Flying with a dog or cat to Illinois
Illinois applies a rule that depends on the species or the length of stay. The detail is below.
What this state requires
Case by case
- Validity window
- Not specified by the state
The rule in detail
Does not accept the APHIS Form 7001
What the airline asks, separately
A carrier can require a document no state does. Most US airlines ask for a certificate issued within seven to ten days, whatever the state rule says. The two stack: satisfying one does not satisfy the other.
Dog breeds
Illinois prohibits its cities and counties from adopting breed-specific regulation. 22 states do. No municipality can therefore turn your dog away on its type — subject to the state-specific caveat our pivot page carries for Washington State.
Where you come in
2 airports in our catalogue serve Illinois.
- MDW
- ORD
Documented routes into this state
17 routes in our catalogue arrive here, with the airlines that accept the animal and their constraints.
Source
Rule read at the state's own official source, verified on 2026-09-12. agr.illinois.gov
Common questions
- Do you need a health certificate to take a dog or cat to Illinois?
- Yes. Illinois requires a certificate of veterinary inspection, including for personal travel with your own pet.
- Can a dog breed be refused in Illinois?
- Not by a municipality: Illinois prohibits its cities and counties from adopting breed-specific regulation.
Other states
The rule changes at every state line. Each page below carries its own state’s rule, with its source.