What documents does my dog need to enter Canada from the USA?

A valid rabies vaccination certificate, a health certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian, microchip identification, and a licensed customs broker on the Canadian side to file entry documents with CBSA and CFIA.

What documents does my dog need to enter the USA from Canada?

A CDC Dog Import Form, rabies vaccination certificate, health certificate, microchip, and a licensed US customs broker to file entry documents with CBP, USDA APHIS, and the CDC.

How early should I start preparing cross-border pet paperwork?

Start at least 30 days before transport. Health certificates have expiration windows (often 10 to 30 days), rabies vaccines must be given at least 28 days before crossing, and the CDC Dog Import Form must be filed in advance.

Cross-border requirements

What your pet needs to cross the border

Moving a pet between Canada and the United States is a regulated, documented process. Here's the short version of what you need, in both directions, based on hundreds of crossings since 2020.

This page is educational, not legal advice. Rules change. Always confirm current requirements with your veterinarian, your customs broker, and the relevant government agencies before travel.

USA → Canada

Entering Canada

✓ Rabies vaccination certificate (required from 3 months of age)
✓ Health certificate from a licensed veterinarian, examined within 72 hours of crossing (required for a dog under 8 months travelling unaccompanied; a puppy riding with its owner needs rabies proof only)
✓ Microchip (best practice, not always required)
✓ Canadian customs broker (we use Running Red)
✓ CBSA / CFIA entry filing

Full guide: importing a puppy from the USA to Canada

What your vet must put on the health certificate · Accompanied vs. unaccompanied

Source: CFIA pet import rules (inspection.canada.ca)

Canada → USA

Entering the United States

✓ CDC Dog Import Form receipt (filed online, attached to the animal)
✓ Rabies vaccination certificate
✓ Health certificate from a licensed veterinarian
✓ Microchip (required for CDC compliance)
✓ US customs broker (we use OmegaCHB)
✓ CBP / USDA APHIS entry filing

Sources: USDA APHIS pet travel · CDC dog import rules

Timelines

Start at least 30 days out

Rabies vaccines must be given at least 28 days before crossing to be considered valid. Health certificates expire quickly (commonly 10 to 30 days depending on destination). The CDC Dog Import Form must be filed ahead of travel and its receipt printed.

We recommend booking transport and starting paperwork at least 30 days before your desired pickup date. Short notice is sometimes possible, but the extra lead time gives room for re-shots, re-issued certificates, and broker communications.

Official sources

Bookmark these

USDA APHIS: Pet travel — official US Department of Agriculture rules for animal imports and exports
CFIA: Importing pets to Canada — official Canadian Food Inspection Agency requirements
CDC: Bringing a dog to the United States — current CDC dog import rules, updated 2024
CBP: General import info — US Customs and Border Protection guidance
CBSA: Travelling with animals — Canada Border Services Agency guidance

Need help navigating the paperwork?

Book transport with us and we'll walk you through every document, every step.

Get a quote