The Dog Blog

Important things to now when taking your dog on vacation in Algoma

We love dogs in Algoma Country! Almost everyone you’ll meet will have a loveable furry family member at home who we’ll want to tell you about. We take our dogs everywhere: camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, boating. It’s hard to leave them at home. If you’re looking to take your fur baby with you or your service dog on vacation in Algoma, we’ve compiled a list of important things to do before they go.

Bringing Your Pet To Canada

If you’re looking to bring your dog or your service dog with you when travelling from Michigan or another U.S. state into Algoma, there are some important things to know:

  • Your dog must have current rabies vaccination certificates (must be at least 3 months of age at the time of rabies vaccination).
  • Service dogs are exempt when travelling with their owners.
  • Your dog doesn’t need a microchip or tattoo identification if it’s a personal pet.
  • You can bring a maximum of 20 kg of pet food into Canada but it has to: be from the United States and commercially packaged, you must have the food at the time of entry into Canada, and you must have both your pet and the pet food with you at time of entry, and only your pet can eat the food you bring.

If you have any other questions visit www.inspection.gc.ca or phone 1-800-442-2342.

Bringing Your Pet Home To The U.S.

Important: Starting August 1, 2024, dogs entering or returning to the United States that have been only in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries in the past 6 months must meet the following requirements: be healthy and complete the CDC Dog Import Form.

For more details and to download the CDC Dog Import Form click here

Bugs, Bugs And Bugs

Being outdoors in Northern Ontario means lots of fun adventures, but it also means lots of bugs. Your dog will encounter many types of mosquitoes, flies, black flies and ticks. Here are some important things to know:

  • Never apply DEET products to your dog.
  • Check your dog for ticks after time in the woods.
  • Talk to your vet about tick-repellent medication or natural tick repellents.
  • Although it can be hard, sometimes it’s best to avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes and flies are the most active.
(Photo credit: James Smedley)

Flotation Devices

Safety for you and your pet is important to us during your vacation in Algoma. While boating and paddling, it’s important to wear a PFD (personal flotation device). Like people, not all dogs swim well or know how to swim. The boat or canoe may tip, your dog may fall overboard, or just decide to take an unexpected swim. No matter what the case, a PFD will help keep your dog afloat until they are rescued. Many pet stores carry PFDs in different sizes to fit your dog.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations

When booking your vacation, be sure to ask in advance if the property you’re staying at is pet-friendly and what the policies are. Properties may require a nominal fee for your pet’s stay and simple rules such as keeping your dog leashed and cleaning up. Every property has different policies and fees. Some properties may not allow pets but will allow service dogs. Be sure to ask about pet policies at booking time to ensure your stay is fun and carefree.

Here's a list of some of the pet-friendly partners in Algoma Country:

Hotels & Motels

Bed & Breakfast

Lodge Resorts & Outposts

Campgrounds

Cottages & Resorts

(Photo credit: James Smedley)

Dog-Friendly Parks And Stops

If you’re staying in Sault Ste. Marie or just passing through and your dog needs some exercise, take them to the Strathclair Dog Park. The park is fenced, which means you can safely unleash your dog to run and play.

Check-List

  • Collar and Leash, or Harness
  • Vaccination Records
  • Microchipped
  • Identification Tags
  • Bags to pick up after your dog 
  • Dog First Aid Kit
  • Food and Water
  • Safety Restraints (if travelling by car for extra safety, if required)
  • Bed, Crate or Blanket
  • Fun Stuff to play with

For the ultimate dog packing list, check out this list from Dog Jaunt.

(Photo credit: The New Fly Fisher)
About Heather Bot

I'm a staff writer for Algoma Country and I hope my articles entice you to plan your next vacation in Algoma. Our beautiful area has everything you need for a true outdoor adventure: fishing and hunting, epic touring routes and breathtaking outdoors. We are home to many awesome places to eat, cool places to shop, museums and galleries, festivals and events.