US
United States
✈️
CA
Canada
Pet Transport USA to Canada: One of the Simplest Routes
1-4 weeks
Typical preparation
See key facts
Quarantine on arrival
Low
Route complexity
✓ Managed
Full door-to-door service
Start your journey
Get Your Free Quote
Enter your pet's details and route
Quotes are tailored to your specific journey.
Official rules on this page checked
Reviewed guides prioritise government and carrier sources; older pages are clearly flagged. How we source our data →
Step by step
The United States to Canada process
1
Verify now. The rabies certificate is the core document.
Confirm rabies vaccination is current (dogs 3 months and older)
Responsible: Vet
2
Driving is common and simple for US to Canada moves.
Decide: drive across the border or fly
Responsible: Owner
3
Few weeks ahead. Air Canada allows cabin for small pets.
If flying: book cabin or cargo space
Responsible: Owner or agent
4
Within the airline-required window
Vet health certificate for the airline (if flying)
Responsible: Licensed US vet
5
On travel date.
Travel to Canada (drive or fly)
Responsible: Owner / airline
6
At the border or airport. No quarantine. Released to owner.
CBSA inspection. Rabies certificate verified.
Responsible: Canada Border Services Agency
Which Canada rules depend on a pet coming from the United States?
Canada sets different rules for 3 groups of countries, and the official wording does not settle on its own which group covers the United States. Check the group table in our Canada guide before you plan.
These rules apply to pets from the United States, on top of the rules every pet follows:
- How many pets: Per USDA APHIS guidance for dogs going from the US to Canada (last modified 30 July 2025), used because CFIA's and CBSA's own pages (pet import tool, reference document, travelling with pets pages, CBSA animals page) state no number: APHIS lists two or fewer pet dogs accompanied by their owner as one of several alternative categories for which proof of rabies vaccination is all that is required; the same list also covers any dog older than 8 months with no number attached. APHIS describes its rules for dogs under 8 months (accompanied or not) as applying to shipments of 1 to 2 dogs. The 2-dog figure is a category in APHIS guidance, not a stated maximum, and no official page gives a number for cats. CFIA defines a personal pet dog by purpose, not number. Confirm with CFIA before one owner moves more than 2 dogs under 8 months. Applies to pet dogs from the United States (no official page gives a number for other origins or for cats).
Pet Travel From the United States to Canada, checked 2 October 2026
The rules that apply to every pet entering Canada, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Canada guide.
What does the United States require before your pet leaves?
- Export health certificate: All pet export health certificates must be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian (page updated 18 June 2026). Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US.
Pet Travel Process Overview, checked 2 October 2026 - Export health certificate: The accredited vet can submit the health certificate to APHIS for endorsement on the owner's behalf (through VEHCS); alternatively the vet gives the paperwork to the owner to submit to the USDA Endorsement Office. Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US.
Pet Travel: U.S. to Another Country, checked 2 October 2026 - Export health certificate: VEHCS is APHIS's online system for issuing, submitting and endorsing export health certificates (page updated 9 June 2026). Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US.
Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS), checked 2 October 2026 - Export health certificate: Endorsement windows after the vet signs are limited and vary by destination (e.g. 30 days). Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US.
Pet Travel Process Overview, checked 2 October 2026 - Other conditions: APHIS endorsement fee (page updated 18 June 2026): USD 101 per certificate with no lab tests; USD 160, 206 or 275 for 1 to 2, 3 to 6 or 7+ tests, plus small per-extra-pet amounts. Paid before endorsement; none for ADA service dogs. Applies to dogs and cats leaving the US.
Cost To Endorse Your Pet's Health Certificate, checked 2 October 2026
Costs
What this route typically costs
| 1 | Driving: minimal cost beyond the rabies certificate (vet fee $50 to $120) |
| 2 | Air Canada cabin pet fee: approximately CAD 50 to CAD 120 per leg for small pets |
| 3 | Air cargo fee (larger pets): CAD 500 to CAD 2,000 depending on route and crate size |
| 4 | Vet health certificate for the airline: $50 to $200 |
| 5 | IATA-compliant travel crate (if cargo): $100 to $400 |
Critical points
Read before you book
⚠ Canada's core requirement for dogs 3 months and older is a valid rabies vaccination certificate. Ensure it is current and properly documented.
⚠ Provincial and municipal breed rules vary. Ontario has had restrictions on pit bull types. Check your destination province and city.
⚠ Commercial imports (animals being sold or transferred) face stricter CFIA rules, including a health certificate within 3 days. Personal pet moves are simpler.
⚠ If driving in winter, plan for cold weather and ensure the pet is comfortable for the journey.
Carriers
Airlines on this route
Air Canada
Cabin for small pets on many routes, cargo for larger. US to Canadian cities.
WestJet
US to Canada routes. Cabin and cargo options. Check current policy at booking.
Land border (own vehicle)
Many US to Canada pet moves are by car across the land border. Present the rabies certificate to CBSA.
FAQ
Common questions
Yes. Many US to Canada pet moves are by car. At the land border, CBSA checks the rabies vaccination certificate for dogs 3 months and older. There is no quarantine. Driving avoids cargo handling and is the simplest option for cross-border moves. Keep the rabies certificate accessible to present at the border.
For personal pets, a valid rabies vaccination certificate is the core requirement for dogs 3 months and older. The certificate must identify the animal and confirm the vaccination is current. If flying, the airline will also require a health certificate for the booking. There is no quarantine and no titre test for the USA to Canada route.
Yes, on Air Canada and WestJet on many routes. Air Canada allows small pets in the cabin provided they meet the under-seat carrier size and weight limits. This is convenient for small pets on longer cross-country moves. Larger dogs travel in cargo. Confirm cabin availability for your specific route and pet size when booking.
Canada has no federal breed-specific legislation, but provinces and municipalities can have their own rules. Ontario, for example, has had restrictions on pit bull type dogs, and some cities have their own bylaws. Check the rules for your specific destination province and municipality before the move.
Ready to book
United States to Canada?
United States to Canada?
Get a free quote →
No commitment. We reply within one business day.
Sources
Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.