CA → US · Car
Canada to United States — land crossing with a pet
Last reviewed 2026-09-01
Canada is treated as dog-rabies-free by the CDC, which keeps the US land crossing straightforward — but the CDC Dog Import Form and the six-month age rule still apply to dogs.
What matters on this route
- Dogs must look healthy, be at least 6 months old, and have an ISO microchip.
- Complete the CDC Dog Import Form 2–10 days before crossing and keep the receipt on your phone and printed.
- Keep the rabies certificate accessible even when not strictly required — border officers frequently ask.
- Cats face no CDC form requirement but must appear healthy at inspection.
Frequent questions
- Is a USDA health certificate required?
- Not for pets returning or entering by land in most cases, but some states have their own entry rules for dogs and cats.
- What if my dog is under 6 months?
- Dogs under six months old cannot be imported into the United States under current CDC rules, regardless of country of origin.
Build the checklist for this route
Guidance only. PawPass helps you organize requirements and deadlines. We do not issue health certificates, endorse documents, diagnose animals, or provide travel insurance. Always verify with the official sources linked here.