07/31/2024
New entry requirements for dogs on all Transborder flights
Starting August 1, 2024, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will introduce new entry regulations for dogs into the U.S. based on whether they have been in a rabies high-risk country in the past six months. These new requirements are for all dogs travelling on flights to and from the U.S. and include:
• Pets in the cabin (PETC)
• Animals in the hold (AVIH)
• Service animals (SVAN)
New requirements for dogs travelling to/from the U.S.
Beginning August 1, all dogs travelling to/from the U.S. (PETC, AVIH and SVAN) must meet the following requirements:
• Be at least six months of age
• Implanted microchip
• Appear healthy upon arrival
• CDC Dog Import Form and Receipt
If the dog has only been in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries for the last six months, the above requirements are all that is necessary. Airport agents will validate the form receipt.
Guest communication
Your clients who have an applicable booking after August 1, will receive an email from WestJet advising them of the actions required. Please direct them to fill in the form in advance of their flight. Examples of the form and the form receipt can be found on westjet.com.
Dogs who visited a high-risk country in the last six months
If the dog has been in a high-risk country for dog rabies within the last six months, there may be additional documentation requirements and restrictions based on where the dog was vaccinated for rabies. Currently, WestJet does not allow dogs vaccinated outside of the U.S. (including Canada) that have been in a high-risk country in the six months prior to travel to the U.S.
Resources
For more information regarding this update, please visit our website:
westjet.com/pets
If a guest’s dog does not meet any of the above requirements, they will be denied boarding and travel. It is important to review these new requirements with your clients and advise them to check the website for more information.
FAQs
Why is the U.S. updating their dog entrance requirements?
There are one million dogs imported annually into the U.S., 100,000 from countries at high-risk for dog rabies. As outlined on the CDC website, dog rabies was eliminated from the U.S. in 2007 and through regulations, the CDC aims to prevent the re-introduction of dog rabies into the U.S. to protect the health and safety of people and animals.
What if my client travelled one way with WestJet with their dog prior to August 1 and are now returning to the U.S. and they are no longer able to bring their dog with them?
If the guest does not have the required documentation for their dog to travel to the U.S., the dog must be denied travel. Refer the guest to the CDC’s website for information on the required documentation and how to obtain it.
If my client still wants to travel but needs to cancel the dog from the booking. Am I able to do so?
Yes, you can cancel the dog from your client’s booking and receive the fee back as a refund to the original form of payment. If your client would like to do so, please contact the Travel Support Team at 1-877-664-3205.
My client is travelling with a [cat/bird/rabbit/etc.]. Are they still allowed to travel to the U.S. following the regular requirements?
Yes. They are still able to bring their [cat/bird/rabbit/etc.]. Please check the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website inspection.canada.ca/en for any further requirements for travelling with a pet.