Pet Immigration Rules Canada
REGULATIONS FOR TAKING A PET DOG OR CAT TO
CANADA
There is no quarantine period for pets entering Canada, however
there is an inspection fee.
A current Canada Veterinary Certificate
completed by a licensed veterinarian in either English or French and
dated within 10 days prior to departure to Canada must accompany
your pet.
Proof of vaccination is required including the date on which the
dogs were vaccinated, that the vaccine was licensed by the country
of origin of the dogs, and the trade name and serial number of the
vaccine, and
The certificate must be signed by the veterinarian and clearly
identify his name.
Note: If the owner is not traveling with the pet, then certificate
must be signed within 36 hours of the time the pet enters Canada.
FROM A RABIES FREE COUNTRY
Pet dogs eight (8) months of age or over from a
Rabies-Free Country (officially recognized as such by Canada)
The certificate must clearly identify the animals and show that
rabies has not existed in that country for the six (6) month period
immediately preceding the shipment of the animals; and, the animals
have been in that country for the six (6) month period or since birth.
The same applies to dogs that were originally from Canada and are
being returned directly from a country designated by the Minister as
having been free from rabies for not less than six (6) months. This
would include dogs coming out of a quarantine imposed by the
exporting country before that quarantine period is completed.
If the certificate is not provided, as an
alternative, the animals could enter Canada subject to rabies
vaccination.
FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
Pet dogs eight (8) months of age or over from countries where rabies
is present (or not recognized officially rabies-free by Canada)
Dogs may enter Canada if accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination
certificate issued, in either English or French, by a licensed
veterinarian from the country of origin, which clearly identifies
the dogs and shows that they are currently vaccinated against
rabies. This certificate should identify the animal, as in breed,
colour, weight, etc., plus indicate the name of the licensed rabies
vaccine used (trade name), serial number and duration of validity
(up to 3 years). Please note that if a validity date does not appear
on the certificate, then it will be considered a one year vaccine.
If the provisions above, an inspector will order the
owner to have the animals vaccinated for rabies within a period of
time specified in the order and to provide the vaccination
certificate to an inspector, all at the owner's expense.
Pet dogs eight (8) months of age or younger from any country
Pet dogs accompanied by the owner between the ages of three* (3) and
eight (8) months require endorsement for rabies if from a
rabies free country,
or if from a country that is not designated as Rabies-free.
No additional endorsement is required.
Rabies vaccination or endorsement that the dog comes from a
rabies-free country is not required if the animals is less than
three (3) months of age.
Special purpose dogs
Assistance dogs that are endorsed as a guide, hearing or other
service dog are not subject to any restrictions for importation
where the person importing the dog is the user of the dog and
accompanies the dog to Canada.
Fees
Fees are payable for inspection of dogs being imported into Canada
from countries other than the United States. In certain cases, dogs
imported from the United States will require inspection; inspection
fees will apply. Upon arrival at the first port of entry in Canada,
the dog and the accompanying paperwork will be inspected. The fee
must be paid at the time of inspection.
Click Here for
Pet Passport Forms for Canada
Failure to comply with these regulations will mean that your pet may
be refused entry and the relevant authority in consultation
with an authorized veterinarian can decide to return the pet home, or place
the pet in quarantine at the expense of the owner or natural person
responsible for pet, or as a last resort, without financial
compensation, put the pet down where the return trip home or
quarantine cannot be arranged.
All other pets (birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles,
amphibia, mammals such as rodents and rabbits) are not subject to
the regulations in respect of the anti-rabies vaccination but may
have to meet other requirements as to a limit on the number of
animals and a certificate to accompany them in respect of other
diseases. Pet owners are strongly advised to seek further information
from the relevant authority of their country and/or that of the
country of destination.
VETERINARY CERTIFICATE
All countries have a unique veterinary certificates. This form
differs from the International Veterinary Certificate issued by
veterinarians in the United States. (APHIS 7001)
Find Veterinary Certificates
for countries worldwide.
Although Canada does not require an ISO
pet microchip,
we strongly suggest microchipping your pet prior to traveling.
Everything essential for traveling with a pet can be found at PetTravelStore.com