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Flying from San Francisco to New York with your Pet

What documents do I need to fly my pet from San Francisco to New York?

Flying between San Francisco and New York with your dog is straightforward compared to international journeys. However, to ensure a smooth trip, we still strongly recommend beginning preparation at least 6–8 weeks before departure.

Step 1

Your dog

  • Be at least 8 weeks old on day of travel.
  • Appear healthy.
Step 2

Documents and vaccinations

All dogs will require the following documents and vaccinations. Don't worry, we will track these in our portal.

  • A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or Health Certificate, issued 30 days or less prior to entry, signed by a USDA accredited veterinary.
    • New York accepts the VS 7001 form, but they prefer and strongly encourage the use of electronic CVIs.
    • A CVI or Health Certificate is not required if:
      • The animal is staying in New York for less than 30 days.
      • The animal is entering for exhibition.
      • The dog is a New York resident with proof of current dog license, rabies vaccination, and is returning from out-of-state travel within one year.
  • A current Rabies vaccination for animals 3 months of age and older.
    • 1-year or 3-year vaccines accepted.
    • The rabies vaccine product name and date of vaccination must be recorded on the CVI or Health Certificate.
  • 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 Guidance

  • Be sure to check if your dog has been out of the US in the last 6 months, if they have, you may need to complete a CDC dog import form.
  • To find a USDA accredited vet, use the APHIS search tool here.
  • Your CVI form must state the dog is free from infectious diseases, must be written in English, and list the destination address in New York.
  • Alongside the CVI, make sure you carry your originally signed rabies certificate.
  • While not legally required by New York state for entry, most airlines and veterinarians strongly recommend Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus (DHLPP) and Bordetella.
  • Ensure your dog is wearing a collar with an ID tag containing your current contact information.
  • While microchips are not legally required for domestic flights, they are strongly recommended.
  • If you plan to stay in New York for more than 30 days, ensure your dog is licensed, as the NYC Department of Health requires all dogs over 6 months to be registered locally.

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

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