Pet Travel Requirements: Canada to United States
Updated cross-border regulations for bringing dogs and cats from Canada into the United States under active CDC 2024–2026 entry rules.
Can I travel with my pet from Canada to United States? Yes. Companion dogs and cats can enter United States from Canada under non-commercial regulations established by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) & USDA APHIS (CDC Final Rule on Dog Importation (42 CFR Part 71) & Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)). Entry requires an ISO 11784/11785 microchip, rabies vaccination with a instant online form waiting period, exempt / not required, and an endorsed CDC Dog Import Form Receipt & CFIA Rabies Certificate. Compliant pets are eligible for 0 days quarantine.
Key Route Factors at a Glance
Exempt / Not Required
Canada is classified by the CDC as a dog-rabies free or low-risk country. No rabies titer test is required.
0 Days Quarantine
Immediate clearance at US land border ports or airport customs with valid CDC documentation.
Instant Online Form
CDC Dog Import Form must be submitted online prior to arrival; valid for 6 months.
CDC Dog Import Form Receipt & CFIA Rabies Certificate
Free online CDC Dog Import Form submission receipt + proof of valid rabies vaccination.
Statutory Requirements Checklist
Every requirement must be met in strict chronological order before departure.
CDC 6-Month Mandate & Age Limit
Sequence Protocol: CBP officer checks receipt at port of entry.
The 4-Step Preparation Timeline
Follow this verified corridor timeline to prevent border delays or invalid document rejections.
ISO 11784/11785 Microchip
Dog must have a 15-digit microchip implanted before crossing into the US.
Submit Free CDC Dog Import Form
Complete the official online CDC Dog Import Form; save and print the email receipt QR code.
US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) Inspection
Show CDC receipt and Canadian rabies certificate at land border booth or airport pre-clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions: Canada to United States
Q:What is the new CDC Dog Import Form required for dogs from Canada?
Under CDC rules implemented in August 2024 and active through 2026, all dogs entering the United States from Canada must have an approved CDC Dog Import Form receipt. It is free to generate online and is valid for multiple entries for up to 6 months.
Q:Can puppies under 6 months cross from Canada to the US?
No. Under federal CDC regulations, all dogs entering the United States must be at least 6 months (24 weeks) of age at the time of entry.
Q:Are cats required to have a CDC form to enter the US from Canada?
No. The CDC Dog Import Form applies exclusively to dogs. Domestic cats do not require CDC paperwork or a rabies certificate for federal US entry, though individual states may enforce rabies requirements.
Traveling from Canada to United States with your pet?
Upload your pet's vaccination records and microchip certificate. We verify vaccination dates, 21-day latency windows, and USDA health certificate deadlines against official Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) & USDA APHIS rules in seconds.
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