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Relaxation of New US Import Rules for Dogs Entering from Canada

New US dog import rules have been relaxed after discussions between Canada and US

By Krista Halling DVM CCRP DACVS

An agreement has now been reached to relax some rules, at least for now, for dogs entering the US from Canada. The Canadian government has been negotiating with the US regarding the new dog import rules being imposed by the US as of August 1, 2024.

While talks between the two countries are still ongoing, today’s press announcement by Minister Mark Holland states some relaxation of the new rules for dogs entering the US from Canada (note the following are subject to change):

  • ANY microchip is now acceptable (does not need to be ISO-compatible microchip)
  • The import form does NOT need to be stamped by the CFIA government veterinarian; it only needs to be signed by your family veterinarian
  • A reusable import form will be available to allow dogs to enter and re-enter the US from Canada for as long as their rabies vaccination is valid
  • A 2 month grace period has been requested, so it is plausible they will come into effect October 1 instead of August 1
  • Every dog owner will still need to also complete this Dog Import Form including whole body photo of your dog which needs to be “recent” (CDC defines this as within 90 days for an adult dog and within 15 days for a dog under 1 year of age)

Here is Minister Mark Holland’s written statement on US dog import rules, July 17, 2024.

More changes will no doubt come. The US announced these new rules in February 2024 without – it appears – much consideration of the massive impact these regulations would have on tourism between Canada and the US, considering how many travellers bring their dogs with them.

Additionally, having a Canadian government veterinarian validate the vaccination status of every dog entering the US from Canada would have created a massive bottleneck. So I’m relieved to see that requirement has been removed. Still, primary care vets will need to be given sufficient notice to prepare travel documents for dogs entering the US and this applies not just to Canadians visiting the US but also to Americans returning to the US from Canada with their dog.

I also don’t get the “photo within 90 days of travel” requirement. I can’t think of any adult dog whose appearance significantly changes every few months. It’s a dog, not a tree. Even our own passport photos are valid for 10 years.

We’ll keep you updated as further announcements are made. Happy dog travelling! 🐶


About the author

Krista Halling is a veterinarian Board-Certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and co-founder of Dogpacking.com.

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