Animals > Imports > Policies / Procedures > Pet Imports  

Frequently Asked Questions on the Importation of Domestic Dogs

Related Pages: Dogs eight (8) months of age or younger (any country) | Dogs 3 months of age or older (rabies-free countries) | Dogs 3 months of age or older (non rabies-free countries) | Frequently Asked Questions

Note:  This FAQ is solely for questions related to the importation of pet dogs.

All dogs less than 8 months of age being imported for breeding or commercial purposes require an import permit.  Application for permit to import can be found here:

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/import/permit_covere.shtml

Question 1: Does Canada quarantine imported pet dogs?

• No, pet dogs can enter Canada from any country without quarantine.

Question 2: Do the conditions listed apply to all dogs?

• No, the information on this Web page applies to pet dogs. If you frequently import dogs or import several at a time, you may be asked to certify that they are your personal pets and are not for resale.

Question 3: Do all dogs have to be vaccinated against rabies?

• No, dogs under three (3) months of age do not require vaccination against rabies.
• Service Dogs with their users, certified canine vision, hearing or other special skill do not require vaccination against rabies (assistance dogs).
• Pet dogs arriving from a country officially recognized free of rabies does not have to be vaccinated against rabies.  Veterinary certificate of origin identifying the animal also stating that rabies has not occurred in the past six months and that the animal has been in that country for the previous six months.

Question 4: Do the requirements listed apply to pet dogs imported on a temporary basis, such as a visit or while travelling through to another country?

• Yes, the requirements apply to all pet dog importations including temporary visits and in-transit visits.

Question 5: Why does Canada have different requirements for rabies-free countries versus non rabies-free countries?

• Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of warm-blooded animals, including pet cats and dogs, and humans. Once symptoms appear, rabies is always fatal in animals and people. Rabies is present in Canada, but one of the ways the Canadian Food Inspection Agency controls the disease is by requiring proof of vaccination against rabies for all cats and dogs over 3 months of age entering the country. (Rabies fact sheet:) More rabies information.

Question 6: How can I find out if my dog is entering from a country Canada considers to be rabies-free?

• View the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's list of countries recognized as rabies-free for importations of cats and dogs.

Question 7:  Why are some countries that are rabies-free not recognized by Canada?

• While some countries may in fact have rabies-free status in accordance to World Trade Organization (WTO) standards, this does not mean that it reflects Canada’s list of rabies-free countries. The CFIA list of rabies-free countries are those which have made an application and after proper assessment have successfully been a country recognized by Canada as being rabies-free.

Question 8: Do I have to accompany my pet dog?

• No, you do not have to travel with your pet dog, it may be shipped separately. Note: When accompanying your dog, only a valid rabies vaccination is required, but if shipped separately, a dog of 8 months of age or less must be certified within the past 72 hours. The veterinary certificate of health must certify that the animal is not less than 6 weeks of age against distemper, parvovirus, parainfluenza and hepatitis. For a dog of 8 months or older, there is no difference whether accompanied or not.

Question 9: Will I be charged a fee to import my pet dog?

• The CFIA charges a fee for the inspection of dogs and their accompanying certification entering Canada from countries other than the United States.  (In certain cases, dogs and cats from the United States will be charged a fee for inspection e.g.: when requiring medical treatment.) The fees must be paid at the time of inspection and depend on whether vaccination is required at the port of entry.  The fee is $30.00 + tax for the first animal and $5.00 + tax for each additional dog in the shipment (when the dog is already vaccinated).
• If you choose to have the pet vaccinated in Canada the inspection fee will be $55.00 + tax, fees do not include vaccination against rabies.

Question 10: Do I need to contact someone with the date and time of my arrival?

• No, there will be an inspector on duty at the port of entry.

Question 11: Does my pet dog need a health certificate?

• Unaccompanied pet dogs less than 8 months of age will require a health certificate.
• Pet dogs over the age of 8 months that are travelling to Canada by air may require a health certificate by the commercial airline. Contact your airline carrier for additional information on their requirements.

Question 12: If I buy a pet dog in a foreign country and bring it back to Canada, will I have to pay any taxes or duty?

• Contact Canada Border Services Agency for this information. In Canada, the telephone number is 1-800-461-9999. If you are calling from outside Canada, please telephone either 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064 (long distance charges apply), or visit the Canada Border Services Agency website.

Question 13: Do I need an import permit for my dog?

• No import permit is required for pet dogs unless your dog is under 8 months of age and it is deemed as being used for commercial purposes and/or breeding purposes.  Please note that you must apply for an import permit in advance of your dog(s)’ arrival to Canada.  It takes approximately 5 business days to process import requests and import permits cannot be granted after the dog(s) have arrived in Canada. 

Question 14: Does my dog require a tattoo or microchip identification?  

• Canada does not require a microchip or tattoos for pet dogs.
• Dogs that are being imported for breeding or commercial shipment purposes must be microchipped.

Comments or requests for additional information.