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Bringing a Cat from the USA to Canada: Requirements

One of the easiest crossings anywhere for a cat: a current rabies certificate is the whole requirement, and kittens under 3 months need nothing at all.

Rules last verified against official sources: 2026-07-24

Planning for a dog instead? See the dog version of this route →

Pick your travel date to get a dated, backward-planned checklist. (This tool needs JavaScript; the full requirements are listed below either way.)

A cat 3 months or older needs a rabies vaccination certificate in English or French from a licensed vet — or, as an alternative, an RNATT titer of ≥ 0.5 IU/ml drawn at least 30 days after a vaccination. No permit, no microchip requirement, no quarantine, no waiting period. Kittens under 3 months are not subject to any restrictions.

Minimum lead time: about 0 months (0 days). Nothing to sequence: the rabies certificate just needs to be current on your travel date. Kittens under 3 months have no requirements whatsoever.

The requirements, in order

Order matters — several steps are only valid if the earlier ones were done first. This is the same sequence the planner above turns into dated deadlines.

  1. Rabies vaccination + certificate (in English or French)
    Pets 3 months or older need a valid rabies vaccination certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in English or French, clearly identifying the animal and showing the vaccination is current on your travel date. There is no waiting period after the shot — it just needs to be current. Animals under 3 months are exempt (carry proof of age).
    Cats have an alternative: an RNATT titer of ≥ 0.5 IU/ml drawn at least 30 days after a prior vaccination. For dogs planning a US return, microchip BEFORE the rabies shot.
    Official source ↗
  2. Declare your pet at the border with original documents
    Declare your pet to CBSA on arrival and travel with the physical original certificate — not a photo. Assistance dogs accompanying their user enter without restrictions.
    Official source ↗

Both directions are easy for cats

Declare your cat to CBSA with the original certificate on the way in. Coming home, cats have no CDC requirements — the 6-month age, microchip and form rules are dog-only.

Official sources

These are the only authorities on this route. If anything here disagrees with them, they win — and please tell us.

FAQ

What does my cat need to enter Canada?
A current rabies certificate in English or French (cats 3 months and older), or an RNATT titer alternative. Kittens under 3 months need nothing.
Is there a waiting period or quarantine?
Neither — the vaccination just needs to be current on your travel date.
What about coming back to the US?
Cats have no CDC requirements returning — just appear healthy. The form/age/microchip rules apply to dogs only.

Other cat routes

Disclaimer: Preflight Pet is a planning aid, not legal or veterinary advice. Import rules change; airlines add their own requirements. Always confirm every step with the official government sources linked on this page, and with your airline and accredited veterinarian, before booking travel.