Although dogs do not need a passport to enter Canada, you will need to show one vaccination record and documentation that proves you’re the pet owner, regardless of whether you’re traveling by car or plane. Dogs are welcome to visit 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 based on your dog’s age, you will be asked to share vaccine records. If your dog is under 8 months old, you will need to present a health certificate stating the vaccines he has had. If your dog is over 8 months old, just show him Certificate of rabies vaccine. This should be the official document given to you by the veterinary clinic on the letterhead, which identifies your dog, lists you as the owner, and is signed by your veterinarian.
Dogs under 3 months of age are not required to be vaccinated against rabies, but adoptive parents will need to provide proof of the dog’s age, as required. Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the organization that sets policies for bringing pets into the country. There is no quarantine period and no waiting period after vaccination, so you are free to travel with your dog as soon as they are vaccinated against rabies.
Can I bring my dog to Canada by plane?
Check your airline’s policy for bringing pets to Canada as other fees or rules may apply. And depending on where you’re traveling, research breed restrictions. While Canada as a country does not ban any breed of dog, certain provinces or cities have more breed specific regulations. For example, Pit Bull dog breed are banned in Ontario, Canada’s largest province, and Winnipeg, the capital of the province of Manitoba. You will not be able to bring the Pit Bull breed through the airport in those areas.
Returning to America from Canada with my dog
The same requirements will be needed for back to America, so be prepared to show your dog’s vaccine records upon arrival.
For more information about traveling with your dog to Canada, visit Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.
