Bringing Your Dog to Canada From the U.S. (2026)

To bring a pet dog from the U.S. to Canada, you need a valid rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed vet, showing your dog was vaccinated within the last 3 years, and your dog has to look healthy when you arrive. Dogs 8 months or older don't need a health certificate or USDA endorsement. Puppies under 3 months need proof of age instead of a rabies vaccine, and puppies under 8 months traveling without you need a health certificate. Coming home, your dog needs a CDC Dog Import Form receipt.

Last verified September 27, 2026 against official sources

What your dog needs, by age

Your dog	What you need
8 months or older	A valid rabies vaccination certificate. No health certificate.
3 to 8 months, traveling with you (1–2 dogs)	Proof of current rabies vaccination.
Under 3 months, traveling with you	No rabies vaccine needed, but you need proof of your dog's age.
Under 8 months, traveling without you (1–2 dogs)	A health certificate from a licensed vet, issued within 72 hours of arrival in Canada. It doesn't need USDA endorsement.

Certified guide, hearing and service dogs traveling with the person they assist are exempt from the rabies vaccination requirement.

Source: Pet Travel From the United States to Canada (USDA APHIS)

The rabies certificate

It must come from a licensed vet and show your dog was vaccinated against rabies within the 3 years before you enter Canada.
Your dog must also look healthy and be traveling in humane conditions when you arrive.

If your dog's rabies paperwork doesn't meet Canada's rules, you'll have to get it vaccinated at your own expense within a set period and show the record to a CFIA Animal Health Office. A dog that can't be vaccinated for a documented medical reason needs a written exemption request and an import permit from CFIA before you travel.

Sources: Pet Travel From the United States to Canada (USDA APHIS), Bringing animals to Canada: Importing and travelling with pets (CFIA)

Coming back to the U.S.

Your dog needs a CDC Dog Import Form receipt to come back, like every dog entering the U.S. If you and your dog cross often, one receipt can cover repeated trips from Canada until the expiry date on the receipt. See our CDC Dog Import Form guide.

Source: Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low-Risk Countries (CDC)

Before you go

Entry rules change, sometimes with little notice. This page summarizes the official pages below as of September 27, 2026. Confirm the current requirements with your vet, USDA APHIS and your airline before you travel.

Flying there? Compare airline pet policies. For how USDA endorsement works, see ourUSDA health certificate guide.