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Fact sheet: Then and now – Summary of changes to the import requirements for commercial dogs less than 8 months of age for breeding and resale (which includes adoption) end uses

Effective May 15, 2021, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is strengthening the import requirements for commercial dogs under 8 months of age for the breeding and resale end uses (which includes adoption). Between May 4-14, 2021, while these changes are being implemented, no new import permits for commercial dogs less than 8 months of age will be issued. The CFIA will resume issuing import permits on May 15, 2021.

The detailed official import requirements will be available in the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) by May 15, 2021.

Summary of changes to the import requirements for commercial dogs less than 8 months of age for breeding and resale (which includes adoption) end uses
Import requirements Until May 14, 2021 As of May 15, 2021
Process for applying for import permits My CFIA or paper forms My CFIA only
Validity period of issued import permits Valid for 3 months (1 year for USA). Valid for 3 months, including for USA.
Type of entry permitted with import permits Multiple and single entry import permits issued. Only single entry import permits issued.
Specifying the number of dogs to be imported on each import permit Information required for single entry import permits and not listed on multiple entry import permits. Information must be provided at the time of import permit application and will be listed on the import permit.
Routing of the shipment from country of origin to the final destination in Canada Multiple routings and ports of entry accepted for multiple entry import permits.

Only a single routing and port of entry will be permitted.

Importers must confirm the complete travel route from the country of origin to the final destination in Canada, including the airport or land border crossing entry, that will be used to enter Canada.

Kennel of origin certification

The dogs must have been born in a kennel that

EITHER

participates in a program approved and supervised by the government of the country of origin and proof of license or registration must be provided when applying for an import permit.

OR

if no government program exists in the country of origin, is certified by an official veterinarian of the country of origin as meeting specific animal health criteria.

The dogs must have been born in a kennel that is certified by an official veterinarian of the country of origin as meeting specific animal health criteria.

The requirement for a USDA Kennel License will continue to apply for dogs imported for resale (which includes adoption) from the United States.

Rabies vaccination

Rabies vaccination is required if the dog is 3 months of age or older. If vaccinated against rabies, the accompanying veterinary certificate of health must state this and list the date and type of vaccine used.

Dogs must be at least 8 weeks of age at the time of import.

Rabies vaccination, at no earlier than 3 months of age, is required and there will be a 28 day waiting period after vaccination before the animal is eligible for export.

Dogs will have to be at least 16 weeks of age at the time of export to Canada.

An exception has been made under the breeding end use for importers who meet additional criteria to demonstrate that they are a recognized breeder in Canada. Recognized breeders will be limited to importing 2 dogs on each import permit and 2 import permits per year.

Other vaccinations Dogs must be vaccinated for distemper, hepatitis, parvo virus, and parainfluenza no earlier than 6 weeks of age. No change
Treatment for internal and external parasites Treatment not required. Dogs must be treated for internal and external parasites prior to export to Canada.
Identification Each dog must have an ISO approved microchip implant. No change
Scheduling of CFIA inspection at the airport or land border crossing where the dog(s) will enter Scheduling is required but there is no minimum advance notice that must be provided to the CFIA to schedule an inspection. Importers must contact the CFIA to schedule their inspection before the shipment leaves the country of origin.
Post-import quarantine facility Not required

Importers transporting dogs by air must have a post-import quarantine facility that has been pre-approved by the CFIA in case arriving animals require further inspection and/or quarantine.

Importers must identify the post-import quarantine location and animal housing capacity on the import permit application.

An import permit will not be issued until the facility has been inspected for compliance with the CFIA's requirements.

Additional information

To help importers prepare for the May 15 changes, the CFIA has posted additional information on its website including:

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