Bringing a cat from Canada to the USA: rules 2026
Taking a cat from Canada to the USA is one of the simplest international pet moves possible. There are virtually no federal restrictions for cats crossing the US-Canada border โ no import permit, no titer test, and no quarantine. Vaccination and a health certificate are recommended.
Destination requirements
Dogs โ always
- appear healthy;
- โฅ6 months old;
- ISO microchip (15 digits), implanted before the rabies vaccination;
- CDC Dog Import Form (free, online; the receipt is valid 6 months).
From rabies-free / low-risk countries (EU, UK, Canada, etc. โ NOT on the CDC high-risk list): the CDC Dog Import Form receipt is enough. Any airport/port/border. No titer, certificate or quarantine.
From a HIGH-risk country, vaccinated in the USA: also a Certification of US-Issued Rabies Vaccination (CDC-endorsed); via an approved port.
From a HIGH-risk country, vaccinated abroad: also a Certification of Foreign Rabies Vaccination and Microchip + EITHER a valid titer (CDC-approved lab; vaccine โฅ30 days before the blood draw) OR a booked 28-day quarantine. Arrival by air only to 6 ports with a CDC-registered facility: JFK, LAX, MIA, SFO, ATL, IAD. Booking required.
Cats
CDC โ no mandatory requirements, must appear healthy; USDA APHIS โ no requirements; microchip not federally required (recommended). The destination state may require a rabies vaccination.
Breeds & health
No federal breed restrictions (state/city rules may apply). Extra USDA vet inspection (within 10 days of departure) for dogs from countries with New World screwworm or foot-and-mouth disease.
Official sources
- CDC โ Bringing a dog into the United States โ
- CDC โ Dogs vaccinated abroad from high-risk countries โ
- USDA APHIS โ Another country to the US (import) โ
- CDC โ High-risk countries for dog rabies โ
- โ ISO 11784/11785 microchipping before rabies vaccine timeline
- โ Rabies titer blood test (RNATT) & mandatory 90-day waiting period
- โ Airport transit zone regulations, international vet certificates & EU pet passport
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FAQ
Do I need a titer test to bring a cat from Canada to the USA?
No. The USA has no titer test requirement for cats from Canada.
Is there quarantine for cats from Canada entering the USA?
No quarantine. Cats must appear healthy but are not subject to any quarantine requirement.
Do I need a health certificate for my cat when crossing from Canada to the USA?
No federal requirement, but a health certificate from a Canadian vet is strongly recommended for airline travel and is sometimes requested at the border.
Do I need to declare my cat at US customs?
Yes. Declare all pets you are bringing into the US. There is no fee for pet entry from Canada.