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CSA TRAVEL INFORMATION GUIDE
To enter (or re-enter) Canada, a dog eight (8) months of age or older and accompanied by its owner,
must be accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination certificate, signed by a licensed veterinarian,
which clearly identifies the dog (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 vaccina-
tion 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 dog under three (3) months
of age does not require a rabies vaccination. If the dog is not accompanied by its owner, there are
additional import requirements.
Other pets, including birds, have specific importation restrictions for both Canada and the U.S., and
should be discussed with the respective government agency.
For travel between Canada and the U.S., be sure to check with the animal importation/inspection
agencies for both countries prior to commencing your travel. While you will have to clear inspection
travelling with your pet into the United States, you will similarly have to clear Canadian inspection
upon returning with your pet to Canada. The rules are different between both countries.
Health certificates are not generally required by the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) for pets for
entry into the United States; however, such health certificates may be required for your pet’s entry
into some states or by airlines transporting your pet. Any such requirements should be verified with
the responsible authorities in your destination state and your airline.
Please note that microchip encoding is specific to only one country.
What Duty-free Items Can I Take to the United States?
Duty-Free Exemption
The duty-free exemption, also called the personal exemption, is the total value of merchandise you
may take to the United States without having to pay duty. You may take more than your exemption,
but you will have to pay duty on it. In most cases, the personal exemption is $100 USD, but there are
some exceptions to this rule.
The duty-free exemptions apply if:
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The items are for your personal or household use or intended to be given as bona fide gifts.
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They are in your possession and accompanying you when entering the U.S.; items to be sent
later (exemptions apply for goods sent from Guam or the U.S. Virgin Islands) may not be
included in the $100 USD duty-free exemption category.
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The items are not prohibited or restricted as discussed in the section on Prohibited and
Restricted Items; note the embargo prohibitions on products of Cuba.
Tobacco Products
Travellers may import not more than 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars or 2 kg (4.4 lbs) of smoking
tobacco.
Tobacco products of Cuban origin are prohibited, including purchases made in Canada.
Alcoholic Beverages
One litre (33.8 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages may be included in your exemption if you are 21 years
old; it is for your own use or as a gift; and it does not violate the laws of the state in which you arrive.