Routes › United States → Canada
United States to Canada with a dog
Minimum lead time: As little as a few days if the rabies vaccine is current; puppies need the vaccine after 3 months of age.
Requirements, in order
1. Work out which category your dog is in
Canada's requirements depend on origin country, the dog's age, purpose (personal vs commercial) and whether the owner travels with it (CFIA: travelling with your dog). This page covers personal pets, 1–2 dogs. Commercial imports, rescues and dogs for resale have different rules (CFIA import tool).
2. Microchip
Not required by Canada for personal dogs from the US on the sources we checked; the certificate must clearly identify the dog. A chip is still strongly worth having — and it is mandatory for the dog's return to the US (CDC requires a microchip detectable by a universal scanner, see step 6).
3. Rabies vaccination certificate
Required for all dogs older than 3 months (except certified guide, hearing or service dogs accompanying their user). It must be issued by a licensed veterinarian and prove vaccination within 3 years of import (USDA APHIS: US to Canada). Dogs under 3 months need no rabies vaccine but you must be able to prove their age.
4. Titer test
Not required for this route.
5. Health certificate
Dogs 8 months or older: no health certificate. Puppies under 8 months travelling with their owner: proof of rabies vaccination only. Puppies under 8 months travelling without their owner (1–2 dogs): examined and certified by a licensed vet within 72 hours of arrival in Canada; APHIS says this certificate does not need USDA endorsement (APHIS).
6. Permits, quarantine and the return trip
No import permit for personal pet dogs. CFIA's import reference states pet dogs imported from any country are not subject to post-import quarantine (CFIA import reference document). If a dog arrives without valid rabies proof, an inspector can order vaccination at your expense within a set time. Bring original documents; CBSA/CFIA may inspect (CBSA: travelling with animals).
Coming back to the US? Canada isn't on CDC's high-risk list, so you need a free CDC Dog Import Form receipt, a microchip, and a dog at least 6 months old. The receipt is valid 6 months and can cover repeated US–Canada trips.
Backwards timeline
- 3+ years before? CheckMake sure the rabies certificate is dated within the last 3 years and won't lapse during the trip.
- ≥28 days before (recommended)If a new vaccine is needed, do it now. Puppies: vaccinate after 3 months old. Microchip at the same visit if you'll return to the US.
- ≤72 hours before arrivalOnly for unaccompanied puppies under 8 months: vet exam and health certificate.
- Any time before returnComplete the free CDC Dog Import Form for re-entry to the US (dog must be ≥6 months).
- BorderPresent original rabies certificate to CBSA/CFIA.
Costs (official figures only)
CDC states the Dog Import Form for the return trip is free (CDC). Canadian inspection fees for commercial or other categories exist but we have not listed them here because the official fee pages were not verified for this page. If an inspector orders vaccination, it is at the owner's expense.
Airline notes
APHIS notes that airlines and shipping lines set their own pet policies. Ask your airline about cabin vs cargo, crate size and any document it wants to see. Driving across the land border is the simplest option for most owners.
Common mistakes
- Bringing a photocopy instead of the original rabies certificate.
- A certificate that doesn't clearly identify the dog (breed, colour, sex, age).
- A rabies vaccine older than 3 years, or a 1-year vaccine that has quietly expired.
- Assuming puppy rules apply: unaccompanied puppies under 8 months need a 72-hour health certificate.
- Forgetting the US return: no microchip or no CDC Dog Import Form receipt means trouble coming home.
- Using these rules for a rescue, sale or more than 2 dogs — those are commercial imports with different requirements.
FAQ
Does my dog need a health certificate to go from the US to Canada?
Not if it's a personal pet dog 8 months or older; proof of rabies vaccination is enough. Unaccompanied puppies under 8 months need a vet health certificate issued within 72 hours of arrival.
Is there quarantine for dogs entering Canada?
CFIA states pet dogs imported from any country are not subject to post-import quarantine.
Does my puppy need a rabies vaccine to enter Canada?
Dogs under 3 months don't, but you must show proof of age. Dogs over 3 months need proof of rabies vaccination.
What do I need to bring my dog back to the US from Canada?
A CDC Dog Import Form receipt (free), a microchip detectable by a universal scanner, and the dog must be at least 6 months old and appear healthy.
Official sources
- USDA APHIS – Pet travel from the US to Canada
- CFIA – Travelling with your dog
- CFIA – Import Reference Document (domestic dogs)
- CBSA – Travelling with animals
- CDC – Dogs from rabies-free or low-risk countries
- CFIA pages were read via search-indexed text and the USDA APHIS page (some CFIA URLs returned 404 to our fetcher). Canadian inspection fees not listed.
Last checked: Oct 2026. Spotted a change? Rules move fast — tell us and check the official source first.