Crossing the border with your pet? Our good friends at the Canada Border Services Agency have provided us with some need-to-know info.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) establishes import requirements for all animals and animal products entering Canada.
The CFIA provides information about importing domestic pets on its website. Before crossing the border with your pet, please review the requirements.
Can i take my pets?
Like anything else, you can bring your pets with you to Canada so long as they meet import requirements. for certain pets, you may need to get an import permit and must apply for it BEFORE coming to Canada. The CBSA as well as the Canada Food Inspection Agency may ask to inspect your animal; in that case there may be an inspection fee.
Importing a Dog
Domestic dogs entering Canada do not have to be quarantined. However, if you are importing a dog, you must meet the following import requirements.
- The import requirements apply to pet dogs or those described as personal importations.
- They apply to pet dogs entering Canada permanently, as well as pet dogs passing through Canada on their way to a final destination.
Import requirements
Import requirements will vary depending on:
the age of the dog;
the rabies status of the country of export; and
the purpose of the importation.
Importing dogs less than eight (8) months of age
From countries recognized by Canada as rabies-free
Countries recognized by Canada as rabies-free
From countries not recognized by Canada as rabies-free.
Importing dogs eight (8) months of age or older
From countries recognized by Canada as being rabies-free
Countries recognized by Canada as rabies-free
From countries not recognized by Canada as being rabies-free
There may be additional requirements for dogs that are being imported for breeding or commercial purposes.
- If you frequently import dogs or import several dogs at once, it may be considered commercial.
- Commercial shipments are defined by the Canada Border Services Agency as any dog from which revenue may be generated, including breeding dogs that are not for immediate retail sale.
Additional information
Assistance dogs are exempt from import requirements when the person who is assigned to the dog accompanies it to Canada. This includes dogs certified as vision or hearing dogs.
The province of Ontario does not permit pit bulls to enter the province. For information on Ontario’s pit bull ban, visit the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General website.
Other provincial or municipal legislation may also apply. Please check with local authorities before you import a dog.
Dogs may require additional documentation when flying. Please check with your airline to determine whether you meet its requirements.
Importing a Cat
Domestic cats entering Canada do not have to be quarantined.
If you are importing a cat three (3) months of age or older, you must meet the following import requirements. Cats less than three (3) months of age are exempt from the import requirements.
The import requirements apply to pet cats entering Canada permanently, as well as pet cats passing through Canada on their way to a final destination.
Import requirements
Import requirements will vary depending on:
the age of the cat; and
the rabies status of the country of export.