Dogs 8 months or older just need proof of current rabies vaccination to enter Canada from the U.S. — no health certificate. Coming back into the U.S. from Canada is even simpler: one free online form, no vet visit required, under the CDC's rule that took effect August 1, 2024.
Requirements depend on the pet's age and whether it's traveling with its owner. Sourced from USDA APHIS, which certifies U.S. pets for Canadian entry.
The rabies certificate itself isn't a form to download — it's issued directly by whichever licensed vet administers or verifies the vaccination, in whatever format that clinic uses.
USDA APHIS, "Pet Travel From the United States to Canada" (last modified July 30, 2025), cross-referenced against the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's own import tool.
This got a lot simpler in 2024. Sourced from the CDC, which regulates dog imports at the federal level.
CDC, "Bringing a Dog into the U.S." and "Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low-Risk Countries" (rule effective August 1, 2024); USDA APHIS, "Bring a Pet Cat (Domestic) into the United States" (last modified December 24, 2025).
Going into Canada, a dog 8 months or older just needs proof of current rabies vaccination — no health certificate. Coming back into the U.S., the only paperwork is the free CDC Dog Import Form, submitted online before travel — plus the dog must be healthy, at least 6 months old, and microchipped.
Not if your dog is 8 months or older and traveling with you — proof of current rabies vaccination is all that's required. A health certificate is only needed for puppies under 8 months traveling without their owner.
Complete the CDC Dog Import Form online before you travel. Since Canada is a dog-rabies low-risk country, that form is the only documentation required at the federal level, and its receipt stays valid for 6 months of repeat crossings. The dog also has to appear healthy, be at least 6 months old, and be microchipped — those three apply regardless of paperwork.
Yes. Puppies under 8 months traveling with their owner into Canada just need proof of current rabies vaccination (or proof of age if under 3 months, when vaccination isn't yet required). Unaccompanied puppies need a health certificate issued within 72 hours of arrival.
Yes — cats need a rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination within the last 3 years, though no separate health certificate is required. Kittens under 3 months are exempt.
For dogs 8 months or older, no — Canada's own import rules apply the same rabies-vaccination-only requirement whether the owner or a licensed handler is driving. For puppies under 8 months, it does matter: traveling without the owner requires a health certificate instead of just vaccination proof. On the U.S. side, the CDC Dog Import Form can be completed by the owner or the shipper, so a transport company can file it directly on your behalf.
Requirements can change without notice and it's the pet owner's responsibility to confirm current rules before travel, including arranging any required health certificate with your own vet. Snout Route's handlers check that paperwork is in order for every cross-border trip, but always verify directly with USDA APHIS or the CDC for your specific situation.