Pet Transportation to the USA
Trusted international relocation to USA from Australia. Travel is complicated enough for humans, let alone your pets. Our experienced team ensures your pet is ready and able to fly when you are.
50+ years of experience
Offices across Australia & the USA
Dogtainers Pet Transport is rated 4.7 stars - from 1079 on Product Review
Expert International Pet Travel To The USA made Easy
At Dogtainers™, we want to make sure that your move overseas is a stress-free process for you and your furry friend. We have offices all across Australia and the United States, so our team will take great care of your pet at both ends of your journey. As the leaders in pet transportation, we can provide a complete service to any destination in and around the USA – North America, South America, and Central America.
Dogtainers has been providing international pet transport services from Australia to the USA (and in reverse) for over 50 years. Our pet transportation company employs experienced professionals to ensure that your pet is in the most capable hands. Dogtainers can provide international pet relocations to the US for all types of pets, including dogs, cats, birds, fish, and reptiles. Taking care of your loved one’s comfort, safety and welfare is our number one priority.
Dogtainers works with 90% of the largest and smallest pet-friendly airlines across the globe. We will always find the most direct route, so you are reunited with your cat or dog as soon as possible. Depending on your situation, we can provide airport-to-airport service, door-to-door service, or a tailor-maid solution for you.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
The only pet transport company in Australia with a formal
International Service Guarantee
Your pet's international move is managed by experienced professionals every step of the way — backed by the only guarantee of its kind in the industry.
Fully compliant travel
All arrangements completed in a timely, secure and fully compliant manner — nothing left to chance.
Your pet's comfort first
Your pet acclimatises to their crate before travel and flies in a pressurised, temperature-controlled cabin at 18°C.
End-to-end management
From permits and health checks to airline coordination and delivery — we handle every detail so you don't have to.
Trusted by industry leaders and government bodies
What’s Included When We Plan Your Pet's Travel.
- Specialist advice from a dedicated pet travel consultant.
- Flights for your pets and ongoing booking managment.
- Help to select the best size travel crate for your pet.
- Options to buy or hire an airline-approved travel crate from our IATA specified stock.
- Time for your pet to adapt to their travel crate before moving day.
- Advice and schedules for pre-import blood tests and vaccinations (including rabies).
- Endorsements and vet checks with overseas animal health authorities.
- Assistance with arranging Government Health Certificates and export/import permits.
- A comfort stop on their way.
- Options for road transport in our temperature-controlled pet travel vans to drop-off and collect your pet.
- Photo updates of your pet before take-off, and check-in with you once they’ve arrived safely.
TRUSTED SINCE 1971
Why Choose Dogtainers
Australia's most trusted pet transport company — 50 years of experience, offices in every state, and a team of genuine pet lovers.
● Official RSPCA partner
● IPATA member
● Australia's oldest pet transport company
Offices in every state
The only pet transport company with local offices and staff in every state and territory — always someone nearby looking after your pet.
50 years of experience
Operating since 1971 — Australia's oldest pet transport company, moving thousands of pets safely every year.
Accredited and trusted
Official RSPCA partner and IPATA member. Your pet is in certified hands from pick-up to delivery.
Pet lovers, just like you
We know pets are family. Every team member shares your commitment to their care and wellbeing.
Pet Travel Requirements For Commercial Pets
Under the US Animal Welfare Act, importing dogs into the United States for the purpose of reselling must meet the following conditions:
- In good health
- Vaccinated for rabies, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza virus (DHLPP)
- Minimum of six months in age
And, have the following paperwork accompany the dog on its travel:
- A health certificate and rabies vaccination certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian; and
- An import permit issued by APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service)
Popular US Destinations
Some of the most popular cities we transport pets to include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, Boston, San Francisco, Honolulu, Dallas, Houston, Denver, Seattle and Atlanta. Flight time to Los Angeles from Australia is approximately 16 hours, Dallas from Australia is about 18 hours, and New York is approximately 22 hours.
Returning to Australia
We recommend that you discuss the process of coming back to Australia with one of our trained import consultants, who can outline estimated prices and all requirements needed.
The Process
A Clear Path, Every Step of the Way
From first enquiry to safe arrival, our team manages every requirement so your pet's journey stays simple and stress-free.
Enquiry
Tell us about your pet, travel dates and destination.
Health & Vaccinations
Required tests and treatments completed to schedule.
Documentation
Import permits and paperwork lodged and approved.
Booking & Crate Prep
Pre-Flight Check
Final vet clearance and comfort check before departure.
Arrival & Delivery
Customs cleared and your pet safely reunited with you.
Please allow enough time for the full process — depending on your destination country's requirements, this can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months. Our team will confirm the exact timeline for your pet's journey.
Import Requirements to the USA
The only federally required vaccination for pets in the USA is a rabies vaccine. However, each state and territory in America has its own rules for pet ownership and importation, which may differ from the federal regulations. Hawaii and Guam have stringent quarantine regulations for pet importation.
Dogs
- Microchip implanted
- AQIS export paperwork, health certificate, and final veterinary inspection
Recommended Vaccines
- C3 Vaccination – vaccines should be at least 14 days old before export
Cats
- Microchip implanted
- AQIS export paperwork, health certificate, and final veterinary inspection
Recommended Vaccines
- F3 Vaccination – vaccines should be at least 14 days old before export
Commercial Pets
Under the US Animal Welfare Act, importing dogs into the United States for the purpose of reselling must meet the following conditions:
- In good health
- Vaccinated for rabies, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza virus (DHLPP)
- Minimum of six months in age
Pets Fly Like Us
Transporting your pet by air is the quickest and most efficient way of moving your pet to or from the USA with the least amount of hassle. For international flights, live animals travel in the cargo cabin, which is pressurised just like the cabin you fly in. The plane’s captain is aware that your pet is on board and keeps the aircon set to a comfortable 18ºC.
Call Dogtainers now on 1300 13 52 52 to start planning your pet’s journey to or from the United States.
FAQs About Pet Transport to USA
How Long Does The Pet Transportation Process To The USA Take?
Although the flights to the USA might only take a number of hours, planning for your pet’s trip can actually take several months to complete. This is because of the very strict pet importation restrictions and scheduling requirements the USA has in place. To avoid disappointment, we recommend contacting us at least one month before you’d like your pet to fly out.
What are the Popular US Destinations ?
Some of the most popular cities we transport pets to include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, Boston, San Francisco, Honolulu, Dallas, Houston, Denver, Seattle and Atlanta. Flight time to Los Angeles from Australia is approximately 16 hours, Dallas from Australia is about 18 hours, and New York is approximately 22 hours.
What is the process for returning to Australia?
We recommend that you discuss the process of coming back to Australia with one of our trained import consultants, who can outline estimated prices and all requirements needed.
How do pets travel on international flights to or from the USA?
Transporting your pet by air is the quickest and most efficient way of moving your pet to or from the USA with the least amount of hassle. For international flights, live animals travel in the cargo cabin, which is pressurized just like the cabin you fly in. The plane’s captain is aware that your pet is on board and keeps the aircon set to a comfortable 18ºC.
How do I start planning my pet’s journey to or from the United States?
Call Dogtainers now on 1300 13 52 52 to start planning your pet’s journey to or from the United States.