pet-travel company has helped at least 20 people bring pets home since the ban was enacted, with another 30 in the pipeline. But the animal-lovers are paying up to 50% more to do so, due to lack of flights, fuel-cost spikes and other pandemic-related rises in travel expenses, Woolf says.

Read more: Pets Are Part of Our Families. Now They’re Part of Divorces

A Michigan family recently paid $31,000 to bring back their 5-year-old Black labrador-retriever named Summer from China, where they moved in 2019 for a temporary work assignment. That same trip would have cost about $12,000 to $15,000 pre-pandemic, Woolf says. But there was only one air cargo option available, which cost $18,000 just to ship the dog. The flight landed in Chicago, the closest approved port of entry to the family’s Detroit home. They drove about five hours the rest of the way.

While the CDC’s goal is to lift the ban in July 2022, Pieracci says the suspension could likely last longer as the agency works to find a long-term solution that will safely allow dogs from risky countries into the U.S. Federal health officials “don’t know yet” what that might look like, Pieracci says, but identifying one is a high priority. Part of that involves allowing a public-comment period and responding to feedback. The entire process can take a year or two, she says.

Meanwhile, pet-lovers brace for grueling waits. Weldon worries that Sully, who he raised from a ball of fur that could barely stand to a healthy dog prancing around his Marine base, might forget him. But he says the heartache that has come from trying to secure a permit is worth it to be able to have Sully home with him for the holidays.

“The unconditional love a dog gives you is unlike any other,” Weldon says. “I won’t ever quit.”

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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.

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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

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• Section 2 - The Pretravel Consultation
• Section 2 - Vaccination & Immunoprophylaxis— General Principles

Perspectives : Travelers' Perception of Risk

Cdc yellow book 2024.

Author(s): David Shlim

Travel medicine is based on the concept of risk reduction. In the context of travel medicine, “risk” refers to the possibility of harm occurring during a trip. Some risks are avoidable, while others are not. For example, vaccine-preventable diseases can be mostly avoided, depending on the protective efficacy of the vaccine. Perception of risk is a subjective evaluation of whether a risk is considered large or small; is 1 in 10,000 a large risk or a small risk? Tolerance refers to acknowledging a risk and accepting it; a risk of 1 in 100,000 might be tolerable for one traveler but not for another. The overall perception of risk is based on a combination of likelihood and severity. A low likelihood of a severe and untreatable disease might be perceived as more important than the greater likelihood of a less severe disease.

The rates of diseases (e.g., typhoid fever, malaria, Japanese encephalitis [JE]) in a particular country or location might not suffice for clinicians or travelers to make an individualized decision. Disease risks can range from 1 in 500 (an estimate of the risk for typhoid fever in unvaccinated travelers to Nepal) to 1 in 1,000,000 (an estimate of the risk for JE in travelers to Asia), and travelers need to determine what these statistics mean to them. Additional information to help make an informed decision should, most importantly, include the severity of the disease, how readily the disease can be treated, and the length and type of travel. For example, the disease risks encountered by high-end African safari goers might be quite different than the disease risks for people going to work in resource-poor areas of the same countries.

Even when risk is low, travelers’ decisions will still reflect their perception and tolerance of risk. When told that the risk for JE is 1 in 1,000,000, one traveler might reply, “Then I guess I don’t have to worry about it,” while another might say, “That 1 will be me!” Each traveler will have their own ideas about the risks, benefits, and costs of vaccines and drug prophylaxis; clinicians should discuss these with travelers in detail, with the goal of shared decision-making.

Perception and tolerance of risk are connected to the concept of commitment, particularly in regard to remote, adventurous travel. Commitment refers to the fact that certain parts of a journey might not easily be reversed once entered upon. For example, a traveler trekking into a remote area might need to accept that rescue, if available at all, could be delayed for days. A traveler who has a myocardial infarction in a country with no advanced cardiac services might have a difficult time obtaining definitive medical care. If the traveler has already contemplated and accepted this commitment, they can more appropriately prepare to deal with health concerns if they occur.

The goal of travel medicine should be to help travelers assess the various risks they could face and then educate them on how to manage and minimize, rather than try to eliminate, those risks. Travel medicine practitioners should discuss available risk statistics and discern the traveler’s perception and tolerance of risk, including their concerns about the risks from vaccines and prophylactic medications. Once this is done, the provider can then help travelers find their individual comfort level when making decisions about destinations, activities, and prevention measures.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a profound impact on travelers’ perception of risk. Every aspect of travel is now colored by the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), from the mixing of travelers on the journey itself, to destination accommodations and dining venues, to recreation and tourism activities. In addition, now, more than ever before, individual travelers are confronting and addressing their role as potential conduits for the global spread of disease; to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission to others, responsible travel currently entails (at a minimum) pretravel vaccination, a negative COVID-19 test result, and posttravel quarantine. The constantly shifting landscape, unprecedented in travel medicine, has upended our understanding and perception of risk. Figuring out whether travel is even safe or wise has become the most prominent decision people must now make, with no easy answers. What is true one week can be completely different a week later.

Risk perception, as it relates to travel in the era of COVID-19, is twofold: the risk of acquiring the disease while traveling, and the risk of being stranded by sudden lockdowns, quarantine, and flight cancellations. Travelers now have to weigh all of these issues well in advance, when planning for the typical overseas journey starts, and try to make guesses about the situation that could exist months into the future. As travel medicine providers, the best guidance we can give to travelers is to refer them to reliable resources of information about the latest conditions at their destination and help them remain flexible and willing to cancel their trip, even at the last moment, if or when the situation at the destination begins to worsen.

The following authors contributed to the previous version of this chapter: David R. Shlim

. . . perspectives chapters supplement the clinical guidance in this book with additional content, context, and expert opinion. The views expressed do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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Watch CBS News

Superbug from human eye drops outbreak spread to dogs

By Alexander Tin

Edited By Paula Cohen

Updated on: April 26, 2024 / 2:19 PM EDT / CBS News

Two dogs treated at a veterinary hospital in New Jersey last year have tested positive for a rare, drug-resistant strain of bacteria linked to a fatal outbreak blamed on now-recalled   eye drops that had been used in humans, a CDC investigator said Friday.

The animals were infected by a bacteria known as carbapenemase-producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, found in swabs of the lung and ear of two dogs from different owners at the hospital. 

Testing of the bacteria from the dogs found it to be "highly genetically related" to the germs behind an outbreak last year that ultimately sickened 81 human patients across 18 states. By the end of that outbreak, 14 patients lost their vision and four died.

Germs that produce carbapenemase are especially worrying to health officials in part because they can break down carbapenem antibiotics, a class of drugs typically reserved for infections resistant to other treatments, and can easily spread their resistance genes to other pathogens.

"So now that this bacteria has been introduced into the U.S. from the artificial tears, this resistance could spread," the CDC's Emma Price said Friday, presenting her team's findings at a conference of the agency's Epidemic Intelligence Service. 

The CDC bills its annual conference as a meeting of the agency's up-and-coming "disease detectives," presenting updates on their work across a swath of investigations and studies.

Price said one of the dogs had been swabbed while being seen at the hospital to try to diagnose a chronic cough. From the other dog, veterinarians had been trying to figure out the culprit of a stubborn ear infection.

Swabs were sent to an academic veterinary laboratory in Pennsylvania, which spotted uncommon signs of resistance in the germs and uploaded the genetic sequence of the strain to a national database — prompting the CDC and state health authorities to launch a probe.

"Because they had a grant and a veterinary microbiologist works there, he did his great due diligence and uploaded the results. That's how we got the notification, because the strain matched the outbreak strain," said Price.

Meanwhile, the eye drops outbreak in humans also prompted a crackdown by the Food and Drug Administration across the industry, leading to millions more bottles of over-the-counter brands yanked from shelves and banned from import. 

The initial outbreak was blamed on contaminated eye drops produced at a factory in India where Food and Drug Administration inspectors ultimately found dirty equipment and a long list of shortcuts in hygiene procedures. Other factories have also turned up worrying issues, ranging from barefoot workers to falsified records.

The FDA this year issued a warning for veterinary hospitals and pet owners urging them to check their supplies for recalled eye drops, after a report of an infection.

"The adverse event was in a cat that developed an eye infection after being treated with the drops. However, testing was not able to conclusively prove that the eye drops caused the infection," an FDA spokesperson told CBS News in March, after the warning.

Price said interviews with the two pet owners turned up no obvious explanations for how the drug-resistant germs got into their dogs. Neither had traveled internationally or visited human hospitals.

"Neither dog owner recalled using the tears [eye drops], although we do acknowledge the difficulty of recalling over the past year," said Price.

Both pets ultimately recovered and are now doing well, Price said. But their findings worried investigators, who found gaps in the animal hospital's infection prevention routines. Those could have offered a path for the germs to have spread from staff or other pets. 

Staff at the hospital had "limited" options to clean their hands, falling short of recommendations to offer hand sanitizer in every treatment area.

"There was also limited availability and just general lack of use of personal protective equipment, especially gloves," said Price.

Other potential brewing grounds for bacteria included equipment that was shared between staff also had "visible soiling and dust accumulation," and supposedly clean supplies which were stored within the splash zone of sinks. 

"These findings aren't specific to this hospital. This is part of a wider lack of emphasis of infection prevention and control in the veterinary setting," Price said.

One of the dogs also lives at home with three other pets, she said, prompting concern that the drug-resistant bacteria may have "colonized" the dog long-term and could eventually spread to others. 

Human patients are sometimes colonized for months to years by infections of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, according to the CDC.

"Fortunately the owners were not immune compromised, but we did alert them to the fact that there could be potential transmission to them and to alert their physicians as well for future healthcare visits," Price said, "and ideally keep the dogs away from other dogs in the future, which we understand is a difficult thing to do."

Alexander Tin is a digital reporter for CBS News based in the Washington, D.C. bureau. He covers the Biden administration's public health agencies, including the federal response to infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19.

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My Secret to Weeks of Free Lodging in Europe

I wanted to stay in apartments or houses—but i was a brand-new college grad on a budget.

This is One Thing , a column with tips on how to live.

After I graduated from college, I knew I wanted to travel for a few months, so I secured a part-time job that could be done remotely. I didn’t want to do my work shifts from a hostel bunk bed or random cafés that stayed open late. (I’d be in Europe, thanks to an EU passport, and my gig was based in the states.) Paying for Airbnbs the entire trip would eat up way too much of my paychecks. It was kismet that just as I was starting to plan my travels, my friend sent me a video about a couple traveling the world and dog-sitting along the way, using an app called Trusted Housesitters .

As an avid dog lover, I thought it was perfect. I paid a little over $100 to make an account, then started browsing housesits around the world. I adorned my profile with pictures of me and the various dogs in my life, and applied for opportunities across the ocean. Before I had even left the United States, I had three gigs set up: I’d spend about 10 days in Scotland and Wales, then three weeks in Amsterdam.

Just like when setting up drinks through a dating app, you do have to be vigilant and pay attention for red flags when talking to potential hosts. My stay in Scotland was less than ideal for many reasons—the situation could have been easily avoided if I had listened to my gut and declined that gig. (The app does do background checks, and there’s an opportunity for both sides to leave reviews, meaning you don’t go in completely unaware.) But the other dog-sits were fantastic. One experience went so well that last fall, I returned to Amsterdam to once again to dog-sit Pretzel, a lovely Maltipoo, while her parents got married and went on their honeymoon.

Although I opted for longer sits abroad, there is also the option to just watch a furry friend stateside for a weekend. (If you do go internationally, be mindful that you might potentially need a work visa.) I just checked the app, and as I’m writing this, there are opportunities available in cities that include Austin, Atlanta, and Boulder.

Of course, you have the responsibility of taking care of someone else’s dog—you need to do some planning and can’t just leave the pet alone all day, and the owners don’t pay you. But the free accommodations feel like a fair exchange to me. I also love that many of the dog-sit locations are in more residential areas, so you’re able to experience local life in whatever city you’re in. Plus, you get to hang with a cute dog. What could be better?

Update, April 29, 2024: This piece has been updated to clarify the documentation needed to housesit internationally.

Dog reunites with owner after escaping during tornado

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Neb. ( WOWT /Gray News) - Wrigley, a dog who escaped Friday during a tornado, was reunited with his owner.

Wrigley’s owner, Gina Volonec, said as a tornado approached their home, her husband rushed home to secure the family pets.

“He came home to get the animals down to the basement and he got the cats in there,” she said. “Wrigley was down there but he got spooked and ran back up the stairs before David could grab him.”

There was no time to chase Wrigley, but he ended up with a neighbor’s pet named Buddy.

Searchers found paw prints indicating both dogs spent the night along a wooded ridge about half a mile from their homes.

“They were together, and they don’t like each other,” Volonec said.

Volonec said she thought Wrigley was “gone forever.”

“Don’t you dare leave me again,” she said.

Volonec’s home was one of several destroyed after a tornado hit the area.

Copyright 2024 WOWT via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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The 8 Best Dog Strollers To Take Your Pup On Walks, Runs And More

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The sight of a dog being pushed in a carriage instead of walked on a leash may seem peculiar at first glance, but the best dog strollers help pets with special needs comfortably experience the outdoors. Whether your pup is disabled, injured, recovering from surgery, anxious or growing older, strollers are a great tool to help them enjoy fresh air and mental stimulation when walks aren’t possible. After consulting with veterinarians and researching top-rated models, our top pick overall is the Pet Gear AT3 No-Zip Stroller , a durable, reasonably priced option that’s easy to maneuver.

The best dog strollers allow pets with special needs to comfortably experience the outdoors.

When shopping for dog strollers, keeping safety in mind is key. “It is very important that you can secure your pet safely inside the stroller,” says veterinarian Nell Ostermeier. She also looks for strollers with a bucket seat large enough that your dog can comfortably turn around, stand up and lay down. Additionally, she points out that bigger pets may have different needs: “For medium or large dogs, you may want a stroller where you don’t have to physically lift them in and out.” Lastly, you want to consider the size of the stroller and whether it folds, as some are quite large, as well as the terrain that the wheels are designed to handle. Ahead, here are the best dog strollers for trotting, jogging and toting around your canine companion.

• Best Dog Stroller Overall: Pet Gear AT3 No-Zip Pet Stroller
• Best Budget Dog Stroller: Vivo Four-Wheel Pet Stroller
• Best Stroller For Small Dogs: Pet Gear Happy Trails Lite No-Zip Pet Stroller
• Best Stroller For Large Dogs: Pet Rover Titan-HD Premium Super-Sized Dog Stroller
• Best Jogging Stroller For Dogs: Pet Rover Run Sports Stroller
• Best Upgrade Stroller For Dogs: Tavo Maeve + Roscoe 3-In-1 Pet Protection System
• Best Double Stroller For Dogs: Ibiyaya Double-Decker Pet Stroller
• Best Stroller For Older Dogs: Ibiyaya Grand Cruiser Dog Stroller

Best Dog Stroller Overall

A stroller that gets your pup from point a to point b—and almost anywhere, pet gear at3 no-zip pet stroller.

Weight: 27 pounds | Dimensions: 35 x 28.5 x 42 inches | Weight limit: 75 pounds | Warranty: 30 days

What you’ll love:

• 360-swiveling front wheel with locking mechanism 
• Built with long-lasting nylon and aluminum hardware
• Comfortably holds pets up to 75 pounds
• One-hand fold

Keep in mind:

• Some users report the stroller is bulky when folded, making it difficult to transport in compact cars
• Not recommend for beach use 

Can’t decide whether you should purchase a stroller that performs best on city sidewalk or bumpy park trails? Go with the Pet Gear AT3 No-Zip Stroller, and you won’t have to choose. It’s designed for most terrains, thanks to its durable EVA foam tires and 360-degree swiveling front wheel, which can easily handle bumps and tight corners. When you’re ready to hit the trails, lock the front swivel wheel for additional stability. While beach adventures might be out (sorry, water pups), this stroller is a great pick for nearly any other outing.

Easy-locking latches open with a simple push of a button, allowing you access to your pet without any zippers getting in the way. An elevated paw rest provides extra comfort for senior dogs or those with mobility limitations. The stroller comfortably holds pets up to 75 pounds and is constructed with durable nylon and aluminum hardware, so it should stand the test of time. 

Best Budget Dog Stroller

A crowd favorite that’s easy on the wallet, vivo four-wheel pet stroller.

Weight: 12 pounds | Dimensions: 18 x 26 x 39 inches (folded: 34 x 18 x 8 inches) | Weight limit: 30 pounds | Warranty: 120 days

• Budget-friendly
• Lightweight 
• Multiple viewing options
• Designed for limited terrain
• Not suitable for larger dogs over 30 pounds

Whether you’re trying out a dog stroller for the first time or looking for a new model for your pup, veterinarian Mary Gardner emphasizes that expensive strollers aren't always necessary. Case in point: the budget-friendly, lightweight Vivo Four-Wheel Pet Stroller that’s perfect for smaller dogs. This stroller is constructed with durable materials and features three peek-a-boo mesh windows (front, back and top). According to Gardner, multiple viewing options are ideal because “some dogs like to face out, while some like to look at their human pushing the stroller,” she says. With nearly 4,000 reviews and a 4.4-star rating on Amazon, the Vivo Four-Wheel Pet Stroller is a pet-parent favorite that won't break the bank.

Best Stroller For Small Dogs

An affordable option built to last, pet gear happy trails lite no-zip pet stroller.

Weight: 15 pounds | Dimensions: 21.5 x 11.5 x 17 inches | Weight limit: 25 pounds | Warranty: 30 days

• Built with long-lasting nylon and aluminum
• Front wheel shock absorbers
• Not suitable for larger dogs over 25 pounds

Considering a stroller for your petite pup (who weighs 25 pounds or less)? You’re in luck. Gardner says small dogs tend to adapt to strollers more easily because they’re already familiar with being toted around, and the Pet Gear Happy Trails Lite No-Zip Pet Stroller ticks all the boxes for parents of smaller canines. It has some of the same convenient features as our top pick, the Pet Gear AT3 No-Zip Pet Stroller, such as a zip-free easy-entry latch, removable liner and roomy storage basket.

With 6-inch and 7-inch rubber wheels, this stroller provides a comfortable ride on smoother surfaces like sidewalks. However, if you plan on venturing off-road or have a larger dog, a more robust stroller with air-filled, EVO- or gel-filled tires might be a better choice.

Best Stroller For Large Dogs

A sturdy option with a retractable ramp for dogs too large to lift, pet rover titan-hd premium super-sized dog stroller.

Weight: 38 pounds | Dimensions: 37 x 28 x 42 inches (folded: 16 x 28 x 37 inches | Weight limit: 100 pounds | Warranty: Lifetime (3-year tire replacement)

• Backed by a lifetime warranty
• Suitable for dogs up to 100 pounds
• Can carry up to four small dogs
• Retractable ramp
• The pump-free rubber tires require less maintenance but don't absorb shock as well as air-filled tires

Lifting large or medium dogs in and out of a stroller can be a challenge, so if your pup is bigger, Ostermeier suggests seeking out a stroller that has additional entry points. The Pet Rover Titan-HD Premium Super-Sized Dog Stroller tackles this problem head-on with its innovative retractable entry and exit ramp. This thoughtful feature—combined with the stroller's durable construction and lifetime warranty—makes the Titan-HD a clear winner for large breed dog owners. 

The roomy 20-inch by 32-inch basket comfortably accommodates large dogs—or, if you have a pack of small pups, there are four individual tethers that allow for a group ride. Rest assured, the sturdy aluminum frame won’t buckle, as it’s suited to hold up to 100 pounds. Plus, the removable interior pad ensures easy cleaning after messy adventures.

Best Jogging Stroller For Dogs

A fitness-friendly option that's easy to maneuver, pet rover run sports stroller.

Weight: 26 pounds | Dimensions: 48 x 23 x 40 inches (folded: 16 x 28 x 37 inches | Weight limit: 50 pounds | Warranty: Lifetime (3-year tire replacement)

• Lightweight aluminum construction
• Shock absorbing air-filled tires
• Ergonomic adjustable handle
• Not suitable for dogs over 50 pounds

This workout-friendly stroller lets you hit the ground running with your favorite furry companion, as it’s designed to give your dog a smooth ride, mile after mile. Made from lightweight aluminum, the Pet Rover Run Sports Stroller is not only built to last, but easy to push and maneuver during your jog, run or walk. The 12- and 15-inch air-filled tires cushion bumps and vibrations to keep the ride smooth. Meanwhile, the 360-degree swiveling front wheel allows for effortless navigation (though you can also lock it for greater stability). Lastly, the handlebars are adjustable to suit your height.

Best Upgrade Stroller For Dogs

A luxurious three-in-one pet stroller for urban adventures, tavo maeve + roscoe 3-in-1 pet protection system.

Weight: 22 pounds (small); 25 pounds (medium flex) 26 pounds (medium) | Dimensions: 35.5 x 20.6 x 42 inches (Folded: 12 x 20.6 x 24 inches) | Weight limit: 20 pounds (small); 25 pounds (medium flex) 30 pounds (medium) | Warranty: 2 years

• Stroller, car seat and carrier in one
• Two-year warranty
• One-handed maneuverability
• Crash safety tested against the United Nations ECE child restraint standard (R129); you can read about Tavo’s crash testing safety standards here
• Not suitable for dogs over 30 pounds

From the makers of Nuna Baby, a top-rated stroller brand for kids, comes the Maeve + Roscoe Pet Protection System by Tavo. This feature-packed three-in-one system functions as a stroller, car seat and carrier, offering ultimate versatility for pet parents on the go. The physical product that arrived for testing impressed with its functionality and thoughtful design. The quality and safety features rival that of some baby strollers, making it a worthwhile investment for pampering a beloved dog.

This pet protection system is designed with pet parents in mind and comes with a comfortable leather handle, cup holder, storage basket, phone slot and covered treat tray. Your dog will enjoy a comfortable ride too, thanks to the well-structured bassinet with a mesh canopy for ventilation, UPF 50 sun protection and optional plush bedding. Adjustable mesh panels allow for privacy or an open view, and the bassinet is removable for car travel with a separate load leg. The system also folds seamlessly with two hands for storage and travel. 

I personally own this stroller and love it. That said, it’s worth mentioning that it's not ideal for all-terrain adventures. Even in urban areas, I find I have to lift the front of the carrier to maneuver over uneven sidewalks and ensure a smooth ride.

Best Double Stroller For Dogs

A two-seat stroller with separate compartments for each pup, ibiyaya double-decker pet stroller.

Weight: 16.5 pounds | Dimensions: 38 x 19 x 39 inches (folded: 20 x 12 x 33.5 inches | Weight limit: 13 pounds (upper compartment); 33 pounds (lower compartment) | Warranty: 2 years

What you’ll love:  

• Lightweight
• Each dog can have their own bucket seat
• Not suitable for dogs over 13 pounds in the upper compartment and 33 pounds in the lower compartment

Adventuring with two dogs at once is no walk in the park (pun intended), but this double-decker stroller makes it a little bit easier. Whereas traditional single-basket strollers can lead to territorial tiffs, tangled tethers and leashes, this pick has separate compartments. The top deck is well-suited for small dogs under 13 pounds, while the spacious bottom compartment is designed for larger canines weighing up to 33 pounds. 

The Ibiyaya Double Decker Pet Stroller folds with just one hand, which you appreciate when you're already juggling multiple dogs. Plus, the removable cabin fabric allows for quick cleaning after messy walks. The comfortable padded handle, cup holder and ultra-lightweight design ensure a comfortable walk for you, as well.

Best Stroller For Older Dogs

A hybrid wagon and stroller ideal for senior dogs, ibiyaya grand cruiser dog stroller.

Weight: 37.5 pounds | Dimensions: 39.4 x 31.5 x 42.5 inches (folded: 31.5 x 16.5 x 41.4) inches) | Weight limit: 110 pounds | Warranty: 2 years

• Easy entry with three access points (front, back and side)
• Ergonomic handle that can be adjusted to the user’s height
• Suitable for dogs up to 110 pounds
• Optional ramp available

Senior dogs often benefit from wagons due to their easy entry points. However, many wagons lack enclosures, which can stress out anxious dogs and trigger an attempt to jump out. “My own dog was a large pup with lymphoma in her spine and her ability to walk decreased in her last year,” Gardner shares. “So I put her in a large garden wagon and all she wanted to do was jump out of it.”

The Ibiyaya Grand Cruiser Dog Stroller bridges the gap between wagon and stroller. Entry and exit is similar to that of a wagon, thanks to the low and comfortable nine-inch ground clearance. At the same time, it provides the security and enclosure of a traditional stroller. It also features water-resistant fabric that's easy to clean and comes with holders for potty pads, plus a removable, washable air fiber padding core. If your senior dog struggles with the nine-inch step into the stroller, an optional ramp is available for purchase. Pet parents will also appreciate that the design is elevator-friendly for most residential and commercial spaces. Lastly, it offers some bump absorption, though it’s best suited for smooth surfaces due to the lack of air-filled tires. 

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We spend countless hours researching and reporting on products at Forbes Vetted, including those for our furry family members. Janelle Leeson, the author of this roundup, is a seasoned writer who covers all things pet-related. Recently, she covered the best harnesses for dogs who pull for Vetted. Her freelance journalism career also includes rigorously testing pet products for their durability and functionality. To report on this story, she consulted two veterinarians who are familiar with canine mobility needs and health issues that may benefit from the use of a stroller: Dr. Nell Ostermeier , a veterinarian, teaching associate coordinator and instructor at The College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies and a spokesperson with Figo Pet Insurance, and Dr. Mary Gardner , a veterinarian specializing in the care of geriatric pets.

How We Chose The Best Strollers for Dogs

To select the strollers for dogs, we consulted with experts, Ostermeier and Gardner, to understand the mobility limitations and health issues that might necessitate a dog stroller. This helped us identify the essential safety and accessibility features for each situation. With those needs in mind, we evaluated top-rated dog strollers for comfort (both for the dog and the handler), durability and functionality.

What To Look For In The Best Strollers For Dogs

Dog strollers offer a convenient way to get your dog around, but navigating the numerous options can be daunting. "There are so many options out there," Gardner says. "Like baby strollers, what works best depends on your dog and family." To help you find the right fit, Ostermeier and Gardner recommend you keep these key shopping considerations in mind:

Intended Use

Consider where and how you'll use the stroller, because the type of terrain you'll be navigating will impact your choice. For rougher terrain like jogging and hiking paths, you'll want a stroller with larger, air-filled tires—which often resemble bicycle tires—for better shock absorption, such as the Pet Rover Run Sports Stroller . The frame of the stroller should also be lighter, with alloy aluminum being a strong, lightweight option (though pricier). For casual walks around the neighborhood or trips to the vet, a stroller with solid rubber tires and a more basic frame will likely suffice.

Size Of Your Dog

According to Gardner, a dog should be able to comfortably stand up, turn around and lie down inside the stroller basket. Always pay attention to weight restrictions as using an overloaded stroller can injure you or your dog and damage the stroller itself.

Accessibility

When choosing a dog stroller, accessibility features are important for pets with limited mobility and those who need extra support. Here are just a few features that can make stroller rides more enjoyable for you and your pet:

• Easy entry and exit: Consider a stroller with ramps, like the one on the Pet Rover Titan-HD Premium Super-Sized Dog Stroller , or a stroller featuring a low step-in height, like the Ibiyaya Grand Cruiser to make getting in and out of the stroller easier.
• Shock absorption: Air-filled tires, like those on the Pet Rover Run Sports Stroller , absorb bumps and provide a smoother ride on rough terrain. This, along with shock absorption can provide a more enjoyable ride for dogs with achy joints or those recovering from a medical procedure.
• Added privacy: Anxious dogs might benefit from a stroller basket that has optional roll-down privacy shades.

Regardless of your dog’s accessibility needs, all strollers should provide a safety tether inside the stroller basket that connects to your dog’s harness, keeping them safe inside.

Are Dog Strollers Worth It?

Veterinarians Ostermeier and Gardner agree that dog strollers can be a worthwhile investment to help improve your dog's health and quality of life. Gardner says they’re particularly beneficial for senior dogs with mobility issues like arthritis, neuropathy, disc disease or muscle wasting. But strollers aren't just for older dogs. They can also be an essential tool for disabled dogs, injured pets, dogs recovering from surgery or those prone to overheating, breathing difficulties or anxiety. Even small dogs and puppies who tire easily can benefit from a stroller. “I’ve often seen dogs in a stroller going to a park, getting out of it to enjoy the park and then back in it for the ride home,” Gardner shares. “With the help of a stroller, they can still enjoy some of their favorite places without expending all their energy on the way to and fro.”

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