After touring across Europe for 90-days, the time had come to export our beagle Sniffy, from Lisbon, Portugal to Miami, Florida. Compared to flying in and out of Australia, flying from Europe to the US was super cheap and easy – it was as if Sniffy was a checked in oversize bag! As such, the documentation available online is limited and hopefully our experience will help you with your travel plans.
Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting Your Dog to the US from Europe
Step 1: Rabies Vaccination
Dogs from rabies-free or low-risk countries, like Portugal, must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate. Vaccination must occur at least 30 days before the travel date unless the dog is younger than 15 weeks, in which case additional restrictions apply. Sniffy had been ONLY in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries (such as Western Europe and the UK) for the 6 months prior to travel.
The Rabies Vaccination Certificate includes:
- Dog’s name, breed, and age
- Vaccine manufacturer and batch number
- Date of administration and expiration
- Veterinarian’s signature and contact information
Health Certificate
- International Health Certificate: Obtain this document within 10 days of departure. Double-check that it meets the airline’s requirements. An international health certificate issued by a veterinarian within 10 days of travel is mandatory. This certifies that the dog is healthy, fit to travel, and free of infectious diseases.
- EU Pet Database: To get the health certificate, the vet required us to get Sniffy added to the EU Pet Database for a cost of EUR 6, and it took 3 days.
- Microchip Information: Confirm the microchip is readable with international scanners and corresponds with the rabies vaccination certificate.
US Import Permit [Updated 2024]
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the primary government authority for pet dogs imported into the United States, including returning U.S.-origin dogs. The CDC governs the importation of dogs, and their guidelines can be found on their official website. In December 2023, Sniffy did not required a CDC Animal Import Form. There have been some changes by the CDC regarding bring a dog into the US in 2024 including a new CDC Animal Import Form permit.
This requires only the completion of the straightforward (and free! for now) CDC dog import form that asks simple questions about your passport, pet and travel details.
For a detailed list of rabies-free and low-risk countries, refer to the CDC’s classification.
Step 2: Research & Book a Pet-Friendly Airline
Choosing the right airline can make or break the journey for your pet. Some research for relocating Sniffy to the US narrowed down flights to Air France and TAP Air Portugal. Both quoted prices were reasonable, and our flight preference directed our road-trip across Europe. We had the option of flying TAP Air Portugal to either Boston or Miami. A decision that would direct the start point for our USA roadtrip in 2024.
We opted for TAP Air Portugal to depart from Lisbon, which offers a dedicated live animal cargo service.
- Crate size and weight limits
- Pet safety measures during the flight
- Airport facilities for pet handling
Step 3: Prepare an IATA-Compliant Crate
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) mandates specific crate standards for live animal transport. Sniffy traveled in a spacious, durable, and secure SKUDO 7 crate with:
- Ample ventilation on all sides
- Leak-proof construction
- Comfortable bedding – our beagle would possibly shred the bed with anxiety so he travels without bedding
- A water dish accessible from the outside
Ensure your crate has:
- Identification tags with your contact details
- “Live Animal” stickers and arrows indicating the crate’s upright position
- All of the clips or screws to assemble, we have misplaced clips at airports and dropped screws in the snow!
Step 4: Book the Flight and Confirm Requirements
Early booking is essential. We booked and paid one month before departure. Cargo with TAP Airlines in December 2023 cost a non-refundable EUR 230 (AUD 386.51) to book the pet-in-hold. Only 4 pets are allowed on each flight. Provide the airline with:
- Crate dimensions and weight (including the dog)
- Breed and size of your dog
- Required documents
Step 5: Check-In at Airport Desk
TAP Airlines requires you to check-in at the airline counter for large luggage items. You are then advised to assemble and cable tie the crate closed. At the check-in desk (counter 12), we assembled Sniffy’s Skudo 7 crate and attached wheels to make moving easier. The crate was weighed at 11 kg, and Sniffy hopped onto the scale at 20.5 kg. As the total weight was under 32 kg, he was cleared to travel in the hold. We had a mix-up with two of the crate clips missing and we had to beg to use cable ties (the clips were in my pockets, in the end).
You and the dog crate are escorted for about 5 minutes through security doors and airport behind-the-scenes to a freight area. This is where it was great to have the castor wheels and handle for the SKUDO 7 crate. You then say goodbye as the crate is taken through an industrial-type gate, you say goodbyes and walk away.
Arrival in the USA
Picking Up Your Dog at Baggage Claim
We arrived into Miami International airport late at night. Once we disembarked the airplane, there was no instructions on how or where to collect our dog. We could only assume he would appear in the baggage collection area where they usually bring out surfboards and golf clubs.
We went through the US border protection with the usual anxiety and walked through the airport corridors towards baggage claim. We did not know where he would appear in the giant hall – but then, we could hear his barking!
We walked to the other side of the baggage claim to see him in his crate barking, but in an area we seemingly wasn’t allowed. We asked a border protection agent nearby if we could collect our dog, and he escorted my down the hall to collect the crate. Sniffy would not be allowed out of the crate until outside of the baggage claim and through Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Upon arrival at Miami International Airport, the CBP process involved:
- Having Sniffy’s documents printed ready for the CBP officers – they didn’t ask.
- Having Sniffy’s crate inspected to confirm compliance with USDA regulations – they didn’t look.
- Paying any applicable fees for animal inspection services – they asked if he was a domestic pet or to be sold – there was none and no fees.
The customs process was super easy, again like carrying a surfboard or golf-clubs. Once we got out of CBP we could find a quiet corner to let Sniffy out of his crate.
Once we was reunited with Sniffy, we checked into our Miami Airport hotel. Sniffy seemed his usual self and unaffected from the flight. The challenge then was what to do with the giant SKUDO 7 crate!
Exporting a dog from Europe to the USA involves thorough preparation, but it’s entirely manageable with the right approach. By understanding the regulations, choosing the right airline, and preparing all necessary documents, you can ensure a safe and comfortable journey for your pet.
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