Published on August 27, 2026
Relocating from Canada to the United States is one of the more straightforward pet moves, but “straightforward” doesn’t mean “no paperwork.” Since 2024, the rules for dogs entering the U.S. have shifted more than once, and Canada’s status as a low-risk country for dog rabies makes the process different from moves involving countries with stricter entry requirements. Here’s what the current guidance actually says.
Mae, an Old English Sheepdog we moved from Canada to the USA.
Who Sets the Rules for Pets Entering the U.S. from Canada?
Two U.S. federal agencies share authority here, and it helps to know which one handles what:
- The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is the primary authority for dogs entering the United States, including dogs returning with their families after time in Canada.
- USDA APHIS may have separate requirements that apply alongside the CDC’s rules, particularly around health certificates for some travel scenarios.
Because the CDC’s rules apply specifically to dogs, most of this guide focuses there. Requirements for cats are less involved, though it’s still worth confirming current guidance before travel.
What Does Canada’s “Low-Risk” Status Actually Mean?
Canada is classified as a dog-rabies-free or low-risk country, the same category the U.S. itself falls into. This matters because the CDC’s requirements differ significantly based on where a dog has spent time in the six months before entering the U.S.
For dogs that have only been in Canada, the U.S., or another low-risk country during that window, the process is considerably simpler than it is for dogs arriving from high-risk countries.
What Do I Need to Bring My Dog from Canada to the USA?
Based on current CDC guidance, dogs entering from Canada (with no recent time in a high-risk country) generally need to:
- Be at least 6 months old
- Appear healthy at the time of entry
- Have an ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip
- Have a valid rabies vaccination
- Complete the CDC Dog Import Form before travel, which involves a self-attestation that the dog hasn’t been in a high-risk country in the past six months
One detail worth flagging: the CDC’s rules for low-risk countries have been revised more than once since they were first introduced in 2024, including changes to whether a veterinarian needs to sign off on the import form. Because this is the kind of requirement that can shift with little notice, it’s worth confirming the current version of the form and its requirements close to your actual travel date rather than relying on anything published months in advance, including this guide.
When you work with WorldCare Pet, we’ll confirm the most recent requirements for importing your pet from Canada to the USA. Request a quote to get started.
Does My Dog Need to Quarantine?
No. Dogs meeting the requirements above are not required to quarantine upon entering the U.S. from Canada.
What if My Dog Has Also Been in a High-Risk Country Recently?
The answer depends on where your dog’s rabies vaccine came from.
If your dog was vaccinated in the U.S. and has been in a country considered high-risk for dog rabies within the past six months, entering from Canada is still possible. You’ll need two documents: the CDC Dog Import Form receipt, and a Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination form, completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian before your dog leaves the U.S. This form can’t be issued after the fact, so it needs to be arranged in advance. As long as the port of entry on your CDC form matches where you’re actually crossing, a land entry from Canada is fine.
If your dog was vaccinated outside the U.S. and has been in a high-risk country within the past six months, a land entry from Canada isn’t an option, regardless of paperwork. Foreign-vaccinated dogs from high-risk countries must arrive by air, at one of the U.S. airports with a CDC-registered animal care facility. In that case, you have three paths: wait out the remainder of the six-month window before crossing from Canada, book a flight into an approved airport instead, or enter the U.S. directly from the high-risk country, following that country’s specific entry requirements.
If your dog isn’t currently vaccinated and has been in a high-risk country within the past six months, rabies vaccination is required before entry into the U.S. We can help confirm what’s needed for your specific situation.
What About Cats?
Cat import requirements are generally less involved than the dog-specific CDC rules described above, since the stricter 2024 changes were aimed at dog rabies risk specifically. That said, pet parents should still confirm current requirements before travel, since state-level rules can add additional considerations depending on the destination.
Typically, cats need:
- An International Health Certificate
- A microchip
- A rabies vaccine that must be at least 30 days old and remains unexpired at the time of entry into the U.S.
We can help confirm whether any additional requirements apply to your move.
Duke, an Anatolian Shepherd we moved from Canada to the USA.
A Few Things That Trip Pet Parents Up
- Airline rules are separate from federal rules. Meeting CDC requirements doesn’t automatically mean an airline will accept a pet for travel. Airlines set their own crate, breed, and health documentation policies on top of federal requirements.
- State-level rules can add another layer. Clearing federal requirements at the border doesn’t cover every state’s own biosecurity rules. Some states and territories have additional import permits or testing requirements beyond what the CDC asks for.
- Paper trails matter. Even with a simplified self-attestation form, having a copy on hand, printed or on your phone, avoids delays with airline staff and border officials. Original copies need to travel with your pet, since they act as a kind of passport.
Further Reading
- Delta Airlines Pet Policy – 2026 Guide for In-Cabin & Cargo Travel
- Cross Country Pet Transportation: A Pet Parent’s Guide
Planning a Canada-to-USA Move?
Because these requirements have changed multiple times since 2024, and because airline and state rules layer on top of federal ones, it’s worth having someone track the current guidance for your specific route rather than piecing it together alone. WorldCare Pet Transport helps pet parents navigate the paperwork, timelines, and airline coordination involved in moving a pet from Canada to the U.S., so nothing gets missed between what the CDC requires and what your airline expects on travel day.
“Excellent service both in Vancouver Seattle and Boston. Both dogs arrived in good health and happy! Everyone we interacted with could not have been nicer and the photo updates were greatly appreciated and gave us peace of mind!”
— Fletcher Family, Canada to USA
With 25+ years of experience and a 4.9 Google rating, WorldCare has helped thousands of pet parents make this exact move.
Moving your pet across the world just got less stressful. Valerie Neyra, Marketing Coordinator at WorldCare Pet and devoted cat mom to Lucky, creates the guides, tools, and resources pet parents need to navigate domestic and international pet transport with confidence. Her mission? Making sure no pet owner feels alone during a global move.