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FreeLanceing's avatar
FreeLanceing
Explorer II
Feb 04, 2014

Bringing a dog into Canada

I recall reading somewhere to bring a dog into Canada you need a rabies cert and a current health cert valid within 30 days. So if you go to Alaska an spend any amount of time you need to have the dog checked again buy a vet in Alaska to reenter on the way home. I talked with our vet and she says bring him in before I leave he gets rabies and checkup good enough for up and back. No need to recertify in Alaska. Anyone with real world experiance.

16 Replies

  • Same here, I have the shot records but have not been asked to see them just asked if they are current. Never asked for a health certificate at all. It has been smooth sailing through customs on all of our trips, going both ways.
  • Please note that:
    •Dogs more than eight months of age do not require a signed veterinary certificate of health.
    •Domestic dogs entering Canada do not have to be quarantined.
    •Canada does not require a waiting period between the time the animal is vaccinated for rabies and the time the animal is imported into Canada.


    Travelling with Domestic Dogs
  • No problem. The regs say you need all current vaccinations and a paper to prove it. We go annually and I quit offering the paperwork to customs years ago but we carry it. No one ever asks, except maybe "Is the dog current?" It may help that when asked we tell them we have residences in AK and WA and summer in AK. Just have a current rabies vaccination proof and your passports. The Canadians don't much care but the US will not let you in without a passport or enhanced drivers license. Easier to get your dog back to the the US than yourself. Smiles all around...
    Terry
  • I've had more difficulty with getting back into the US with my dog. Going into Canada has never been an issue... have never been asked for paper work for the dog going into Canada. On the other hand the US customs personnel have insisted on paper work... the rabies tags were not enough.
  • Valid rabies certificate is the ONLY document we've ever been asked for.

    No need for a health certificate. We've never had one during our travels. My understanding it is only required for "importing", not for travelling through.

    If you think you might leave your dog at a kennel while touring someplace, then up-to-date shots might also be required by that facility.
  • When we went there a couple years ago, we had no problem. As long as the shots are up to date/current, you should have no problem. In fact, not one of the customs checks asked to see the papers - they only asked if we had them. Enjoy your trip.