North America
Pet travel to Washington DC
Washington Dulles international arrivals with APHIS coordination and Georgetown 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. International pet arrivals at Washington Dulles are processed through the main international hall where USDA-APHIS operates the live-animal inspection post — we pre-file all documentation well in advance to guarantee same-day clearance and onward transfer.
— Paws en Route Compliance Team
Our process
How we handle Washington DC.
Documentation Review
We audit every certificate, vaccination record, and microchip date against the exact requirements for Washington DC.
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 Washington DC.
Dulles International (IAD) has APHIS operations and handles most international pet arrivals for DC. Reagan National (DCA) is domestic only. BWI (Baltimore/Washington) handles select international routes. We coordinate APHIS clearance at IAD for non-US origin pets.
Entry Airports
Supported Airlines
At a glance
Lead time
5–14 days
Ready to travel to Washington DC?
Get a custom quote with exact timelines and costs for your pet.
Pet-Friendly Stays
Where to rest in Washington DC.
Fairmont Washington DC Georgetown
Fairmont Washington DC Georgetown allows pets of any size for no additional fee. Both dogs and cats are welcome, but please note that pets cannot
Charming Capitol Hill Home With Stunning Views
This property is pet friendly! Dogs of any size are allowed for no additional fee. Cats may also be allowed by request.
Tabard Inn
Tabard Inn allows 2 dogs of any size for an additional fee of $100 per stay. Additional dogs may be allowed for an additional fee. Sorry, no cats. Food
Paws en Route
Not seeing your ideal stay? Our concierge knows every pet-friendly property in Washington DC.
Paws en route members get waived pet fees at select partner properties in Washington DC. Ask your concierge which properties are currently in the programme.
Getting Around
Navigating Washington DC 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
DC Metro allows pets in carriers on all lines at all hours — a notably progressive policy for a major US transit system. Walk Dupont Circle and Georgetown freely; the Metro handles everything else.
Private Cars
Our DC fleet covers Dulles, Reagan National, and all city quadrants. All breeds accepted with advance booking; SUVs confirmed for large dogs travelling from IAD.
On Foot
Dupont Circle and Georgetown are two of America's most walkable urban neighbourhoods. We provide maps of Rock Creek Park off-lead zones, National Mall leash rules, and dog-welcoming restaurant terraces.
Private Ground Transport
Climate-controlled, GPS-tracked fleet. Seamless door-to-door service between cities or to your final destination.
Experiences & Culture
Washington DC, with your dog.
Montrose Park
Bring your leashed pup to the super dog-friendly Montrose Park, considered one of Washington DC's s best-kept dog-loving secrets. Take a walk with
3052 R St NW, Washington, DC, US, 20007
Mount Vernon Trail
The Mount Vernon Trail is a dog-friendly trail that's a great place to walk Fido in Washington, DC. The map below shows a parking area with convenient
See Map Below, Washington, DC, US, 20004
East City Bookshop
Dog-friendly East City Bookshop in Washington, DC is an independent, community-focused bookstore for children and adults. Leashed pets are welcome
645 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Suite 100, Washington, DC, US, 20003
Nonpartisan Pedicab
Nonpartisan Pedicab offers private, pet-friendly tours of Washington, DC in the back of a pedicab. You and your pooch can see the National Mall,
1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, US, 20004
Paws en Route
Want more to do with your dog? Our experts plan the perfect itinerary in Washington DC.
Local Infrastructure
Know before you land.
Emergency resources, export-certified clinics, and vetted boarding — vetted and saved before departure.
Emergency Vet
Friendship Hospital for Animals
Export Clinic
Georgetown Veterinary Hospital
1007 26th St NW, Washington DC 20037
1 km from Georgetown waterfront
Mon–Fri 8:00–18:00, Sat 8:00–14:00
Boarding & Daycare
Dogtopia Washington DC
Get a Quote
Get a custom quote for Washington DC.
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 Washington DC.
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 Washington DC: 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 Washington DC and confirmed before you land, so your first day is calm.
Common questions about Washington DC.
Everything you're likely wondering before you start the process.
