Bringing a pet to Canada

Last reviewed October 2, 2026

Canada is a low-to-moderate friction destination for dog imports: there is no routine quarantine for healthy, correctly documented dogs, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) relies on rabies vaccination and a veterinary health certificate rather than isolation. Requirements tighten by origin country's rabies status — dogs from CDC high-risk rabies countries need a microchip, a rabies titer test, and a CFIA import permit — but even then, Canada does not routinely quarantine a healthy dog with valid paperwork. Airline rules (crate, breed, temperature embargoes) often matter more than the government's, and all paperwork must be original, not photocopied.

Requirements for your pet

Showing requirements for a dog travelling from United States to Canada.

Microchip
Not required
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Licensed veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority (e.g. EU pet passport or government-endorsed health certificate) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Canada has no federal breed ban for dogs, but some provinces and municipalities (e.g. Ontario's pit bull-type dog restrictions, and bans in some cities like Winnipeg and Montreal's former bylaw) may apply. Airlines also restrict brachycephalic breeds (e.g. pugs, bulldogs, boxers) and may refuse them in cargo during temperature extremes. Check the specific province/city and your airline before travel.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccine product, lot number, date administered, and expiry
  • Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival (or EU pet passport for EU-origin pets)
  • Proof of identity matching the pet (microchip or tattoo number if present)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally: rabies vaccination ~$20-60, health certificate ~$100-250, microchip ~$30-70 if not already done, airline pet fee ~$100-300. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with your vet and the CFIA before travel.

Canada does not require a microchip for dogs from free-tier origins, but if the pet has one, the number should match the health certificate. EU pet passports are accepted as health certification for EU-origin pets.

CFIA Travelling with Pets

Microchip
Not required
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Licensed veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority (e.g. USDA APHIS-endorsed certificate for US-origin pets, or government-endorsed certificate) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Canada has no federal breed ban for dogs, but some provinces and municipalities (e.g. Ontario's pit bull-type dog restrictions, and bans in some cities like Winnipeg and Montreal's former bylaw) may apply. Airlines also restrict brachycephalic breeds (e.g. pugs, bulldogs, boxers) and may refuse them in cargo during temperature extremes. Check the specific province/city and your airline before travel.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccine product, lot number, date administered, and expiry
  • Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority
  • Proof of identity matching the pet (microchip or tattoo number if present)

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally: rabies vaccination ~$20-60, health certificate ~$100-250, microchip ~$30-70 if not already done, airline pet fee ~$100-300. No titer test, import permit, or quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with your vet and the CFIA before travel.

US-origin dogs need a USDA APHIS-endorsed health certificate; the CDC dog import rule (effective August 2024) also applies on the US side for dogs returning to the US, but Canada itself does not require a titer test for low-risk origins.

CFIA Travelling with Pets

Microchip
Required
ISO 11784/11785
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 21+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Required
Blood draw 90+ days before travel
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Licensed veterinarian endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Required

Minimum age: 3 months

Breed restrictions

Canada has no federal breed ban for dogs, but some provinces and municipalities (e.g. Ontario's pit bull-type dog restrictions, and bans in some cities like Winnipeg and Montreal's former bylaw) may apply. Airlines also restrict brachycephalic breeds (e.g. pugs, bulldogs, boxers) and may refuse them in cargo during temperature extremes. Check the specific province/city and your airline before travel.

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccine product, lot number, date administered, and expiry
  • FAVN rabies titer test result (≥0.5 IU/ml) from a CFIA-approved laboratory
  • CFIA import permit (apply at least 8-12 weeks before travel)
  • Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority
  • Proof of ISO 11784/11785 microchip matching the health certificate and titer test

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally: rabies vaccination ~$20-60, FAVN titer test ~$150-350, CFIA import permit ~$50-150, health certificate ~$100-250, microchip ~$30-70, airline pet fee ~$100-300. No quarantine fee applies in this tier. Confirm current prices with your vet and the CFIA before travel.

Dogs from CDC high-risk rabies countries must have a microchip implanted before the rabies vaccination, and the titer test must be done after that vaccination. Canada does not quarantine these dogs if all documents are in order, but the CFIA may refuse entry if the titer test or permit is missing. Puppies under 3 months from high-risk countries are generally not eligible.

CFIA Travelling with Pets

Frequently asked questions

A single non-commercial traveller may generally bring up to 5 dogs (or cats) without a commercial import permit. If you bring more than 5, the shipment is treated as commercial and requires a CFIA import permit, inspection, and possibly a broker. The 5-pet limit applies per traveller, not per household.
No. Canada does not exempt service dogs or emotional support animals from rabies vaccination, health certificate, or (for high-risk origins) titer test and import permit requirements. Service dogs may be allowed in the cabin by airlines, but the government import rules still apply in full. Some airlines require additional documentation for service dogs, so check with the carrier.
Dogs from CDC high-risk rabies countries must have a FAVN (fluorescent antibody virus neutralisation) test showing at least 0.5 IU/ml. The test must be done at least 30 days after rabies vaccination and at least 90 days before arrival in Canada, at a CFIA-approved laboratory. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination for the test to be valid.
No. Canada does not quarantine healthy dogs with valid documentation, regardless of origin country. If documents are missing or invalid, the dog may be refused entry or held at the owner's expense until the issue is resolved, but there is no routine quarantine stay.
You need a rabies vaccination certificate showing the vaccine product, lot number, date administered, and expiry; a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival and endorsed by the origin country's official veterinary authority; and for high-risk origins, a FAVN titer test result and a CFIA import permit. All documents should be original and in English or French.
Puppies under 3 months are not eligible for import from high-risk rabies countries. From free and low-risk countries, puppies under 3 months may be imported if they meet the rabies vaccination age requirement (12 weeks) and wait period (21 days), which is practically impossible for a very young puppy. In practice, most puppies under 3 months cannot meet the rabies vaccination timing.
A microchip is not required for dogs from free or low-risk rabies countries, but it is required for dogs from high-risk countries. If your dog has a microchip, the number should match the health certificate and titer test documents. The microchip must be ISO 11784/11785 compliant for high-risk origins.

Showing requirements for a cat travelling from United States to Canada.

Microchip
Not required
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 30+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Licensed veterinarian, endorsed by the origin country's national veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK, or equivalent EU competent authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 30 days before travel and within the 1- or 3-year validity period of the vaccine used
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority
  • Proof of identity matching the pet (microchip or tattoo) if the pet is identified

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally. Health certificate and government endorsement ~$100–250; rabies vaccination ~$20–60; microchip (if done) ~$30–70. No import permit fee for Canada. Confirm current prices with your vet and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Canada does not require a microchip for cats, but if the cat is identified, the ID must match the vaccination and health records. Rabies vaccination must be valid at the time of entry. Cats from the United States and Mexico are exempt from the rabies vaccination requirement if under 3 months of age, but all other cats must be vaccinated. No quarantine for cats from any origin.

CFIA Travelling with Pets

Microchip
Not required
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 30+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Licensed veterinarian, endorsed by the origin country's national veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK, or equivalent EU competent authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 30 days before travel and within the 1- or 3-year validity period of the vaccine used
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority
  • Proof of identity matching the pet (microchip or tattoo) if the pet is identified

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally. Health certificate and government endorsement ~$100–250; rabies vaccination ~$20–60; microchip (if done) ~$30–70. No import permit fee for Canada. Confirm current prices with your vet and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Same requirements as the free tier. Canada does not differentiate by rabies-risk tier for cats — there is no titer test, no import permit, and no quarantine for any origin. The only variation is that cats from the United States and Mexico may enter without rabies vaccination if under 3 months of age; all other origins require vaccination regardless of age.

CFIA Travelling with Pets

Microchip
Not required
Rabies vaccine
Required
From 12 weeks old, wait 30+ days before travel
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Required
Licensed veterinarian, endorsed by the origin country's national veterinary authority (e.g., USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK, or equivalent EU competent authority) · valid 10 days before arrival
Import permit
Not required

Minimum age: 3 months

Documents checklist

  • Rabies vaccination certificate showing vaccination at least 30 days before travel and within the 1- or 3-year validity period of the vaccine used
  • Official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival, endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority
  • Proof of identity matching the pet (microchip or tattoo) if the pet is identified

Rough budget

Rough ballpark only — verify locally. Health certificate and government endorsement ~$100–250; rabies vaccination ~$20–60; microchip (if done) ~$30–70. No import permit fee for Canada. Confirm current prices with your vet and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Canada applies the same rules to cats from high-risk rabies countries as from low-risk countries: rabies vaccination at least 30 days prior, health certificate within 10 days, no titer test, no permit, no quarantine. The CFIA does not maintain a high-risk country list for cats. However, some airlines may impose additional requirements for pets originating from certain countries — check with your carrier.

CFIA Travelling with Pets

Frequently asked questions

No. Canada does not require a rabies antibody titer test for cats from any country. The CFIA only requires proof of a valid rabies vaccination given at least 30 days before entry. This applies even if you are coming from a country the CDC lists as high-risk for dog rabies — that CDC list is for dogs, not cats, and Canada does not use it for cat imports.
There is no fixed numeric cap in the CFIA pet import rules for personal pets. However, if you are importing more than a small number of animals (typically more than 5) or if the animals are intended for sale, resale, breeding, or exhibition, the shipment may be classified as commercial and require an import permit and additional CFIA inspection. For 1–5 personal cats accompanying you, the standard non-commercial rules apply.
No. Canada does not exempt emotional support animals or service animals from the standard import requirements. Your cat still needs a valid rabies vaccination certificate and a health certificate endorsed by the origin country's veterinary authority. Airlines may have their own policies for cabin travel, but the CFIA import rules apply regardless of the animal's service or support status.
Cats must be at least 3 months (12 weeks) old to be vaccinated against rabies, and the rabies vaccine must be given at least 30 days before travel. In practice, this means the youngest a fully compliant cat can be is about 4 months (16 weeks). Exception: cats under 3 months old arriving directly from the United States or Mexico do not need rabies vaccination, but all other origins require it even for kittens.
No. Canada does not require a microchip for cats. However, if your cat has a microchip or tattoo, the identification number must match the one on the rabies vaccination certificate and health certificate. If there is no ID, the certificates should describe the cat clearly enough to link the documents to the animal.
No. Canada has no quarantine requirement for cats, regardless of the country of origin. Once your cat clears the standard document check at the port of entry (airport, land border), it can go straight to your home or accommodation.
You need two documents: (1) a rabies vaccination certificate showing the vaccine was given at least 30 days before travel and is still valid, and (2) a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of arrival and endorsed by the origin country's government veterinary authority (for example, USDA APHIS for the US, DEFRA for the UK, or the equivalent EU competent authority). The health certificate must state the cat was examined and found healthy. Keep the originals with you — do not pack them in checked luggage.

Showing requirements for a ferret travelling from United States to Canada.

Microchip
Not required
Rabies vaccine
Not required
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Not required
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Proof of ownership (e.g., adoption or purchase record)
  • Microchip documentation, if the ferret is microchipped
  • Airline-required health certificate, if flying

Rough budget

No mandatory federal veterinary costs. Voluntary costs are approximate: microchip CAD 30–50, health certificate CAD 100–200, rabies vaccine CAD 20–50. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Ferrets are not a regulated species under Canada's rabies import rules, so no federal rabies vaccination, microchip, health certificate, or import permit is required for personal pets from rabies-free origins. Provincial and municipal restrictions may apply.

CFIA Travelling with Pets

Microchip
Not required
Rabies vaccine
Not required
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Not required
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Proof of ownership (e.g., adoption or purchase record)
  • Microchip documentation, if the ferret is microchipped
  • Airline-required health certificate, if flying

Rough budget

No mandatory federal veterinary costs. Voluntary costs are approximate: microchip CAD 30–50, health certificate CAD 100–200, rabies vaccine CAD 20–50. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and CBSA.

Ferrets are not a regulated species under Canada's rabies import rules, so no federal rabies vaccination, microchip, health certificate, or import permit is required for personal pets from low-risk countries. Provincial and municipal restrictions may apply.

CFIA Travelling with Pets

Microchip
Not required
Rabies vaccine
Not required
Rabies titer test (FAVN)
Not required
Quarantine
None
Health certificate
Not required
Import permit
Not required

Documents checklist

  • Proof of ownership (e.g., adoption or purchase record)
  • Microchip documentation, if the ferret is microchipped
  • Airline-required health certificate, if flying

Rough budget

No mandatory federal veterinary costs. Voluntary costs are approximate: microchip CAD 30–50, health certificate CAD 100–200, rabies vaccine CAD 20–50. Confirm current prices with a local veterinarian and CBSA.

Ferrets are not a regulated species under Canada's rabies import rules, so no federal rabies vaccination, microchip, health certificate, or import permit is required for personal pets, even from high-risk countries. Provincial and municipal restrictions may apply.

CFIA Travelling with Pets

Frequently asked questions

No. Canada does not require rabies vaccination for ferrets entering the country, regardless of the origin country's rabies status. This applies to all three risk tiers (free, low-risk, high-risk). Some airlines or provinces may have their own rules, so check with your carrier and destination province.
No. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) does not require a health certificate for ferrets entering Canada for personal (non-commercial) purposes. This is true for all origin countries. If you are travelling with a ferret, you only need to comply with airline and provincial/municipal requirements.
Canada does not set a specific numerical limit for ferrets as pets. However, if you are importing animals for commercial purposes (e.g., for resale), you may need to comply with additional CFIA requirements. For personal pets, there is no stated cap, but large numbers may attract scrutiny from CBSA. As a rule of thumb, up to 5 ferrets per traveller is generally considered non-commercial, but confirm with CBSA if unsure.
No. Canada does not exempt emotional support or service animals from any import requirements. Ferrets are not recognised as service animals under Canadian law, and even for dogs, service animals must meet the same import rules as pets. Airlines may have separate policies for cabin travel, but the import regulations themselves do not provide exemptions.
No. Ferrets are banned in some municipalities and provinces. For example, they are illegal in all of Newfoundland and Labrador, and in some cities in Ontario (e.g., Toronto has a ban on ferrets as pets). Always check with the specific province or city you are travelling to before you arrive.
For personal pets, no federal veterinary documents are required. You should carry proof of ownership, and if your ferret is microchipped, bring that documentation. If you are travelling by air, check the airline's requirements — some may require a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. For peace of mind, a voluntary health certificate from your vet is acceptable but not mandatory.
No. Canada does not impose quarantine on ferrets entering the country, regardless of origin. There are no quarantine stations for ferrets, and no isolation period is required.

Good to know

Canada's federal pet import rules are set by the CFIA and enforced at the port of entry by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). A single non-commercial traveller may generally bring up to 5 dogs (or cats) without triggering commercial import rules; more than 5 requires a commercial import permit and CFIA inspection. Rabies vaccination must be administered at least 21 days before arrival for a first vaccination, and the certificate must show the vaccine's product name, lot/serial number, and expiry. Puppies under 3 months are handled differently and may be refused from high-risk rabies countries. All documents should be in English or French, or accompanied by a certified translation.

Airline rules & connecting flights

Government import rules are only half the picture — your airline sets its own pet policy on top of them: whether your petcan fly in the cabin at all, size/weight limits for the carrier, breed embargoes (many airlines refuse brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs and pugs in cargo), and seasonal heat restrictions. Check your specific airline's pet policy before booking — see IATA's Traveler's Pet Corner .

If your flight has a layover, the transit country can have its own pet rules — sometimes these apply even if you never leave the airport. If you're transiting through another country on the way to Canada, check that country's pet-entry/transit rules separately (search "pets" on this site for that country too).

For guidance only. Pet import rules change without notice and a wrong step can mean quarantine or a refused entry for your animal — always confirm current requirements with Canada's official veterinary/agriculture authority and your airline before travelling.