Pet Travel Question: Moving a Bulldog Puppy to the US

Name: Carole
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: English Bulldog
From: Ukraine
To: New York City, US

Hi,

I am traveling to the Ukraine in September 2013 and want to bring home a puppy that I am buying there. What exactly are the requirements for going through US Customs with him when I arrive in NYC? What documents do I need to provide to customs from the breeder I buy him from? Also does the puppy have to be quarantined for any period of time or will I be able to bring him straight home?

Thank you very much,

Carole

Hi Carole,

Thanks for your questions. Check out the US pet import requirements. Normally, importing a dog to the US requires proof of Rabies vaccination and an International Health Certificate issued by a vet. If your puppy will be younger than three months old at the time of travel, he will be too young to receive a Rabies vaccination and you will need to agree to confine your puppy at home until he is old enough to be vaccinated. More information and a downloadable PDF of the confinement agreement are available on this page of the CDC website.

You'll notice that the US doesn't require any documentation from the breeder. Additionally, there is currently no quarantine period for pets traveling to states other than Hawaii, so you should be able to take your puppy home with you upon arrival.

Be sure to confirm that your airline will accommodate your pet shipping needs. Several airlines have restrictions on flying bulldogs, especially during warmer months. Additionally, because bulldogs are prone to respiratory problems, you will want to make sure that your puppy's crate is one size larger than normally required.

If you have any more pet transport questions, feel free to contact us. Happy travels!