Crossing The US-Canada Border With Your Dog: 2026 Guide

In many Vancouver households, dogs are part of the family. When you plan a road trip from British Columbia to Washington State, fly to the United States, or drive home from a vacation south of the border, leaving your dog behind is often the last thing you want to do.

The good news is that travelling between Canada and the United States with a dog is usually manageable if you plan ahead, understand the latest rules, and keep your paperwork in order. In this article, we highlight how important basics like vaccination and ownership documentation can be when crossing the border with a pet.

If you run into complications related to immigration or border enforcement, our Vancouver U.S. immigration lawyers can help you understand your options and respond strategically. Contact us today to learn more.

Key Things To Consider Before Travelling With Your Dog Across the Border

Before you pack the car or book flights, you will need to know:

• Where your dog has been in the past six months
• Whether your trip is personal or commercial
• Your dog’s age and vaccination status
• Whether your destination has breed-specific rules

For both directions of travel, you are responsible for making sure your dog meets all entry requirements, including those set by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and U.S. agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Bringing Your Dog From The United States Into Canada

General Canadian Pet Import Rules

When you enter Canada with a dog, the CFIA sets the animal-health rules, and CBSA officers enforce them at the border. You must always declare your pet when you arrive in Canada.

For most travellers returning to or visiting Canada from the United States with a personal pet dog, key requirements typically include:

• A valid rabies vaccination certificate for dogs 3 months of age or older
• Proof that the dog is your personal pet and not a commercial import
• Compliance with any province-specific rules that apply

Canada has tightened rules for commercial dogs coming from countries at high risk for dog rabies. Since 2022, commercial dogs from these high-risk countries have been prohibited entry into Canada. For up-to-date guidance on your situation, the CFIA’s provides helpful resources on importing and travelling with pets and travelling with a pet.

Breed Restrictions And Provincial Rules

Even if your dog meets federal import rules, some provinces have additional restrictions. For example, Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act and related regulations limit ownership and import of “pit bull” type dogs into the province, subject to narrow exceptions for “restricted pit bulls” owned there before the ban.

If you plan to drive through or stay in Ontario with a dog that might be considered a pit bull type, it is important to research the rules or seek legal advice before you travel. If you have questions about additional regulations that may apply in British Columbia or at other Canadian border-crossing points, contact our Canadian immigration lawyers today.

Bringing Your Dog From Canada Into The United States (CDC Rules In 2026)

On August 1, 2024, the CDC introduced a new system for dogs entering the United States. For dogs that have been only in dog-rabies-free or low-risk countries (which includes Canada) during the 6 months before U.S. entry, the CDC simplified the process.

As of 2026, if your dog has only been in Canada, the U.S., or other dog-rabies-free or low-risk countries in the past six months, the core requirements are:

• Your dog must be at least 6 months old at the time of entry.
• Your dog must be microchipped, and the chip must be readable with a universal scanner.
• Your dog must appear healthy upon arrival.
• You must complete the online CDC Dog Import Form, and travel with the receipt (printed or accessible on your phone).

The Dog Import Form receipt is typically valid for up to 6 months, as long as your dog does not visit a high-risk country during that period. If your dog regularly travels between Vancouver and U.S. destinations like Seattle or Bellingham, you may be able to use the same valid form for more than one trip.

If your dog has been in a high-risk country for dog rabies during the last 6 months, more complex rules apply. In some cases, the dog might not be able to enter the U.S. directly from Canada. In that situation, carefully review the CDC’s guidance related to your specific situation or speak to a professional U.S. immigration lawyer before you travel.

Health Certificates and Extra Documentation

While the CDC focuses on age, microchipping, and the Dog Import Form, you may also be asked for:

• Proof of rabies vaccination, depending on your dog’s travel history
• A veterinary health certificate or export document, signed by a licensed veterinarian
• A Canadian International Health Certificate, where required by the destination or airline

The Government of Canada recommends confirming requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate and reviewing its guidance on travel documents for your pets before you leave.

Practical Tips For Vancouver Dog Owners Crossing The Border

To make your Vancouver-to-U.S. or U.S.-to-Vancouver trip smoother:

• Travel with printed copies of vaccination records, the CDC Dog Import Form receipt, and any health certificates.
• Make sure your dog’s microchip information is up to date.
• Confirm airline-specific pet rules if you are flying. Carriers such as WestJet and others may have their own requirements in addition to government rules.
• Build in extra time at the border in case your dog is referred for secondary inspection.

If you frequently cross the border and rely on programs like NEXUS, it is especially important to stay compliant with customs and immigration rules. Issues at the border can sometimes affect trusted traveller status, so it may be useful to review information on NEXUS passes, denials, and appeals.

When To Speak With A Vancouver Cross-Border Lawyer About Travelling With Your Pet

Most people can cross the border with a dog without serious complications. However, problems can arise if your documents are incomplete, your dog has travelled to high-risk countries recently, there are ownership disputes, their commercial versus personal designation is in question, or breed-specific rules come into play.

If you have questions about how U.S. immigration rules, Canadian regulations, or past issues at the border might affect your travel, consider speaking with a lawyer who understands both sides of the border. Our Vancouver U.S. immigration lawyers regularly assist clients with cross-border travel questions, including trips that involve pets.

To discuss your situation with a member of our team, call (604) 684-4211 or contact us through our Vancouver, BC office. We can explain the legal context in plain language and help you plan your next trip with your dog more confidently.