It’s easier than you think to travel between Canada and the United States with a dog, if you have the right paperwork with you.

From the United States to Canada

In Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) establishes import requirements for all animals entering Canada-including domestic pets.  Whether they’re moving, vacationing or just passing through, the requirements are the same:

(Pet) dogs do not have to be quarantined and they don’t need to have a microchip or tattoo to identify them.

But all dogs must have their Rabies Vaccination Certificate to cross into Canada.  And all dogs must appear to be in good health.

The Rabies Vaccination Certificate you get from the Vet is the one you need, because it shows details of the type of vaccine, the duration of the protection and so on.  Dogs less than three months do not require rabies certification. However, proof of the dog’s age must be shown if you are asked.

Rabies tags that go on the collar, are not acceptable

Not all people are asked of course, for this Certificate at the border. But if you are asked – you must have it, or face being turned away. It’s that simple.

From Canada to the United States

These rules are nearly the same: the dog or cat must have a certificate that confirms he is up to date on rabies shots, AS WELL AS a signed statement from a Veterinarian that the pet is healthy.  The pet must be vaccinated at least ONE MONTH before the trip.

Pets under 3 months do not need proof of vaccination. However, you can only bring ONE unvaccinated, young pet across the border.

Always a good idea to check

EZCrossings.com has a handy list of the borders you might be crossing so that you can phone and confirm. They are:

  1. Washington State / British Columbia
  2. Idaho / British Columbia
  3. Montana / British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan
  4. North Dakota / Saskatchewan and Manitoba
  5. Minnesota / Manitoba and Ontario
  6. Michigan / Ontario
  7. New York / Ontario and Quebec
  8. Vermont / Quebec
  9. New Hampshire / Quebec
  10. Maine / Quebec and New Brunswick

The site also has other useful information about travel.

More resources

Finally, even if you don’t have a dachshund, you should check this site for fun: You Did What with Your Wiener?  Besides the hilarious title, there are plenty of tips that apply to travelling with small dogs, no matter what the breed.

What about Air Travel?

BringFido.com has an excellent list of requirements  here, by airline as well as contact info. But again, please call to check, since regulations often change.  


ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK BEFORE YOU LEAVE – RULES ABOUT PETS ARE NOTORIOUSLY CHANGEABLE.

ABOUT MORKIES