Pet Travel to Canada: Mandatory Requirements & Owner Documentation
Taking your pet to Canada requires careful planning. Canada has strict biosecurity rules, and all pets must meet the country’s import conditions before arrival. Below is a clear breakdown of the requirements and the documents that every pet owner must prepare.
1. Microchip Requirement
Canada strongly recommends microchipping pets.
A 15-digit ISO-standard microchip is the best option.
The microchip should be readable at the time of inspection.
2. Rabies Vaccination – Mandatory
Rabies vaccination is the most important requirement.
Dogs and cats must receive a valid rabies vaccine before entering Canada.
The certificate must include:
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Pet’s description
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Microchip number
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Date of vaccination
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Vaccine manufacturer
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Duration of immunity
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Veterinarian’s signature
Puppies and kittens under 3 months may be exempt, but extra paperwork is required.
3. Health Certificate (Veterinary Certificate)
A health certificate proves the pet is healthy and fit for travel.
It must be issued by a licensed veterinarian.
The certificate must confirm that:
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The pet shows no signs of infectious diseases
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Vaccinations are up to date
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The pet is fit to fly
Some airlines also require their own medical forms.
Always check with the airline before booking the flight.
4. Additional Requirements for Dogs
Canada has specific rules for dogs depending on their purpose (pet, adoption, resale, service dog).
For normal household pets, owners must provide:
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Valid rabies certificate
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Proof of age
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Import inspection fee upon arrival
Dogs under 8 months old face stricter checks.
5. Requirements for Cats
Cats entering Canada must have:
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A valid rabies vaccination
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A certificate showing vaccine details
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No additional vaccines are required
Canada does not require quarantine for healthy cats.
6. Airline Requirements
Airlines may request the following documents:
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Fit-to-Travel Certificate (within 5–10 days)
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Crate size confirmation (IATA standard)
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Owner’s ID
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Flight and booking details
Each airline has different rules, especially during extreme weather seasons.
7. Inspection at Canadian Border
All pets are inspected upon arrival.
A border officer will:
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Check the microchip
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Check the rabies certificate
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Verify the pet’s condition
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Collect inspection fees
Missing documents may lead to refusal of entry or costly re-vaccination.
8. Important Timeline for Owners
Pet owners should prepare early:
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Microchip: Before any vaccination
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Rabies vaccine: At least 21–30 days before travel
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Documents: Prepare 2–3 weeks before departure
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Crate training: Start early to reduce stress
Summary
To bring your pet to Canada, you must follow these key rules:
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Microchip recommended
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Rabies vaccine mandatory
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Health certificate required
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Airline forms required
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Border inspection required
Preparing early helps avoid delays and ensures a smooth entry for your pet.
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