Moving Your Dog from the UK to the USA: A Complete Guide

Moving from the UK to America is a huge adventure — but if you have a dog, there is one more member of the family to think about.

The good news? Moving your dog from the UK to the USA is absolutely doable.

It just takes a little more planning.

From microchips and paperwork to choosing an airline, finding the right travel crate and helping your dog settle into their new American home, there is a lot to think about.

This guide walks you through the process step by step, including what to organise before you leave the UK, what to expect when your dog arrives in America, and the things I wish every UK dog owner knew before booking their flight.

Important: Dog import requirements can change and may depend on your dog’s circumstances, recent travel history and the US state you are moving to. Always check the latest requirements with the CDC, USDA APHIS, your veterinarian and your destination state before travelling.

🐾 Our Dog Settled Into America Faster Than We Did

Moving to a new state is a huge adjustment — and honestly, our dog seemed to handle it better than we did!

When we moved from New York to Utah, I expected there to be an adjustment period for all of us. Instead, our dog seemed to settle into his new surroundings almost immediately.

The outdoor lifestyle in Utah has been especially wonderful for him. There are endless trails to explore, beautiful places to walk and plenty of lakes to swim in. While we were busy figuring out our new surroundings and getting used to life in a new state, he was happily embracing his new adventure.

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Our dog settling into the Utah outdoor lifestyle — and adapting to our new surroundings considerably faster than we did! 🐾❤️

🐕 Moving Your Dog from the UK to the USA

If you are moving permanently to America, your dog is probably not just a pet.

They’re part of the family.

And while the paperwork can initially seem overwhelming, breaking everything down into manageable steps makes the process much easier.

The first thing to understand is that there isn’t one single set of rules.

There are several layers:

So don’t rely on an old Facebook post or a friend’s experience from five years ago.

Check the current rules for your own dog and your destination before you book anything.

1. Start Planning Early

If you’re moving your entire life across the Atlantic, your dog’s travel shouldn’t be something you organise a few days before departure.

Ideally, start looking into the requirements several months before your move.

This gives you time to:

The exact paperwork and timing will depend on your dog’s circumstances, so don’t assume that someone else’s timeline will be the same as yours.

2. Check the Current US Requirements

This is the most important step.

The CDC’s current rules require all dogs entering or returning to the United States to have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt.

Dogs entering from dog-rabies-free or low-risk countries generally have a much simpler process than dogs coming from countries considered high risk for dog rabies.

The UK is not currently listed by the CDC as a high-risk country for dog rabies, but you still need to check your dog’s recent travel history because the rules are based on where the dog has been during the previous six months — not simply where you live.

For dogs coming from low-risk countries, the CDC currently requires that the dog:

The CDC specifically states that dogs coming from dog-rabies-free or low-risk countries do not generally require additional CDC documentation, provided they meet the other requirements.

👉 Check the current CDC dog import requirements

Before travelling, use the CDC’s official Dog Importation Navigator to check the requirements that apply to your dog.

CDC Dog Importation Navigator

This is one link I’d definitely include in your article because it gives readers a current official starting point.

3. Make Sure Your Dog Is Microchipped

Your dog should have a functioning microchip before you travel.

Don’t simply assume the chip is working because your dog has had it for years.

Ask your vet to:

I’d also recommend keeping a copy of the microchip number with your travel paperwork.

🐾 One important tip

Take a photo of your dog’s microchip number and vaccination records and keep them somewhere you can access from your phone.

You don’t want to be searching through a suitcase at an airport trying to find paperwork.

4. Check Your Dog’s Vaccinations

Before your move, book an appointment with your veterinarian specifically to discuss international travel.

Ask them to review:

Don’t rely on a standard annual check-up alone.

Tell your vet exactly where your dog is travelling from and where you are moving to.

The CDC requirements can differ depending on a dog’s rabies-risk history and vaccination circumstances.

5. Check the Requirements for Your US State

This is one of the easiest things to overlook.

Getting your dog into the United States is only part of the process.

Your destination state may have additional requirements.

State requirements can include things such as:

USDA APHIS explains that pet movement requirements can be set by the destination state, so you should check the requirements for the specific state you are moving to.

My advice:

Don’t just search:

“Can I take my dog from the UK to America?”

Search:

“Dog import requirements + [your destination state]”

For example:

Dog import requirements California

or

Dog import requirements Massachusetts

6. Understand the UK Export Paperwork

If you’re travelling from Great Britain to a non-EU country such as the USA, GOV.UK says you’ll generally need an Export Health Certificate (EHC) and an Export Application Form (EXA), depending on the destination requirements.

The exact certificate you need can depend on the US state you’re travelling to.

GOV.UK provides a searchable database of export health certificates and supporting documents.

Find an Export Health Certificate — GOV.UK

This is another link I’d keep in the article because readers should always use the current certificate rather than downloading an old version from another website.

⚠️ Don’t leave this until the last minute

Export paperwork can involve your vet and official certification, so ask your vet about the process well before your departure date.

7. Speak to Your Vet About International Travel

Your vet is going to be one of your most useful resources throughout this process.

Tell them:

“We’re moving from the UK to the USA and our dog will be flying with us.”

Ask them to help you work through:

You should also ask for a copy of your dog’s medical and vaccination history.

I’d keep both:

A printed copy

and

A digital copy on your phone/cloud storage.

8. Choosing an Airline

This is where things can get complicated.

Airlines have their own rules about travelling with dogs.

Your options may depend on:

Some airlines may not accept certain breeds or may have restrictions during periods of extreme temperatures.

Before booking your flight, ask:

Get the answer directly from the airline before booking.

Airline rules can change independently of government requirements.

9. Cabin or Cargo?

This is probably one of the biggest questions dog owners have.

If your dog is small enough and the airline allows it, travelling in the cabin may be an option.

For larger dogs, other arrangements may be necessary.

Don’t automatically assume that travelling in the cargo hold means your dog will simply be treated like a suitcase.

Pet travel arrangements vary considerably between airlines and routes.

The important thing is to find out exactly what will happen to your dog from the moment you check in until you collect them at your destination.

And if your dog is particularly anxious, elderly, has a medical condition or has never travelled before, speak to your vet well before booking.

10. Buy the Right Travel Crate

A good travel crate is one of the most important purchases you’ll make.

And don’t wait until the week before your flight to buy one.

Your dog needs time to become comfortable with it.

Look for:

Always check the airline’s specific crate requirements before purchasing.

🛒 Dog Travel Essentials

👉 Shop Dog Travel Essentials on Amazon

11. Get Your Dog Used to the Crate

This is something I would not leave until the last minute.

If your dog normally sleeps on your bed or wanders freely around the house, suddenly putting them into a crate for a long international journey could be extremely stressful.

Instead, start slowly.

Try this:

Week 1

Leave the crate open in the house.

Put treats inside.

Let your dog investigate it.

Week 2

Start feeding meals near or inside the crate.

Week 3

Encourage your dog to relax inside for short periods.

After that

Gradually increase the amount of time they spend inside.

You want the crate to become somewhere familiar and safe — not something your dog associates with a stressful trip.

12. Keep Familiar Things With Your Dog

Moving countries means almost everything around your dog will suddenly change.

The sights.

The smells.

The house.

The garden.

The neighbourhood.

Even the sounds.

So take a few familiar things with you.

For example:

You don’t need to bring the entire contents of your house.

Just a few comforting things.

13. Think Carefully About Food

If your dog has a sensitive stomach, don’t suddenly change their food immediately before an international flight.

Bring enough of their normal food for the journey and the first few days if possible, but check US entry rules for any animal or food products you plan to bring.

Once you’ve arrived, you can find equivalent food in the US.

And don’t forget that American pet-food brands may be completely unfamiliar to your dog.

If your dog is fussy, this is something worth researching before you move.

14. Pack a Dog Travel Bag

I would create a separate bag just for your dog.

Your dog travel checklist:

☐ Travel crate
☐ Microchip information
☐ Vaccination records
☐ CDC Dog Import Form receipt
☐ Export paperwork
☐ Copies of health records
☐ Food
☐ Treats
☐ Water
☐ Water bowl
☐ Puppy pads
☐ Waste bags
☐ Medication
☐ Favourite toy
☐ Familiar blanket
☐ Collar
☐ ID tag
☐ Lead
☐ Harness
☐ Cleaning supplies

Keep the important paperwork somewhere easily accessible.

Don’t put it inside checked luggage.

15. Think About the Journey to the Airport

Your dog’s international journey starts long before the plane takes off.

Think about:

If you’re travelling as a family, decide beforehand who is responsible for the dog.

Moving day can be chaotic.

You don’t want everyone assuming someone else has the lead, paperwork or food.

16. Be Careful With Sedatives

If you’re worried about your dog being anxious during the flight, speak to your veterinarian.

Don’t give your dog a sedative or calming medication without professional advice.

Your vet can discuss your dog’s individual circumstances and whether any medication is appropriate.

The goal isn’t simply to make your dog sleepy.

It’s to make sure they are as safe and comfortable as possible throughout the journey.

17. What Happens When You Arrive in America?

Once you land, your dog will need to meet the applicable US entry requirements.

For dogs arriving from dog-rabies-free or low-risk countries, the CDC currently requires the dog to:

Additional requirements can apply depending on your dog’s travel history and vaccination circumstances.

One important point

If your dog has travelled to a country that the CDC classifies as high risk for dog rabies during the previous six months, do not assume the simpler UK process applies.

The CDC has separate requirements for dogs coming from high-risk countries.

18. Your First Few Days in America

Once you finally arrive, your dog may be exhausted.

Even if they seem completely fine, remember that they’ve experienced:

Try not to overwhelm them.

If possible, give them a quiet first few days.

Let them explore their new home gradually.

Keep their food and routine as familiar as possible.

And give them plenty of time to adjust.

19. Find an American Vet

One of the first things I’d do after moving is find a local veterinarian.

Don’t wait until your dog becomes ill.

Find a practice near your new home and transfer your dog’s medical records.

Ask about:

Your American vet can also advise you on health considerations specific to your new area.

20. Don’t Forget About Dog Licensing

This is another thing that varies by location.

Some cities and counties require dogs to be licensed.

Your new local authority should be able to tell you what is required.

It’s one of those little American admin jobs that can easily get forgotten when you’re busy unpacking boxes.

21. Pet Insurance in America

If you haven’t looked at pet insurance before, moving to the USA is a good time to investigate it.

Veterinary care in the US can be expensive, particularly if your dog needs emergency treatment or surgery.

Different policies can cover different things, so compare:

🐕 Tip

Don’t assume that the cheapest monthly premium is automatically the best policy.

Read the exclusions carefully.

👉 Compare American Pet Insurance Options

22. What About Taking Your Dog Back to the UK?

This is something many people forget about when they first move.

You may think:

“We’re moving to America, so I only need to worry about getting our dog there.”

But what happens when you want to visit family in the UK?

The rules for travelling back to Great Britain are separate.

GOV.UK has specific requirements for bringing dogs, cats and ferrets into Great Britain, so check the current rules before planning your return trip.

And remember:

The rules can change.

Don’t rely on what you did when you originally moved.

Check again before every international trip.

🐾 UK → USA Dog Moving Checklist

Before you leave the UK:

☐ Check CDC requirements
☐ Check your dog’s recent travel history
☐ Check your destination state’s requirements
☐ Check your dog’s microchip
☐ Update your contact details
☐ Visit your vet
☐ Check vaccinations
☐ Discuss international travel with your vet
☐ Organise required UK export paperwork
☐ Research airlines
☐ Confirm the airline accepts your dog
☐ Confirm crate requirements
☐ Purchase the correct travel crate
☐ Begin crate training
☐ Organise food and travel supplies
☐ Prepare your dog’s travel paperwork
☐ Make digital copies of important documents
☐ Plan your airport journey
☐ Organise your arrival accommodation

After arriving in the USA:

☐ Give your dog time to settle
☐ Find a local veterinarian
☐ Transfer medical records
☐ Check local dog licensing requirements
☐ Register/update microchip information
☐ Research local pet insurance
☐ Find a local emergency vet
☐ Check local dog parks and walking areas
☐ Look into local leash laws
☐ Keep all international travel documents safely

🐕 My Biggest Tip: Don’t Leave Your Dog Until Last

When you’re moving countries, there are hundreds of things competing for your attention.

Visas.

Housing.

Schools.

Banking.

Insurance.

Shipping.

Packing.

Healthcare.

And somehow you also need to remember to organise your dog’s transatlantic journey.

My biggest advice is:

Start early and work through it one step at a time.

You don’t need to organise everything in one afternoon.

Start with the official requirements.

Then speak to your vet.

Then check your state.

Then investigate your airline.

Then organise the practical things.

And finally, spend some time preparing your dog emotionally for the journey.

🐾 Your Dog Is Moving Too

For us humans, moving from the UK to America can feel exciting, stressful, overwhelming and completely surreal.

Your dog doesn’t understand why the house is full of boxes.

They don’t know why their favourite chair disappeared.

They don’t understand why you’re packing suitcases.

They simply know that something is changing.

So while you’re busy organising paperwork and flights, remember to give them plenty of normality too.

Keep walks going.

Keep their routine as familiar as possible.

Give them attention.

Let them spend time with their favourite people.

And when you finally arrive in America, remember that this is a huge change for them too.

Give them time.

Soon enough, your new American home will start feeling like home to them as well. ❤️🐕

🛒 Dog Travel Essentials for Your UK → USA Move

If you’re preparing your dog for an international move, these are some of the things I would have on my shopping list:

✈️ Travel crate
Choose one that meets your airline’s requirements.

💧 Portable water bottle
Useful for the airport, road trips and your first few days in America.

🥣 Collapsible bowls
Easy to pack and useful once you arrive.

🧻 Puppy pads
Particularly useful during a long travel day.

🧸 Familiar toy
Something that smells like home can be comforting.

🛏️ Travel blanket
Another easy way to bring a familiar smell with you.

🏷️ ID tag
Make sure your contact information is current.

💩 Waste bags
You will absolutely need these during your journey.

👜 Dog travel bag
Useful for keeping food, bowls, paperwork and supplies together.

👉 Shop Dog Travel Essentials on Amazon

I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you.

📋 Official Pet Travel Resources

Because international pet travel requirements can change, these are the websites I recommend checking before you travel:

🇺🇸 CDC — Bringing a Dog into the United States

Check the current CDC dog import requirements

🐕 CDC Dog Importation Navigator

Use the CDC Dog Importation Navigator

🇺🇸 USDA APHIS — Pet Travel

Check USDA APHIS pet travel requirements

🇬🇧 GOV.UK — Export Health Certificates

Find the current UK Export Health Certificate

🇬🇧 GOV.UK — Travelling to a non-EU country

Read the UK government’s pet travel guidance

❤️ Moving Your Dog to America: The Bottom Line

Moving your dog from the UK to the USA might seem complicated at first.

But once you break it down, it’s really a series of smaller jobs:

Check the rules → speak to your vet → check your state → organise paperwork → choose your airline → prepare your dog → travel → settle in.

The most important thing is not to leave it until the last minute.

Rules can change, airline policies vary and state requirements aren’t necessarily the same everywhere.

Start early, keep copies of everything and use the official government guidance for the final word.

And then comes the fun part:

Finding your new favourite dog park.

Discovering the best walking trails.

Meeting your new neighbours.

And watching your dog slowly realise that America is home now, too. 🇬🇧🐕🇺🇸

📌 Affiliate Disclosure

This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and services that I believe may be useful for UK families moving to or living in the USA.

Note: This article is for general informational purposes and is not veterinary, legal or official government advice. Pet-import requirements can change. Always check the current CDC, USDA APHIS, GOV.UK and destination-state requirements before travelling.

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