Attention:  This information is to be used as general guidelines and may not be updated to meet the current requirements.  Before you travel, be sure to contact the appropriate authorities for your destination country.

Rules and Requirements for dogs, cats & birds entering or traveling within the United States: 

Dogs and Cats

1:  International Health Certificate: Within 10 days of departure your vet will need to issue an International Health Certificate as required by all airlines.  This certificate states that your pet is in good health and OK to fly.

2. Rabies Vaccination & Certificate: In general, it is required that dogs be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days prior to entry, except for puppies younger than 3 months and dogs originated or located for 6 months in areas considered to be free of rabies.  Dogs and cats coming from areas not free of rabies must be accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination certificate.  If a vaccination has not been performed, or if the certificate is not valid, the animal may be admitted if it is confined immediately upon arrival at a place of the owner’s choosing. The dog must be vaccinated within four days after arrival at the final destination, but no more than 10 days after arrival at the port of entry. The animal must remain in confinement for at least 30 days after being vaccinated.

All cats and dogs are subject to inspection at ports of entry for evidence of infectious diseases that can be transmitted to humans.

Birds

All birds -- those taken out of the country as well as those being returned -- are subject to controls and restrictions. In addition, nearly all birds coming into the country require a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

1: International Health Certificate: Within 10 days of departure your vet will need to issue an International Health Certificate as required by all airlines.  This certificate states that your pet is in good health and OK to fly.

2: USDA Import Permit (VS Form 17-129)

3: Fish and Wildlife Services Certification (if necessary)

4: 30-day Quarantine in an USDA Animal Import Center: at one of the following locations:

New York, New York
230-59 Rockaway Blvd.
Suite 101Jamaica, NY 11413
Telephone (718) 553-1727
Fax (718) 553-7543      

Miami Animal Import Center
USDA-APHIS-VS
6300 NW 36 Street
Miami, FL33122
Telephone (305) 526-2926       
Fax (305) 526-2929

Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles International Airport
11850 South La Cienega Blvd..
Hawthorne, CA 90250
Telephone (310) 725-1970
Fax (310) 725-9119

In order to expedite entry into the United States, it is suggested that you do not use straw, hay, grass, or other natural bedding. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Plant Protection and Quarantine Division does not allow the importation of these materials as they may harbor various plant pests.

For additional information please consult with the following agencies that govern pet importation to the United States: Customs and Border Protection, Center for Disease Control (CDC), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

If you have an exotic animal or a pet that is not mentioned on this page, please contact us directly to learn more.

 

Local Pet Resources

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Alaska Dog News - A great resource for pet owners in Alaska.

Anchorage

Groomers and Pet Supplies

Petco Pet Store: 8621 Old Seward Highway


Pet Friendly Hotels

Aurora Winds Resort Bed and Breakfast: 7501 Upper O'Malley Rd  

Best Western Barratt Inn: 4616 Spenard Rd  

Comfort Inn Ship Creek: 111 Ship Creek Avenue  

Merrill Field Inn: 420 Sitka St  

Millennium Alaskan Hotel: 4800 Spenard Rd  

Motel 6 - Anchorage - Midtown: 5000 A Street  

Parkwood Inn: 4455 Juneau St  

Red Roof Inn - Anchorage: 1104 E 5th Avenue

Residence Inn by Marriott: 1025 35th Ave. 

Sourdough Visitors Lodge: 801 E Erikson St  

Super 8 Anchorage: 3501 Minnesota Dr

 

Pet Friendly Restaurants

Alaska Salmon Chowder House: 443 W Fourth Avenue

Artic Roadrunner: 5300 Old Sewar H

L'Aroma Bakery and Deli: 900 W 13th

New Sagayaas City Market: 900 W 13th Avenue

Quiznos: 601 E Diamond Blvd, Shop 5  

Snow City Cafe: 1034 W 4th Avenue

 

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