{"id":13800,"date":"2020-03-20T21:21:38","date_gmt":"2020-03-20T19:21:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pets2fly.com\/?page_id=13800"},"modified":"2026-04-04T23:03:51","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T21:03:51","slug":"bringing-pets-to-canada","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.pets2fly.com\/en\/procedures\/bringing-pets-to-canada\/","title":{"rendered":"Canada"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Bringing Pets To Canada<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Canada is one of the world’s most popular expat destinations. Each year, thousands of families relocate to Canada to begin their new journey in life. Most of these families have a pet and therefore, over the last couple of years, bringing pets to Canada<\/strong> became a popular topic of interest.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are relocating with a pet to Canada, check out the following destination guide.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pet Microchip<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Dog<\/p>\n

Canada doesn\u2019t require a microchip for dogs imported as \u201cpersonal pets\u201d. However, dogs under 8 months will require a microchip if they are being imported as \u201ccommercial pets\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

Canada doesn\u2019t require microchips for cats.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even though this isn\u2019t mandatory for most pets, we still highly recommend you get your pet microchipped before traveling abroad.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vaccinations Needed To Bring A Pet To Canada<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Pet<\/p>\n

The Canadian authorities have set different rules in regards to the rabies vaccine. These rules are based on the pet’s age, where it\u2019s coming from and\/or if the pet is accompanied by the owner.<\/span><\/p>\n

We really want to make things simple so here is what we recommend: if your dog\/cat is over 3 months old, get them vaccinated against rabies. There is no waiting period once the vaccination is given and the Canadian authorities recognize vaccines that are valid for more than 1 year. We therefore, don\u2019t see a reason why not to get your pet vaccinated against rabies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dogs and cats under 3 months don\u2019t<\/span> need to be vaccinated against rabies in order to enter Canada.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Canadian authorities also require puppies (under 8 months of age) to be vaccinated against DHPP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza virus) if they will enter Canada without their owners and\/or if they are being imported as \u201ccommercial pets\u201d. Please note that this vaccine shouldn\u2019t occur before the puppy is 6 weeks old.<\/span><\/p>\n

Health Certificate<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Pet<\/p>\n

Unlike many countries around the world, Canada doesn\u2019t always require imported pets to arrive with an endorsed health certificate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cats, for example, don\u2019t require a health certificate in order to be imported into Canada. However, many airlines nowadays require this, so we wouldn\u2019t recommend traveling without one.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Canadian authorities usually require something a bit different \u2013 a veterinary certificate of health (done 48-72 hours before entering Canada). This isn\u2019t the same as an endorsed health certificate as this certificate doesn\u2019t require a competent government authority to sign it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some dogs need both \u2013 a veterinary certificate of health and a health certificate.<\/span><\/p>\n

As there are many factors to consider here, we recommend contacting us with the details of your pet and we will be happy to advise accordingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Import Permit<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Certificate<\/p>\n

An import permit issued by the CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) is required for commercial import of dogs under 8 months old.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is recommended to start the process at least<\/span> 30 days before the dog is imported into Canada.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dangerous & Banned Breeds In Canada<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Dangerous<\/p>\n

In Canada, there isn\u2019t a nationwide ban on certain breeds. There are, however, federal bans made by provinces and even municipalities.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the province of Ontario, the city of Montreal and the city of Winnipeg, the following breeds are banned (including mixed breeds):<\/span><\/p>\n