CFIA Updates Guidelines for Dogs travelling to the U.S.

June 24, 2024

The CFIA has released interim guidance for dogs travelling to the United States. Please see below.

Dogs travelling before August 1, 2024

All the information for exporting dogs to the U.S. is available on the following websites:

Dogs entering the U.S. may also be subject to requirements from other federal agencies and State authorities. It is the owner/exporter's responsibility to ensure that animals comply with all federal and State requirements.

A Canadian licensed veterinarian should complete and issue any required documentation (for example, vaccination certificate, veterinary health certificate). Endorsement (i.e. stamp and signature) by an official veterinarian of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is not required and the CFIA does not play a role in U.S. State level requirements.

If you have questions about travelling with/exporting a dog to the U.S., please contact the appropriate federal and/or State authorities in the U.S. for assistance.

Dogs travelling on or after August 1, 2024

The United States (U.S.) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced upcoming changes to the import requirements for dogs entering the U.S.

These changes will come into effect on August 1, 2024 and will impact all dogs entering the U.S.

Consult the CDC's website for the complete import requirements:

The CDC's requirements may change without prior notification to the CFIA. A brief summary can be found below, however, individuals should refer to the CDC's website for the complete information and any changes.

As of August 1, 2024, all dogs entering the U.S. must:

be at least 6 months of age
have an International Organization for Standardization (ISO)-compliant microchip
appear healthy upon arrival
have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt (this form will only be made available by the CDC on July 15, 2024, and must be submitted through the CDC website)
have additional documentation, which varies depending on where the dog has been in the past 6 months before entering the U.S., and the dog's rabies vaccination status

Dog owners/exporters can prepare in advance

Ensure your dog has an ISO-compliant microchip
- If your dog does not have an ISO-compliant microchip, contact a Canadian licensed veterinarian to make an appointment to implant an ISO-compliant microchip
Have a copy of a Canadian veterinary record (for example, a vaccination certificate, health certificate, invoice or purchase records, etc.) from at least 6 months to 1 year (at latest) prior to the 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 September 1, 2023 to March 1, 2024
Ensure your dog's ISO-compliant microchip number is accurately recorded on all veterinary records and documentation
Ensure your dog's rabies vaccine is up to date
- Although rabies vaccination is not currently a mandatory requirement by the CDC or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for personal pet dogs that have been in Canada for the past 6 months, the CFIA is still finalizing the process for Canadian dogs travelling to the U.S. and it could become required or be required in certain situations
- Dogs are also subject to individual State requirements – many of which require rabies vaccination
- Rabies vaccination is required by most Canadian Provinces/Territories and is a requirement by the CFIA for dogs entering Canada
- In order 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 rabies vaccination, ensure they have an ISO-compliant microchip implanted before vaccinating

For more information, please visit the CFIA website.

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