Pet Transport Ghana to USA: CDC High-Risk Pathway and Accra Cargo Options 2026

Accra Kotoka International Airport (ACC) does not have the same volume of US-bound cargo as major African hubs like Nairobi or Johannesburg, but Delta’s direct ACC-ATL service makes Atlanta (ATL) accessible from Accra. Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson has CDC-registered animal care facilities nearby, which is a requirement if your dog does not have a valid serology titre test.

The journey from Accra to Atlanta is around 10-11 hours direct. For cargo, this is a manageable duration in a properly equipped IATA-compliant crate with adequate ventilation and water. Delta Cargo is experienced with the West Africa to US corridor.

British Airways from Accra to Heathrow and then onward to the USA via connections is an alternative routing, but it introduces additional transit complexity. The direct ATL routing is generally cleaner for pet welfare.

Ghana’s Veterinary Services Directorate (VSD) endorses both the export permit and the Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form required for the CDC high-risk pathway. Apply for the permit early, as the VSD may require the animal to be inspected before the permit is issued.

The certification form must be completed by your Ghanaian official vet and endorsed by the VSD. Both signatures are required. The CDC Dog Import Form is completed online separately, free of charge. On arrival at Atlanta (or whichever CDC-accessible US airport you use), the documentation is reviewed at the CDC-registered facility and your dog is either released (with valid titre) or admitted for quarantine (without).