Pet Transport to the USA

Luxurious Pet Move Abroad Ltd specialises in international pet travel. We ensure safe, comfortable and stress-free relocations for pets and their owners between the UK and the US.

Our mission is to ensure the safety and well-being of your animals as they cross borders. Our skilled team cares about animal welfare. We manage every detail of the journey. This includes paperwork and health certificates, travel crates and flight logistics. When you entrust your pet to us, you ensure a smooth, carefully managed travel experience.

Our Pet Transport Services

We specialise in comprehensive ground transport and logistics coordination within the UK and Europe. We act as your expert partner on the ground, ensuring your journey’s land-based segments are flawless.

We provide:

Door-to-door ground transport within the UK and Europe.
We provide expert coordination of Eurotunnel LeShuttle crossings.
Assistance with UK/EU documentation and border procedures.
Guidance on crates, pet comfort and travel schedules.
We ensure secure handovers at airports or final destinations.

We do not provide:

We do not offer air transport or private charter flights.
US import documentation or legal advice on US regulations (CDC, USDA).

Essential Requirements for Transporting Pets from the UK to the USA

Relocating a pet from the UK to the USA requires strict adherence to US federal regulations. Compliance with the following is mandatory:

ISO-Compliant Microchipping: All pets must have an ISO-compliant microchip (15 digits) that can be read by universal scanners. This is the primary form of identification.
Valid Health Certificate: A licensed veterinarian must issue an international health certificate within 10 days of travel. This certificate confirms your pet is healthy, fit to fly and free from contagious diseases.
Rabies Vaccination: Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies in accordance with CDC guidelines. The vaccination must be administered after the microchip is implanted.

Important: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the USDA govern US entry requirements. We strongly advise all clients to verify the latest CDC import regulations directly, as rules can change.

Bringing Your Pet To The UK

Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Stress-Free Pet Transport from UK to the USA

We offer flexible services for pet transport from UK to the USA tailored to your needs, whether you prefer full management by our team or wish to take an active role in the process. Follow this guide to ensure compliance and peace of mind.

Pet Taxi Service

Initial Research and Compliance

Check the current rules from the US Department of Agriculture (APHIS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pets from high-risk countries where rabies is common might have extra entry rules or temporary bans.

Microchip Identification

Make sure your pet has an ISO-compliant microchip before getting the rabies vaccination. We can assist with microchip scanning and verification during our handovers or at the border to ensure everything is correct.

Veterinary Health Check and Certificate

Make an appointment with a licensed veterinarian. They can issue official export health certificates. During this visit:

The vet will conduct a thorough examination.
They will verify vaccination records (especially rabies).
They will complete the necessary health certificate forms required by the USDA.

Our Role: We do not issue certificates, but we can guide clients on how and where to obtain the required UK/EU Animal Health Certificates.

Documentation and Paperwork

Accurate documentation is critical to avoid delays or quarantine. You must compile:

The official International Health Certificate.
Complete Vaccination Records.
Tapeworm Treatment Record: Required for entry into the UK on return journeys. This must be administered by a vet 24–120 hours before arrival.
Your chosen airline or US authorities may require additional forms.

We’ll check your documents with you. If anything is missing, we will advise you. This way you can avoid last-minute issues before travel.

Pet Passport or Certificate

Government Endorsement (APHA)

In the UK, submit the completed health certificate. It goes to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) for endorsement. This approval shows your pet meets all UK export and US import rules.

Airline Booking and Logistics

Review airline pet travel policies carefully, as crate specifications and space availability differ. Book your pet’s flight well in advance to secure their spot.

Regarding In-Cabin vs. Cargo Travel:

Small pets (generally under 8 kg) may be able to travel in the cabin with you depending on the airline’s specific rules.
Larger pets are usually required to travel in the temperature-controlled cargo hold. Always confirm your pet’s eligibility directly with the airline.

Ground Transport and Eurotunnel Coordination

Once your flight is booked, we manage the entire ground journey to get you and your pet to the airport on time.

How we coordinate with your flight: We ask for your flight number and arrival time. We calculate the travel time to the border, build in a buffer for potential delays and book your Eurotunnel crossing accordingly.
The Eurotunnel Advantage: Whenever possible, we use Eurotunnel LeShuttle. This 35-minute crossing is considered the safest and least stressful method for pets. They stay in the vehicle with you the whole time. This cuts down on the stress of loading and unloading from a different transport compartment.
Multi-Leg Journeys: For trips with ground transport in Europe before a flight, we sync our transport schedule with your flight times. This way all connections run smoothly.

Final Preparations and Handover

- Crate Training: Acclimatise your pet to their approved travel crate or carrier weeks before the trip. We can supply crates upon request if needed.
- Food, Water and Medication: Owners should provide their pet’s usual food and any necessary medication. We follow your pet’s normal routine during transport to avoid upsetting them.

Comfort and Safety During Ground Transport:

- 1. Pets stay with their owners in the vehicle throughout the Eurotunnel crossing.
  2. We schedule breaks every 2–3 hours for exercise and hydration.
  3. Our vehicles are quiet and temperature-controlled to ensure maximum comfort.
- Identification: Label the crate with your contact information and flight details.

Handover Process:

1. Airport Arrival: We will meet you at the airport arrivals area.
2. Assistance: We assist with any applicable border procedures on the UK/EU side.
3. Door-to-Door: We offer door-to-door delivery for full-service clients. This means a smooth transition from your home to your new place.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Transport from UK to the USA

Booking and Logistics

What information do you need to provide a quote or book your services?

To get started we require the following details:

Owner’s full name
Contact number
Flight number and arrival/departure times
Pet details (species, breed, weight and age)

How do you coordinate Eurotunnel transfers with international flights?

We ask the client for their flight number and arrival time. Then we calculate the travel time to the border. We also account for possible delays and book the tunnel crossing based on that. This ensures you arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare.

How does the handover work at the airport?

We make the process as smooth as possible. We meet clients at the airport arrivals area. We help with UK/EU border procedures if needed. For door-to-door services we make sure your pet arrives safely at their final destination.

How Long Does It Take To Transport A Pet To The USA From The UK?

The duration of pet transport from the UK to the USA depends on various factors, such as the chosen mode of transport, the distance and any layovers. Generally air travel can take around 8-12 hours, excluding additional procedures.

Pet Comfort and Safety

Can pets travel in-cabin or only in cargo? This depends entirely on the airline. Generally:

Pets under 8 kg may travel in the cabin with you, subject to airline approval and carrier size limits.
Larger pets usually travel in the temperature-controlled hold (airline rules apply).

How do you keep pets calm and safe during ground transport?

We prioritise your pet’s well-being by:

Ensuring pets stay with their owners in the vehicle during the Eurotunnel crossing.
We ensure that pets take breaks every 2-3 hours to exercise, drink water and use the toilet.
Using quiet, temperature-controlled transport to minimise stress.

How are food, water and medication handled during the journey?

Owners provide their pet’s usual food and any medication. We strictly follow their normal routine to avoid upsetting the pet or causing unnecessary stress.