Household pets (dogs, cats) are welcome to accompany you to Canada, provided they are healthy and accompanied by a health certificate. You must show proof of current vaccination against rabies. Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates the importation of animals has established guidelines for the importation of other types of pets, in addition to dogs and cats. Pet Import information may be found here: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/imp/petani/petanie.shtml (taken directly from the CFIA website) on domestic cats and dogs (there is a lot of information but it is important to read):
Importation of Domestic Cats
Domestic or pet cats less than three months of age can enter Canada for any period of time without vaccination, quarantine, or certification.
Domestic cats three months of age and older can be imported into Canada for any period of time without quarantine from any country; however, there are different requirements for cats entering from either rabies-free countries or from those countries that Canada does not consider to be free of rabies.
Information on importing domestic cats three (3) months of age or older from countries Canada considers to be rabies-free:
Domestic or pet cats may enter Canada if accompanied by an export certificate issued in either English or French, and signed by an official government veterinarian (a veterinarian who works for the government veterinary service in the country of origin.). The certificate must clearly identify the animals and show that:
- rabies has not existed in the exporting country for the six (6) month period immediately preceding the shipment of the animals; and,
- the animals have been in the exporting country for the six (6) month period immediately preceding their shipment, or since birth.
If an export certificate is not available, cats may enter Canada if accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination certificate which is issued by a licensed veterinarian (a veterinarian who is licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the country of origin) in either English or French and which clearly identifies the cats and states that they are currently vaccinated against rabies.
The certificate should identify the animals as to breed, colour, weight, etc., and indicate the name of the licensed rabies vaccine used (trade name), including serial number and the duration of its validity (up to three years). Please note that if the duration of validity is not indicated on the certificate, it will be considered to be valid for one year.
There is no waiting period imposed between the time the animal is vaccinated for rabies and the time the animal is imported into Canada.
- If the animal arrives at a Canadian port of entry and does not meet the applicable requirements, an inspector will order the owner (at the owner’s expense) to have the animal vaccinated against rabies within a specified period of time and to provide the vaccination certificate to an inspector.
- The above requirements also apply to cats that were originally from Canada and are being returned to Canada directly from a country designated as having been free from rabies for six (6) months.
- Cats under three (3) months of age may enter Canada without an export certificate and are not required to be vaccinated for rabies.
Information on importing domestic cats from countries Canada does not consider to be rabies-free:
Domestic or pet cats may enter Canada if accompanied by an original valid rabies vaccination certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian (a veterinarian who is licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the country of origin.) in either English or French, which clearly identifies the cats and states that they are currently vaccinated against rabies.
The certificate should identify the animals as to breed, colour, weight, etc., and indicate the name of the licensed rabies vaccine used (trade name), including serial number and the duration of its validity (up to three years).
Please note that if the duration of validity is not indicated on the certificate, it will be considered to be valid for one year. There is no waiting period imposed between the time the animal is vaccinated for rabies and the time the animal is imported into Canada.
If an animal arrives at a Canadian port of entry and does not meet the above requirements, an inspector will order the owner (at the owner’s expense) to have the animal vaccinated against rabies within the specified period of time and to provide the vaccination certificate to an inspector.
• Cats under three (3) months of age may enter Canada without an export certificate and are not required to be vaccinated for rabies.
For all other domestic cat importations, please refer to the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS)– http://inspection.gc.ca/english/imp/airse.shtml. AIRS provides information on import requirements for all commodities regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Using a selection approach to the Harmonized System (HS) codes, origin, destination, end use, and other qualifiers, AIRS guides users to the information needed for the specific commodity being imported. The HS classification code for domestic cats is 01 06 19 2084.
For information on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s Inspection Fees:
Cats and dogs imported into Canada will have a documentary inspection by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to ensure the vaccination is current and the animal description matches. During this visual inspection, CBSA ensures that there is no visible signs of illness. In certain cases, dogs and cats imported will require a Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) inspection for which CFIA inspection fees apply. The fee must be paid at the time of inspection.
For additional information on CBSA fees please visit their website [http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/fpa-apa/menu-eng.html].
The current fees are:
- $30.00 + tax for the first animal in the shipment; and
- $5.00 + tax for each additional animal in the shipment.
If the shipment does not meet Canada’s import requirements (even if the animal is being imported from the United States), the animal will be ordered to undergo vaccination against rabies within two weeks of its arrival, and the following fees apply:
- $55.00 + tax for the first animal in the shipment; and
- $30.00 + tax for each additional animal.
For answers to frequently asked questions on the importation of cats:
Question 1: Does Canada quarantine imported domestic pet cats?
No, domestic cats can enter Canada without quarantine from any country.
Question 2: Do the conditions listed apply to all cats?
No, the information on this Web page applies to domestic or pet cats. If you frequently import cats or import several at a time, you may be asked to certify that they are your personal pets and are not for resale.
Question 3: Do all cats have to be vaccinated against rabies?
No, cats under three (3) months of age do not require vaccination against rabies.
Question 4: Do the requirements listed apply to cats imported on a temporary basis, such as a visit or while travelling through to another country?
Yes, the requirements apply to all domestic cat importations including temporary visits and in-transit visits.
Question 5: Why does Canada have different requirements for rabies free countries versus non rabies free countries?
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of warm-blooded animals, including pet cats and dogs, and humans. Once symptoms appear, rabies is always fatal in animals and people. Rabies is present in Canada, but one of the ways the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) controls the disease is by requiring proof of vaccination against rabies for all cats and dogs over 3 months of age entering the country.
• Rabies Fact sheet [http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/disemala/rabrag/rabragfse.shtml]
Question 6: How can I find out if my cat is entering from a country Canada considers to be rabies free?
View the CFIA’s list of countries recognized as rabies free for importations of cats and dogs.
Question 7: Do I have to accompany my cat?
No, you do not have to travel with your pet cat, it may be shipped separately.
Question 8: Will I be charged a fee to import my pet cat?
Yes, see above under Inspection Fees.
Question 9: Do I need to contact someone with the date and time of my arrival?
No, there will be an inspector on duty at the port of entry.
Question 10: Does my cat need a health certificate?
The CFIA does not require you to have a health certificate for your cat, but if the animal is travelling to Canada by air, the commercial airline may require a health certificate. Contact your airline for additional information on their requirements.
Question 11: If I buy a cat in a foreign country and bring it back to Canada, will I have to pay any taxes or duty?
Contact CBSA for this information. In Canada, the telephone number is 1-800-461-9999. If you are calling from outside Canada, please telephone either 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064 (long distance charges apply), or visit the Canada Border Services Agency website.
Question 12: Do I need an import permit for my cat?
No import permit is required for domestic cats.
Question 13: Does my cat require a tattoo or microchip identification?
No.
NOTE: If you frequently import domestic cats or import several cats at one time, you may be asked to certify that they are your personal pets and that they are not for resale.
Importation of Domestic Dogs
Domestic or pet dogs can enter Canada for any period of time (permanent stays, temporary visits, or in transit visits) without quarantine from any country. Canada’s import requirements take into consideration the rabies status of the country of export
Information on importing dogs eight (8) months of age or younger from any country:
Dogs Accompanied by Their Owners
Domestic or pet dogs between the ages of three (3) and eight (8) months, which are accompanied by their owners, require rabies certification if from a rabies-free country, or if from a country that is not designated as rabies-free. No additional certification is required.
NOTE: Dogs less than three months of age do not require rabies vaccination or certification that the dog comes from a rabies-free country.
Dogs Not Accompanied by Their Owners
In addition to the certificate requirements, dogs which are not accompanied by their owners require a detailed export health certificate and must be written in English or French. The certificate must have a legible signature of a licensed veterinarian (a veterinarian who is licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the country of origin).
The certificate must clearly identify the dogs, and state:
• that the veterinarian has examined the dogs and is satisfied that the dogs:
- are not less than eight (8) weeks of age at the time of examination;
- are free of any clinical evidence of disease;
- were vaccinated not younger than six (6) weeks of age for distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza virus; and,
- can be transported into Canada without undue suffering by reason of infirmity, illness, injury, fatigue, or any other cause;
• the date on which the dogs were vaccinated, that the vaccine was licensed by the dog’s country of origin, and the trade name and serial number of the vaccine, and
• the date and time of the examination, recorded legibly in the veterinarian’s handwriting, which indicates that the dogs are being imported into Canada not more than seventy-two (72) hours after the the examination
Information on importing dogs three (3) months of age or older from countries Canada recognizes as rabies-free:
Domestic or pet dogs may enter Canada if accompanied by an export certificate issued in either English or French, and signed by an official government veterinarian (a veterinarian who works for the government veterinary service) of the exporting country.
Countries Recognized as Rabies Free
The following countries are currently recognized by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency currently as being free from rabies:
- Anguilla
- Antigua
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bermuda
- Cayman Islands
- Fiji
- Finland
- Iceland
- Ireland (Republic of)
- Jamaica
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Martin (Netherlands Antilles)
- Saint Pierre et Miquelon
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Sweden
- Taiwan
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
- Uruguay
The certificate must clearly identify the animals and state that:
- rabies has not existed in the exporting country for the six (6) month period immediately preceding the shipment of the animals; and,
- the animals have been in the exporting country for the six (6) month period immediately preceding their shipment, or since birth.
If an export certificate is not available, dogs may enter Canada if accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian (a veterinarian who is licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the country of origin) in either English or French, which clearly identifies the dogs and state that they are currently vaccinated against rabies.
The certificate should identify the animal as in breed, colour, weight, etc., and indicate the name of the licensed rabies vaccine used (trade name), including serial number and duration of its validity (up to three years). Please note that if the duration of validity is not indicated on the certificate, it will be considered to be valid for one year.
There is no waiting period imposed between the time the animal is vaccinated for rabies and the time the animal is imported into Canada.
If the animal arrives at a Canadian port of entry and does not meet these requirements, an inspector will order the owner (at the owner’s expense) to have the animal vaccinated against rabies within a specified period of time and to provide the vaccination certificate to an inspector.
These requirements also apply to dogs that were originally from Canada and are being returned to Canada directly from a country designated as having been free from rabies for six (6) months. This would include dogs leaving a quarantine imposed by the exporting country before that quarantine period is completed.
Dogs less than three (3) months of age may enter Canada without an export certificate and are not required to be vaccinated for rabies.
Information on dogs three (3) months of age or older from countries Canada does not recognize as rabies-free:
Domestic or pet dogs may enter Canada if accompanied by an original valid rabies vaccination certificate, which is issued by a licensed veterinarian (a veterinarian who is licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the country of origin) in English or French and which clearly identifies the dogs and states that they are currently vaccinated against rabies.
This certificate should identify the animal as in breed, colour, weight, etc., and indicate the name of the licensed rabies vaccine used (trade name), including serial number and duration of validity (up to three years). Please note that if the duration of validity is not indicated on the certificate, the vaccine will be considered to be valid for one year.
There is no waiting period imposed between the time the animal is vaccinated for rabies and the time the animal is imported into Canada.
If the animal arrives at a Canadian port of entry and does not meet the requirements above, an inspector will order the owner-at the owner’s expense-to have the animals vaccinated against rabies within a specified period of time and to provide the vaccination certificate to an inspector.
Rabies vaccination or certification is not required if the dogs are less than three (3) months of age.
For all other domestic dog importations, including commercial shipments, please refer to the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS). AIRS guides users to the information needed for the specific commodity being imported. The HS classification code for dogs is 01 06 19 2083. [Please see above link for AIRS].
For information on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s Inspection Fees [please see Importation of Domestic Cats section for information on fees].
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question 1: Does Canada quarantine imported pet dogs?
No, pet dogs can enter Canada from any country without quarantine.
Question 2: Do the conditions listed apply to all dogs?
No, this information applies to pet dogs. If you frequently import dogs or import several at a time, you may be asked to certify that they are your personal pets and are not for resale.
Question 3: Do all dogs have to be vaccinated against rabies?
No, dogs under three (3) months of age do not require vaccination against rabies, however from all countries, a proof of age for the animal is required at the first point of entry.
Service Dogs with their users, certified canine vision, hearing or other special skill do not require vaccination against rabies (assistance dogs).
Pet dogs arriving from a country officially recognized free of rabies does not have to be vaccinated against rabies. Veterinary certificate of origin identifying the animal also stating that rabies has not occurred in the past six months and that the animal has been in that country for the previous six months.
Question 4: Do the requirements listed apply to pet dogs imported on a temporary basis, such as a visit or while travelling through to another country?
Yes, the requirements apply to all pet dog importations including temporary visits and in-transit visits.
Question 5: Why does Canada have different requirements for rabies-free countries versus non rabies-free countries?
Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of warm-blooded animals, including pet cats and dogs, and humans. Once symptoms appear, rabies is always fatal in animals and people. Rabies is present in Canada, but one of the ways the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) controls the disease is by requiring proof of vaccination against rabies for all cats and dogs over 3 months of age entering the country.
• Rabies fact sheet [http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/disemala/rabrag/rabragfse.shtml]
Question 6: How can I find out if my dog is entering from a country Canada considers to be rabies-free?
View the CFIA’s list of countries recognized as rabies-free for importations of cats and dogs [see above].
Question 7: Why are some countries that are rabies-free not recognized by Canada?
While some countries may in fact have rabies-free status in accordance to World Trade Organization (WTO) standards, this does not mean that it reflects Canada’s list of rabies-free countries. The CFIA list of rabies-free countries are those which have made an application and after proper assessment have successfully been a country recognized by Canada as being rabies-free.
Question 8: Do I have to accompany my pet dog?
No, you do not have to travel with your pet dog, it may be shipped separately.
Note: When accompanying your dog, only a valid rabies vaccination is required, but if shipped separately, a dog of 8 months of age or less must be certified within the past 72 hours. The veterinary certificate of health must certify that the animal was not younger than six (6) weeks of age when vaccinated against distemper, parvovirus, parainfluenza and hepatitis. For a dog of 8 months or older, there is no difference whether accompanied or not.
Question 9: Will I be charged a fee to import my pet dog?
See above.
Additional information on Canada Border Services Agency Fees:
Fees
(Fees are subject to change)
The fee for an import inspection on a domestic dog, cat or ferret is $30. If you are travelling with more than one pet, the inspection fee for each additional animal is $5. (Domestic dogs, cats and ferrets originating from the United States are subject to an import inspection but are exempt from inspection fees.)
If you are bringing pet birds into Canada from countries other than the United States, the applicable charges are $35 for an import permit, $100 for the approval of a quarantine site for the bird, $35 for the inspection and $130 for overseeing the quarantine period.
A $13 fee for each shipment (with a transaction value of less than $1,600) applies for import services pertaining to regulated plants that have been certified by the country of origin as meeting Canadian requirements. (A regulated plant that is not certified is not allowed into Canada.)
The goods and services tax and other applicable taxes may be charged on these services. The fees cannot be claimed under a traveller’s personal exemption.
Question 10: Do I need to contact someone with the date and time of my arrival?
No, there will be an inspector on duty at the port of entry.
Question 11: Does my pet dog need a health certificate?
Unaccompanied pet dogs less than 8 months of age will require a health certificate.
Pet dogs over the age of 8 months that are travelling to Canada by air may require a health certificate. Contact your airline carrier for additional information on their requirements.
Question 12: If I buy a pet dog in a foreign country and bring it back to Canada, will I have to pay any taxes or duty?
Contact CBSA for this information. In Canada, the telephone number is 1-800-461-9999. If you are calling from outside Canada, please telephone either 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064 (long distance charges apply), or visit the Canada Border Services Agency website [http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/fpa-apa/menu-eng.html]
Question 13: Do I need an import permit for my dog?
No import permit is required for pet dogs unless your dog is under 8 months of age and it is deemed as being used for commercial purposes and/or breeding purposes. Please note that you must apply for an import permit in advance of your dog(s)’ arrival to Canada. It takes approximately 5 business days to process import requests and import permits cannot be granted after the dog(s) have arrived in Canada.
• Application for permit to import http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/for/pdf/c5083perimpe.pdf.
Question 14: Does my dog require a tattoo or microchip identification?
Canada does not require a microchip or tattoos for pet dogs. Dogs that are being imported for breeding or commercial shipment purposes must be microchipped.
Notes
NOTE 1: Assistance dogs that are certified in canine vision, hearing ear, or other special skills are exempt from import restrictions when the person assigned the dog accompanies it to Canada.
NOTE 2: Dog owners must not import pit bulls into the Province of Ontario in contravention of that province’s ban. For information on Ontario’s pit bull ban, visit the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General’s web site.
