Canada requires all dogs and cats over three months old to have current rabies vaccination certificates or veterinary certificates from rabies-free countries. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) oversees pet imports, and owners should contact CFIA at least 30 days before travel. A health certificate issued within 10 days of departure is required.
Companies Listed
16
Quarantine
Not Required
Common Pets
dogs, cats
Requirements
6 documented
Key Import Requirements
Current rabies vaccination certificate for pets over 3 months old
Health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
Contact CFIA at least 30 days before travel
Visual inspection by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at arrival
Pets from rabies-free countries may present veterinary certificate instead of rabies vaccination
Additional border inspections may be required at officer's discretion ($30+ CAD)
Import requirements by pet type
Requirements for relocating a pet to Canada vary significantly by species. Below are the rules for birds, horses, and exotic pets — dogs and cats are covered in the key requirements above.
Birds
Import permitted
Canada allows personally owned pet birds, subject to a CFIA import permit and quarantine. The bird must have been in your possession for 90 days, not in contact with other birds, and you must accompany it. Limits apply (up to five psittacines or twenty other pet birds), with a minimum 45-day quarantine.
Obtain an import permit from a local CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) office; the permit must accompany the birds to Canada
The birds must have been in your personal possession in the country of origin for the 90 days immediately before applying for the permit (proof of ownership required)
The birds must not have been in contact with any other birds while in your possession
You must personally accompany the birds (the person to whom they belong) for entry into Canada
Origin country must be recognized by Canada as free of highly pathogenic avian influenza
Quantity limits apply — generally up to five psittacines or up to twenty other pet birds, subject to the import specialist's approval
Minimum 45-day quarantine on arrival at premises arranged with the CFIA, during which a CFIA inspector verifies the birds are healthy
Rules differ for birds imported from the US versus other countries; CITES-listed species (many parrots) also need CITES permits. Avian influenza status in the origin country can trigger import bans. Confirm current conditions and limits with the CFIA before travelling.
Horses
Import permitted
Horses can be imported into Canada with a CFIA-compliant veterinary health certificate and disease testing. A negative EIA (Coggins) test is required, and permanent imports may need post-import quarantine and testing for EIA, piroplasmosis and glanders depending on the origin country. CFIA is the regulating authority and conditions vary by country.
International/individual veterinary health certificate endorsed by the exporting country's competent authority (CFIA distinguishes temporary vs permanent imports)
Negative EIA (Coggins agar-gel immunodiffusion or ELISA) test within the period required prior to export
Permanent imports may require post-import quarantine and CFIA testing for EIA, equine piroplasmosis (EP) and glanders, depending on the country of origin
Certificate must address residency/freedom-from-disease conditions specific to the origin country
Meet CFIA import policy conditions specific to the country of origin
Comply with any applicable CITES requirements (not applicable to domestic horses, but verify for any protected equid)
Detailed conditions vary by origin country and by whether the import is temporary or permanent — the CFIA accredited-veterinarian manual (chapter 5.5) and country-specific import policies govern exact tests and quarantine. Horses returning to Canada within 60 days of entry to the US on a Canadian export certificate may be exempt from a fresh EIA test. Confirm current requirements with the CFIA before shipping.
Reptiles
Import permitted
Pet reptiles can be imported into Canada, but all turtles and tortoises need a CFIA import permit under the Health of Animals Regulations (salmonella concern). Other reptiles are unregulated by CFIA, but any CITES Appendix I or II species (many turtles and snakes) requires a CITES permit from Environment and Climate Change Canada. Travellers verify their species' status.
For turtles and tortoises: obtain a CFIA import permit (required for all turtles/tortoises under the Health of Animals Regulations, primarily due to salmonella and disease concerns) — apply roughly 30 days before import to a local CFIA office
Pet turtles/tortoises must have been in the owner's personal possession in the origin country and accompany the owner to Canada
Other reptiles (non-turtle, non-CITES) are generally unregulated by CFIA — no import permit or health certificate and normally no border inspection
For CITES-listed species (Appendix I or II — includes many turtles and snakes): obtain a Canadian CITES import permit from Environment and Climate Change Canada before entry
Obtain a CITES export permit from the origin country for listed species
Verify whether your specific species is CITES-listed via the CITES species checklist (Appendix determines which permits are needed)
Canada residents who travel frequently with a CITES-listed pet can apply for a CITES Certificate of Ownership (pet passport) valid 3 years. Permit needs are species-dependent — the traveller is responsible for confirming CITES status and CFIA turtle/tortoise requirements before importing.
Pet-type requirements researched and last updated June 2026. Always confirm current rules with the destination’s government authority before booking — regulations change frequently.
How much does it cost to ship a pet to Canada?
A full-service move to Canada typically costs $2,170–$5,080 for a medium dog, covering the airline cargo fee, IATA crate, vet and USDA documents, import permit, customs clearance. Typical process time: 2–4 days.
