Canada
How long you can stay, how long your vehicle can, and what your dog or cat needs to cross. Every rule links to the official source.
- Last checked 11 Oct 2026
Your rules for Canada
You · American passport
Usually up to 6 months
Visa-free for short stays. Keep inside the limit and you don't need a visa.
canada.ca · Official source · Checked 11 Oct 2026
Your vehicle · United States plates
Up to 365 days per visit
It comes in on a temporary import. When the time runs out, it has to leave.
cbsa-asfc.gc.ca · Official source · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your dog or cat
Start at least 1 day out
Personal dog or cat 3 months+: valid rabies vaccination certificate only; no microchip, health certificate or waiting period. See the steps
aphis.usda.gov · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026
Watch Canada.
We'll email you if Canada's rules change for your American passport, United States plates or your pet. That's the only email you'll get.
What your pet needs to cross into Canada.
Do these in order. Miss one and your pet can be held at the border.
- Before you go
Rabies vaccination certificate (pets 3 months and older)
Dogs and cats 3 months or older need a valid rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed vet, in English or French, identifying the animal and the vaccine (trade name, serial/lot), date given and duration of validity.
- Still valid the day you arrive
Rabies vaccine still valid on arrival
Your pet's rabies vaccine must still be valid on the day you cross. Check the 'valid until' date on the vaccination record and book a booster before it runs out.
- At the border
CBSA/CFIA check at the border
Declare the pet at the border; CBSA checks the rabies certificate and the animal's health.
aphis.usda.gov · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026. The app works these dates backward from your travel day and reminds you.
Every passport in Canada
| Passport | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Visa-free | Usually up to 6 months | canada.ca · Checked 11 Oct 2026 |
| Argentina | Visa needed | Set by the visa | canada.ca · Checked 11 Oct 2026 |
| Australia | Visa-free, apply for an ETA first | Usually up to 6 months | canada.ca · Checked 11 Oct 2026 |
| Austria | Visa-free, apply for an ETA first | Usually up to 6 months | canada.ca · Checked 11 Oct 2026 |
| Belgium | Visa-free, apply for an ETA first | Usually up to 6 months | canada.ca · Checked 11 Oct 2026 |
| Brazil | Visa needed | Set by the visa | canada.ca · Checked 11 Oct 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Visa-free, apply for an ETA first | Usually up to 6 months | canada.ca · Checked 11 Oct 2026 |
| Canada | Your country | No limit | canada.ca · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
Every registration in Canada
| Registered in | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Temporary import | Up to 365 days per visit | cbsa-asfc.gc.ca · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | Temporary import | Up to 365 days per visit | cbsa-asfc.gc.ca · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | Temporary import | Up to 365 days per visit | cbsa-asfc.gc.ca · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | Temporary import | Up to 365 days per visit | cbsa-asfc.gc.ca · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | Temporary import | Up to 365 days per visit | cbsa-asfc.gc.ca · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | Temporary import | Up to 365 days per visit | cbsa-asfc.gc.ca · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Temporary import | Up to 365 days per visit | cbsa-asfc.gc.ca · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | Registered here | No limit | cbsa-asfc.gc.ca · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
A plain-language summary of the official rules, checked on the date shown. It isn't legal advice, and the officer at the desk always has the final word.
Planning a Canada leg?
We'll count it for you.
BorderRunner turns these rules into your exact exit date, for you, your vehicle and your dog, and reminds you well before it's close. The first week is on us.
