Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Your Pet for Overseas Travel

Bringing your dog into the United States from another country can feel overwhelming if you’ve never done it before. There are rules, paperwork, deadlines, and government agencies involved. If you’re flying into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), you’re coming through one of the few approved entry points for dogs arriving from countries considered high-risk for rabies. That makes preparation even more important.  I work with Rue’s Kennels at LAX, a CDC-registered facility designed to help dog owners and rescue organizations navigate this process. We’ve seen just about every situation you can imagine. Some dogs arrive fully compliant and are picked up the same day. Others are missing documents or vaccinations and end up needing a full 28-day quarantine. Either way, there’s a lot you can do before travel to make sure things go smoothly when your dog lands. If you’re just starting your planning, here’s a clear look at how to get ready for international travel with your dog and what to expect when using a facility like ours at LAX. Start by checking whether the country your dog is traveling from is considered high-risk for rabies. The CDC publishes this list on their site and updates it regularly. Some of the most common high-risk countries include China, India, Russia, Egypt, and the Dominican Republic. If your country is on that list, your dog must meet additional requirements before entering the U.S. If your dog is coming from a high-risk country, here’s what you need to have in order: A valid rabies vaccination certificate that includes the date of vaccination, expiration, and the microchip number Proof that the dog is at least six months old at the time of travel A properly implanted microchip that was placed before the rabies vaccine was given A health certificate from a licensed veterinarian, depending on the country A CDC Dog Import Permit if required based on your dog’s history or destination Make sure you have originals or certified copies of every document. The CDC does not accept handwritten records or anything that looks suspicious. If your dog was vaccinated too recently before travel, the vaccine might not be considered valid yet, which can lead to quarantine upon arrival. Timing matters. You’ll want to start this process at least 30 days before the travel date. If your dog needs to be revaccinated or microchipped, it needs to happen with enough time for everything to take effect. Don’t assume that paperwork from your local vet is enough. International travel has stricter standards and it’s on you to make sure your dog’s paperwork will be accepted. Once you know your dog qualifies, contact a CDC-registered facility like Rue’s Kennels to reserve space. We can help you confirm the documents, walk you through what to expect, and prepare to receive your dog once the plane lands. If something is missing when your dog arrives, the CDC may order a 28-day quarantine, which we handle in our facility just minutes from LAX. When your dog lands at LAX, we coordinate pickup and handle the customs clearance on your behalf. We transport the dog safely to our kennel and begin the intake process. If all documentation is valid, your dog may be released that same day. If there’s an issue, we provide care and follow CDC protocols while we sort out the next steps. If quarantine is needed, we manage the full 28-day process with feeding, cleaning, daily monitoring, and regular updates to you. Traveling internationally with a dog is not just about the flight. You need to plan every detail before departure. This includes booking your CDC-registered facility in advance, having all documents printed and ready, and knowing what to do in case something goes wrong. If your dog is denied entry, they may be sent back to their country of origin at your expense. This can be avoided with proper planning. If you’re flying with your dog, double-check airline requirements, too. Each airline has its own pet policy and not all international routes allow pets in cargo. Make sure your carrier is approved and that your dog’s crate meets travel standards. Give your dog time to get used to the crate before the flight, and plan for hydration and comfort during travel. We see a lot of dogs arrive tired and stressed from long flights, so anything you can do to reduce anxiety helps. One mistake we see often is travelers assuming their pet won’t need quarantine because they "look healthy" or "just got vaccinated." That’s not how the CDC works. It’s all about documentation, timing, and meeting specific criteria. If one piece is off, quarantine becomes mandatory. It’s not optional and we can’t override that decision. We also recommend preparing for the cost of pet importation. In addition to your airline fees, you’ll be responsible for vet appointments, CDC permit fees if needed, and quarantine or boarding costs if applicable. Ask about our pricing ahead of time so you’re not caught off guard. At Rue’s Kennels, we’re used to handling all the logistics. Our team is trained to manage everything from airport pickup and customs to quarantine and document submission. We stay in contact with the CDC, USDA, and Customs and Border Protection so you don’t have to juggle all of that on your own. If you’re not sure whether your dog will need quarantine or whether your documents are in order, reach out. We’re happy to review what you have and let you know what the next steps should be. It’s better to ask in advance than deal with problems after your dog has landed. International travel with a dog takes planning and precision. If you’re coming through LAX and need help making sure your dog is cleared to enter the U.S., we’re here to walk you through the process and provide the care they need. Preparing now saves time, money, and stress later. Let me know if you want to get on the schedule or if you have any questions. We’ve done this for hundreds of dogs from all over the world and are always here to help.