Serving the U.S., Hawaii, Canada, and Alaska
We proudly serve families across the United States, including Hawaii, Canada, and Alaska. For those located outside the continental U.S., please refer to the “Flying Out of the U.S.” tab under MORE for detailed information about our travel and delivery options.
The safety and comfort of our puppies are always our top priorities. Due to the long wait times and stressful conditions that can occur during extended flights or layovers, we have made the decision not to subject our puppies to these lengthy travel periods. We believe every puppy deserves a calm, safe, and loving journey to their new home.
If you are located in one of our service areas, we will work closely with you to arrange the best possible travel plan for your puppie(s), ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience for both you and your new companion.
Entry Requirements to fly a puppy to Hawaii - Canada - Alaska
Avoid 120-day quarantine, you must follow strict rabies, vaccination, and documentation protocols, often requiring 3-4 months of preparation. Key steps include microchipping, two valid rabies vaccinations, a successful FAVN blood test (30+ days after the second vaccine), and submitting documents 10+ days before arrival for direct airport release.
Microchip: ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before or at the same time as the second rabies shot.
- Rabies Vaccination: Two valid rabies vaccinations, administered more than 30 days apart, with the most recent shot given at least 30 days before arrival.
- FAVN Blood Test: A FAVN (Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization) test performed by an approved lab, showing adequate immunity. The lab must receive the sample at least 30 days before arrival.
- Health Certificate: A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) (issued within 10 days of arrival).
- Documents & Fees: Submit the Dog & Cat Import Form AQS-279 and rabies certificates, along with $185 per pet, to the Animal Quarantine Station (AQS) at least 10 days before arrival.
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Steps for Flying a Puppie(s)
- Start Early: Begin the process at least 4 months before your move.
- Vaccinations: Ensure your puppie(s) has received at least two rabies shots, and the second one is at least 30 days old when they arrive.
- Blood Test (FAVN): This is the most time-consuming step.
- Documentation: Complete all forms and get a health certificate from your vet within 10 days of the flight.
- Airline Compliance: Check with airlines (e.g., Hawaiian Airlines) for crate size and temperature regulations, as Hawaii has strict pet travel rules.
- Arrival: If all documents are submitted, your pet can be released at the airport. Otherwise, they will face a 120-day quarantine.
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Important Notes:
- Puppies under 6 months: They may not have had two rabies shots, which can complicate the process; check directly with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture.
- Prohibited Breeds: Certain breeds (e.g., Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, chows) are restricted from some military installations.
- Direct Airport Release: This is only available during specific hours at Honolulu (HNL), Kahului (OGG), Kona (KOA), and Lihue (LIH) airports
Flying a puppy from the USA to Canada:
Proof of age for puppies under 3 months, or a valid rabies vaccination certificate for dogs over 3 months. While microchips are recommended, they are mandatory for puppies under 8 months entering for specific purposes. A health certificate is also required. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (.gov) +3Key Requirements to Fly a Puppy to Canada:
- Rabies Vaccination: Puppies must be at least 3 months old to be vaccinated. A certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian is required for dogs over 3 months.
- Proof of Age: For puppies under 3 months old, you must have documentation (such as a health record from a veterinarian) proving their age.
- Health Certificate: A Veterinary Certificate of Health signed by a licensed veterinarian is generally required.
- Microchip: Although not always mandatory, it is highly recommended and sometimes required for puppies under 8 months.
- Airline Requirements: Check with your specific airline for kennel requirements (IATA-compliant crate) and additional health documentation.
- Declaration: You must declare your puppy to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) upon arrival.
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Note for Young Puppies: Puppie(s) under 3 months are exempt from the rabies vaccination requirement, but they must still meet all other health and documentation requirements.
Flying a puppie(s) to Alaska from the US:
Requires a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) issued within 10 days of travel, a rabies vaccination (if over 12 weeks old), and compliance with airline-specific crate and health regulations. Puppies must be at least 8 weeks old, and some airlines require proof of parvovirus vaccination for certain destinations.
State of Alaska (.gov) +2Key Requirements & Documentation
- Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI): A licensed veterinarian must issue a health certificate within 10 days of arrival in Alaska.
- Rabies Vaccination: Dogs 12 weeks or older must have a current, documented rabies vaccination.
- Age Restriction: Puppies must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned.
- Microchip: Although not explicitly required for domestic US travel to Alaska in all documents, having a microchip is generally recommended.
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Airline-Specific Requirements (e.g., Alaska Airlines)
- Health Certificate: A veterinarian must sign a health certificate within 10 days of travel.
- Crate Requirements: The kennel must be leak-proof, ventilated on 3+ sides, and allow the dog to stand, sit, and turn around.
- Labeling: The crate must have "Live Animal" labels, food/water dishes accessible from outside, and shipper/consignee contact information.
- Booking: Book early as pet spaces in the cabin or cargo are limited.
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Important Tips for Flying to Alaska
- Avoid Sedation: Sedation of pets during air travel is generally discouraged.
- Brachycephalic Breeds: Many airlines restrict or prohibit snub-nosed dogs in the cargo hold due to breathing risks.
- Weather Restrictions: Airlines may refuse to fly pets in cargo if temperatures are too hot or too cold at the departure, connecting, or destination airport.
- Destination Specifics: Alaska Air Cargo requires proof of vaccination for parvovirus when traveling to Nome or Kotzebue.
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Fees and Booking
For the most up-to-date requirements, it is recommended to check the State of Alaska website.