Traveling through Canada with Dogs

When we cross into the US (and back), they may ask for vaccination papers. They may also ask at the campground (they do at some US state parks, but I’ve never been asked at a Canadian one).

A current rabies vaccination certificate. is all we were asked for on the many times we took our furry mutt to Canada

The official Canadian policy can be found here:

http://www.temporaryresidentpermitcanada.com/bringing-dog-into-canada.php

We went thru getting the papers route before we went thru north of Glacier. The Canadian Border agent didn't want to see any papers and acted like he didn't know what we were talking about. Still you better have them with you.

For us getting the 'papers' just meant going by our vet and having them print out their health records. That shows vaccinations, once we got to talk to someone it took 2 minutes max.

We carried the vaccination records but were never asked about them. It is a good idea to have them, the one time you don't you will get questioned.

Actually, the official (note the "gc.ca" in the URL name) policy is at this government website.

https://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/imports/policies/live-animals/pets/dogs/eng/1331876172009/1331876307796

In simple terms, have a vet fill out a certificate of rabies (or all) vaccination(s) form, less than a year old, and bring it with you. The primary inspection agent may ask to see it.

It's a good idea to have your dog's vaccination records with you all the time. You never know what might happen and those papers can keep your dog out of quarrantine in case of an incident.

Just have your vet give you two originals. Keep one in the RV and one in the car/truck. Then you will be covered no matter where you go.

I always travel with my dog's complete medical history, as it proved invaluable when my 8 year golden succumbed to a terminal ruptured tumor 500 miles from home. That being said, I have crossed back and forth many times with different dogs over many years and only once was I asked about a rabies inoculation. I showed the Canadian Officer the rabies tag and he was satisfied. I can tell you the Canadians are so much more pleasant than the Americans at the border.

The dog's vac record is next to my yellow card inside the passport. I used to travel to places where I had to prove I had my shots.

We crossed from Lubec to Campobello 2 weeks ago, and the Canadian officer actually looked at the dog's paper.

You should tell them you have a dog with you. Mine is silent, you never know she is there.

As has been stated, it's unusual that they will want to see them, but will likely at least ask if you have them or if the dog is up to date on it's shots.

I've bred dogs for more than 30 years and have crossed (both directions) more often than I care to remember and have only been asked to produce records once or twice a year.

They're usually far more concerned about dog food than the dogs themselves.