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Canada
Pet Types
cat Regulations
Vaccinations
- Vaccination must be administered at least 30 days before entry
- A valid rabies vaccination certificate must be presented
- Certificate must include identification details, date of vaccination, and vaccine expiry
Certifications
- Must be in English or French
- Include the name of the vaccine manufacturer, lot number, and expiration
- Indicate the duration of immunity (1 or 3 years)
- Should indicate the cat is healthy and free from contagious disease
- Issued within 72 hours prior to travel is recommended
Microchip
Microchip is not mandatory for cats entering Canada for personal or non-commercial purposes.
More Info
Cats younger than 3 months are exempt from rabies vaccination requirements. Non-domestic cats (wild or hybrid species) may have additional restrictions. Canada Border Services Agency may inspect pets at the port of entry. It's recommended to carry proof of ownership and veterinary records when traveling.
dog Regulations
Vaccinations
- Dogs from the United States must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian.
- Dogs from Mexico must arrive with a valid rabies certificate and may be subject to inspection. Puppies younger than 3 months may be allowed but may still undergo inspection.
Certifications
- Certificate must be in English or French
- Must include the name of the licensed veterinarian
- Issued by a government authority or licensed vet
- Must be issued by a licensed veterinarian in Mexico
- Should confirm the dog is free of contagious diseases
- Inspection may occur at border crossing
Microchip
Not required for dog import into Canada, but recommended for identification and proof of vaccination linkage.
More Info
Canada Dog Import Requirements by Country and Age
| Country Category | Less than 3 Months | 3–8 Months | 8 Months and Older |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | No rabies vaccination required. Subject to inspection. Not for resale or commercial purposes. | No rabies vaccination required. Subject to inspection. Not for resale or commercial purposes. | Rabies vaccination certificate required. Subject to inspection. If for commercial use, microchip and veterinary certificate required. |
| Rabies-Free Countries | No rabies vaccination required. Veterinary certificate confirming rabies-free status and residence. Inspection required. | No rabies vaccination required. Veterinary certificate required. Must prove country is rabies-free. Inspection required. | No rabies vaccination required. Veterinary certificate required. Inspection required. |
| Rabies-Controlled Countries | May be allowed with proof of age and inspection, but rabies vaccine recommended after 3 months. | Rabies vaccination required. Certificate must include ID and be issued in English or French. | Rabies vaccination required. Must be given at least 30 days before entry if first vaccine. Certificate required. |
| High-Risk Rabies Countries | Entry generally restricted. Rabies titre test and import permit likely required even if young. | Rabies vaccination and titre test required. Microchip mandatory. Import permit needed. Entry through designated ports only. | Strict requirements: rabies vaccination, titre test, import permit, microchip, designated ports. May face quarantine or refusal. |
bird Regulations
Vaccinations
- May be refused entry if originating from a region with an avian influenza outbreak
- Health monitoring at port of entry if necessary
Certifications
- Required for certain bird species or origin countries
- Issued by the CFIA prior to arrival in Canada
- Describes the species and confirms it is free from disease
- Issued shortly before travel
- Used for customs clearance
Microchip
Microchipping is not mandatory for birds entering Canada. However, unique identifiers like leg bands or permits may be necessary for certain species.
More Info
Bird import requirements vary based on species and country of origin. Wild birds, birds from areas with disease outbreaks, and endangered species may require special documentation or permits. Birds imported for resale or commercial purposes must meet different standards than personal pets.
Ferret Regulations
Vaccinations
- Administered at least 30 days prior to entry
- Must be USDA-approved rabies vaccine
Certifications
- Issued within 10 days of travel
- Include rabies vaccination details
Microchip
More Info
Import-Specific Links
CDC Ferret Import InfoHedgehog Regulations
Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
- Confirm the animal is healthy and parasite-free
Microchip
More Info
Import-Specific Links
CDC Hedgehog Import InfoRabbit Regulations
Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
- Issued within 30 days of travel
- Must state animal is healthy and disease-free
Microchip
More Info
Import-Specific Links
CDC Rabbit Import InfoReptile Regulations
Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
- Include species, sex, age, and confirmation of good health
Microchip
More Info
Import-Specific Links
CDC Reptile InfoRodent Regulations
Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
- Issued within 10 days prior to travel
- Indicates the animal is free from infectious diseases
Microchip
More Info
Import-Specific Links
CDC Rodent Import Inforeptile Regulations
Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
- Reptiles must be transported humanely in accordance with the Health of Animals Regulations.
- Ensure compliance with Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) if applicable.
Microchip
Microchips are not required for reptile import into Canada.
More Info
Although the CFIA does not regulate reptiles (except turtles), border services may inspect them. Importers must ensure compliance with humane transport and conservation standards.
Import-Specific Links
CFIA Reptile Import Overviewturtle Regulations
Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
- Animals must be healthy and free from visible signs of disease.
- Importer may need to provide documentation about the origin and health of the animal.
- Wild-caught species may be subject to additional CITES documentation and restrictions.
Microchip
Microchips are not required for turtles or tortoises, but species identification and documentation may be required.
More Info
Turtles and tortoises are regulated by the CFIA. Importers should ensure the animals are not wild-caught or endangered, and should check for any CITES requirements or restrictions.
Import-Specific Links
CFIA Turtle and Tortoise Import Infofish Regulations
Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
- Owner must accompany or pick up the aquatic animal at the point of entry into Canada.
- Present proof of identity and ownership of the pet aquatic animal to the inspector.
- Attest that the pet has not been taken to a show or display outside Canada.
- Keep the animal in a household aquarium only.
- Ensure the pet is not exposed to aquatic animals outside the household for one year after import.
- Do not import another pet aquatic animal listed below within 90 days of the import.
- Maintain all importation records.
- Permit must be obtained before entry.
- Required for live susceptible species of finfish outside of exemption list.
- Required for molluscs and crustaceans unless under personal use exemption.
Microchip
Microchips are not required for fish.
More Info
Importing certain susceptible species of fish is allowed without a permit under the 'pet aquatic animal exemption' provided conditions are met. For molluscs and crustaceans, permits may be required. CITES may apply depending on species.
rodent Regulations
Vaccinations
Not specified.
Certifications
- No import permit or veterinary certificate is required from the CFIA.
- Importers should ensure the animal is domesticated and not wild-caught or endangered.
Microchip
Microchips are not required for domesticated rodents entering Canada.
More Info
Although the CFIA does not regulate the import of domesticated rodents, importers must still comply with humane transportation standards and may be subject to inspection by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Animals must appear healthy upon arrival. Importation of exotic or wild-caught rodents may be subject to additional conservation and provincial regulations.
