Canada welcomes furry (and non-furry) visiting friends, but several requirements must be met depending on the type of pet you plan to bring into the country.
Dogs and cats
Dogs that are 8 months or older and cats that are at least 3 months old need certificates signed and dated by a veterinarian verifying that they have been vaccinated against rabies in the last three years.
The certificate must:
- Be written in English or French
- Be issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian.
- Identify the animal (breed, sex, color and weight)
- Indicate that the animal is vaccinated against rabies.
- Indicate the date of vaccination.
- Indicate the trade name and serial number of the licensed vaccine.
- Specify the duration of immunity (otherwise it will be considered valid for one year from the date of vaccination)
A European Union pet passport confirming all of the above criteria is also accepted.
For canines less than 8 months old and cats less than three months old, a rabies vaccination certificate is not required to enter Canada, but the animals must be in good health when they arrive.
Neither dogs nor cats should be quarantined upon arrival in Canada nor do they need a microchip (although veterinarians recommend microchipping for all pets). Travelers to Canada from the United States may bring a personal supply of up to 20 kg of dog food, provided it was purchased in the United States and in its original packaging.
Birds
Feathered Friends have their own list of requirements to accompany owners to Canda:
- Birds must accompany the owner or be in the possession of an immediate family member upon entering Canada.
- Birds must be healthy when inspected at the port of entry.
- The owner must sign a statement indicating that the birds have been in his possession. during the 90-day period prior to the date of importation and has not been in contact with any other birds during that time.
- The owner must sign a statement that the birds are the owner’s personal pets and are not being imported for resale.
- The owner or any family member must not have imported birds into Canada under the pet bird disposition during the preceding 90-day period.
Non-traditional pets
For those who have unusual pets such as pigs, ducks, and pigeons, immigration requirements are stricter, as they are considered to pose the same level of animal disease risk as farm animals. These animals can be tested and even quarantined before they are allowed to enter Canada.
Detailed information on requirements is provided on the Government of Canada’s Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) website for a wide variety of pet types, including amphibians, birds, fish, rodents, foxes, skunks, horses , rabbits and even scorpions.
Pet travel resources
Pet-Friendly is an informative website for people traveling with their pets, which includes listings of pet-friendly accommodations throughout Canada.
Pet Travel is dedicated to international travel with pets, including information on pet insurance, pet-friendly hotels, transportation policies, and immigration requirements around the world.
