International Dog Travel: Italy to the United States

Name: Valentina
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Cocker Spaniel
From: Italy
To: Virginia, USA

Dear PetRelocation,

I'll finally go to Italy to take my sweetheart and move him with me to Virginia. What certificates and vaccines would I need?

He is more or less 25 pounds and I'm flying Lufthansa. Would I be able to take him with me on the plane, or will they put him in a different space? I'm stopping in Frankfurt for a connection flight. What do I have to do?

I can't wait to have him here!!!

Thanks a lot,
Valentina

Hi Valentina,

Congratulations on bringing your sweetheart home to you! Bringing pets into the United States requires a bit of preparation but it's not as exhaustive a process as it would be for many other countries (and there is no quarantine). Take a look at the pet import requirements for the US for an idea of what to expect.

In addition to having an updated rabies vaccine and health certificate issued by your vet within 10 days of departure, you'll need to contact Lufthansa to make arrangements for your dog's flight. It's important to know that you don't necessarily have to be on the same flight as your dog. In fact, most of the pet moves we arrange entail owners flying separately -- it's often easier to do it this way.

Your dog will fly in the cargo area of the plane in a  temperature and pressure controlled area. Lufthansa is one of our top choices when it comes to moving pets, as they have established policies and a long record of safety. Take a look at our blog for more information about Lufthansa's Animal Lounge in Frankfurt, where your dog will most likely  have a chance to stop and take a break between flights.

If you have any more questions or are interested in finding out about out services, please contact us here for a free quote. Hopefully it won't be too long before your dog is with you where he belongs! Thanks for your message, and good luck with everything.