Take your pet to a vet at least a month before departure. Make sure your pet has no illnesses or maladies that could prevent its entry into the country. Have a current rabies certification for your dog or cat. If your pet is sick, your trip to the United States will have to be delayed until it is healthy.
Prepare a pet-friendly container in which your pet can travel. The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires that all animals coming into the country be provided with a clean cage or container that is well-suited for the animal and provides enough space, ventilation and protection from weather conditions. Food, water and cleaning supplies must be provided.
Mark each container with a label stating your name and home address along with an invoice stating how many pets are in each container and of what species.
Check with your port of entry regarding its operating hours. Your pets will be inspected upon arrival so you want to make sure an inspector will be on site when you arrive to expedite your processing into the country.
