How To Cross into Canada With Your Dog
As dual citizens, Melissa and I have crossed the border with our dogs several times as we’ve moved and taken vacations in both countries.
Crossing the border into Canada with a dog can be easy or challenging, depending on many factors – not the least of which is the mood of the customs officers on any given day.
Tips For a Smooth Border Crossing into Canada With Your Dog
Here are some tips on how to cross the Canadian border with dogs while traveling by car. Most of these same tips will apply for crossing the border into the United States with your dog as well. To make sure you comply with the latest rules and regulations for crossing the border with your dog, see the Canadian Border Services Agency website link at the bottom of this page.
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Have a Plan. Don’t expect to show up at the border with your dog in the car and your passport in hand and expect to be waved on in without some serious questions. Always expect the worst so that you’ll be prepared for whatever the customs officers ask of you.
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Have Your Records. You must present a valid rabies vaccination certificate (not just your pet’s tag). It must be current, from a licensed vet and have your dog’s breed, type of vaccine used, length of immunity, state, vet’s name and be signed by the veterinarian. Bring any other pet vaccination records to show that your dog is healthy and to show that you’re a responsible pet owner. As of 2019, other vaccination records were no longer required, but have them anyway, just to be on the safe side.
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Proof of Ownership. Bring any records of ownership, breeder’s documents, adoption records, etc., to show that your dog belongs to you. Stolen dogs crossing the border are a “thing” so make sure that you can prove ownership of your pet. Bring your dog’s microchip information. Although dogs don’t have to be micro-chipped to enter Canada, the CBSA does mention this on their website: “Any dog destined for adoption and/or animal welfare organization) must be identified by an electronic microchip before entering Canada.”
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Pet Food. Don’t bring containers of pet food that aren’t labeled. The rules regarding bringing dog food across the Canadian border are strict and you may have to surrender any open bags or cans of food. You are allowed only 20 kg of food, which must be in the original package and must be produced by a commercial pet food maker in the US or Canada.
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Make Sure Your Dog is Well Rested. Exercise your dog before crossing the border. Customs agents are trained to be observant – even suspicious – and you may be held up if your dog is exhibiting unusual behavior, as they may suspect illness. Taking your pet for nice long walk in a park on the U.S. side prior to arriving at the Canadian border is a good idea.
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Groom your pet before crossing the Canadian border. Just as with humans, customs agents are less suspicious of well-groomed (and well-behaved) travelers. Also, make sure your dog does not have any ticks or fleas before taking them to Canada. A scratching dog may cause the customs agent to inspect them, and you may be refused entry if your dog has any ticks or fleas.
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Have a muzzle handy for reactive dogs. At times, crossing the border may involve being detained for inspection. It’s happened to us a few times, and once it took over four hours, while the Canadian customs agents combed through everything in our U-Haul. You dog may have to remain in what may be a crowded waiting area, interact with customs agents, etc., so if they are prone to fear biting, be sure to keep them muzzled.
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Give your dog a potty break and water right before you get to the border. Often lines are long and it can be difficult to leave your vehicle to give your pet a potty break.
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Keep your pet restrained with a dog seat-belt harness. These are a must for safe travel with your pets and can also help keep your dog from lunging at customs officers if they become excited.
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Stay calm, be polite and introduce the customs agents to your dog. “This is Sam, he’s going to explore Banff National Park.” A courteous attitude goes a long way to smoothing things over with border agents, wherever you travel.
Lastly, have a great trip with your dogs in Canada!
