Travelling with your dog
If you're travelling internationally and returning to Canada with your dog, there are some essential steps you'll need to take.
Many countries, including Canada, have stringent requirements for dogs entering from abroad, to prevent the spread of diseases.
Some dog import requirements must be completed at specific times. It is your responsibility to make sure that your dog meets all the requirements and you have all the relevant documents prepared before travelling to or from Canada. If you fail to do so, your dog may be refused entry.
Long journeys can also have a serious impact on your dog's health and well-being.
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Travelling to the United States
On August 1, 2024, new requirements announced by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention apply to dogs entering the U.S.
Get your dog ready to meet the new U.S. requirements.
Travelling to Canada
1. Meet Canada's dog import requirements
If you're travelling to or returning to Canada with your dog, you will need to meet specific import requirements. These requirements depend on various factors, such as
- the country of origin
- the age of the dog
- the purpose of the import, and
- whether or not the dog will be accompanied by the owner to Canada
Before you plan any travel arrangements, find the requirements for your specific situation.
It is your responsibility to make sure that all the requirements are met before travelling to Canada.
If you're travelling to another country from Canada, you will also need to meet the other country's import requirements.
2. Consult a veterinarian
Talk to your veterinarian to consider the risks of travelling and confirm that your dog is healthy and has all the required tests, vaccinations and treatments to enter Canada and the country you are travelling to. Ensure that all of your dog's records are ready and up-to-date, and that the required documentation is completed.
3. Prepare for travel by air
Airlines may require additional documentation or have additional requirements when travelling with an animal by air. Check with your airline to determine what requirements are needed for your situation.
You'll also want to do some preparations in advance, such as finding the appropriately sized crate and training your dog to its new surroundings. See more detailed information on travelling by air from the International Air Transport Association.
4. Copies of the required documentation
Print out hard copies and retain digital versions of all the documents that support the necessary import requirements.
It is your responsibility to make sure that all the information in your documents is correct before travelling to or from Canada.
Dogs that don't meet the CFIA's requirements
If a dog arrives at the border and does not meet Canada's import requirements, the situation will be reviewed and a decision made regarding the animal's eligibility to enter Canada. Depending on the facts of the case and the non-compliance(s) with CFIA requirements, the animal may be ordered to be removed from Canada, fines may be applied or legal actions may be pursued.
Adopting or buying a dog from abroad
Dogs acquired from outside of Canada will also need to meet import requirements. It is your responsibility as the dog owner to make sure the dog is eligible to be brought into Canada.
Do your research and ask these questions before making a commitment.
Features
Bringing animals to Canada
Find out what you need before you travel with your pet or import an animal.
New CDC requirements for dogs travelling to the U.S.
Starting August 1, 2024, dogs travelling from Canada to the United States will need to meet new import requirements.
