Flying from New York to San Francisco with your Pet

Your dog

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  Be at least 8 weeks old on the day of travel (federal requirement for air travel).
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  Appear healthy and free of infectious diseases.

Documents and vaccinations

All dogs will require the following documents. Note that California's timeline for health certificates is stricter than many other states.

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  A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI): Must be issued 10 days or less prior to entry into California.

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    California accepts the VS 7001 form, but electronic CVIs are preferred for faster processing.
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    If you are importing a dog for the purpose of sale or change of ownership, the CVI must now be submitted to the CDFA electronically via their dedicated online portal.
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  Rabies Vaccination: Required for all dogs 4 months of age and older.

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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" on a health certificate issued within 10 days of your flight.

Further Guidance

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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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  You should carry a copy of the Rabies Vaccination Certificate signed by your veterinarian when travelling.
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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!