Can You Travel With CBD For Dogs?
Travelling with your dog can be a wonderful experience – whether you’re heading out for a weekend road trip, taking a flight across Canada, or planning an international adventure. But for dogs that experience anxiety, motion sickness, or joint pain, many pet parents are turning to CBD to help make travel smoother and more comfortable.
This raises a crucial question: Can you legally and safely travel with CBD for dogs? The answer depends on several factors, including your departure and destination points, the type of CBD product you’re using, the form it comes in (oil, treat, capsule), and the laws governing CBD in both human and veterinary contexts.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about travelling with CBD for dogs – domestically, internationally, by air, by car, and even by sea. We’ll also cover essential legal considerations, how to pack and store CBD products while travelling, and what alternatives to consider if CBD isn’t permitted at your destination.
What Is CBD and Why Do People Use It for Dogs?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, it doesn’t produce a “high.” CBD is popular among pet owners for its potential to ease:
- Anxiety (especially separation anxiety or travel-related stress)
- Inflammation and pain (especially in older dogs with arthritis)
- Nausea and motion sickness
- Seizure disorders
It works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a regulatory system found in all pets, including dogs. When given in appropriate doses, CBD can help dogs stay calm, feel more comfortable, and manage chronic conditions naturally.
Is CBD Legal in Canada for Dogs?
In Canada, CBD is legal for humans under the Cannabis Act, but the regulation for veterinary use is much more restrictive.
- Veterinary CBD products: Health Canada has not approved any CBD products specifically for animals. This means veterinarians cannot legally prescribe CBD for pets, although they may discuss it informally.
- CBD pet products: Pet CBD oils, treats, and capsules sold in Canada must be sourced from licensed cannabis producers. However, many CBD products for pets are still considered to exist in a regulatory grey zone.
Despite this, many Canadian pet owners successfully use CBD to help their dogs—and they often purchase products online or through CBD-dedicated pet retailers.
Can You Travel Domestically With CBD for Dogs in Canada?
Travelling by Car (Within Canada)
If you’re planning a road trip across provinces, you’ll be relieved to know that travelling by car with CBD for dogs within Canada is generally safe and legal, as long as:
- The CBD product contains less than 0.3% THC (making it non-intoxicating).
- You keep the product in its original packaging.
- It was purchased from a licensed retailer or manufacturer.
Each province may have slightly different attitudes towards cannabis enforcement, but for personal, non-commercial use, you should not face any legal issues while carrying pet CBD.
✅ Pro Tip: Store the CBD product in a cool, dry place and avoid leaving it in a hot vehicle.
Travelling by Air (Within Canada)
Domestic air travel is a bit more nuanced. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) allows passengers to bring cannabis products on flights within Canada—but there are rules:
- Liquids, oils, and tinctures must adhere to the 100 mL rule for carry-on baggage.
- CBD products must be legal and properly labelled.
- Keep documentation such as the certificate of analysis (COA) or product verification from a licensed producer.
Although CATSA doesn’t specifically regulate CBD for pets, the same rules apply. Just ensure that the product doesn’t exceed THC limits and that you aren’t carrying an unlabelled or illicit product.
⚠️ Heads-up: Some airlines may have their own rules about carrying CBD—even for pets. Always check with the airline before your flight.
Can You Travel Internationally With CBD for Dogs?
Travelling across borders with CBD is far more complicated and riskier – even if the product is for your dog.
United States
Despite CBD being widely available in the U.S., it is not federally legal in all contexts. CBD derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC is technically legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, but:
- Laws vary by state. Some states strictly prohibit CBD, even hemp-derived.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) prohibits bringing cannabis products—including CBD—across the border from Canada.
Conclusion: Do not attempt to cross into the U.S. with CBD for your dog. Even small amounts can be confiscated, and you may face fines or delays.
Europe
CBD laws in Europe vary widely:
- United Kingdom: CBD is legal, but must be free of THC and meet specific standards.
- Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands: CBD is generally tolerated, but regulations vary.
- France and Sweden: CBD is legal, but only under strict conditions.
Even where legal, customs agents may not differentiate between CBD for pets and CBD for humans, and bringing CBD across international borders—even for medicinal purposes—is risky.
Best Practice: Don’t travel internationally with CBD unless you have explicit permission or documentation. Instead, research local sources at your destination.
Other Countries
In countries across Asia, the Middle East, or South America, CBD is often considered illegal or is highly restricted. Some nations have harsh penalties for possessing cannabis-derived products.
Never assume it’s safe to travel with CBD internationally, even for a pet – unless you’ve confirmed the laws for both the departure and destination countries.
What Happens if You’re Caught Travelling With CBD for Dogs?
Depending on the jurisdiction, the consequences can range from:
- Confiscation of the product
- Fines or warnings
- Detention or legal action (in extreme cases)
- Travel delays or denied boarding
Even if the CBD is hemp-derived and labeled for pet use, border officials may not make the distinction.
✈️ Important Reminder: You are responsible for knowing the laws of any country you’re travelling to. Ignorance is not a valid legal defense.
Tips for Travelling Safely With CBD for Dogs (When Permitted)
If you’re travelling within a region where CBD is allowed and you want to bring your dog’s CBD along, here are some helpful travel tips:
1. Choose THC-Free Products
Opt for CBD isolate or broad-spectrum products that are 100% THC-free. This lowers the risk of psychoactive side effects and legal trouble.
2. Bring Proper Documentation
- Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- Product packaging showing CBD/THC content
- Purchase receipt from a licensed seller
- If possible, a note from your vet (even if informal)
3. Pack Smart
- For carry-on: Limit liquids to 100 mL or less
- For checked luggage: Use leak-proof containers and store products securely
- Keep all items in original packaging with labels intact
4. Call Ahead
Always check with:
- Airlines
- Train or ferry operators
- Hotels or pet accommodations
- Local laws at your destination
Confirm whether pets are allowed and if CBD use will raise any concerns.
5. Test the Product Before You Travel
If your dog is new to CBD, try using it at home before your trip. This helps you gauge how your pet reacts and find the right dosage.
Alternatives If You Can’t Bring CBD
If travelling with CBD isn’t possible, consider the following natural alternatives:
- Calming chews with ingredients like chamomile or L-theanine
- Prescription anti-anxiety meds (if approved by your vet)
- Adaptil sprays or collars (synthetic dog-appeasing pheromones)
- Crate training and comfort toys
- Natural supplements like melatonin or valerian root
Speak to your vet about alternatives that are appropriate for your dog’s age, size, and condition.
What About Flying With a Dog That Takes CBD?
Flying can be stressful for dogs, especially if they’re flying cargo or unfamiliar with travel. Many pet parents consider giving CBD before a flight to calm their dog’s nerves—but is it effective and safe?
Here’s what to know:
- Start the CBD 30–60 minutes before travel to give it time to take effect.
- Avoid giving too much; follow the dosing instructions from the manufacturer.
- CBD should not sedate your dog. If your dog appears lethargic, reduce the dose.
- Check with your vet about combining CBD with other medications or calming aids.
Final Thoughts: Should You Travel With CBD for Your Dog?
CBD can be a powerful natural tool to help dogs deal with travel stress, pain, or nausea. However, the laws and regulations around travelling with CBD, especially internationally, are still evolving and, in many cases, restrictive.
✅ You can travel within Canada with CBD for dogs if:
- It contains less than 0.3% THC
- It’s in properly labeled packaging
- It complies with CATSA rules for liquids
❌ You should not travel internationally with CBD for dogs unless:
- You have verified the legality at your destination
- You have supporting documents
- You are prepared for the risk of confiscation or legal issues
Until CBD for pets becomes universally recognized and regulated, the best approach is to plan ahead, stay informed, and be cautious when travelling with any cannabis-derived product.
