Pet Regulations for United States to Canada - Dog

Below is the necessary information needed to take your friend. Click each topic to see what is needed for travel. Save this information to your profile.

Make sure to check airline requirements as they can be different from the country’s requirements.

Vaccinations

Pet Dog - Less than 3 Months

  • No rabies vaccination is required.

Personal Pet Dog - 3 to 8 Months

  • A valid rabies vaccination certificate is required.

Personal Pet Dog - 8 Months or Older

  • A valid rabies vaccination certificate is required.

The rabies vaccination certificate must include:

  • Written in English or French.
  • Issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian.
  • Identifies the animal (age, breed, sex, colour/markings, weight, and microchip/tattoo number if applicable).
  • Indicates the date of vaccination.
  • Indicates the trade name and serial number of the licensed vaccine.
  • Specifies the duration of immunity (otherwise considered valid for 1 year from the date of vaccination).
  • Includes the name and signature of the licensed veterinarian who issued the certificate.

Certifications

Pet Dog - Less than 3 Months

  • No health certification is required if the dog is under 3 months old.

Personal Pet Dog - 3 to 8 Months

  • A health certificate may be substituted for the rabies vaccination certificate. The health certificate must:
  • Be written in English or French.
  • Be issued on clinic letterhead.
  • Be issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian.
  • Identify the animal (age, breed, sex, colour/markings, weight, and microchip/tattoo number if applicable).
  • State that the animal has been in the exporting country since birth or for at least 6 months immediately preceding shipment to Canada.

Personal Pet Dog - 8 Months or Older

  • A health certificate may also be substituted for the rabies vaccination certificate, provided the same requirements apply.

Microchip

Not required for personal pet dogs. However, for dogs under 8 months imported under the commercial category (dogs for sale, breeding, etc.), a microchip is required for identification purposes.

Assistance Pets

Assistance Dogs

An assistance dog is exempted from the rabies vaccination requirements provided that:

  • It is accompanied by its designated handler (the person to whom the dog is assigned).
  • Documentation is presented to support that the dog is trained and certified as an assistance dog by an organization accredited by Assistance Dogs International or the International Guide Dog Federation.
  • The dog appears healthy and meets humane transportation requirements.

A hard copy of all required original documentation may be requested during the inspection, and the importer must be able to provide such records if asked.

More Info

Personal Pet Dog - Less than 3 Months

When you arrive in Canada with a personal pet dog under 3 months of age, the dog must appear healthy and meet humane transportation requirements.

Personal Pet Dog - 3 to 8 Months

When you arrive in Canada with a personal pet dog aged 3 to 8 months, you will need a valid rabies vaccination certificate, or a health certificate, and the dog must appear healthy and meet humane transportation requirements.

Personal Pet Dog - 8 Months or Older

When you arrive in Canada with a personal pet dog aged 8 months or older, you will need a valid rabies vaccination certificate, or a health certificate, and the dog must appear healthy and meet humane transportation requirements.

Have you checked out Airline Pet Regulations?

Search flights going to your destination, and view airline pet regulations

Cat traveling regulations

Find a Vet with Pet Travel Experience!

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Pet Travel Todo List!


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