Things You'll Need
- Rabies vaccination certificate
- Veterinary health certificate
- Airline-approved carrier
- Dog food
- Water
- Leash
Instructions
How to Prepare to Bring Your Dog to Canada
Purchase a carrier that your dog can comfortably turn around in and rest, ventilated on three or more sides. If you're traveling by air, choose a carrier approved for airline travel that is waterproof.
Bring your dog to a veterinarian to get a rabies vaccination, if it does not have a current one. Vaccinations last one to three years, depending on the type of vaccine used.
Obtain a rabies vaccination certificate from your veterinarian, written in English or French, that clearly states that your dog is currently vaccinated against rabies. It must clearly identify your dog, listing its weight, height, breed and color. The certificate must also list when your dog was vaccinated for rabies, the trade name and serial number of the vaccine used, and when the immunity expires. The veterinarian must sign the certificate to validate it.
Have a veterinarian perform a health inspection so you can obtain a veterinary certificate of health, no more than 72 hours before arriving in Canada. Written in English or French, this certificate identifies your dog's physical characteristics (breed, coloring, weight) and states that the dog can travel safety and is free of disease. The certificate must also state that the dog is vaccinated for distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza virus. Have the veterinarian sign and date the form.
How to Bring a Dog from the USA to Canada by Plane
Make airline reservations for you and your dog. Depending on your dog's size, the airline may allow you to bring it in the cabin with you. Its carrier must fit under the seat in front of you and meet any weight restrictions, which vary by airline. If your dog does not meet these requirements, it must travel in the baggage compartment.
Register your dog with the airline, within 24 hours of your initial reservation, to ensure the airline can accommodate your dog on the same flight with you. Most airlines have limits on the number of animals allowed in the cabin during a flight.
Place your dog in its carrier and secure it in your car's back seat for safety. Keep it confined to its carrier during your trip to the airport. Provide it with food and water in its carrier.
Arrive at the airport and check your pet in at the airline counter. American Airlines says some airlines will not accept your dog more than four hours before the flight. Have your veterinary health certificate and rabies vaccination certificate ready to present to the airline personnel upon check-in. After checking in, board your flight.
Proceed to customs with your dog after your flight arrives at your destination in Canada. Show your identification, including passport and driver's license, along with your dog's health certificate and rabies vaccination certificate to the customs official. The official may inspect your dog and if it appears in good health, you and your dog can proceed into the country.
How to Bring a Dog from the USA to Canada by Car
Make reservations with pet-friendly lodging establishments along your route if your trip requires you to stop overnight at any point. Find these hotels through websites such as Trips with Pets (tripswithpets.com), which features a pet-friendly lodging search in both the United States and Canada. Call the hotels directly to ask about any extra fees.
Place your dog in its carrier and secure it in your car's back seat for safety. Keep it confined to its carrier while in your car. Provide it with food and water in its carrier during the trip. Stop every one to two hours along your driving route to allow it to relieve itself and stretch its legs by taking it out on its leash.
Show the border patrol agent your dog's veterinary health certificate and rabies vaccination certificate, along with your passport and driver's license, upon arrival at the border. Allow the agent to visually inspect the dog. If your dog's paperwork is in order and your dog appears healthy, proceed to your destination in Canada.