Many people love to take their pets when they travel, whether it is a small trip for the weekend or a weeklong vacation. Others look across the border when they are looking to purchase or adopt a pet. With this in mind, the Canada Border Services Agency would like to remind travellers of a few things.

Luke Reimer is a spokesperson with the CBSA. He explained the rules for travelling with a pet are fairly straightforward and can be relatively hassle-free, as long as the proper documents are with you.

One of the key ones to bring with you is the rabies vaccination certificate. It is required for any cats and dogs over three months old who cross the border into Canada. If the pet is under three months old, documentation of age is required.

Those who have travelled down to the United States to adopt an animal have the slightly different paperwork they need to worry about, according to Reimer.

“The difference would be for travellers who are returning to Canada who have adopted or bought a dog in the U.S., they should be ready to present the adoption document or bill of sale when they arrive at the border,” explained Reimer.

Those who are bringing a pet into Canada for show or sale have to worry about an entirely different class or paperwork. In that case, a commercial import permit is required.

As for the crossing itself, Reimer said it shouldn’t be any more intensive than what a traveller crossing into Canada would normally experience.

“They’ll have a documentary inspection by the CBSA, to ensure the animal’s rabies vaccination is current, and that the animal description matches and our officers will also visually inspect the animal to ensure that there are no visible signs of illness.”