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Importation of Foxes, Skunks, Raccoons and Ferrets ⁽¹⁾

The information on this page is current as of .

An import permit issued by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is required for the importation of foxes, skunks, raccoons and ferrets from any country, with the exception of ferrets from the United States ⁽¹⁾.

If the animal is a personal pet, it must have been in the owner's personal possession in the country of origin and the owner must accompany the animal to Canada. It is the owner's responsibility to contact the local provincial authorities to request permission to keep such animals as pets and to obtain any required documentation.

For laboratory research and scientific purposes, or for display in a recognized zoo, these animals must be imported under permit and are subject to a minimum thirty (30) day quarantine, but do not need to be accompanied.

Foxes, skunks, raccoons, and ferrets may be imported for commercial purposes (breeding stock). Please contact the appropriate Canadian Food Inspection Agency Area Office for further information.

⁽¹⁾ Ferrets from the United States can be imported into Canada without an import permit if they are presented at the port of entry with a vaccination certificate, which has been signed by a licensed veterinarian and which states that the animals have been vaccinated against rabies in the year preceding the date of import. Ferrets less than three months of age are not subject to any import restrictions.

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