PetClues

Customs & quarantine dossier

LHR to JFK pet dog travel customs requirements

High-urgency compliance checklist for London → New York pet relocation — rabies titer waits, DEFRA/USDA/AVS/DAFF forms, and quarantine gates for agencies and private clients.

US dog import rules tightened — incomplete CDC documentation is the #1 day-of-travel rejection.

Quarantine

No routine federal quarantine for qualifying dogs (CDC/USDA rules apply)

Rabies titer / wait

CDC dog import rules + valid rabies vaccination; titer only if required by pathway

Airline note

Confirm breed and crate IATA CR82 compliance. Summer embargos common for brachycephalics on US carriers.

Key forms

Documents for LHR → JFK

  • USDA endorsement (when required)
  • CDC dog import form / documentation
  • Airline live-animal acceptance
  • Health certificate (APHIS / endorsed)

Operational workflow

Customs & Quarantine Dossier Checklist

  1. 1

    Rabies vaccination timing

    Confirm current rabies certificate meets CDC age and validity rules for the dog’s origin country.

  2. 2

    CDC documentation packet

    Assemble CDC dog import paperwork and any country-specific attestations before ticket issuance.

  3. 3

    USDA / APHIS health certificate

    Book endorsed health certificate within the airline/US entry validity window.

  4. 4

    Microchip ISO verification

    Scan and photograph ISO 11784/11785 microchip; include number on every form.

  5. 5

    Airline acceptance letter

    Obtain written live-animal acceptance for LHR→JFK including crate dims and breed clearance.

  6. 6

    Transit & connection plan

    Avoid long tarmac heat exposure; document contingency kennel if connection fails.

Connected corridors

Related relocation routes

PetClues is not veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for diagnosis, treatment, and urgent medical decisions. Relocation rules change — verify with official DEFRA, USDA, CDC, AVS, DAFF, and AQS sources before ticket issuance.