Source data
Canadian and U.S. agency guidance for owner-accompanied personal pet dogs
Sources checked
- 01Identify the route
Check the Canadian requirements for an owner-accompanied personal dog. Source 3
- 02Dog under three months
The Canadian reference document does not require a rabies vaccination certificate at that age. Source 1
- 03Dog three months or older
Prepare valid proof of current rabies vaccination for the routine route. Source 1
- 04Review the certificate
Check the language, identifying details and issuing veterinarian. Source 1
Use the personal pet route only if it matches the trip and the owner accompanies the dog.
Canadian and U.S. agency guidance for owner-accompanied personal pet dogs
This covers one personal pet dog travelling directly from the United States to Canada with its owner. Commercial, adoption, rescue and unaccompanied travel can have other requirements. The return journey has separate rules.
| Source | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Under three months old | No rabies vaccination certificate required under the age rule | Age at the time of import | Source 1 |
| Three months or older, routine owner-accompanied route | Current rabies vaccination certificate | Certificate identifies the dog and shows it is currently vaccinated | Source 1 |
| Certificate format | English or French certificate from a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin | Use an identifying certificate | Source 1 |
| Owner accompanying a personal pet | Check the Canadian entry route before travel | USDA distinguishes owner-accompanied personal dogs from some other categories | Source 2 |
| Border arrival | Present the animal and relevant paperwork for inspection | Canadian border guidance applies | Source 3 |