Step-by-step timeline
D-90
Destination Microchip + rabies vaccination
Dogs: mandatory ISO 11784/11785 (chip before vaccine). Cats: no federal microchip requirement.
D-14
Departure Apply export health certificate (United Kingdom)
Animal Health Certificate (AHC), new per trip — Valid: 10 days for EU entry; 6 months for intra-EU travel after entry
D-7
Departure Pre-departure clinical examination
Official vet health check within validity window
DEPARTURE DAY
Departure Departure day
Bring all original documents + copies. Confirm crate meets airline requirements.
Departure — United Kingdom
Authority
Official Veterinarian (OV); APHA competent authority
Certificate
Animal Health Certificate (AHC), new per trip
Validity
10 days for EU entry; 6 months for intra-EU travel after entry
Transit
Direct flight — no transit stop.
Destination — United States
Microchip
Dogs: mandatory ISO 11784/11785 (chip before vaccine). Cats: no federal microchip requirement.
Rabies vaccine
Dogs ≥6 months old; high-risk countries require valid rabies vaccination certificate
Titer test
High-risk countries (incl. mainland China): CDC-approved lab titer, blood drawn 30 days after vaccination, completed 28 days before entry, ≥0.5 IU/ml
Quarantine
No valid titer → 28-day CDC-approved ACF quarantine. Entry only through Atlanta / Los Angeles / Miami / New York / Philadelphia / Washington DC.
Certificate
CDC Dog Import Form per dog. USDA export health certificates issued after 2025-07-31 are NOT accepted by CDC as dog entry documents.
Cost
$100-300 (low-risk) / $1,000-2,500 (high-risk)
Airline constraints
No specific airline restrictions recorded for this route. Check with your chosen carrier before booking.
United Kingdom → 
United States
