Moving a pet to Canada
Harmonised entry: microchip, active rabies vaccination and an endorsed international health certificate.
Destination requirements apply to every origin. Document steps below reference USDA APHIS/VEHCS because they are the most common departure route; if you are moving from another country, the equivalent filing is handled by your national veterinary authority.
Quick rules summary
| Governing body | Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) |
|---|---|
| Mandatory lead time | 2–4 weeks |
| Rabies titer test (FAVN) | No |
| Import permit | No |
| Post-arrival quarantine | 0 days |
| Microchip mandate | Recommended |
| Primary failure point | Expired or incorrectly worded rabies vaccination documentation. |
Biosecurity & veterinary protocol
Entry rules depend on both your departure country and your destination. The endorsement steps below are written for the US-departure route (USDA APHIS via VEHCS); from any other origin, the equivalent step is an export health certificate endorsed by your national government veterinary authority.
- 1
A valid rabies vaccination certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian is the sole statutory requirement for dogs over three months of age.
- 2
The certificate must identify the animal, the vaccine product and the validity dates.
- 3
Health certificates and microchips are strongly recommended, and required by most airlines.
- 4
Commercial imports and animals changing ownership face additional CFIA requirements.
Breed & airline warnings
Some provinces and municipalities restrict Pit Bull type dogs (notably Ontario and Winnipeg).
Airline brachycephalic cargo embargoes apply on summer routings.
Crates must follow IATA Live Animals Regulations: L = A + ½B, W = 2C, H = D + bedding. Two compatible animals up to 14 kg (30 lbs) each may share a crate; heavier animals travel individually. Check your breed →
Your Canada timeline
Build my pet's relocation plan
Your plan appears here
Tell us where your pet is travelling from and to, and we'll build a route-specific plan: the earliest realistic travel date, the steps that actually determine it, every deadline, and any quarantine on arrival.
- • Rules resolved per corridor — never a generic US or EU timeline.
- • Counts what your pet has already had done.
- • Tells you plainly when a corridor still needs verification.