Travellers, Beware! What You Need to Know Before You Leave Home
Planning to cross the border into the U.S. with your dog? It might sound simple, but thanks to updated regulations, it’s become a bit of a logistical headache. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) introduced new rules starting August 1, 2024, that you’ll need to be prepared for when Traveling Cross Country With a Dog.
This article will give you the lowdown on what you need to know before heading south with your canine companion. And trust me, you’ll want to pay attention, or you could end up stuck at the border without a way to bring your dog into the U.S.
New CDC Regulations: What’s Changed?
If you’re familiar with the previous requirements for Traveling Cross Country With a Dog to the U.S., you may find the new rules a little more stringent. These changes are part of a broader effort by the CDC to control rabies and other diseases. The core of the updated regulations boils down to this: your dog must now have:
The core of the updated regulations boils down to this: your dog must now have:
- A valid rabies vaccination certificate issued at least 30 days before your trip.
- A health certificate from a licensed veterinarian, issued no more than 10 days before travel.
- A microchip for identification.
In addition, depending on where you’re Traveling Cross Country With a Dog from, you might also need an import permit, especially if you’re coming from a country considered high-risk for rabies. Luckily, as a Canadian, you’re in a relatively safe spot—Canada isn’t on the CDC’s list of high-risk countries for rabies. But don’t get too comfortable, because border officials have what’s called “discretionary authority”—a fancy way of saying they can still ask for extra documentation, and if you can’t provide it, they can turn you away.
Why the Change?
The CDC’s updated regulations are intended to protect public health. Specifically, the goal is to prevent the illegal importation of large numbers of unhealthy dogs into the U.S., which is a significant problem. Unfortunately, this means that even responsible pet owners like you will need to jump through some extra hoops.
In reality, these rules apply to everyone, whether you’re planning a quick weekend trip or a more extended stay in the U.S. with your dog. Here’s how you can prepare, so you don’t face any last-minute surprises at the border.
The Big Three: Vaccination, Health Certificate, and Microchip
1. Rabies Vaccination Certificate
Rabies is a serious concern, and the U.S. is not willing to take any chances. For your dog to cross the border, it must have a rabies vaccination that was administered at least 30 days before your trip. If you were planning to pop into the vet the day before you head out, think again. Border officials are strict about this one.
2. Health Certificate
This is where things can get a little tricky. Your dog must also have a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of your trip. Even if your dog got a clean bill of health three months ago, that certificate won’t fly at the border. You’ll need to schedule a vet visit close to your departure date to ensure your dog is healthy and free from infectious diseases.
3. Microchip Identification
If your dog isn’t microchipped, you might have some last-minute scrambling to do. The CDC now requires all dogs entering the U.S. to be microchipped, and the chip number must be included on both the rabies vaccination and health certificates. If your dog already has a chip, you’re golden—just make sure the number is on all the paperwork. If not, you’ll need to schedule a quick trip to the vet for that as well.
Understanding Import Permits and Border Discretion
While Canada isn’t currently on the CDC’s list of high-risk countries for rabies, there’s still a catch. Border officials have what’s called discretionary authority, meaning they can decide on a case-by-case basis whether they want to ask for additional documentation, like an import permit. If they ask and you don’t have it, they can deny you entry. No appeals, no second chances—just a “sorry, not today.”
You might think, “But I’m just going to the U.S. for a weekend trip!” The truth is, even short trips require you to meet the same health and safety requirements as if you were staying for months.
Common Questions and Answers on Key Legislative Requirements for Travel to the U.S.
1. Rabies Vaccination Certificate
Question: I am scheduled to leave for a trip to the U.S. next week. I have an appointment with my veterinarian to update my dog’s rabies vaccinations the day before I leave. Will this rabies certificate be accepted at the border?
Answer: NO. Dogs must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate confirming the vaccination has been administered at least 30 days before the dog arrives in the U.S. That means a rabies certificate issued less than 30 days before your scheduled departure date will not be considered valid. Therefore, book an appointment for your dog’s rabies vaccination 30 or more days before your scheduled departure date.
2. Valid Health Certificate
Question: My dog’s annual health certificate from my veterinarian was issued at the same time as the rabies vaccine was given, three months ago. Will this be acceptable at the border to get into the U.S.?
Answer: NO. Your dog must have a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel to the U.S. This certificate must confirm the dog is in good health and free from infectious diseases.
3. Microchip
Question: I don’t know if my dog is microchipped, but I have documentation proving that I am the legal owner. Is this good enough to gain entry to the U.S. with my dog?
Answer: NO. Dogs must be microchipped for identification to enter the U.S. The microchip number must be included on the rabies vaccination and health certificates. If you are uncertain if your dog has a microchip, contact your veterinarian to make arrangements for a scan, or to have a microchip inserted and the number recorded on the rabies vaccination certificate and health certificate – (yes, the microchip number must be included on BOTH certificates).
4. Definition of Import
Question: I thought “import” meant bringing in many dogs from another country for resale. I own my dog. Does this regulation apply to me and my dog?
Answer: In this revision, ‘import’ refers to the act of bringing a dog into the United States from another country, regardless of whether or not it is owned by you, or part of the pet trade, for resale. While the regulation is targeted at dogs coming from countries classified as high risk for rabies, it is in place to ensure all dogs entering the U.S. meet specific health and safety requirements, such as having a valid rabies vaccination certificate, a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian, a microchip for identification, and, if necessary, an import permit from the CDC.
For pet dog owners taking short trips to the United States, this legislation affects you too. Whether you’re driving across the border for a weekend trip, flying in for an extended visit or walking from Canada to the U.S. side of the border with your dog, you are required to comply with these regulations. This includes ensuring your dog has all the necessary documentation, health clearances and possibly an import permit, before entering the U.S.
5. Import Permit
Question: I heard that dogs coming into the U.S. from Canada don’t require an import permit. Is this true?
Answer: An import permit from the CDC is required for dogs coming from countries classified as high risk for rabies (See Table 1). Although Canada is not currently classified as high-risk, it’s important to verify this status before travelling.
For dogs coming from Canada, an import permit from the CDC may not be necessary because Canada is not classified as a high-risk country for rabies. However, “Deem it necessary” as specified in the regulation, means that border officials have the discretionary authority to make a judgment call based on the specific circumstances of a situation. In the context of bringing a dog into the U.S., this could involve assessing the health and documentation of your dog, as well as considering any potential risks or concerns.
“Discretionary authority” means if the officials believe additional verification is required to ensure safety and compliance with import regulations, they may request an import permit before granting you access to the U.S.
Remember – An import permit may be requested even if the country of origin is not classified as high-risk for rabies. If you do not have the requested permit, access to the U.S. can be denied without appeal.
6. Countries Not Considered at High Risk
Question: I adopted a dog after spending the winter in Costa Rica. I have a flight change in Miami on my flight home to Canada. Will I need an import permit to bring my dog home?
Answer: See Table 1 for the list of countries classified as high risk for rabies. Costa Rica is not on the list of high-risk countries. However, in addition to the requirements for valid rabies and health certificates, issued within the designated periods specified in questions 1 to 3, you would be advised to obtain an import permit to avoid having your dog denied entry to the U.S. during your flight change.
7. Impact on Snowbirds
Question: I spend six months of each winter with my dog in the Southern U.S. at a property I rent/own. How does this regulatory change affect me and my dog?
Answer: The impact of this legislation on Snowbirds travelling to the U.S. will be significant. If you typically spend extended periods in the U.S. during the winter months, you are advised to start the preparation process at least a month before your departure date. You must ensure your dog has a current certification of rabies vaccine, a recent health certificate, and a microchip. Even if your trip is only for a day, you will need to plan well in advance to ensure all documentation and health requirements are met. This is essential for anyone traveling cross country with a dog.
8. Impact on Spontaneous Day-Trippers Weekend Getaways
Question: I like to take my dog with me when I cross the border to shop or visit friends for the day or weekend. Other than the basic rabies certificate, does my dog need an import permit or health certificate?
Answer: For weekend travellers, the process is less convenient. You must ensure your dog has a current certification of rabies vaccine, a recent health certificate, which requires a visit to the veterinarian shortly before travel (i.e., within 10 days) and a microchip. Even if your trip is only for a day, you will need to plan well in advance to ensure all documentation and health requirements are met. In addition, an import certificate may also be requested at the border.
Note: This added step may deter some pet owners from taking their dogs when making quick trips across the border.
9. Action of The Canadian Federal Government
Question: What is the Federal Government Doing to Help ease the stress on Canadian Pet Owners travelling to the U.S.?
Answer: The Canadian Federal Government is currently in discussions with U.S. authorities to seek possible exemptions or modifications to these stringent requirements for Canadian citizens traveling cross country with a dog.
10. Your Next Steps
Question: I am planning a trip to the U.S. soon! What should I do while the Federal Government is negotiating with the U.S. for an exemption?
Answer: While awaiting the outcome of these discussions, Canadians should prepare their documentation and plan ahead if they intend on traveling cross country with a dog.
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- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the latest news from Canadian and U.S. authorities about pet travel requirements. Click here to stay informed.
- Prepare Documentation: Ensure your rabies vaccination certificate, health certificate, and microchip info are current and available.
- Plan Ahead: Avoid spontaneous trips. Schedule veterinary appointments early to get health clearances and certificates on time. Remember, rabies certificates need to be updated beyond 30 days, and health certificates within 10 days. Also, record your dog’s microchip number on both certificates.
- Verify Requirements: Check current requirements before each trip, as regulations may change. This includes Canada’s rabies risk status and any import permit needs.
- Consult with a Veterinarian: Regularly consult your vet to ensure your dog’s vaccinations, microchip, and health status meet travel criteria.
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Preparing for Your Trip: What You Should Do (Checklist)
If you’re planning to cross the border with your dog anytime soon, here’s a quick checklist to make sure everything goes smoothly:
- ☑️ Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest updates from the CDC and Canadian authorities. The rules may change, and you don’t want to be caught off guard.
- ☑️ Get Your Dog’s Vaccinations Early: Make sure your dog’s rabies vaccination is done at least 30 days before your trip.
- ☑️ Schedule Your Vet Appointments: You’ll need that health certificate within 10 days of your departure. Book your vet visit accordingly.
- ☑️ Check for a Microchip: Ensure your dog has a microchip, and make sure the chip number is included on all your paperwork.
- ☑️ Plan Ahead: The days of spontaneous trips might be over, at least for now. Start preparing for your trip well in advance to avoid any issues.
- ☑️ Keep Documents Handy: Always have your dog’s rabies certificate, health certificate, and microchip information ready at the border.
Related: Packing Your Starlink for Hassle-Free RV Travel
Final Thoughts on Traveling Cross Country With a Dog
Is It Worth It?
Crossing the U.S. border with your dog has become a bit more of a hassle. The new regulations mean you’ll need to be organized, and last-minute trips will require more planning than before. However, with some careful preparation, it’s still entirely possible to enjoy Traveling Cross Country With a Dog—just make sure all your ducks (or dogs) are in a row.
As you plan your next cross-border adventure with your dog, keep these tips in mind to avoid any unnecessary hiccups. With the right preparation, both you and your dog can enjoy a stress-free journey to the U.S.
And hey, once you get all this sorted, you can start planning your next RV trip or weekend getaway—just don’t forget the paperwork!
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