Travel Smarter with Pets

Pet Dog - Less than 3 Months

• No rabies vaccination is required if the dog is less than 3 months old.

Personal Pet Dog - 3 to 8 Months

• A valid rabies vaccination certificate is required.
• The dog must have been at least 3 months of age at the time of vaccination.

Personal Pet Dog - 8 Months or Older

• A valid rabies vaccination certificate is required.
• The rabies vaccination certificate must include:
• Written in English or French, or with an official translation.
• Issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian.
• Identifies the dog (age, breed, sex, color/markings, weight, and microchip/tattoo number, if applicable).
• Indicates the date of rabies vaccination and the trade name of the vaccine.
• Specifies the period of validity (typically 1 year unless otherwise specified by the veterinarian).

The European Union pet passport is an acceptable alternative to the rabies vaccination certificate, as long as it includes all required elements.

Pet Dog - Less than 3 Months

• No health certification is required if the dog is less than 3 months old.

Personal Pet Dog - 3 to 8 Months

• A health certificate may be substituted for a rabies vaccination certificate under specific circumstances, such as medical exemptions.
• The health certificate must include the following:
• Be written in English or French.
• Be issued on clinic letterhead and signed by a licensed veterinarian.
• Identify the animal (age, breed, sex, color/markings, weight, and microchip/tattoo number if applicable).
• State that the dog has been in Mexico since birth or for at least 6 months preceding entry into Canada.

Not required for personal pet dogs entering Canada from Mexico unless they fall under the commercial category (such as dogs for breeding, sale, or show). Commercial dogs under 8 months of age must be identified with an electronic microchip.

Assistance Dogs

Assistance dogs are exempt from the rabies vaccination requirements, provided that they meet the following conditions:

• The dog is accompanied by its designated handler (the person to whom the dog is assigned).
• Documentation is presented to prove that the dog is trained and certified by an organization accredited by Assistance Dogs International or the International Guide Dog Federation.
• The dog appears healthy and meets humane transportation requirements.

All required original documentation must be available for inspection at the port of entry, and a hard copy is strongly recommended.

Personal Pet Dog - Less than 3 Months

When you arrive in Canada with a personal pet dog under 3 months of age, the dog must appear healthy and meet humane transportation requirements.

Personal Pet Dog - 3 to 8 Months

When you arrive in Canada with a personal pet dog aged 3 to 8 months, you will need a valid rabies vaccination certificate, or a health certificate, and the dog must appear healthy and meet humane transportation requirements.

Personal Pet Dog - 8 Months or Older

When you arrive in Canada with a personal pet dog aged 8 months or older, you will need a valid rabies vaccination certificate, and the dog must appear healthy and meet humane transportation requirements.

https://inspection.canada.ca/en/importing-food-plants-animals/pets