Flying from Los Angeles to San Francisco with your Pet

What documents do I need to fly my pet from Los Angeles to San Francisco?

Flying from Northern California to Southern California is very simple. Since you won't be crossing state lines. However, we still have safety protocols, your pet will still require their rabies jab, and both cities have strict local licensing laws. We recommend checking your airline's specific pet reservation availability 2–4 weeks before departure.

Step 1

Your dog

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Be at least 8 weeks old on the day of travel (per federal airline safety regulations).
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Appear healthy and be capable of handling the flight without distress.

Step 2

Documents and vaccinations

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Rabies Vaccination: All dogs 4 months or older are required to have a Rabies vaccination.
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  1-year or 3-year vaccines are accepted.
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  The vaccination certificate must be signed by a licensed veterinarian and include the vaccine product name and date.
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Fit-to-fly sign off: we require your vet to explicitly state the animal is "fit to fly", issued within 10 days of your flight.

Step 3

Further Recommendations

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To find a USDA accredited vet, use the APHIS search tool here.
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Rabies vaccinations: The State of California does not require a waiting period after a dog is vaccinated for rabies before it can be brought into California.
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If your pet is changing owners on arrival in California:
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  It will need a signed and dated rabies vaccination certificate for any dog over four months of age, and a health certificate (Certificate of Veterinary Inspection).
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  It will need a CVI, submitted to the CDFA electronically via their dedicated online portal.
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Identification: Ensure your dog is wearing a collar with an ID tag containing your current contact information.
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Microchips: While not legally required for domestic entry into California, they are strongly recommended. Ensure your contact info is updated in the registry.
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San Francisco Local Licensing: If you are a new resident or staying in San Francisco for more than 30 days, you are required to license your dog with San Francisco Animal Care & Control (SFACC).
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  All dogs over 4 months old must be licensed. You will need proof of rabies vaccination and a spay/neuter certificate (if applicable) to receive the discounted rate.
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  San Francisco is very dog-friendly, but dogs must be leashed in all public areas unless specifically designated as an "off-leash" zone (like parts of Golden Gate Park or Ocean Beach).
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  San Francisco has a strict "poop scoop" and leash law - be sure to keep those bags handy!

Need further assistance? Speak to a member of our team.