Plan ahead: importing and travelling with dogs

Importers are responsible for ensuring the health of the animals in their care. They must also verify and follow all relevant import requirements before entering or re-entering the country. This includes complying with other federal, provincial/territorial or municipal requirements prior to travelling. Check in advance to avoid surprises and delays.

• Roles and responsibilities

  Canadian Food Inspection Agency

  The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for regulating the importation of animals, including dogs, into Canada in order to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases that could negatively impact the health of both animals and humans. CFIA veterinarians administer and enforce the humane transport and import requirements at the border. CFIA veterinarians inspect all import shipments that require a permit. They are available to provide inspection services when requested by the Canadian Border Services Agency.

  Canada Border Services Agency

  The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is responsible for inspecting certain commodities at the border on behalf of the CFIA. If an animal is found to be non-compliant with the CFIA's humane transport and/or import requirements, CBSA may refuse the animal entry or refer it to the CFIA for further inspection.

  Provinces and territories

  Provinces and territories are responsible for the protection and humane treatment of animals once imported.

  Cities and municipalities

  Cities and municipalities are responsible for business licensing and by-laws related to animal sales.

Importing and travelling with pets

If you are travelling with a pet or planning to import a dog to Canada, you will need the right paperwork at the border to meet Canada's import requirements. If you don't, you risk experiencing delays at the border and your dog may not be allowed into Canada. Check in advance to avoid surprises and delays.

• Overview of dog import requirements

• If you're thinking of buying or adopting a dog

  If you and your family are interested in buying or adopting a new dog from a reputable breeder, rescue organization, a local shelter run by your municipality or local humane society, there is information you should consider.

  Canada has strong animal health requirements for the commercial import of dogs that are less than 8 months of age but it is possible that dogs bred for commercial sale may have been exposed to other diseases or parasites that are not apparent when they are imported, or where they are kept in Canada before being sold.

  Before taking a dog home, you should consider asking for:

  • the dog's vaccination records and other veterinary medical history
  • additional information about the where the dog was located before being offered for sale
  • information about policies on returns or assistance with medical bills if health issues are found after buying or adopting

  You should be cautious about importing a dog you have never met or when buying from an on-line broker in Canada so that you don't unintentionally support puppy mills, find yourself with a sick dog, or worse, face the heartbreak of having to euthanize your new pet.

  More information to help with your dog ownership decision

  Canadian Kennel Club

  • Finding an accountable breeder

  Canadian Veterinary Medical Association

  • A commonsense guide to selecting a dog or cat
  • Check list for acquiring a dog PDF (577 kb)

  Humane Canada

  • Stop puppy mills in Canada
  • What to know before getting a dog

  Humane Society International (Canada)

  • Adopting and transporting pets internationally

  National Companion Animal Coalition

  • New addition to the family?

  Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada

  • Statement on the responsible sale of pets

Commercial imports of dogs for breeding and resale (including adoption) end uses

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is responsible for inspecting certain commodities at the border on behalf of the CFIA. CFIA veterinarians inspect all import shipments that require a permit. They are available to provide inspection services when requested by the CBSA.

• Overview of dog import requirements
• Requirements for importing commercial dogs less than 8 months of age (for the breeding and resale, which includes adoption, end uses)

• Information for dog breeders

  • Overview of the process for importing dogs less than 8 months of age for breeding or show/exhibition (permanent stay) from the USA
  • Requirements for importing commercial dogs less than 8 months of age (for the breeding and resale, which includes adoption, end uses)
    • Criteria for quarantine facilities for commercial dogs less than 8 months of age entering Canada by air
    • Veterinary certificates of health and kennel of origin certificates
  • Health of Animals Regulations: Part XII: Transport of Animals-Regulatory Amendment - Interpretive Guidance for Regulated Parties
  • International Air Transport Association's Live Animal Regulations

• Information for dog rescue organizations

  • Health of Animals Regulations: Part XII: Transport of Animals-Regulatory Amendment - Interpretive Guidance for Regulated Parties
  • International Air Transport Association's Live Animal Regulations