To cross the border, your dog absolutely needs a valid, signed rabies vaccination certificate. For travel to the U.S. or Canada, this is required for dogs over 3-4 months old. If coming from high-risk rabies countries, a CDC-approved rabies vaccination form is mandatory.

What shots do dogs need to cross the border?

Travel checklist

• be digitally endorsed by USDA,
• include the dog's age (at least 6 months),
• include the dog's microchip number, and.
• include the dog's current and valid (not expired) U.S.-issued rabies vaccination information. The rabies vaccination must also have been administered after the dog's microchip was inserted.

What papers do I need for my dog to cross the border?

To cross the U.S. border with your dog, you need the CDC Dog Import Form (receipt) for all entries, but requirements vary by country: dogs from low-risk areas need only this form (plus health/microchip), while those from high-risk countries need a veterinarian-completed Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination, often a titer test, and potentially a quarantine reservation. You must fill the online form before travel, get a receipt, and present it to officials and airlines, showing your dog is healthy, microchipped (if high-risk), and at least 6 months old.

What are the new rules for crossing the border with dogs?

Comments Section The rules are changing as of August 1. As of Aug 1, dogs crossing into the US must: Appear healthy upon arrival; Be at least six months of age; Be microchipped; and Be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form online submission receipt. What's the current rule?

Which dog vaccines are absolutely necessary?

Absolutely necessary dog vaccines (core vaccines) protect against deadly, common diseases and include Rabies, Canine Distemper (D), Adenovirus (Hepatitis - H), Parainfluenza (P), and Parvovirus (P), often combined as DHPP or DAPP, plus Leptospirosis, depending on location/risk. These are essential for all dogs due to the severity and prevalence of these illnesses, with Rabies often legally required.

New rules for dogs travelling across Canada-U.S. border begin Aug. 1

What is the 3 2 1 rule for vaccines?

The "3-2-1" rule is a guideline for monitoring lumps at feline vaccination sites, indicating a lump needs veterinary investigation if it's still present 3 months after vaccination, is larger than 2 cm, or is growing larger 1 month after appearing. This rule helps identify potentially dangerous injection-site sarcomas, rare tumors that can develop in cats, prompting biopsies for suspicious masses. 

Can I take my dog to Mexico and bring him back in 2025?

Yes, as long as your dog is healthy. Mexico doesn't require health certificates for dogs crossing the border anymore (they used to before 2019). ¹ However, your pet will still get inspected by SENASICA (Mexico's agricultural inspection service) when you arrive.

What vaccines do dogs need to enter the US?

Your dog will NOT be allowed to enter the U.S. if they are not vaccinated against rabies and have been in a high-risk country for dog rabies in the past 6 months. You must follow CDC's dog importation requirements*, or your dog will not be allowed to enter the United States.

What do I need to bring my dog back to the US?

Dogs from other countries can enter if they are 6 months or older, are healthy, have a microchip (a small electronic device placed under their skin by a veterinarian to identify the dog and its owner), and have a valid rabies vaccination certificate and CDC Dog Import Form (https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/dog- ...

What do I need to take my dog back to the US from Mexico?

Have a Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip form. This form is filled out by your veterinarian and endorsed by an official government veterinarian. If not included on the form above, you will also need a valid rabies serology titer report from a CDC-approved laboratory.

What do I need to travel with my dog within the US?

Many states require an up-to-date Certificate of Veterinary Inspection from a licensed, accredited veterinarian when traveling. Your pet must be examined by a veterinarian in order for a health certificate to be issued.

What do I need for my dog to travel with me to Mexico?

To take your dog to Mexico, you'll generally need proof of a current rabies vaccination, a vet-issued health certificate (often within 15 days of travel, though some sources say not needed from US), and potentially other routine vaccinations like distemper, with all documents carried in their original form, plus potential airline rules and recent screwworm concerns requiring APHIS certification if returning to the US after Mexico travel. 

What do dogs need to pass the border?

Dogs must be accompanied by a current, valid rabies vaccination certificate that includes the following information: Name and address of owner. Breed, sex, age, color, markings, and other identifying information for the dog. Date of rabies vaccination and vaccine product information.

Am I obligated to vaccinate my dog?

Some vaccinations are mandatory for pets here in California. Please keep in mind that all dogs four months or older have to have their vaccinations for rabies. Cats should also have their vaccinations for feline rabies.

How much does a health certificate cost for a dog?

Final Vet Exam and Health Certificate

The cost of the final vet exam can range from $50 to $200, depending on your location and the veterinarian you choose. The cost of completing the health certificate can also vary, with some vets charging an additional fee of $50 to $150.

What vaccines does a dog need to cross the border?

Certification Required

Dogs traveling to or returning from a high-risk country for dog rabies must have the "Certification of U.S.-Issued Rabies Vaccination" form completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian and submitted before departing the United States.

What vaccines do dogs need legally?

These include DHPP (which covers distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza), leptospirosis, and rabies, which is required by law in many areas. Non-core vaccines are recommended based on your pet's individual needs.

What states don't require dog vaccines?

To date (2023), only 16 states have laws or regulations that allow owners to seek a medical exemption from having their dogs vaccinated for rabies. One state (Hawaii) has no laws or regulations that require vaccination on a statewide basis.

What are the new rules for crossing the US border with dogs?

At a glance

• All dogs entering or returning to the U.S. must be accompanied by a CDC Dog Import Form receipt.
• Dogs coming from dog rabies-free or low-risk countries do not require any other documents, but must still meet other requirements such appearing healthy, having a microchip, and being at least 6 months of age.

Can I bring my dog over the border to Mexico?

Additional information can be found on the APHIS Dog Import website. Effective 12/16/2019: A health certificate for dogs and cats is no longer needed to enter Mexico. Dogs and cats may be taken to the border without health certificate documentation, they will be inspected by SENASICA upon arrival.

How much does it cost to bring a dog from Mexico to the USA?

Dogs, cats, and turtles are free of duty. Other pets imported into the United States that are subject to customs duties may be included in your personal exemption if they are with you and were brought in for your personal use, not for sale.

Which dog vaccines cause the most reactions?

Most Common Vaccine Reactions in Dogs

• Canine Distemper Vaccine. Canine distemper virus is a contagious and potentially life-threatening virus. ...
• Canine Parvovirus Vaccine. Canine parvovirus is another highly contagious virus that can cause nasal disease in dogs. ...
• Rabies Vaccine. ...
• Lyme Vaccine.

What vaccines cannot be given together?

Note that there are two situations where vaccines cannot be given together: People who have anatomic asplenia (who do not have a spleen) or functional asplenia (whose spleen is not functioning properly) or have HIV should not get the meningococcal vaccine (MCV4) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) together.

Is the Fvrcp vaccine necessary?

The FVRCP cat vaccine is essential to keeping your feline friend healthy and protected against serious diseases. While mild reactions such as lethargy and sneezing are common, they are generally short-lived and far outweighed by the benefits of vaccination.

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