If you are traveling over the US/Canadian border, use the links below to assure you have everything you need before you travel and are up to date on any current restrictions at the border.
US Department of State – Learn About Your Destination (Canada)
Government of Canada – Traveling to Canada
CDC Border Crossing Information
The 2024 Nationals committee (plus Ashley Hilliker) is putting together a step by step how to for those of you interested in coming to Nationals but don’t know where to start with the new CDC Guidelines starting 8/1/2024 – the “rules” are continually evolving, so keeping in contact with your veterinarian or local USDA/State Vet’s office should be you very best bet to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. The CDC considers Canada, the USA and Mexico to be “dog” Rabies free countries so when reading regulations you’ll want to find the section referencing rabies free countries.
Step 1: Find out if your regular veterinarian (or another vet in the practice) is USDA Accredited
Step 1.1: Call your regular veterinary practice to ask if the USDA accredited vet(s) in the practice are set up on the VEHCS (Veterinary Export Health Certificate System) online system (the CDC requires all documents be sent via VEHCS)
Step 1.2: Make an appointment with your regular veterinarian for an EXPORT HEALTH CERTIFICATE (not a regular health certificate for travel)- this will be good for the duration of the last Rabies vaccine (1-3 years depending on when the vaccine was/is given)
In the meantime take your dog(s) to your local clinic or animal shelter and have them scanned for a microchip. The CDC rules/export health certificate require a 15 digit ISO Microchip to be in place BEFORE the Rabies vaccine listed on the document – if there is no ISO microchip you’ll need one implanted and then a “new” Rabies vaccine to be up to regulation. Note: This can be done at the same time as the export health certificate.
There are other forms mentioned on the CDC website BUT they’re not USDA forms available through the VEHCS system.
The rules make things sound much more difficult than they are – if you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to Jenna Eberl via messenger – she will happily answer what she can.