photo credit: istock/anna-av
For pet parents throughout the United States and Canada, their beloved animal companions hold a special place in their hearts as valued members of the family. Therefore, when embarking on journeys, these cherished pets naturally accompany them. However, when venturing across borders, especially between the United States and Canada, additional considerations come into play.
Fortunately, preparing for travels between the United States and Canada with your furry family members doesn't have to be daunting.
Preparing your pet for cross border travel
When taking a trip by car across the U.S.-Canada border with your pets, adhering to some fundamental guidelines is essential. With proper foresight and preparation, bringing your dogs and cats across the border can be a seamless and stress-free experience.
Before crossing the border from Canada to the United States or vice versa, it's important to ensure that your dogs and cats have received a valid rabies vaccination. Pets lacking prior immunization against rabies must be vaccinated at least 30 days before their arrival. Proof of rabies vaccination is mandatory for all pets aged 3 months and above, including details such as the vaccine's product name, lot number, and expiration date. It's essential to note that rabies vaccination tags attached to pet collars are not sufficient evidence of immunization.
Puppies and kittens under three months old, too young to receive the rabies vaccination, need a veterinarian's certificate confirming their good health to facilitate border crossing.
Further, it's advisable for all pets, regardless of age, to obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian dated within 30 days of border crossing. This will help ensure that your pet is adequately prepared for the journey across the border.
It's important to note that these guidelines primarily apply to individuals traveling with their pets for personal reasons. If you're traveling with pets for commercial purposes, such as sale, breeding, or fostering, there may be additional regulations to consider.
Travelers entering Ontario should be aware that Bully Breeds are unfortunately prohibited from entry.
Plan ahead for your stay
Don't forget to plan ahead for pet-friendly accommodations! It's best to do this well in advance to make sure you find a place that's perfect for both you and your furry friend. Here are some hotel options that welcome pets in bustling cities along the United States-Canada border.
Peace Bridge/Rainbow Bridge Border Crossings
Find pet-friendly hotels in these border cities:
Peace Arch/Pacific Highway Border Crossing
Find pet-friendly hotels in these border cities:
Ambassador Bridge Border Crossing
Find pet-friendly hotels in these border cities:
By carefully planning ahead, you can make sure that crossing the border with your pets is a smooth and stress-free experience. By being proactive and tackling any potential issues beforehand, you'll set off on your trip feeling confident, knowing that you've done everything possible to keep your furry companions safe and happy.