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CSA TRAVEL INFORMATION GUIDE
If you have any questions regarding the importation of a controlled substance into the United States,
please contact the Drug Enforcement Administration, Office of Diversion Control, International Drug
Unit, at (202) 307-1000.
Lastly, if you are prescribed a drug while outside Canada, remember that only a 90-day supply can
be brought back into Canada, for personal use. If the drug is a narcotic or controlled substance, then
only the lesser of a 30-day supply or one course can be brought back. These must be declared to the
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer when arriving in Canada.
Taking Your Pet to the United States
Both Canada and the U.S. control the importation of pets, including those accompanying their
owners for a temporary visit.
For Canada, this function is provided by:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
www.inspection.gc.ca
For the U.S., this function is provided by:
U.S. Department of Agriculture – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
www.aphis.usda.gov
Specific concerns and questions should be referred, well in advance of travel, to the respective
government agency. Please note special restriction and quarantines exist for animals travelling
to Hawaii. For details please visit the website for the Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture at: http://www.
hawaiiag.org/hdoa/doa_importing.htm
In general terms (for cats and dogs that are older than three months, travelling from a country that is
not officially recognized as rabies free – Canada is not recognized as rabies-free as of the most recent
rabies-free list available prior to the publishing date of this guide), the following information applies:
Cats
must be healthy and free of evidence of diseases communicable to humans when they are
examined at the port of entry. If the cat does not seem to be in good health, the owner may have to
pay for an additional examination by a licensed veterinarian. Cats are not required to have proof of
rabies vaccination for importation into the United States. However, some states require vaccination
of cats for rabies, so it is a good idea to check with state and local health authorities at your final
destination.
To enter (or re-enter) Canada, a cat three (3) months of age or older must be accompanied by a
valid rabies vaccination certificate, signed by a licensed veterinarian, which clearly identifies the cat
(breed, colour, weight, etc.) plus the name of the licensed rabies vaccine used (trade name), serial
number and duration of immunity (up to 3 years), date of vaccination and state that the animal is
vaccinated against rabies. Please note: if the validity date does not appear on the certificate, then it
will be considered a one year vaccine. A cat under three (3) months of age does not require a rabies
vaccination.
Dogs
must be healthy and free of evidence of diseases that could be communicable to humans when
they are examined at the port of entry. If the dog does not seem to be in good health, the owner
may have to pay for an additional examination by a licensed veterinarian. To enter the United States,
a dog must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days in advance of travel. If the animal has not
been vaccinated for at least 30 days, it may be allowed to enter provided it is confined at the owner’s
place of residence until the 30-day period has lapsed.