How to Bring Dogs Into the United States From Canada

Whether traveling with the family pet or if you breed dogs, sometimes it is necessary to travel from Canada to the United States with your dog. It is important to know the proper requirements and be able to satisfy them when traveling to avoid unnecessary hassles and stress, or possible confinement of your dog.

Things You'll Need

  • dog
  • dog carrier
  • vet
  • rabies certificate
  • vaccinations
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Instructions

    • 1
      Dogs need proper travel accommodations.

      Determine how you plan to travel. Whether you fly, drive, or take the train will change the type of accommodations you need to prepare for your dog to travel from Canada to the United States. A dog car seat is necessary for safe travel by car. A dog carrier is needed for airplane travel. Check with your specific airline to ensure you have the proper size and shape carrier to allow your pet to travel. If traveling by train, check to ensure that the train will allow dogs; Amtrak for example only allows service dogs and not pets.

    • 2
      Rabies vaccinations must be current.

      Take your dog to a veterinarian for a thorough examination to ensure that the dog doesn't have any diseases or ailments prior to travel. A sick dog will not be allowed to travel and will require quarantine. Make sure your dog's rabies shots are up to date and you have written proof that the rabies shot is current. A rabies shot is good for three years, and must be given 30 days prior to travel.

    • 3
      A dog must be more than 3 months old to travel.

      Confirm your dog's age. Dogs less than 3 months old are not allowed to travel from Canada to the United States. A puppy less than 3 months old will need to receive their vaccinations when they reach that age, and will then be quarantined for 30 days after the vaccinations to ensure they are fully effective in the dog's system.