Canada Pet Import Requirements

Rabies vaccination is required if the dog is 3 months of age or older. If vaccinated against rabies, the accompanying veterinary certificate of health must state this and list the date and type of vaccine used.

Countries at high-risk for dog rabies - inspection.canada.ca

Importers bringing dogs to Canada from one of the listed countries should consult this list and the import requirements in the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) regularly. If you have any questions, please contact a local CFIA animal health office.)

you will need:

Valid rabies vaccination certificate / booklet / pet passport

There is no waiting period after the vaccination for personal pets

Online Tool

Commercial dogs (under 8 months of age) – 28 days waiting period.

No tests required for Dogs or Cats to enter Canada but expect some tests may be necessary on some other species depending on the place of origin.  See CFIA AIRS.

Dogs and cats that are being imported as personal pets are not required to stay in quarantine.
Importers of commercial dogs less than 8 months of age under the breeding, show/exhibition (permanent stay), and resale/adoption end uses are required to secure a post-import quarantine facility that has been pre-approved by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
This requirement applies to imports from all countries entering Canada by air.
All new quarantine facilities must be approved by the CFIA prior to the issuance of an import permit. Previously approved quarantine facilities must be re-approved by the CFIA on an annual basis or anytime there are significant changes.
The CFIA must conduct an on-site inspection before the issuance of an import permit or, if the importer imports on a regular basis, at least once every 3 months.

Criteria for quarantine facilities for commercial dogs less than 8 months of age (breeding, show/exhibition (permanent stay), and resale/adoption end uses) entering Canada by air

Dangerous & Banned Breeds In parts of Canada (Owner must to contact their local municipality to verify their bylaws.)

• Pit Bull.
• American Pit Bull.
• Staffordshire Bull.
• American Staffordshire.

Commercial dogs from countries at high-risk for dog rabies will no longer be permitted entry into
Canada. List of countries

Commercial dogs can include, but are not limited to dogs for resale, adoption, fostering, breeding, show or exhibition, research, and other purposes.

Pit Bulls and some other ‘strong breeds’ are restricted or banned in specific places throughout Canada, particularly ONTARIO (notably Toronto and Ottawa airports).  But the list is extensive. See the website shown.

Four types of dogs are

specifically identified by the Act:

Pit Bull Terrier

Japanese Tosa

Dogo Argentino

Fila Brasileiro.

 Wild cats are not permitted for import

A private owner may clear their own pets at Customs.
If they cannot be present a Customs Broker is required.  List on this website.  The IPATA member (or the pet importer) must provide a POA Power of Attorney for the Broker to act for them.