How pet friendly are the USA and Canada?

Planning a city break with your pet across the USA and Canada is absolutely doable—and often delightful. The trick is pairing vibrant neighborhoods with clear transit rules, green spaces for quick walks, and hotel pet friendly stays that truly welcome four-legged guests.

United States: big cities, clear rules, easy weekenders

If you’re entering or re-entering the U.S. with a dog, the CDC’s rules (updated August 1, 2024) are your starting point. Dogs must be microchipped, at least six months old, and paperwork depends on where they’ve been in the previous six months. For dogs coming only from rabies-free or low-risk countries, the CDC Dog Import Form is the key document; higher-risk itineraries have extra steps and designated arrival airports. Plan ahead and you’ll breeze through. CDC+1AP News

In cities, public transport is practical with small pets. New York City’s subway and buses allow animals only in carriers (service animals excepted), which makes cross-town days simple if you stick to a comfy bag. For intercity hops, Amtrak accepts dogs and cats up to 20 lb (pet + carrier) on most routes up to seven hours for a small fee—a perfect fit for Northeast Corridor weekends or California day trips. MTAamtrak.com

Nature breaks are best done with realistic expectations. In U.S. national parks, pets are typically limited to developed areas, and leashes must be no longer than six feet (≈2 m)—a standard that protects wildlife and keeps days stress-free. Many parks promote B.A.R.K. Ranger tips; a quick check of the park’s pet page avoids surprises on the trail. Servizio Parco Nazionale USA+1

Canada: low-stress paperwork, walkable cities, seawall sunsets

Crossing into Canada with a pet is straightforward when you follow CFIA guidance. Requirements vary by age and purpose of travel, but for most companion dogs arriving with their owners, proof of rabies vaccination is the anchor document; use the CFIA flow to confirm your exact case. inspection.canada.ca

Urban Canada shines for pet-friendly city breaks. Toronto’s TTC allows leashed pets or those in carriers during weekends and off-peak weekday hours—handy for café-to-park days. On longer city pairs like Toronto–Montreal, VIA Rail offers bookable spots for small pets in carriers on select routes (capacity-limited; fee applies). ttc.caVIA Rail

Montreal goes a step further on the métro: dogs are permitted under strict conditions (muzzled, short leash, off-peak windows, and one dog per rider). It’s a well-run system that keeps everyone comfortable while opening up new neighborhoods to explore together. Société de transport de Montréal+1

When you’re craving sea air, Vancouver is wonderfully clear: dogs are welcome across city parks on leash, with designated off-leash areas (including specific beach sections) for free runs and sunset fetch. Check local signage and you’ll be set. Città di Vancouver

Canada’s protected areas are equally transparent: in Parks Canada sites, leashes must be 3 m or less, full stop. Keep it short and you’ll enjoy scenic trails without second-guessing. parks.canada.ca+1

Booking smarter: making “pets welcome” real

The difference between “allowed” and hotel pet friendly is in the details. Before you book, look for a plain-English pet policy (fee per night or per stay, size/number limits, whether pets can be left in the room, access to restaurants and common areas). Map the nearest green space within a 10-minute walk—a dog run in NYC, a pocket park in Boston, a fenced area in Toronto, or the Vancouver seawall—so morning and late-night outings are easy. If you’ll use public transport, choose a base that matches local rules (carriers in NYC; off-peak windows in Toronto; métro rules in Montreal). MTAttc.caSociété de transport de Montréal

Trip-ready quick take

North America’s great city breaks are finally pet-practical: clear entry rules, carrier-friendly subways, train options for small pets, and parks that blend skyline views with safe leash norms. Pick a neighborhood near green space, pack a reliable carrier and a short leash, and aim for hotels that treat wagging tails and soft purrs as part of the guest list—not an exception. CDCamtrak.comServizio Parco Nazionale USA

Happy travels—and here’s to city adventures that feel easy for both of you.