PetGrit
Reference notes with official sources

Flying to Canada with a pet

Reference notes dated: September 2026 · Official authority: USDA APHIS — Pet travel from the United States to Canada

Cat beside pet travel documents, microchip scanner, and a carrier

Entry requirements at a glance

Microchip
Not required
Rabies vaccine
Personal pet dogs and cats from the U.S. generally need a current rabies certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian. Pets under 3 months old and qualifying assistance dogs have specific exceptions; confirm the pet's exact age and purpose of travel with CFIA.
Health certificate
Pet cats and most accompanied personal pet dogs do not need a health certificate. One or two unaccompanied dogs under 8 months old require a licensed veterinarian's health certificate issued within 72 hours of arrival; that certificate does not require APHIS endorsement. Other shipment categories must be checked separately.
Rabies titer test
Not required.
Quarantine on arrival
None if requirements are met.

Step-by-step process notes

Check the pet's species, age, number of animals, purpose, and whether the owner is accompanying it. Cats 3 months of age or older need rabies vaccination documentation even though they do not need a health certificate. Keep proof of age for an unvaccinated puppy under 3 months. Airlines may require additional documents. Check CDC and USDA requirements separately if a dog will return to the United States.

Confirm with the official authority

This page summarizes Canada's pet-import requirements as of September 2026. Pet-import rules change. Always verify with the official government authority before travel.

USDA APHIS — Pet travel from the United States to Canada

Build your travel record

Record your documents, outstanding questions and dates confirmed by your vet or carrier. Save a copy, download a travel record and update it after each reply. The tool does not calculate legal deadlines or issue certificates.

Build my Canada checklist

Useful guides

USDA health certificate, step by step Microchip and rabies rules

Other destinations

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