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.
Entering Canada
- ✓ Valid rabies vaccination certificate (dog must be at least 8 months old, or rabies-exempt rules apply for younger)
- ✓ Health certificate from a licensed veterinarian
- ✓ Microchip (best practice, not always required)
- ✓ Canadian customs broker (we use Running Red)
- ✓ CBSA / CFIA entry filing
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
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.
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.
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