Step 1: Arrival
From the moment you land, you are not alone.
If your dog is traveling in-cabin or as excess baggage, you’ll call the number provided in your ARK Arrival Guide once you land. Our team will meet you just outside the customs area to welcome you and your dog.
If your dog is arriving via cargo, our experienced team is already tracking the flight in real time and will retrieve your dog directly from the airline’s cargo facility as quickly and safely as possible.
Either way, your dog is greeted by trained animal-care professionals ready to take it from here.
Step 2: The Ride
Your dog enjoys a short, calm VIP ride in one of our climate-controlled ARK vans.
Crates are securely fastened to ensure stability and comfort during transport. The drive is approximately 15 minutes, staying entirely on airport grounds—from the passenger or cargo terminal straight to our facility.
Safe, smooth, and stress-minimized.
Step 3: Relief
After travel, stretching and relief matter.
Upon arrival at The ARK, your dog is given time to decompress and relieve themselves in our outdoor turf area. If weather conditions aren’t ideal, our indoor turf relief space ensures the same comfort and cleanliness.
This step helps your dog reset after their journey and feel grounded again.
Step 4: Comfort & Care
Your dog is settled into their own spacious, padded kennel, designed for comfort and calm. Fresh water and food are provided, and if you’ve shared specific dietary needs or medications, our team follows those instructions carefully and on schedule.
Our facility is monitored 24/7, so if your dog stays overnight, rest assured—someone is always watching over them.
To help reduce anxiety, The ARK plays Zoundz for Pets, a specially designed audio program scientifically shown to promote relaxation and reduce stress in dogs through calming tones and rhythms.
Step 5: CDC Exam
Between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM (EST), our in-house veterinarian conducts CDC examinations.
Our vet evaluates dozens of dogs each day and is highly experienced in handling dogs of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments.
The exam itself is brief and gentle. Once completed, results are submitted directly to the CDC, and we await official clearance for your dog’s entry into the United States.
Step 6: Waiting
While your dog is being cleared, you’re invited to relax in our upstairs client lounge.
Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, a workspace bar, and a coffee station—perfect for catching up on work, social media, or connecting with family and friends.
You’re close by, comfortable, and informed every step of the way.
Step 7: Reunited
Once CDC clearance is granted, the moment you’ve been waiting for arrives.
You’re reunited with your dog—after just a few hours or, in some cases, a short stay—and free to continue your journey together.
Calm. Safe. Complete.
Welcome to The ARK Experience—where your dog is cared for like family, even when you can’t be together. 🐾
For Those Making a CDC Reservation Request
To our valued customers: The ARK has updated its reservation system. This new system will facilitate prompt quotes and improve communications with our customers. In the short run, there may be some glitches and duplicative emails. We ask your patience during the transition for any inconvenience this may cause.
We still kindly ask that you start the reservation process at least 21 days before the intended arrival date. An email/form does not constitute a reservation.
Dogs arriving should expect ONE overnight stay before entry.