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Toronto Pet Valet

Canada and the US

Moving a pet between Canada and the US

We move dogs and cats door to door between Canada and the US, in both directions, by road, by air or both. We plan the safest way for your pet and look after the paperwork with you.

Get a price for your move
Travel documents and a phone on a wooden table

How a move across the border works with us

Tell us where your pet is now, where they are going, when, and about your pet. We plan the move, check the entry rules for your pet, and send you a quote by email once it is ready. Once you book, we tell you exactly which papers we need and by when.

On the day, we pick up your pet at your door and deliver them to the new home. We arrange customs clearance on the way. Our vehicles carry pets only, so you travel separately.

Spending the winter in Florida? See snowbird pet transport: south in the fall, home in the spring.

The rules below come from the two government agencies that decide. They are a summary: rules change, so we check them again for every move.

Into the US

Dogs entering the US (CDC rules)

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sets the rules for dogs entering the US. For a dog that has only been in Canada or the US in the 6 months before the move, the CDC asks for:

  • Age: at least 6 months old on the day the dog enters the US.
  • Microchip: a microchip that a universal scanner can read.
  • CDC Dog Import Form: a free online form with a photo of your dog. The receipt comes by email and is the only form the CDC needs for a dog coming from Canada.
  • Healthy on arrival: the dog must look healthy when it arrives.

Dogs that have been in a country with a high risk of dog rabies in the last 6 months have more steps. Tell us where your dog has been, and we check what applies.

Some US states have their own rules for dogs and cats, such as a rabies certificate. We check the rules for the state your pet is moving to. For Florida, see Toronto to Florida pet transport.

Into Canada

Dogs and cats entering Canada (CFIA rules)

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) sets the rules for pets entering Canada. For a pet dog or cat coming from the US:

  • Dogs 3 months and older: a valid rabies vaccination certificate, in English or French, from a licensed vet, that clearly identifies the dog and shows a current rabies vaccination.
  • Cats 3 months and older: a vet certificate, in English or French, that identifies the cat and shows a current rabies vaccination.
  • Under 3 months: no rabies certificate is needed, but there are other rules for young dogs travelling without their owner. Ask us and we check them for your pet.
  • No quarantine: pet dogs and cats are not quarantined when they arrive.

Dogs brought into Canada to be sold, adopted, fostered or bred have stricter rules and need more paperwork. If you are a rescue or a breeder, tell us in the form.

Flat-faced breeds

Snub-nosed breeds, such as French bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats, have extra airline rules and limits. We can move them by road, so ask us even if an airline has said no.

Other pets

Birds, reptiles and other pets that are sensitive to temperature get a custom quote. The rules for them are different, and we check them for each move.

Last checked against the CDC and CFIA pages on October 9, 2026.

Rules change. Always check the official page before you book.

Moving a pet between Canada and the US: questions

Can you move my pet from Canada to the US?
Yes. We move dogs and cats door to door between Canada and the US, in both directions. Tell us where, when and about your pet, and we plan the safest way and send your quote by email once it is ready.
What does my dog need to enter the US from Canada?
For a dog that has only been in Canada or the US in the last 6 months, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) asks for three things: the dog is at least 6 months old, has a microchip that a universal scanner can read, and has a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. The dog must also look healthy when it arrives. See the CDC rules.
Can a puppy under 6 months go to the US?
The CDC says dogs must be at least 6 months old when they enter the US, and it makes exceptions only with its own written approval, given in advance. If your puppy is younger, ask us before you make plans, and we look at your case.
Does the CDC Dog Import Form cost anything?
No. It is a free online form on the CDC website, with a photo of your dog. The receipt comes by email. For a dog coming from Canada, the receipt can be used again for trips from Canada for 6 months. We help you fill it in.
What does my dog or cat need to enter Canada from the US?
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) asks for a rabies vaccination certificate for dogs 3 months and older, and a vet certificate showing a current rabies vaccination for cats 3 months and older. The certificate must be in English or French, signed by a licensed vet, and clearly identify the pet. Pet dogs and cats are not quarantined. See the CFIA pet import tool.
Do you handle customs?
Yes. We arrange customs clearance for your pet as part of the move and tell you which papers we need from you. Border officials make the final decision on every pet.
Can my pet travel with me in the car instead?
Our vehicles carry pets only, so owners do not ride along. Many people drive or fly separately and meet their pet at the new home.

Moving your pet across the border?

Tell us where, when and about your pet. We plan the safest way and send your quote.

Get a price
Get a price