UPDATE: Preparing for Upcoming Changes to Travel to the United States With Your Dog

We wanted to share with you some important updates about traveling to the United States with your dog. Thank you for being patient as we navigate the constantly changing information from the CDC and the CFIA. Here are the new rules for travel starting August 1st. If your pet is due for a rabies vaccination, please pay close attention to the bolded line at the bottom.

Regardless if you're traveling to the US by air or land, you should reach out to your veterinarian to ensure you are compliant with the CDC requirements.

How Dog Owners Can Prepare in Advance:

• Ensure your dog has an ISO-compliant microchip: This microchip is necessary for identifying your dog and must be implanted before any rabies vaccination.
• Record the microchip number: Make sure your dog's ISO-compliant microchip number is accurately recorded on all veterinary records and documents, including proof of when and where the microchip was implanted.
• Have a Canadian veterinary record: This can be a vaccination certificate, health certificate, invoice, or purchase record. It should be from at least 6 months to 1 year before your travel date.
  • For example, if you plan to travel to the U.S. with your dog on September 1, 2024, your Canadian veterinary record must be from between September 1, 2023, and March 1, 2024.
• Get a CDC dog import form receipt: Submit this form through the CDC website before traveling.
• Get an export document: This document should be issued and signed by a licensed Canadian veterinarian. Dogs entering the U.S. from Canada need additional documentation depending on where the dog was vaccinated against rabies and where it has been in the past 6 months.
• Ensure your dog's rabies vaccine is up to date: Make sure the vaccine is current. There might be delays depending on when and where the vaccine was given. Rabies vaccination is required by most Canadian provinces and the CFIA for dogs entering Canada.
• Check State requirements: Each U.S. state may have additional rules. Make sure to check the requirements for the state you are traveling to.
• Important Note: For the rabies vaccination to be considered valid by the CDC, it must be done after the ISO-compliant microchip has been implanted. If your dog is due for a rabies vaccination, make sure they have an ISO-compliant microchip implanted and scanned before vaccinating.

By following these steps, you can help ensure a smooth and stress-free trip for your dog. For more information and updates, visit the CDC’s dog importation webpage.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we make these important changes to protect the health and safety of both pets and people. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact CDC-INFO at (800) 232-4636.

Sources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
• Global News​​