Bringing Your Dog From Canada to the US

Microchip, 6 months old, and the CDC import form.

DogsCanada → USCDC import form

Canada is a dog-rabies-free / low-risk country, so bringing a dog south into the United States is relatively simple under the CDC rules updated in 2024 and 2025 — but there are still firm requirements. A dog that has only been in Canada (or other low-risk countries) in the past 6 months doesn't need a US rabies vaccination, but it must be microchipped, at least 6 months old, appear healthy, and travel with a CDC Dog Import Form receipt.

The checklist, step by step

ISO microchip

🗓 Before you submit the CDC form

The dog must have an ISO-compatible microchip; the number goes on the CDC Dog Import Form.

Minimum age 6 months

🗓 At the time of entry

All dogs entering the US must be at least 6 months old.

CDC Dog Import Form

🗓 Submit 2–10 days before arrival

Complete the CDC Dog Import Form online and carry the receipt. The dog must also look healthy on arrival.

Confirm the dog's 6-month history

🗓 Before you travel

The simple path applies only if the dog has been solely in low-risk / rabies-free countries (like Canada) in the last 6 months. Extra steps apply if it has been in a high-risk country.

Good to know

There is no quarantine for dogs arriving from Canada. Rules are stricter for dogs that have been in a dog-rabies high-risk country in the previous 6 months. Confirm your dog's route history against the current CDC guidance.

Frequently asked questions

Does my dog need a rabies vaccination to enter the US from Canada?Generally no, if the dog has only been in low-risk / rabies-free countries such as Canada in the past 6 months. It must still be microchipped, at least 6 months old, healthy, and have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt.

Is there a quarantine coming into the US from Canada?No quarantine applies for dogs arriving from Canada under the low-risk pathway — the CDC Dog Import Form, microchip and minimum age are the core requirements.

Official sources

CDC — Bringing a dog into the United States

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This guide is for general information and is kept in step with official sources, but requirements change and can vary by case. Always confirm the current rules with the official authority for your route before you travel.

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