North America
Pet travel to San Francisco
SFO International Terminal APHIS clearance with Bay Area ground transfers.
Clearance & Entry
What's required to enter.
- 1
Current rabies vaccination certificate
- 2
Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel
- 3
APHIS endorsement for international origin
- 4
Airline-specific carrier size compliance
These are the official entry rules for United States.
Read our step-by-step compliance guide covering every document, timing window, and government contact for United States.
The US does not require quarantine for most countries. Dogs from high-risk rabies countries require a CDC-issued import permit. We manage all APHIS endorsements and advance CDC filings. Pets arriving at SFO's International Terminal are cleared through the USDA-APHIS border post — we coordinate pre-arrival notification and documentation submission to ensure efficient same-day processing.
— Paws en Route Compliance Team
Our process
How we handle San Francisco.
Documentation Review
We audit every certificate, vaccination record, and microchip date against the exact requirements for San Francisco.
Permit Filing
Our team files all import permits and advance notifications on your behalf, tracking approval status in real time.
Veterinary Coordination
We work with your vet or our partner clinics to issue compliant health certificates timed precisely to departure.
Airport Concierge
A dedicated chaperone manages customs inspection, APHIS or border authority clearance, and handover at destination.
Local Logistics
Getting your pet into San Francisco.
SFO has dedicated APHIS operations and is a key transpacific hub. We pre-file all documentation for same-day clearance. OAK and SJC serve domestic and regional routes.
Entry Airports
Supported Airlines
At a glance
Lead time
5–14 days
Ready to travel to San Francisco?
Get a custom quote with exact timelines and costs for your pet.
Pet-Friendly Stays
Where to rest in San Francisco.
Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf by IHG
Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf by IHG is pet friendly! Pets of any size are welcome for no additional fee. Both dogs and cats are allowed, but pets
Beautiful Spacious House
This property allows dogs of any size for no additional fee. Cats may also be allowed by request.
Motel 6 San Francisco CA - Fisherman's Wharf
Motel 6 San Francisco CA - Fisherman's Wharf allows 2 pets of any size for no additional fee. Both dogs and cats are welcome, but exotic pets are not
Paws en Route
Not seeing your ideal stay? Our concierge knows every pet-friendly property in San Francisco.
Paws en route members get waived pet fees at select partner properties in San Francisco. Ask your concierge which properties are currently in the programme.
Getting Around
Navigating San Francisco with your pet.
One of the biggest anxieties of pet travel is local transit. Here's everything you need to know before you land.
Public Transit
Muni metro and buses permit dogs in enclosed carriers. Caltrain allows dogs in carriers on all routes. The system is reliable for carrier-sized pets; larger dogs travel by rideshare.
Private Cars
Our Bay Area fleet covers SFO to all San Francisco neighbourhoods and across the Bay to Berkeley and Oakland. All breeds accepted with advance booking; SUVs for large dogs.
On Foot
Cole Valley, the Castro, and the Mission are SF's most walkable districts. We provide maps of off-lead beach hours at Crissy Field, Fort Funston trail access, and dog-welcoming café terraces.
Private Ground Transport
Climate-controlled, GPS-tracked fleet. Seamless door-to-door service between cities or to your final destination.
Experiences & Culture
San Francisco, with your dog.
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is one of San Francisco's most popular pet-friendly parks. There are four separate off-leash areas: the southeast section between
969 36th Ave, San Francisco, CA, US, 94122
Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach in San Francisco, CA is pet friendly. From the north end to stairwell 21, dogs are allowed on-leash or voice control. From stairwell 21
1095 Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA, US, 94122
Fort Funston
Located off of Skyline Blvd, Fort Funston is one of the best places in San Francisco to bring your dog for a day of fun. This recreation area has lots
Fort Funston Rd, San Francisco, CA, US, 94132
Shopping at Union Square San Francisco
Union Square in San Francisco, CA, features a number of dog-friendly stores and shops. Macy's, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Saks,
333 Post St, San Francisco, CA, US, 94108
Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruises
Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruises is a dog-friendly activity in San Francisco, CA. Leashed pups are welcome to join you on the one-hour Bay Cruise
Pier 41, San Francisco, CA, US, 94133
Paws en Route
Want more to do with your dog? Our experts plan the perfect itinerary in San Francisco.
Local Infrastructure
Know before you land.
Emergency resources, export-certified clinics, and vetted boarding — vetted and saved before departure.
Emergency Vet
San Francisco Veterinary Specialists
Export Clinic
Castro-Duboce Veterinary Clinic
1 Sanchez St, San Francisco CA 94114
0.5 km from Duboce Park
Mon–Fri 8:00–18:00, Sat 8:00–14:00
Boarding & Daycare
Wag Hotels San Francisco
Get a Quote
Get a custom quote for San Francisco.
We handle the flights, the veterinary compliance, and the door-to-door logistics. Tell us where you're starting from, and we'll calculate the route to San Francisco.
Travelling to
Pet type
No obligation · Concierge response within 24 hours
Paws en Route Concierge
Ready to turn this guide into a real trip?
Your Preparation Timeline
We build a personalised calendar for San Francisco: permits, vet appointments, and health certificates timed precisely to your departure window so nothing expires before you board.
Local Intelligence, Pre-loaded
Vetted stays, pet-safe transit routes, and emergency contacts, all curated for San Francisco and confirmed before you land, so your first day is calm.
Common questions about San Francisco.
Everything you're likely wondering before you start the process.
