QuestionI am planning to visit my cousins in Canada and want to take my dog with me. What paper work if any do I need to prepare? Do I need to get a passport for my dog?
AnswerDear Vincent
Are you flying or driving? If by plane, the airlines are
a bit more restrictive. They would want to see a health
certificate going each way. H.C.'s must be less than
10 days old, so, if you were in Canada for more than 10 days
you would need a new one issued up there for your return.
Most important is a valid rabies vaccination and certificate. At least 30 days old and less than 1 year to
be on safe side. A two or three year vaccination would be
fine but you would need to show the supplemental certs that
prove it is a long term vaccination. The veterinarian can
provide this. If flying, I would strongly recommend the
h.c. be endorsed by usda, but may not be required. Play it
safe!!!
If driving, should be much less restrictive. The border
people on both sides, coming and going, may not even ask
for the paperwork. Best to be safe. Have a h.c.. Need not
be endorsed by usda. The one issued in USA should suffice
for entire trip. Rabies cert as shown above, most important. Highly recommend dog be current on ALL
vaccinations, just in case you need to board dog at anytime'
for any reason!
There are NO pet passports. You may need one!!!
This should be a very easy and enjoyable trip for you.
Let me know if you need any more advice or assistance.
Regards, Jerry Mishler
p.s. The best health certificate would be: the APHIS 7001
international h.c. Probably can get by in both cases with
a standard cert issued by your vet, but why take chances?
