Canada
Canada, in North America, is bordered by the Arctic Ocean, the United States, the Pacific Ocean, and the Atlantic Ocean. For personal pets from rabies-free origins, entry is genuinely simple — no waiting period after vaccination and no government endorsement needed. Requirements tighten significantly for commercial dogs under 8 months old.
At a Glance
Bringing a personal pet into Canada requires only a rabies vaccination (from 3 months of age) and a vet-issued certificate in English or French — no blood test, quarantine, import permit, or government endorsement is needed, though commercial dogs under 8 months face a much longer process.
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Health Certificate
Vet-issued, no endorsement*
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Blood Test
Not required
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Import Permit
Not required*
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Min. Age
8 weeks
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Min. Prep Time
2–3 weeks
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Difficulty
Moderate
Key Requirements
Minimum Age
Pets must be at least 8 weeks old. Rabies vaccination is only mandatory from 3 months of age — puppies and kittens younger than that are exempt.
Microchip
Not mandatory for personal pets, though highly recommended. An ISO 11784/11785-compliant, non-encrypted 15-digit microchip is the standard. Required for dogs under 8 months imported commercially or for adoption.
Rabies Vaccination
Required for dogs 3 months or older. For personal pets, there’s no waiting period after vaccination — you can travel right away. The vaccination certificate must state the date and type of vaccine used.
Vaccination Certificate or Health Certificate
For personal pets from rabies-free countries, a Rabies Vaccination Certificate (an EU Pet Passport is accepted) or a basic health certificate is sufficient — no government endorsement is required. It must be in English or French and completed by a licensed veterinarian in the origin country.
Customs Broker
Highly recommended for all arrivals, and required if travelling with KLM or Air France. A destination agent isn’t required.
Commercial Dogs Under 8 Months — Extra Requirements
A 28-day wait after rabies vaccination applies, plus distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza vaccines (no earlier than 6 weeks old), microchipping, internal/external parasite treatment, a health certificate, and an import permit. “Commercial” includes resale, adoption, fostering, breeding, show, exhibition, and research. Commercial dogs from countries the CFIA classifies as high-risk for rabies are no longer permitted entry into Canada at all.
Breed Restrictions — Vary by Location
No single nationwide ban, but Pit Bulls and related breeds (American Pit Bull, Staffordshire Bull, American Staffordshire) are restricted or banned in specific provinces and cities — Ontario, including Toronto and Ottawa, is notably strict. A federal Act also specifically identifies the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro. Always check your specific destination municipality’s bylaws.
Airline Temperature Restrictions
Airlines typically won’t accept pets for cargo transport below 45°F (7°C) or above 85°F (29.5°C) at departure, layover, or arrival airports, due to ventilation and temperature control limits in the cargo hold. Check seasonal restrictions with your airline when booking.
⚠️ Requirements change frequently and without notice. Always verify with a certified pet relocation specialist before making any arrangements.
Preparation Timeline
This is the timeline for personal pets from rabies-free origins. Commercial dogs under 8 months, or pets from rabies high-risk countries, face additional steps and waiting periods — see Key Requirements above.
1
Rabies Vaccination
No waiting period for personal pets
2
Vaccination/Health Certificate
In English or French, vet-issued
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to wait after my pet’s rabies vaccination before travelling to Canada?
No — for personal pets, there’s no waiting period after rabies vaccination. This only applies to commercial dogs under 8 months old, who face a 28-day wait.
Do requirements change depending on which country I’m travelling from?
For personal pets, no — the process is the same regardless of origin country: rabies vaccination and a vet-issued certificate in English or French. The one exception is for commercial dogs under 8 months old, where dogs from countries the CFIA classifies as high-risk for rabies are not permitted entry into Canada at all. Always confirm your pet’s category and origin classification with a certified pet relocation specialist.
Does my pet’s health certificate need government endorsement?
No — for personal pets from rabies-free countries, a vet-issued certificate in English or French is sufficient. Government endorsement is only required for commercial dogs under 8 months old.
Can I bring a puppy to Canada?
Yes — puppies must be at least 8 weeks old. Rabies vaccination is only required from 3 months of age, so younger puppies are exempt from that requirement.
Do I need a blood test for my pet to enter Canada?
No — Canada doesn’t require a rabies titer test for personal pets.
Is there quarantine in Canada?
No quarantine required for compliant pets.
Are there breed restrictions in Canada?
No single nationwide ban, but Pit Bulls and related breeds face restrictions in several provinces and cities, especially Ontario. A federal Act also names four specific breeds. Always check your destination municipality’s bylaws.
Which major airports have direct flights to Canada?
Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are the main international entry points, with several other airports across the country also accepting pets. Routing depends on your departure country — check with a certified agent for your specific route.
How much does it cost to relocate a pet to Canada?
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⚠️ The information on this page is provided for reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. Always verify all requirements with a certified pet relocation specialist before booking travel or making any arrangements for your pet.