Bringing a dog or cat into Canada: check the requirements before the border
Determine the documents, vaccinations and conditions that apply based on species, age, origin and purpose of travel.
Always declare the animal to the CBSA, but also check the CFIA requirements before departure. They vary with several features of the trip.
Describe the trip precisely
Confirm the species, breed, age, departure country, transit countries, owner, arrival date and whether the animal is travelling as a companion or for adoption, sale or breeding. Those answers can change the applicable requirement.
Use the official CFIA tool
Review the import and travel requirements for pets. Check whether your scenario calls for rabies vaccination evidence, identification, health certificates, permits or an inspection.
Prepare the originals
Keep legible documents with you instead of only in checked baggage. Make sure names, dates, microchip numbers and the animal’s description match. Ask the carrier about its separate crate and boarding rules.
At the border
Declare the animal and present the requested documents. Allow time for an inspection and possible fees. Meeting Canadian requirements does not guarantee that an airline or a transit country will accept the animal.