Canada — Moving Abroad with Your Dog

Import pathway — confirm your origin

Baseline shown: your own dogs, no ownership transfer, owner travelling with/within five days, up to five animals, direct route and verified listed/low-risk history. This table does not determine eligibility.

Use CFIA’s selector for personal dogs, age, accompaniment and origin. For dogs aged three months or over, rabies vaccination certification is a usual pathway; a qualifying rabies-free-country veterinary certificate may be an alternative. Requirements for younger or unaccompanied dogs need individual checking. Do not apply the EU five-day classification as Canadian law.

Destination notes and restrictions

Choose “personal” in CFIA’s selector only where that purpose fits the dog’s actual movement. Age, accompaniment and origin matter. A British departure alone does not establish the residence evidence needed for a rabies-free-country alternative certificate. Obtain a vet’s confirmation of the applicable document and carrier health requirements.

After arrival: national and local steps

CFIA states pet dogs are not subject to post-import quarantine under its ordinary import framework; this is not a guarantee of admission or freedom from inspection/enforcement. Check provincial and municipal licensing, rabies, leash and dog-type rules. Confirm local veterinary access, winter conditions and wildlife/parasite risks.

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