Taking your dog from Canada to the US in 2026: the complete checklist

Updated October 16, 2026 · By Alexandre Lajoie, founder of Pet Health Vault

Short answer: since August 1, 2024, a dog entering the US from Canada must be at least 6 months old, have a microchip readable by a universal scanner, look healthy, and have a receipt from the online CDC Dog Import Form. To come back to Canada, bring a valid rabies vaccination certificate.

Your pre-trip checklist

Requirement	Details	Source
Age	At least 6 months old on the day of entry	CDC
Microchip	Detectable by a universal scanner	CDC
CDC Dog Import Form receipt	One form per dog, completed online. Best done a few days to 6 months before travel	CDC
Health	The dog must appear healthy on arrival	CDC
Return to Canada	Meet Canadian import requirements, such as a valid rabies vaccination certificate	CFIA

The CDC Dog Import Form, step by step

Fill out the online form on the CDC website, one per dog. Have an ID ready (passport or driver's license), your email, your dog's details (name, age, breed, color) and travel details: arrival date and port of entry or flight.
List Canada as the departure country. It must match the country your dog leaves from to enter the US.
Keep the receipt, printed or on your phone, for border officers or your airline.

Good news for frequent trips: the receipt is valid for 6 months and can be reused for multiple entries during that time, as long as the dog has not been in a high-risk rabies country and the departure country stays the same.

What gets dogs turned back

Puppies under 6 months: they do not meet the entry requirements. Wait until your puppy turns 6 months.
Dogs that were in a high-risk rabies country in the past 6 months: according to the CFIA, they currently cannot enter the US directly from Canada and must wait 6 months in Canada.
No microchip: have your vet implant one before the trip and check that it scans.

Don't forget the trip home

Canada has its own rules. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) notes that a returning dog must meet Canada's import requirements, such as a valid rabies vaccination certificate. Get your dog vaccinated against rabies before you leave and carry the certificate with its expiry date visible. Also check the rules of the US state you are visiting and your airline, which may add requirements.

Documents to carry

CDC Dog Import Form receipt
Rabies vaccination certificate, valid for the whole trip
Microchip number
Health record and current medications with dosage
Your vet's contact details and an emergency clinic near your destination

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Frequently asked questions

What documents do I need to bring my dog from Canada to the US?

A receipt from the online CDC Dog Import Form. Your dog must also be at least 6 months old, have a microchip readable by a universal scanner, and appear healthy.

Does my dog need a rabies vaccine to enter the US from Canada?

The CDC page for dogs from low-risk countries such as Canada does not list it as an entry requirement. It is required to return to Canada, according to the CFIA, and some states or airlines may require it.

How long is the CDC Dog Import Form receipt valid?

Six months from issuance. It can be used for multiple entries during that period if the departure country stays the same.

Can I cross the border with a 4-month-old puppy?

No. Since August 1, 2024, dogs must be at least 6 months old to enter the United States.

When should I fill out the CDC form?

It can be completed on the day of travel, but the CDC recommends doing it a few days to 6 months before departure.

Sources

Informational article based on the official sources below. It does not replace advice from your veterinarian or the official agencies, whose rules can change.