Crossing the border with my dogs?

[Sandy22]

What documentation do I need when travelling to the US and back with my dogs?

 

[Lisa Anne Colling]

Hi Sandy!
You just need you vaccination certificates showing your dog is up to date on all thier vac's! To be honest I don't think I have ever been asked for them, but the day I don't bring them wil be the day they ask for them!
Good Luck
Lisa

 

[striker3636]

We have always carried our registration papers and current vaccination papers. We have never been asked to show them. If you aren't aware of it, be really careful about the dog food you take over. The rules may have changed in the last few months, but as of last winter the border folks were taking anything that was not made in the US. If you are interested I can post the link for the US website that discusses what food is allowed to cross and it may help out. My Mom had some dog cookies taken that were not made in the US, but she did know to buy the correct brand of food from her vet before leaving. Hopefully this is out of date info, but my Mom is heading south in two weeks for the winter and hasn't been able to find out if they were letting more stuff through by now.

 

[highland3]

When heading across the border to go camping this summer, US Customs asked if our dog had his updated shots, but was happy with a verbal answer. Coming home, the Canada Customs Officer demanded to see our dog's papers.

 

[Sandy22]

Thanks for the replies! Is it all vaccinations that have to be up-to-date or only rabies?

 

[striker3636]

I'm not sure on the requirements. We have always just made sure all shots the vets normally give the dog are up to date including rabies. Your vet may know for sure, or check online with US border services.

 

[Tabetha]

I'd make sure you were up to date on all vaccines. Also, if you're heading south, it would be a good idea to continue heartworm medication till you get home (or get some if you're not already using it). Heartworm is rampant in the southern US, and would be a very unpleasant souvenier.

 

[Sandy22]

I'd make sure you were up to date on all vaccines. Also, if you're heading south, it would be a good idea to continue heartworm medication till you get home (or get some if you're not already using it). Heartworm is rampant in the southern US, and would be a very unpleasant souvenier.

Thanks for the heartworm warning - I had not thought of that. I guess a trip to the vet is in order!