Requirements to travel to Canada with a dog: US guide

Are you planning a trip to Canada with your dog?

Traveling with dogs to some countries can be complicated, but in the case of Canada, bringing your furry friend across the border is usually straightforward. Most dogs only need proof of rabies vaccination to cross without any issues.

However, requirements for traveling to Canada with a dog can vary. You'll also need to satisfy certain steps to bring your dog back to the US, including having a microchip and filling out the CDC Dog Import Form.

Here's everything you need to know.

We'll also introduce the Wise account, which allows you to send, spend, and receive your money across the globe in over 40 currencies – all at the fair mid-market rate.

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Table of contents
Can I take my dog to Canada? What do I need to bring a dog into Canada? Dogs younger than 3 months Dogs older than 3 months Assistance dogs Other considerations Microchips Pet food Air transport Inspection Hard copies Can I bring my dog into Canada by car? Spend like a local in Canada with the Wise Account Requirements to return to the US with your dog The bottom line

Can I take my dog to Canada?

Yes, you can bring your dog to Canada, but it needs to be healthy and meet specific requirements. It should also be your pet, not a dog you're bringing for someone else or for business purposes.

A personal dog is a dog that lives with you and will continue living with you after you arrive in Canada. You won't be giving the dog to someone else or selling it.¹

If you're not the dog's owner or you're bringing the dog for commercial reasons, different rules apply because it's a commercial import.

What do I need to bring a dog into Canada?

What you need to bring a dog to Canada depends on your dog's age. For most dogs, all you need is a valid rabies vaccination certificate and to transport your dog humanely.²

Keep in mind that the information below applies specifically to dogs coming from the US. If you're bringing your dog from another country, you may face different requirements.

Dogs younger than 3 months

For puppies under 3 months old, all you need is:²

• Proof of the dog's age (provided by a veterinarian)
• Your dog to appear healthy and meet humane transportation requirements

You don't need proof of rabies vaccination at this age.

Dogs older than 3 months

For dogs 3 months and older, you need:²

• A valid rabies vaccination certificate
• Your dog to appear healthy and meet humane transportation requirements

Your dog must have been at least 3 months old when it received the rabies vaccination.²

The rabies vaccination certificate must:²

Be written in English or French, or include an official translation Be issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian Identify your dog (age, breed, sex, color/markings, weight, and microchip/tattoo number if applicable) Identify you as the dog's owner State that your dog is vaccinated against rabies Show the date of rabies vaccination Include the trade name and serial number of the rabies vaccine used Specify how long the vaccination is valid (if not specified, it's considered valid for 1 year from the vaccination date)

All information on the certificate must be easy to read.

Assistance dogs

An assistance dog is a specially trained dog that provides a specific service to their designated handler (AKA you). Assistance dogs do not include emotional support animals, therapy animals, companionship animals, or comfort animals.¹

If you have a personal assistance dog, you're exempt from rabies vaccination requirements.¹

However, you'll need documentation proving that your dog is trained and certified by an organization accredited by Assistance Dogs International or the International Guide Dog Federation.

Your dog also needs to look healthy and be transported humanely.

Other considerations

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Microchips

Canada doesn't require microchips or tattoo identification for pet dogs.²

However, your dog does need a microchip to enter back into the US. So even though Canada doesn't require it, you'll want to make sure your dog has one for your return trip.³

Pet food

You can bring pet food into Canada, but there are limits.

You can bring up to 20 kg (about 44 pounds) of pet food per animal if:⁴
The pet food is from the US and comes in commercial packaging You have the pet food with you when you cross the border Your dog is traveling with you Only your dog will eat the food you're bringing

In other words, it's fine to bring some pet food when you're traveling with a dog to Canada, but not excessive amounts, and it needs to be in its original packaging.

Air transport

Airlines often have their own rules and paperwork requirements for traveling with pets.

Check directly with your airline to make sure you meet all their specific requirements, because they can be different from what Canada requires.

Inspection

When you arrive in Canada, border officers will check your paperwork to make sure your dog's rabies vaccination is valid and that your dog matches the description on the documents.

They'll also look at your dog to make sure there are no obvious signs of illness or injury.

If you have an assistance dog, officers will check that your dog meets the criteria and has proper certification. In some cases, your dog might need additional inspection by CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency), which could involve extra fees.²

Hard copies

Bring physical copies of all your paperwork. Border officers might ask to see original documents, so don't rely only on digital copies on your phone.²

Print everything out and keep it with you.

Can I bring my dog into Canada by car?

Yes, you can bring your dog to Canada by car as long as you meet all the requirements.

For most dogs over 3 months old coming from the US, this means having a valid rabies vaccination certificate and appearing healthy. Puppies under 3 months just need proof of age from your vet.²

💡 Learn more about traveling from the US to Canada by car in our full guide.

Spend like a local in Canada with the Wise Account

Withdrawing your travel money with a card once you arrive in Canada will usually get you a more favorable exchange rate compared to changing cash in the US. Choose a Wise account and multi-currency card, and you could get an even better deal on spending and withdrawals in Canada.

Wise Accounts can hold 40+ currencies and always offer the mid-market exchange rate for spending and withdrawals.

That means you can top up your Wise Account in dollars and switch to CAD as and when you need to — or have the Wise Multi-Currency Card auto-convert to the currency you need with the lowest available fee for convenience.

It’s free to open a Wise Account online or in the Wise app, with no minimum balance and no monthly fee — take a look today to see how much you can save.

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Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information.

Requirements to return to the US with your dog

If your dog has only been to Canada (or other low-risk countries) in the past 6 months, the only required paperwork to return to the US is the CDC Dog Import Form. Fill out the form online, and you'll get an email receipt that you can print or show on your phone.³

In addition to the CDC Dog Import Form receipt, your dog must:³

• Appear healthy when you arrive
• Be at least 6 months old
• Have a microchip that can be read by a universal scanner

So, while you typically do NOT need a microchip to travel with your dog to Canada, you DO need one to bring your dog back to the US.

For most pet owners, traveling with a dog to Canada is not complicated.

Dogs over 3 months old need a valid rabies vaccination certificate, and younger puppies need proof of age from a vet. You can drive or take your dog on a plane (but check if your airline requires any extra steps).²

If you're not coming from the US or you are visiting other countries before crossing the Canadian border, you'll likely face additional requirements.

However, it's important to plan for both sides of your trip. To return to the US, your dog will need a microchip. You’re also required to fill out the CDC Dog Import Form.³

Whether you're planning a one-time trip to Canada with your dog or you often travel back and forth, using your US credit card abroad will likely cost you money through poor exchange rates and foreign transaction fees.

The Wise Multi-Currency Card is a simple and secure way to spend like a local in Canada and save on fees.

Get started with Wise

Sources

1. Government of Canada - Travelling with animals
2. Government of Canada - Bringing animals to Canada
3. CDC - Entry Requirements for Dogs from Dog-Rabies Free or Low-Risk Countries
4. Government of Canada - Import of pet food, treats and chews containing animal products and by-products

Sources checked 06/12/2025