Traveling Between Minnesota and Canada With Your Dog
This summer, the Center for Disease Control has been releasing new requirements for traveling between the US and Canada with dogs. The requirements have changed significantly several times, which has been frustrating for frequent travelers! Thankfully, the current requirements are much easier than initially proposed. The important federal requirements for dogs entering the US from Canada include:
- All dogs entering the US from a low-risk rabies country (such as Canada) must be accompanied by a Dog Import Form. This form is free and does not need any sort of endorsement. It can be filled out prior to or on the day of travel.
- Only dogs 6 months of age and older may be imported to the US.
- Dogs must appear healthy on arrival to the US.
- Dogs must have a microchip detectable with a universal microchip scanner.
Remember that Minnesota also has its own set of import requirements for pets entering the US from Canada. The requirements for entering/re-entering Minnesota from Canada include:
- All dogs, cats, and ferrets must be accompanied by an International Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (also called an APHIS 7001). This certificate is valid for 30 days after it is issued, and must be issued within 10 days of a physical exam.
- If a pet will be returning to Minnesota from Canada within 30 days of issuance, the International Certificate of Veterinary Inspection can be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian in Minnesota to be used for re-entry. If a pet has been in Canada for more than 30 days, they will need to be examined by a veterinarian in Canada who can issue an International Certificate of Veterinary Inspection.
- The International Certificate of Veterinary Inspection does NOT need to be endorsed by the USDA for pets entering from Canada.
- Canada does not require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection for entry.
- All cats, dogs, and ferrets entering Minnesota must have a current rabies vaccine and be accompanied by a rabies certificate.
- The International Certificate of Veterinary Inspection and rabies certificates must be submitted to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health at least 7 days before travel.
- All dogs entering from Canada must have a Dog Import Form (see requirements above).
We hope this clarifies the changes in requirements for dogs traveling between Minnesota and Canada! Please reach out if you need guidance if you are planning on bringing your pet to Canada.
Oh No- Fleas!!
Our mild winter this past year combined with our hot, humid summer has unfortunately been a perfect recipe for a robust flea population. We have seen more patients with fleas this month than we have in years! Fleas can be very bothersome, causing itching, skin rashes, and skin infections. Fleas can also carry diseases that can make pets sick, and fleas are contagious to most mammals (including humans!).
To protect your pets, keep a close eye on their behavior. If you notice excessive scratching, red bumps, or tiny black specks (also known as flea dirt) in their fur, it might be time to take action. Don’t assume that your pet is itchy because of allergies, especially if they have never had issues with allergies before. A suddenly itchy pet could have a flea infestation and should be checked by a veterinarian to determine the best course of action.
Preventing flea infestations is far easier than getting rid of fleas once they have invaded your pet and your home. Flea preventatives include oral preventatives such as Nexgard or Nexgard Plus and topical options such as Revolution Plus. Flea prevention isn’t just for the warmer months—using veterinary-approved preventatives year-round is essential to keeping these pests at bay.
If you know you are dealing with an active flea infestation in your home, maintaining a clean environment is essential to ridding your home of fleas. Regularly wash your pet’s bedding and vacuum your home to remove flea eggs and larvae. You may want to enlist the help of a professional exterminator. Remember that if one pet has fleas, it’s crucial to treat all pets in the household to prevent ongoing re-infestation.
If you see fleas, or if your pet is suddenly very itchy and you worry they might have fleas, we can help. Let’s work together to keep our pets flea-free!
Congratulations to Baylee, CVT!
We are thrilled to announce that Baylee, who has been a part of St. Francis as a veterinary assistant since 2018, has passed the Veterinary Technician National Exam! We are thrilled to have another Certified Veterinary Technician in the profession. Congratulations on this big accomplishment!
Upcoming Closures
Saturday, August 31st – Monday September 2nd (Labor Day Weekend)