Bringing your dog or cat between Florida and Canada

Entering the United States (Canada to Florida)

Dogs

CBP requires that dogs entering the US be free of evidence of disease communicable to humans and appear to be in good health. Practically speaking, for dogs arriving from Canada:

• A valid rabies vaccination certificate is required; the certificate must show: description of the animal, vaccination date, vaccine manufacturer and product name, vaccine serial number, expiry date, and the licensed vet's information
• Dogs vaccinated in Canada under a 3-year rabies protocol: the certificate is accepted in the US if still within its validity period
• Dogs under 3 months old are exempt from rabies vaccination but must appear healthy
• No USDA health certificate is required by CBP for pet dogs entering from Canada for tourism purposes — this is only required for commercial importation

Cats

Cats have no federal vaccination requirement for entering the US from Canada. They must appear healthy and free of disease. No health certificate is required by CBP. If flying, check your airline's requirements — many require a health certificate regardless of government rules.

At the border

When crossing by car, CBP may ask about pets in the vehicle. Have your rabies certificate ready to present. Pets typically remain in the vehicle during the inspection. Inspectors may briefly view the pet through the window but generally do not require the animal to leave the vehicle for routine crossings from Canada.

Returning to Canada (Florida to Canada)

CFIA and CBSA requirements

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) governs animal import into Canada. For dogs and cats returning from the United States, CFIA requires:

• Dogs: proof of current rabies vaccination (certificate from licensed vet); if vaccinated on a 3-year schedule, the certificate must still be within the validity period
• Cats: no mandatory health certificate or vaccination requirement for cats returning from the US to Canada — cats are lower-risk for the diseases CFIA monitors
• Health certificate: CFIA does NOT currently require a health certificate for domestic dogs and cats returning from the US; however, this can change, so verify at inspection.gc.ca before your trip

At CBSA

Declare your pets on your CBSA declaration card. "Goods to declare" includes live animals. No duty or tariff applies to your own pet returning to Canada with you. Be prepared to show the rabies certificate. CBSA inspectors may ask to view the animal.

Flying with pets — airline requirements

Airline pet policies vary significantly and typically impose stricter requirements than government agencies:

• In-cabin: most airlines allow small pets (typically under 7–8 kg including carrier) in cabin; pet must fit under the seat in an approved carrier; fees $75–$150 USD per segment; limited spots per flight — book early
• Air Canada: accepts pets in cabin (under 10 kg with carrier) and as checked baggage (most routes); requires health certificate from vet issued within 10 days of travel; check current routes as Air Canada has pet bans on some routes in summer heat
• WestJet: accepts small pets in cabin on select routes; health certificate required; check westjet.com for current policy
• Porter Airlines: does not accept pets in cabin (only service animals)
• American, United, Delta: similar policies; health certificate within 10 days

USDA-accredited vet for health certificate

Airlines typically require a health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian (for US departures) issued within 10 days of travel. Not all Florida vets are USDA-accredited. Find accredited vets at the USDA APHIS directory: vs.usda.gov → Veterinary Accreditation. Contact an accredited vet in your Florida area well in advance of your departure date.

Driving across the border — the easiest option

For most Canadian snowbirds, driving is the simplest option for pets. Your dog or cat remains in the vehicle throughout the border crossing — no airline policies to navigate, no carrier size restrictions, and no need for a USDA health certificate (which is required by airlines but not by CBP or CFIA for private vehicle crossings). Have your rabies certificate in the glove compartment for quick presentation. Cross at a standard vehicle lane; if there's a question about your pet, you may be directed to secondary inspection, but this is uncommon for Canadian-registered pets with valid documentation.

Sources

1. CBP — Traveling with Pets
2. CFIA — Importing pets to Canada
3. USDA APHIS — Pet Travel
4. Air Canada — Travelling with Pets