Many immigrants wish to bring their pets to Canada when they travel. In order to import a pet, foreign nationals must have the proper paperwork at the border to meet the import requirements. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) oversees all animal imports and exports in Canada. They have inspectors on duty at all Canadian ports of entry (POE) to supervise the import of animals.
Newcomers bringing their pets to Canada must check the CFIA website before travelling to the country. The website clearly states the different restrictions and requirements that vary according to animal, species, country of origin, health state, and purpose of import.
Some pet owners may need to seek a permit to bring their pet to Canada, and some may require a certificate from a veterinarian confirming that their pet is disease-free. Sometimes, CFIA inspectors hold pets in quarantine for a long time before allowing them to enter Canada. Immigrants must make sure that they fully understand the rules and requirements for bringing their pets to avoid any delays when entering the country.
Here are the import requirements and restrictions for some commonly imported pets.
Importing a dog
Canada has some restrictions on the import of dogs. However, as long as the dog is healthy and disease-free, owners can bring their pet to Canada. They have to follow the right procedures and submit proper documents to enter without any complications. The first thing to determine when importing dogs to Canada is whether the dog is getting imported for personal use or commercial use:
- Personal Import: It means importing a pet dog (regardless of age) personally owned by a Canadian resident. Another personal import is service dogs, accompanied by the person assigned. Personal import dogs do not require a permit to enter Canada, but they still require some documentation.
- Commercial Import: It means bringing a dog into the country for sale, adoption, breeding, show, exhibition, scientific research, or animal welfare. The majority of pets are categorized as personal imports. However, if the dog is not travelling with the owner or is being brought into the country for sale, it will be classified as a commercial import. Such dogs require a permit if they are older than eight months, and permit applications must be submitted 30 days before travel and available on the CFIA website.
Import Requirements for Dogs
- Vaccinations: Depending on the dog’s age, all dogs entering Canada must show proof of all relevant vaccinations. Rabies vaccination is not required for a dog that is less than 3 months old at the time of import.
- Inspection: Most dogs coming to Canada are inspected by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), which has officials stationed at every Canadian port of entry (POE). Sometimes dogs are also required to be inspected by a CFIA agent, depending on particular situations. Owners of dogs should check the CFIA Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) to see if their dog needs a CFIA inspection and plan accordingly.
- Costs: A CBSA animal inspection cost is $31.27 plus tax for the first animal in a shipment, plus $5.21 plus tax for each additional animal. Suppose a dog does not meet Canada’s rabies certification criteria. In that case, it will incur additional costs and will be required to have rabies vaccination at the owner’s expense within two weeks of arrival in Canada.
- Microchip identification: Dogs imported as personal pets do not require a microchip or tattoo identification. However, dogs under the age of 8 months must be identified by an electronic microchip if imported under the commercial category. If flying to Canada, pet owners should verify with their airline, as many will require additional documents and travel restrictions for dogs.
These are the things that a dog owner must know before bringing their pet to Canada.
Importing a cat
There are some restrictions and criteria for bringing cat companions to Canada. But as long as immigrants follow the correct procedures, they can bring their pets to Canada without any problems.
Vaccination Requirements for Rabies
The transmission of the viral disease rabies is the most severe health and safety hazard associated with the import of cats. As a result, all cat owners importing their domestic cats to Canada must be prepared to show that their cat is disease-free. There are two options for cat owners:
- Certificate of Rabies Vaccination: A cat owner can get a certificate from their veterinarian stating that their cat has been vaccinated against rabies. The CFIA website lists the complete requirements for this certificate. The European Union pet passport is an alternate option accepted in Canada, as long as all needed information is given.
- Veterinarian Certificate: Cat owners transporting cats from rabies-free countries can get a veterinary certificate. The certificate must attest that the pet was imported from a country where rabies had not been detected six months before Canada’s arrival.
If a cat does not meet the import standards, the owner has to have the cat vaccinated against rabies within a specified time at their own expense. They must then provide that vaccination record to a CFIA office.
Import Requirements for Cats
Import restrictions do not apply to cats under three months, but all cats older than three months must meet all import requirements. When entering Canada, cats do not need to be quarantined, and they don’t even need a health certificate or an import permit.
Document: The only document required for domestic cats is a rabies vaccination as a preventative measure. Cats must prove that they are rabies-free and have been fully vaccinated or are from a rabies-free nation.
Inspection: Most cats imported into Canada are also inspected by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), which has officials present at every Canadian port of entry (POE). It is not essential to alert border officials in advance of travelling with cats because an agent authorized to conduct such an inspection will always be present.
Costs: A CBSA animal inspection cost is $30 + tax for the first animal in a shipment and $5 + tax for each additional animal. Suppose a cat does not meet Canada’s rabies certification criteria. In that case, it will be charged additional fees and will be required to receive the rabies vaccine at the owner’s expense within two weeks of arrival in Canada.
Microchip identification: Pet cats are not required to have a microchip or tattoo identification when entering Canada.
Non-domestic cats: If a cat isn’t domestic, it’ll have to meet some different requirements. To know about those import regulations, non-domestic cat owners should contact the CFIA Automated Import Reference System (AIRS). Pet owners should verify with their airline if flying to Canada because many airlines require additional documentation and have travel limitations for cats. These are the things that a cat owner must know before bringing their pet to Canada.
Bringing any other pet to Canada
The CFIA has special rules for all forms of pet imports for those families that wish to travel with other pets. Consult the CFIA’s webpage to learn more about the requirements for bringing a specific pet to Canada.
