Valid Rabies Vaccination Certificate

The European Union pet passport is an acceptable alternative to the rabies vaccination certificate as long as all the required elements are included:

• Written in English or French
• Issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian
• Identifies the animal (age, breed, sex, colour/markings, weight, and microchip/tattoo number if applicable)
• States that the animal is vaccinated against rabies
• Indicates the date of vaccination
• Indicates the trade name and serial number of the licensed vaccine
• Specifies the duration of immunity (or will be considered valid for 1 year from the date of vaccination)
• Includes the name and signature of the licensed veterinarian who issued the certificate and the date it was signed

All information on the certificate must be legible.

If a Cat Doesn't Meet Canadian Rabies Import Requirements

The owner, at their own expense, must:

• Have the animal vaccinated against rabies within a specified period of time
• Present the vaccination record to a CFIA Animal Health Office

Veterinary Certificate

The veterinary certificate must:

• Be written in English or French
• Be issued on clinic letterhead
• Be issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian
• Identify the animal (age, breed, sex, colour/markings, weight, and microchip/tattoo number if applicable)
• State that the animal has been in the exporting country since birth or for at least 6 months immediately preceding shipment to Canada

The certificate must also be accompanied by documentation from the competent government authority stating that rabies has not occurred in the country of origin for at least 6 months preceding the animal's shipment to Canada.

Microchip or Tattoo Requirements

Canada does not require microchip or tattoo identification for domestic pets unless imported under the commercial category. Microchip identification is mandatory for dogs under 8 months of age imported commercially.

Pet Import Requirements for Canada

Required Documents Upon Arrival

When you arrive in Canada, you'll need one of the following:

• Valid rabies vaccination certificate; or
• Veterinary certificate

Import Requirements

For a more comprehensive list of import requirements, use the Automated Import Reference Systems (AIRS) and insert the following codes:

• HS Code Level 1: 01-Live animals
• HS Code Level 2: 06-Other live animals
• HS Code Level 3: 19-Other mammals
• OGD Extension Level 1: 2084-Cats (domestic)

Humane Transport of Animals Regulations

Canada has regulations to prevent injury and suffering during transport. Learn more about the legal requirements for transporting animals humanely in Canada.

Advance Notice of Arrival

Some animals may require inspection by the CFIA at ports of entry into Canada. Importers should use the Automated Import Reference System to determine if a CFIA inspection is required and make necessary arrangements in advance.

Air Transport Requirements

Airlines may have additional documentation requirements. Check with your airline and review the Live Animal Regulations (LAR) issued by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Shipments That Don't Meet CFIA's Requirements

If a shipment does not meet Canada's import requirements, the animal may be ordered to be removed, fined, or face legal actions depending on the situation.

Inspection Fees, Taxes, and Duties

All pets imported into Canada will undergo documentary inspection by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Additional fees for the cost of CFIA inspection will apply.

Pet Food

Personal imports of pet food from the United States are allowed under specific conditions. For other countries, imports are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. To request a permit, visit MyCFIA.

Questions

If you need additional information, consult the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) or contact CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 or information@inspection.gc.ca.