Although dogs do not need a passport to enter Canada, you will need to show vaccination records and documentation to prove you own the animal whether you are traveling by car or plane. Dogs are welcome at our northern neighbor, but they must be vaccinated against rabies, and otherwise in good health.
Can I bring my dog to Canada by car?
You and your dog will be stopped at the border crossing and, depending on the age of the dog, you will be asked to share vaccination records. If your dog is less than 8 months old, you will need to present a health certificate indicating the vaccinations he has received. If your dog is over 8 months old, you only need to show their rabies vaccination certificate. This must be the official letterhead document given to you by your veterinary clinic, which identifies your dog, lists you as the owner, and is signed by your veterinarian.
Dogs under 3 months old are not required to be vaccinated against rabies, but the pet owner will need to provide proof of the dog’s age, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the body that establishes policies for the introduction of pets into the country. There is no quarantine period or waiting period after vaccinations, so you are free to travel with your dog as soon as he is vaccinated against rabies.
Can I bring my dog to Canada by plane?
Check the airline’s policy for traveling with pets in Canada, as different fees or rules may apply. And depending on where you are traveling, look for dog breed restrictions. Although Canada, as a country, does not ban any breed of dog, some provinces or cities have more breed-specific rules. For example, Pit Bull breeds are banned in Ontario, Canada’s largest province, and in Winnipeg, the capital of the province of Manitoba. You will not be able to bring a Pit Bull breed into an airport located in these areas.
Returning from Canada to the United States with my dog
The same requirements will be needed to re-enter the United States, so be prepared to show your dog’s vaccination records upon arrival.
For more information on traveling with your dog in Canada, visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.
