How to Travel from Canada to the United States with a Dog (2025 Guide)

Traveling from Canada to the United States with your dog in 2025 is absolutely possible, but it does require correct paperwork, proper vaccines, and timing. If you miss even one simple requirement—like proof of rabies vaccination—your dog can be refused entry at the border, or worse, placed in quarantine.

Many Canadian pet owners assume the U.S. is an easy destination since it’s just “next door.” But after the U.S. CDC updated its dog import rules, cross-border pet travel has become confusing. Different airlines require different forms. Vaccination timelines matter. And rules vary depending on your dog’s age and where you’re flying from.

That’s why we created Superpets — a simple way for Canadians to get clear pet travel steps, paperwork guidance, and access to trusted vets so you can travel stress-free with your pet.

In this guide, we’ll walk you step-by-step through everything you need to travel from Canada to the U.S. with your dog—including documents, airline rules, timelines, and tips to avoid border issues.

Can You Travel from Canada to the U.S. with a Dog?

Short answer: Yes!
If your dog is healthy, over 6 months old, and vaccinated against rabies, they can travel from Canada to the U.S. by air or car.

✅ You CAN travel if:

• Your dog has a valid rabies vaccine
• Your dog has proof of ownership
• Your dog appears healthy during inspection

❌ You CANNOT travel if:

• Your dog is under 6 months old (strict U.S. law)
• Your dog has no proof of rabies vaccination
• Your dog looks ill, aggressive, or unfit to travel
• You are traveling with more than 2 dogs without pre-approval

Required Documents (Canada ➝ USA with a Dog)

Here’s what you must have ready for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP):

Good news: Canadian dogs are considered low-risk for rabies, so CDC rules are simpler than dogs traveling from high-risk countries.

New 2025 Rabies Vaccine Rules

Understanding rabies vaccination requirements is key for smooth U.S. entry:

• Primary vs. booster vaccines:
  • Dogs must have at least one rabies vaccine administered ≥28 days before travel.
  • Puppies under 6 months cannot travel unless vaccinated early and approved by a vet.
• Proof formatting:
  • Include your dog’s name, breed, microchip number, vaccine date, and vet signature.
  • Superpets generates a simple, easy-to-follow checklist so you won’t miss a field or make formatting errors.
• Timing tip:
  • Plan your vet visit at least 1 month before departure to avoid last-minute issues.
  • Superpets will remind you of each deadline so your dog’s paperwork is always compliant.

By using Superpets, Canadian pet owners get clear, step-by-step guidance for rabies vaccination timing and document preparation, reducing stress and avoiding costly border delays.

Airline Requirements (Canada → U.S.)

Each airline has slightly different rules. Here’s a simple comparison:

Superpets helps you match your dog with the correct airline rules

Traveling with your dog doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing. Superpets gives you a step-by-step plan with all the documents, vet connections, and airline rules you need — so you can focus on enjoying the journey with your furry friend.

Start your pet travel plan today →

• Generate your personalized checklist
• Connect with CFIA-approved vets near you
• Avoid last-minute border or airline issues

Superpets ensures every step is covered, helping Canadian pet owners travel confidently with their pets.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can puppies travel from Canada to the U.S.?
A: Puppies under 6 months cannot travel unless vaccinated early and approved by a vet. Superpets helps you plan early to avoid delays.

Q2: Do dogs need microchips to enter the U.S.?
A: Yes, an ISO-compliant microchip is required. Superpets includes microchip verification in your checklist.

Q3: Do I need a vet health certificate?
A: Some airlines require it. Superpets connects you to nearby vets who can issue the certificate quickly.

Q4: Can emotional support dogs fly?
A: Airlines have their own ESA policies. Superpets guides you on airline-specific forms and requirements.

This is not legal or veterinary advice. Travel requirements may change. Always verify with the CFIA, USDA, and your airline before travel. Superpets provides guidance and connections to assist with pet travel planning but cannot guarantee border approval.