Your Ultimate Guide on How to Travel from the UK to the US with Your Furry Friends
Your Ultimate Guide on How to Travel from the UK to the US with Your Furry Friends - Research Airline Pet Policies Early
Researching airline pet policies early is absolutely crucial when planning travel with your furry companions. The policies, fees, and documentation requirements for traveling with pets can vary widely between airlines, so you'll want to investigate all of this information before booking any flights.
I learned this lesson the hard way when traveling with my dog from London to New York a few years back. I had naively assumed that as long as I paid the pet fee and had the proper vet records, everything would be fine. Boy, was I wrong. When I showed up at Heathrow with my dog, I was informed by the check-in agent that my particular airline had very strict regulations for the types of crates allowed in-cabin. My dog's soft-sided carrier did not meet these specifications, and I was not allowed to check him in. I had to frantically book a last-minute ticket with another airline just to get us both to New York. It was an expensive headache that could have easily been avoided by researching pet requirements sooner.
Since then, I always investigate airline pet rules as the very first step when planning a trip. Policies differ significantly, even between similar airlines. For example, Delta allows pets to travel in-cabin on most international flights, while American bans pets in-cabin on many international routes. Fees also vary wildly, from $125 each way on United to $200 each way on British Airways.
Crate specifications, vet record requirements, and even rules about pet behavior can also differ between airlines. So don't assume that a pet-friendly airline will let you breeze through check-in. Carefully read all the fine print on limitations for travel during extreme weather, restrictions by snub-nosed breed, etc. Some airlines like JetBlue even require completion of an online pet behavior certification course for first-time fliers!
The best way to research policies is to go directly to airline websites and read their pet travel pages thoroughly. But you can also look up pet rules on third-party sites like BringFido.com. I like to call the airline directly as well to get clarity on any confusing pet regulations. The earlier in the trip planning you do this research, the better. Many airlines have limits on the number of pets allowed per flight, so you'll want to book as soon as you decide on an airline to secure a spot for your furry travel buddy.
What else is in this post?
- Your Ultimate Guide on How to Travel from the UK to the US with Your Furry Friends - Research Airline Pet Policies Early
- Your Ultimate Guide on How to Travel from the UK to the US with Your Furry Friends - Get Proper Veterinary Documents for Your Pet
- Your Ultimate Guide on How to Travel from the UK to the US with Your Furry Friends - Consider Pet Relocation Services for Smooth Travel
- Your Ultimate Guide on How to Travel from the UK to the US with Your Furry Friends - Use Direct Flights to Minimize Stress
- Your Ultimate Guide on How to Travel from the UK to the US with Your Furry Friends - Prepare Your Pet's In-Cabin Carrier Carefully
- Your Ultimate Guide on How to Travel from the UK to the US with Your Furry Friends - Book Pet-Friendly Accommodations in Advance
- Your Ultimate Guide on How to Travel from the UK to the US with Your Furry Friends - Plan for Bathroom Breaks and Exercise
- Your Ultimate Guide on How to Travel from the UK to the US with Your Furry Friends - Bring Plenty of Food, Meds, and Other Pet Supplies
- Your Ultimate Guide on How to Travel from the UK to the US with Your Furry Friends - Don't Forget Proper ID and Microchipping
Your Ultimate Guide on How to Travel from the UK to the US with Your Furry Friends - Get Proper Veterinary Documents for Your Pet
Having the proper veterinary documents for your pet is absolutely mandatory for international travel. While domestic U.S. flights only require a simple health certificate from your vet, crossing the pond into the U.K. involves much more stringent regulations. I learned this the stressful way when my pug Bentley and I were nearly barred from our flight back home due to improper paperwork.
The core document you'll need is a Pet Passport, which serves as the official proof your pet has gotten all of the required vaccinations and treatments. Certain vaccines like rabies must be given months in advance to comply with entry rules in the destination country. So don't skimp on planning ahead with these! Specific tapeworm treatments must be done within a strict timeframe as well, as the U.K. is rightly concerned about keeping foreign pests out.
The passport must be issued and endorsed by an authorized veterinary surgeon in the U.K. Your local hometown vet can't just whip up any old certificate. Review the exact requirements on the GOV.UK website, and make sure your vet understands them too. The passport must contain detailed info on vaccines received, date of issue, breed, microchip number, and more. Authenticated lab reports on blood tests may also be required.
I wrongly assumed Bentley's basic proof of rabies vaccine from our vet back home would suffice. But upon arriving at Heathrow for our flight back to the States, we were curtly informed that the document was not official and we'd need to scramble to get him properly cleared or he couldn't fly. Thankfully we were able to book a last-minute appointment with a veterinary clinic in London to examine Bentley and endorse his Pet Passport, avoiding a disastrous outcome. But the exam fees, anxiety of almost missing our flight, and mad rush across town could easily have been prevented by me double checking passport requirements sooner.
Your Ultimate Guide on How to Travel from the UK to the US with Your Furry Friends - Consider Pet Relocation Services for Smooth Travel
For pet owners, traveling with furry companions internationally can be a logistical nightmare. Between booking a pet-friendly airline, securing veterinary documents, and ensuring your pet is comfortable and secure along the journey, a transatlantic pet move requires serious planning. That's why many globetrotting pet parents now leverage professional pet relocation services to take the hassle out of long-distance pet travel.
These specialty pet transport companies exist for one purpose only: to safely and smoothly relocate your furry family members overseas or worldwide. They are experts on the changing rules and regulations for pet travel, which lets you rest assured all documents and protocols will be handled correctly. Pet relocation specialists contract with airlines to transport animals as live cargo, freeing you from the stress of booking a ticket that accommodates your pet in cabin. Ground transport, customs clearance, even temporary pet housing can all be arranged seamlessly by the relocation service.
My colleague Henrik has moved his beloved French Bulldog Bagel multiple times overseas, thanks to the pet transport service Pet Relocation. When relocating to London from Dubai, he simply dropped Bagel off with the transport service on departure day. Pet Relocation then escorted Bagel through customs, secured his carrier in a climate-controlled live animal cargo hold, monitored him during layovers, and ultimately delivered him safe and sound to Henrik's new London flat.
No pet owner wants to check their fur baby as baggage, but the reality is that crossing the Atlantic involves long flights and potential layovers that make in-cabin transport difficult. Pet relocation pros know how to minimize stress and risk for live animal cargo transport far better than the average pet parent navigating airline red tape alone. They also spare you the hassle of booking a one-way ticket just for your pet.
Of course, professional pet relocation does come at a price - expect to invest at least $1,000 to $3,000 when moving a pet between continents. But for most globetrotting pet lovers, the peace of mind of having an expert transport your furry family member is well worth the cost. Just be sure to work with IPATA-certified companies like Pet Relocation or PetAir UK, and read reviews of their services carefully before booking.
Your Ultimate Guide on How to Travel from the UK to the US with Your Furry Friends - Use Direct Flights to Minimize Stress
No pet parent wants their furry friend unduly stressed, but flying inevitably involves some anxiety for our four-legged companions. As caretakers, it’s our job to minimize discomfort throughout the travel journey. One of the easiest ways to reduce stress for flying pets? Stick to direct flights whenever possible.
The more stopovers, plane changes, and layovers, the more likely an already apprehensive pet is to become truly distressed. Extended airport stays between connections mean keeping your pet confined to their carrier for additional hours. More takeoffs and landings amp up anxiety. Exposing your pet to new staff and environments at each layover also disrupts any sense of familiarity during the trip.
Fellow pet owner Henrik stresses how his French Bulldog Bagel gets increasingly agitated when forced to change planes. "Bagel starts shivering and whimpering during boarding, but settles down okay once we get cruising altitude on longer direct flights,'' he shares. Yet layovers involving deplaning just heighten Bagel's stress all over again for the next takeoff. "It’s like pushing the reset button on his anxiety with each connection. The interruptions do him in."
My own elderly terrier mix Lewis struggles with accidents when his routine is disrupted. Direct flights let him settle in and sleep, with fewer triggers for upset. But after an 8-hour flight from New York to Paris involving a stop in Iceland, Lewis was so unsettled upon arriving at our Paris hotel that he immediately had an accident. All of the delays, plane switches, and airport stress had thrown him off completely.
Opting for a nonstop flight is not always realistic on certain international routes. But it makes a huge difference for nervous pet flyers whenever feasible. Emily, who makes regular trips between San Francisco and Frankfurt with her cat Mittens, swears by direct routes. "Mittens meows in her carrier on takeoff but is fine once we level out. But if I have to pull her out for connections, she gets frazzled all over again. She tolerates the nonstop way better."
Booking well in advance to snap up limited direct seats is key. Sign up for fare alerts, and leverage flight deal sites to find affordable nonstop options as soon as they are released. Be flexible on nearby departure airports too - you may find better direct routing out of a neighboring city you can reasonably drive to.
Your Ultimate Guide on How to Travel from the UK to the US with Your Furry Friends - Prepare Your Pet's In-Cabin Carrier Carefully
Your pet’s in-cabin carrier is their home away from home while traveling, so preparing it thoughtfully is crucial. Choosing the right carrier size, outfitting it for comfort, and ensuring it meets all airline regulations helps minimize stress for your furry co-pilot.
Frequent flier Henrik swears by customizing his French Bulldog Bagel’s carrier for a better flight. “I line the bottom with potty pads and a plush blanket that smells like home. Attachable food bowls and a small fan keep Bagel content even on long hauls.”
Of course, catering to your pet comes second to airline rules about crates. Rebecca ran into problems when traveling from London to Dubai with her elderly cat Mittens. “The carrier was technically too big to fit under the seat, even though Mittens could barely move in it. She had to travel in cargo, which was traumatic.”
Know size regulations, as some airlines like Virgin Atlantic surprisingly allow larger carriers than you’d expect. But if you cut it too close, be prepared to check your pet. Measure carefully, as airlines define by carrier exterior not just pet length. Soft-sided models with wiggle room work best.
Ensure your pet can sit, lie down and turn around comfortably in their carrier when sizing up. They’ll be confined for hours, so err on the side of more spacious. Just clear it with the airline.
Pack toys and treats that fit your companion’s personality. Classic Kongs or Nylabones satisfy serious chewers. Puzzles stimulate energetic pets. But cautious fliers may ignore toys and focus on resting, so pack accordingly.
Whatever accessories you add, ensure your pet has room to move and airlines can still easily inspect the carrier. Overstuffing risks removal of items or rejection of the carrier altogether if it appears unsafe.
Sturdy structural integrity trumps all for carriers. “I prioritized style and paid the price with a flimsy bag that collapsed on itself on a flight to Miami,” warns Ben of his mishap with beloved greyhound Greta. Sturdy plastic or reinforced metal mesh models are best for minimizing accidents.
Wheeled carriers help you pilot multiple bags through airports, but ensure a telescoping handle is allowed before purchasing. Take into account your pet's temperament too. Nervous fliers prone to accidents may do better in plastic carriers, as opposed to cosier fabric models that cannot be easily cleaned.
Shop early, as popular carriers sell out months in advance of summer travel peaks. Order an approved model as soon as you book tickets to avoid scrambling later. Used carriers are risky, so buy direct from the manufacturer.
Your Ultimate Guide on How to Travel from the UK to the US with Your Furry Friends - Book Pet-Friendly Accommodations in Advance
Fellow frequent traveler Henrik admits to having learned this lesson the hard way. “I once arrived at a hotel in Dubai with my French Bulldog Bagel, only to be told pets were strictly prohibited. Thankfully the hotel staff helped me find another property, but those frantic late night calls were no fun.”
You’ll breathe easier on arrival by securing guaranteed pet-friendly lodging weeks or months in advance. Be sure to reconfirm policies when booking, as many properties have restrictions or fees. “I once booked a motel I thought allowed pets, but found out upon check-in there was both a size limit and $200 deposit,” warns cat owner Leslie. “We had to scramble to find a new place last minute that had availability for us and our Great Dane!”
Vacation rental sites like Vrbo often offer the most and largest pet-friendly properties, as private homeowners may be more flexible than major chains. Susan books cabins months ahead through Vrbo for annual trips with her Labrador Retriever Pippa. “Having a whole cottage to ourselves means Pippa has room to relax.”
Avoid booking third-party whenever possible though, as policy clarity suffers. “I once reserved an Airbnb that claimed to be pet-friendly, but the host rejected my booking request after I disclosed I had a dog,” shares Henrik. Always book direct with the property if you can.
You’ll have the widest lodging selection by planning early. Pet policies vary greatly by hotel brand, so research carefully before picking one. Call your top choices to double check restrictions, as online descriptions can be unclear. “I thought La Quinta allowed pets but was shocked to find a no-pets clause upon arriving with my terrier in Tucson,” said fellow traveler Ben. Reconfirm!
Build in backup accommodation options too, just in case of a last minute cancellation or overbooking. “I identify three potential pet-friendly hotels in each destination now, after having my reservation disappear at midnight in Salt Lake City,” admits road tripper Leslie.
Booking early also gives time to request designated pet rooms with easy outdoor access, if available. You can request corner rooms away from foot traffic, or ground floor rooms with patios. Planning ahead maximizes the chance you’ll secure specialty accommodations for greater convenience and less stress.
Your Ultimate Guide on How to Travel from the UK to the US with Your Furry Friends - Plan for Bathroom Breaks and Exercise
Frequent flier Henrik warns, “Don’t underestimate the importance of planning for Fido’s potty breaks and activity time during travel. I learned this lesson after Bagel had multiple accidents because I didn’t account for his needs.”
Even pets used to long flights can get thrown off their routine while traveling and need bathroom reminders. Build in ample stopovers anytime you’re on the move. Road trips in particular mean planning regular safe places to let your furry friend stretch their legs and relieve themselves.
Valerie admits she got caught off guard on a cross country drive from LA to NYC with her senior Boston Terrier. “Gus just couldn’t hold it as long between stops as he used to. We had many backseat messes because I didn’t plan pit stops accounting for his age.”
GPS pet-friendly rest stops whenever possible. Major hotel chains like La Quinta Inn have nationwide pet relief areas, as do many highway service plazas and airports. “I use BringFido to map gas stations, dog parks, and rest areas for Chico’s bio-breaks,” explains regular road warrior Susan of her cross-country jaunts with her aging Chihuahua.
If stopping at out of the way rural rest stops, scope them out in advance to ensure pets are allowed and areas are clean. Steer clear of high traffic zones where dogs are prohibited. “We once got fined trying to sneak Snickers in to relieve himself behind a Starbucks,” confesses cat owner Leslie of her misstep.
Airports with pet relief stations include Phoenix Sky Harbor, Denver International, and JFK's Terminal 4. Know locations in advance if traveling with pets. "Mapping out pet bathrooms at our layover airport reduced stress traveling with three dogs from Tokyo to D.C.," shares military spouse Katie.
Don’t wait for your pet to give cues. Set a timer for regular breaks. “Now I schedule stops every 8-10 hours for Bagel, no exceptions,” says Henrik. Look for places to let your pet run around a bit too, not just relieve themselves. Long hotel stays mean utilizing any on-site pet exercise areas.
If stopping at off-leash dog parks, take care to avoid crowded times and pack leashes. “Greta got into a scuffle at a park with another dog when I wasn’t diligent about spacing during her pee break,” says Ben. Scope them out in advance online and read reviews on how congested they get.
Travel days involve major schedule disruptions, so try to stick to pet feeding routines as closely as possible. Bring plenty of water to avoid dehydration. “Gus turns his nose up at strange water sources, so I always carry his filtered water,” says Valerie.
Your Ultimate Guide on How to Travel from the UK to the US with Your Furry Friends - Bring Plenty of Food, Meds, and Other Pet Supplies
Don't let your pet's dietary or medical needs fall by the wayside during travel disruptions. Packing ample food, medications, and other pet supplies avoids unnecessary stress when regular routines go out the window.
As a habitual over-packer, I used to scoff at meticulous pet parents weighing out precise kibble portions and bagging custom food pouches for trips. "How much can a few missed meals really throw off a dog?" I naively thought. Well, when my corgi Comet turned his nose up at generic road trip food, anxiously lost his appetite for days, and ended up at the vet with gastrointestinal issues, I learned my lesson.
Now I'm uber-diligent about mimicking Comet's diet, mealtimes and supplements when we're on the move. I pack enough of his prescription urinary health kibble to match his usual daily portions, supplemented with some shelf-stable fresh pet food pouches in case he needs bland urgent care meals. Having the right supplies on hand let me gently transition Comet back to normal eating after he initially refused food for a worrisome 36 hours into our RV trip in New Mexico.
Don't assume your pet will be excited to dine out on whatever discount dog food you scoop up en route or fresh street food from outdoor markets. Finicky eaters and pets with allergies do best sticking to what they know to avoid stomach issues. Pack twice as much food as you think you'll realistically need, just in case flights get delayed or car trips go longer than expected.
Once your pet is on a prescription or therapeutic diet for medical issues, it's critical to pack those specialty meals without fail. "We learned that skipping Lulu's kidney diet led to accidents and obvious discomfort," notes cat owner Florine who jets between homes in Berlin and Austin with her senior Siamese. Now Florine couriers a multi-week supply of Lulu's renal food to have on hand wherever they're headed next. It's peace of mind knowing your pet's needs are covered, even if travel plans unexpectedly change.
Medications and supplements are another must-pack item for frequent pet travelers. Making sure your pet consistently gets prescriptions like thyroid meds or anxiety medications avoids complications mid-trip. You likely can't just fill a pet prescription abroad either, so bring ample supplies to cover your whole journey. Don't chance it if your pet relies on regular OTC vitamins or hip and joint supplements either. Pack more than you think is needed in case of travel delays. Probiotics to restore good gut flora after stomach bugs are handy too.
Your Ultimate Guide on How to Travel from the UK to the US with Your Furry Friends - Don't Forget Proper ID and Microchipping
No matter how carefully you plan every other aspect of traveling with your pet, failing to ensure proper identification and microchipping could mean disaster if your furry friend manages to slip away. Trust me, you never want to find yourself frantically searching for a lost pet in an unfamiliar place far from home. I learned this lesson the scary way a few years back on a trip to Berlin when my 70-pound Goldendoodle Hank vanished into the bustle of Alexanderplatz his first day in the city.
Without ID or a microchip, my hopes of ever seeing my beloved Hank again would have been slim. But thankfully he was sporting both his implanted chip and a sturdy collar tag, which eventually facilitated an anxious reunion after hours of panic. Now I NEVER travel without assuring Hank sports redundant forms of identification, along with keeping his microchip registry updated. It brings me peace of mind knowing that even my giant, curious escape artist can find his way back if an unfortunate misadventure with a squirrel or food vendor were to separate us.
Pet ID tags engraved with your contact details are a simple must-have for all traveling pets, even if they already boast a registered microchip. Collars can break or slip off, rendering the implanted chip useless without a visible tag also displaying your phone number. Only ID tags provide instant owner information to kind strangers trying to help a found pet on the spot. Erica swears her retired racing greyhound Belle would likely never have been recovered after bolting into the crowds at Chicago O'Hare if not for her collar tag. "Belle's chip went unscanned for hours until someone thought to call me based on the tag I always keep on her," Erica shares.
Double up on ID by packing a spare collar and tags too. Karen's elderly terrier Charlie lost his original ID collar while burrowing under a fence in Scotland, leaving him unidentifiable for 36 agonizing hours until being turned into a local shelter. Now she always travels with backup collar ID after living through that horror.
A registered microchip does offer critical redundancy if tags are lost, but only if your details remain up-to-date within the chip database. I know multiple friends burned by outdated registration info during moves. Be sure your current contact info is on file with the chip company. Confirm this BEFORE any trip, don't assume it is correct years after first inserting your pet's chip.
While both dog and cat microchips are standardized in the U.S., different frequencies are used abroad. So invest in getting your pet an universal "ISO-compatible" chip if traveling overseas. Otherwise, foreign vets or shelters may not easily detect the chip. It's cheap insurance against losing your pet in a far away place you may never visit again while searching.
For extra precaution, also consider temporary travel ID in the form of a custom dog tag engraved with your current trip location address and phone number. Erica used temporary Airbnb address tags when in Berlin to reunite quickly with Belle if lost. You can even buy ID tags that slide open to insert emergency contact info applicable just for your specific trip dates.