The Complete Cross-Border Dog Transport Checklist
Moving a dog between Canada and the USA is a paperwork job as much as a driving job. This is the checklist I actually use before every cross-border run since 2020. Bookmark it, print it, send it to your veterinarian.
The 30-day window
Cross-border pet transport works on timelines that don't flex. Most documents have expiration windows or requirements about when they were issued. Start at least 30 days before your desired pickup date.
Canada → USA: Full checklist
- Rabies vaccination certificate. Dog must be at least 6 months old at crossing (CDC rule as of 2024). Rabies vaccine must have been administered at least 28 days before crossing. Certificate must show the vaccine manufacturer, lot number, product name, date of vaccination, and expiration date.
- Health certificate. Issued by a licensed veterinarian. Timeframe varies by destination state but typically within 10-30 days of travel. Must confirm the dog is free of contagious disease and fit to travel.
- Microchip. Required. The microchip number must match the rabies certificate and the CDC Dog Import Form.
- CDC Dog Import Form. Filed online at the CDC website before travel. The receipt (usually valid for multiple entries within a window) must accompany the dog. Walkthrough here.
- US customs broker. Required for commercial transport (which is what pet transport is classified as). OmegaCHB at $250 USD flat is our standard broker.
- Your contact info at the destination. Address, phone, email. Broker and border agents may need to reach you.
USA → Canada: Full checklist
- Rabies vaccination certificate. Standard requirement. Must be current. Some provinces and age groups have specific rules; your vet will know.
- Health certificate. Issued by a licensed veterinarian within the Canada-specified window. Confirms the dog is healthy and free of contagious disease.
- Microchip. Best practice. Matches other documents.
- CFIA import documentation. Handled by the Canadian customs broker before arrival at the border.
- Canadian customs broker. Required for commercial pet shipments. Running Red at $150 CAD + HST on animal value is our standard broker.
30 days before: start here
- Confirm your dog's rabies vaccine is current. If not, schedule a booster now.
- Book the transport. Pay the deposit to secure the date.
- Confirm which border crossing we'll use and which broker fits.
- Make sure your dog is microchipped. If not, schedule it at the vet.
14 days before
- Schedule the health certificate appointment with your veterinarian.
- Confirm the destination address and contact info with the buyer or recipient.
- Let us know of any medications, food, or special instructions.
7 days before
- Get the health certificate issued.
- File the CDC Dog Import Form (if US-bound). Print the receipt.
- Confirm the pickup time window with us.
- Start packing the pet's travel kit (food, leash, collar with ID).
Day of pickup
- Feed the dog a light meal 2-3 hours before pickup.
- Walk the dog right before we arrive.
- Hand us the physical folder: rabies certificate, health certificate, CDC receipt, microchip documentation, and a written note with any special instructions.
- Share the broker's contact info if you've chosen your own broker. If you're using Running Red or OmegaCHB, we've already coordinated.
The paperwork folder
We ask every client to provide a physical folder with the pet's papers at pickup. Paper copies, not just digital. Border agents sometimes ask to see originals, and a broken phone at the wrong moment is not how you want the trip to go.
Official sources
Rules change. These are the authoritative sources to verify current requirements:
FAQs
How far ahead should I start the paperwork?
30 days is the safe window. Rabies vaccines must be at least 28 days old. Health certificates have tight expiration windows. The CDC Dog Import Form takes minutes to file but you need to have it before crossing.
What happens if a document is wrong at the border?
Border agents can refuse entry. For US-bound trips, CDC will send the dog back if the Dog Import Form receipt is missing. For Canada-bound trips, CBSA can hold the animal until CFIA clears it. Correct paperwork is not optional.
Do small dogs or cats need all the same documents?
Cats have fewer requirements than dogs but still need a rabies certificate and a health certificate. Small dogs follow the same rules as big dogs. Puppies under a certain age have slightly different rules in some jurisdictions; check with your broker.
Ready for a quote?
Tell us the route, the pet, and the date. We'll come back with a price within 24 hours.