Travelling with your pet can be complicated...
There can be a lot of information to navigate when it comes to crossing the border with your pet, whether it be to the USA or farther. Below we've assembled the most frequently asked questions we receive in regards to cross border travel. Have a read through and don't hesitate to call with any questions!
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Give us a call at 587-802-5111 or email antlerhillvet@gmail.com with any questions!
Currently, the CDC states that you need to meet the following requirements to cross the border with your dog from Canada:
-your dog must have spent the last 6 months in a country at low risk for rabies (ie. Canada)
-you must complete a non-expired, completed CDC dog import form
-your dog must have a universally scannable microchip
-your dog must appear healthy and be at least 6 months of age
The form does not need to be printed, and it can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/dog-import-form-instructions.html .
Currently, your dog does not need vaccines to cross into the USA if he/she has not been in any country at high risk for rabies in the past 6 months. However, your dog does need a valid rabies vaccine to cross the border back into Canada.
The answer to this question is dependent on where you are going. Many areas with warmer climates than what we experience in Alberta can certainly harbor different infectious diseases. The main ones of concern would be heartworm and leptospirosis. It is important to research your destination of choice fully before leaving to know if there are any special considerations. If you're not sure where to look, give us a call!
As per the CDC website, your dog needs a universally scannable microchip. It does not mention needing accompanying records to show the microchip, and there is no spot on the CDC dog import form to write the microchip number. It is expected that records will need to accompany the microchip in the near future when negotiations have concluded.
Assuming your dog does not travel to any countries at high risk for rabies, the form is good for an infinite number of border crossings for 6 months. After 6 months, the form will need to be re-completed.
Please reference this list of countries provided by the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/high-risk-countries.html .
As of right now, more changes are anticipated. It is our understanding that the current changes are a grace period until more permanent regulations are reached after careful negotiations between Canada and the USA. It has not been made clear when these additional changes would be anticipated to be implemented.
Currently, the CDC website states that there are no requirements to cross the border into the USA with your cat. However, your cat does need a valid rabies vaccine to cross the border back into Canada.
This is where travel can get complicated. Many different countries have very specific regulations on vaccines and parasite control before they will allow importation of any animal. In addition, a government Veterinarian usually needs to sign off on paperwork. The whole process can often take up to or over a month, with certain countries requiring prep work of up to 6 months. For your best chance of success, it is best to reach our to your vet clinic long before you plan to travel so that they can work with a government Veterinarian on what you many need to have completed.