Moving to Canada With a Dog: 2026 Import Rules & Costs

Moving to Canada with a dog starts with the right papers for your case. The CFIA import reference document states that pet dogs imported from any country are not subject to post-import quarantine in Canada. For a personal pet dog 8 months or older from the US or another country where rabies is present, the CFIA requires a valid rabies vaccination certificate. The dog must also appear healthy and meet humane transportation requirements (CFIA). Dogs from countries Canada lists as rabies-free can use a Rabies Country-Freedom Certificate instead (CFIA tool result). That list includes the UK, Ireland, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and others (CFIA pets tool). For that ordinary scenario, the CFIA tool result lists only the rabies vaccination certificate plus the healthy-appearance and humane transportation conditions. The CFIA states that Canada does not require a microchip or tattoo identification for domestic dogs imported as personal pets. Border inspection fees are C$36.95 for a first animal per the CBSA fee schedule. Those fees do not apply to dogs arriving from the United States (CBSA).

Is it hard to move to Canada with a dog?

Australia runs a different system. See our Australia guide. Spain runs on the EU framework. See our Spain guide.

Start with the adult-dog path. For a dog 8 months or older from a country not free of rabies, the CFIA interactive tool lists a valid rabies vaccination certificate. It also lists that the dog appears healthy and meets humane transportation requirements (CFIA interactive tool). The CFIA import reference document states that pet dogs imported from any country are not subject to post-import quarantine in Canada.

Your case is not the same as every other case. The CFIA travelling with your dog page states that requirements depend on various factors, such as: the country of origin (where your dog is travelling from); the age of your dog; the purpose of the import; whether your dog is travelling with its owner. Match your case in the table below. Pick the row that fits you.

What documents does my dog need to enter Canada?

Use the tool first. The CFIA interactive tool returns different arrival lists by age, origin country rabies status, and whether the dog is accompanied.

Some dogs travel alone. Read this list with care. For those dogs, the CFIA tool wording states that the Veterinary Certificate of Health must meet every point below.

• be written in English or French (CFIA 7059).
• be issued on clinic letterhead (CFIA 7059).
• be issued and signed by the licensed veterinarian who performed the examination (CFIA 7059).
• identify the animal (age, breed, sex, colour/markings, weight, and microchip/tattoo number if applicable) (CFIA 7059).
• identify the owner of the animal (CFIA 7059).
• specify the date and time (including time zone) of the examination (CFIA 7059).
• have the name and signature of the licensed veterinarian that issued the certificate and the date it was signed (CFIA 7059).

The certificate must also contain required certification statements and information (CFIA 7059). The dog has been examined by the certifying licensed veterinarian in the country of origin during the 72 hour period immediately preceding the date of import into Canada, and the licensed veterinarian is satisfied on each point below (CFIA 7059).

• the dog is healthy and free of any clinical or epidemiological evidence of contagious or infectious disease and, as far as can be determined, exposure thereto; the date and time (including time zone) of the examination must be stated on the certificate (CFIA 7059).
• the dog was at least 8 weeks of age at the time of examination prior to export to Canada; the age of the dog at the time of examination must be stated on the certificate (CFIA 7059).
• the dog is fit to be transported to Canada without undue suffering by reason of infirmity, illness, injury, fatigue or other cause during the expected journey (CFIA 7059).
• the dog has been vaccinated against canine distemper, canine adenovirus 2 (hepatitis), canine parainfluenza, and canine parvovirus, with vaccines licensed and approved for that purpose in the country of origin; the dog was at least 6 weeks of age at the time of vaccination (CFIA 7059).
• the date of vaccination, vaccine name, vaccine manufacturer and vaccine lot number must be stated on the certificate; if the dog was vaccinated more than once prior to export, the required information associated with the previous vaccination(s) must also be stated on the certificate (CFIA 7059).

All information on the certificate must be legible (CFIA 7059). The European Union pet passport is not an acceptable alternative to the Veterinary Certificate of Health (CFIA 7059).

Next comes the rabies paper itself. Per the CFIA import requirements wording, the rabies vaccination certificate (or European Union pet passport) must meet each point below.

• be written in English or French, or be accompanied by an official translation (CFIA 7059).
• be issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian (CFIA 7059).
• identify the animal (age, breed, sex, colour/markings, weight, and microchip/tattoo number if applicable) (CFIA 7059).
• identify the owner of the dog (CFIA 7059).
• state that the animal is vaccinated against rabies (CFIA 7059).
• indicate the date of rabies vaccination (CFIA 7059).
• indicate the trade name and the serial number of the licensed rabies vaccine (CFIA 7059).
• specify the period of validity of the rabies vaccination (otherwise, it will be considered valid for 1 year from the date of vaccination) (CFIA 7059).
• have the name and signature of the licensed veterinarian that issued the certificate and the date it was signed (CFIA 7059).

All information on the certificate must be legible (CFIA 7059). Dogs must have been at least 3 months of age at the time of rabies vaccination (CFIA 7059). Age at the shot date matters.

An EU pet passport can work too. The CFIA states: "The European Union pet passport is an acceptable alternative to the rabies vaccination certificate as long as all the required elements outlined below are included."

Here is the rabies-free country list from the tool. Check if your country is on it. Scan the names with care. The CFIA pets tool rabies-free country selector list is: Australia, Fiji, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland).

A Rabies Country-Freedom Certificate must be issued on official letterhead of the competent veterinary authority of the government of the country of origin (CFIA 7059). It must state that the animal has been in the exporting country since birth or for at least 6 months immediately preceding the date of export to Canada (CFIA 7059). It must also state that rabies has not occurred in the country of origin for at least 6 months immediately preceding the date of export to Canada (CFIA 7059).

Age proof still matters for young dogs. Keep this rule in mind. The CFIA import reference document notes that a dog that is less than three months of age at the time of import does not require rabies vaccination. It also does not require certification that the dog is being imported from a country designated as free from rabies under section 7 of the Regulations (Rabies-free country) (CFIA import reference document). The CFIA states that proof of the dog's age (you get this from a veterinarian) is required for that path.

Can a US citizen take a dog into Canada?

Yes: USDA APHIS sets out the US-side rules for pet dogs going to Canada. For more on US export papers, see our US health certificate guide.

USDA APHIS states that pet dogs older than 8 months do not require any health certificate. The rabies vaccination certificate must be issued by a licensed vet (USDA APHIS). It must prove vaccination within 3 years of importation into Canada (USDA APHIS).

USDA APHIS states that dogs younger than three months old are not required to be vaccinated for rabies. Proof of the dog's age must be available to Canadian officials (USDA APHIS). Shipments of 1-2 dogs less than 8 months of age traveling with their owner are only required to travel with proof of current rabies vaccination (USDA APHIS).

Some young dogs travel alone. Shipments of 1-2 dogs less than 8 months of age which travel unaccompanied are required to be examined (USDA APHIS). They must have a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 72 hours of arrival in Canada (USDA APHIS). USDA APHIS states that this certificate does not need to be endorsed by APHIS.

Match these US notes with the CFIA arrival rows above. Keep both sets of rules in mind. Do not mix the two lists up. Hold both lists side by side.

How much does it cost to bring a dog into Canada?

Check the table next. Fees sit in plain view. The CBSA inspections and fees schedule lists border inspection fees for dogs, cats and ferrets imported for any other purpose. Fees are in Canadian dollars (CBSA). GST/HST applies (CBSA). The CBSA notes that fees increase annually. They are updated on March 31 of each year (CBSA). Budget in CAD.

The CBSA schedule lists these inspection and vaccination-order fees for dogs at the border. The CBSA schedule notes that items not in the schedule are either subject to a CFIA inspection or not subject to any inspection.

Vet bills do not stop at the border. Plan for care after you land. Get quotes early. Compare expat pet insurance before you land, and ask any current insurer whether your policy covers your dog in Canada.

Can I bring my dog into Canada by car?

Yes: the CFIA travelling with your dog page states that requirements depend on various factors, such as: the country of origin (where your dog is travelling from); the age of your dog; the purpose of the import; whether your dog is travelling with its owner. Mode of transport is not one of the factors on that CFIA list. The CFIA travelling with your dog page also states to check with your airline for additional documentation and requirements for travelling with a dog.

Fees for border inspections are collected by the CBSA for inspections performed at the border by border services officers (BSOs) (CBSA).

Plan the trip home too. US return rules differ. Read them before you drive south. If you later return to the United States, the CDC states that dogs that have been only in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries in the past 6 months can enter the U.S. at any airport, seaport, or land border crossing.

For gear ideas, see our pet carrier backpack guide. For live country data, use our Canada country page. Keep both pages bookmarked. Save the links now.

What happens if my dog doesn't meet Canada's rabies requirements?

Gaps can cost you time and cash. Fix gaps before you go if you can. Act on this early. If a personal pet dog does not meet Canadian rabies import requirements, the CFIA states that the owner, at their own expense, must take set steps. The owner must have the animal vaccinated against rabies within a specified period of time (CFIA 7059). The owner must present the vaccination record to a CFIA Animal Health Office (CFIA 7059).

If an officer issues a vaccination order, the CBSA lists C$67.75 for the first animal and C$36.95 for each additional animal. These fees apply to dogs, cats or ferrets arriving from all countries, including the United States (CBSA).

There is a medical exemption path. It is narrow. If a personal pet dog cannot be vaccinated against rabies for documented medical reasons, the CFIA states that the owner, at their own expense, must submit a request for an exemption, in writing, to the National Centre for Permissions. The written request must include the items below (CFIA 7059).

• a completed Application for Permit to Import (CFIA 7059).
• a signed letter from the animal's veterinarian describing the documented medical reason why the animal cannot be vaccinated against rabies (CFIA 7059).
• a Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) resulting in a titre of at least 0.5 IU/ml, taken within the 6 months immediately before entering Canada and at least 30 days after any previous rabies vaccination (CFIA 7059).

The CFIA states that it is not sufficient to state that your animal is too old or that your animal cannot be vaccinated; the specific reason must be explained. The veterinary letter must meet every point below (CFIA 7059).

• be written in English or French (CFIA 7059).
• be recorded legibly (CFIA 7059).
• be issued on clinic letterhead (CFIA 7059).
• be issued and signed by the animal's regular licensed veterinarian (CFIA 7059).
• identify the animal (age, breed, sex, colour/markings, weight, and microchip/tattoo number) (CFIA 7059).
• identify the owner of the animal (CFIA 7059).
• have the name and signature of the licensed veterinarian that issued the letter and the date it was signed (CFIA 7059).

Currently, the only RNATT approved for pet travel is the Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization (FAVN) test (CFIA 7059). The animal must be properly identified on the laboratory report, and the laboratory report must accompany the animal upon entry into Canada (CFIA 7059). A permit will only be issued if the results are satisfactory (CFIA 7059). Animals that have never been vaccinated against rabies will not have a titre and will not qualify for this exemption (CFIA 7059). The animal must be inspected by a CFIA veterinarian at the time of importation into Canada, and arrangements for inspection at the first port of entry must be made before the animal travels (CFIA 7059).

The CFIA travelling with your dog page states that if a dog arrives at the border and does not meet Canada's import requirements, the situation will be reviewed. A decision will be made on the animal's eligibility to enter Canada (CFIA dog-travel). Depending on the situation, your dog may be ordered removed from Canada, or the case may result in fines or legal actions (CFIA dog-travel).

What do I need when returning to the US from Canada with my dog?

Canada falls under this CDC path because the CDC states that only high-risk countries are listed, and Canada is not on that high-risk list. If the country is not listed, it is considered a dog rabies-free or low-risk country (CDC). Keep the form ready. The CDC states the only required form for this path. For dogs that have been only in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries in the past 6 months, that form is the CDC Dog Import Form (CDC). Fill it out before you go.

The CDC Dog Import Form is free. Save the receipt. The receipt is valid for 6 months from when it is issued (CDC). That changes if the dog visits a high-risk country during that time (CDC). It also changes if the dog visits a different dog rabies-free or low-risk country during that time (CDC). Each dog must have its own form (CDC). One form per dog. Do not share forms.

Dogs must appear healthy upon arrival (CDC). Dogs must be at least 6 months old at time of entry or return to the U.S. (CDC). Dogs must have a microchip (CDC). The chip must be one that can be detected with a universal scanner to identify them (CDC).

Entry points are broad on this path. Dogs that have been only in dog rabies-free or low-risk countries in the past 6 months can enter the U.S. at any airport, seaport, or land border crossing (CDC).

Your pre-move checklist

Tick each box as you go. Use this list as a guide.

• Talk to your veterinarian about the risks of travelling (CFIA dog-travel).
• Talk about whether your dog is healthy to travel (CFIA dog-travel).
• Talk about getting all the tests, vaccinations and treatments required to enter Canada and the country you are visiting (CFIA dog-travel).
• Talk about making sure all your dog's records are complete and accurate (CFIA dog-travel).
• Check your exact scenario in the CFIA interactive pets tool.
• Make sure the rabies vaccination certificate contains every required element listed by the CFIA.
• If a dog travels unaccompanied, the dog has been examined by the certifying licensed veterinarian during the 72 hour period immediately preceding the date of import into Canada (CFIA 7059).
• For shipments of 1-2 dogs less than 8 months of age which travel unaccompanied from the US, they are required to be examined and have a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 72 hours of arrival in Canada (USDA APHIS).
• Check with your airline for additional documentation and requirements for travelling with a dog (CFIA dog-travel).
• Find an appropriately sized crate (CFIA dog-travel).
• Train your dog to be comfortable in the crate and new surroundings (CFIA dog-travel).
• Print hard copies and keep digital versions of all documents and records that show your dog meets the requirements (CFIA dog-travel).
• For later US trips, complete the CDC Dog Import Form (CDC).
• You can fill out the form on the day of travel (CDC).
• The CDC recommends completing it a few days or up to six months before travel (CDC).

FAQ

Is there quarantine for dogs entering Canada?

No: pet dogs imported from any country are not subject to post-import quarantine in Canada, per the CFIA import reference document. The exact line reads: "Pet dogs imported from any country are not subject to post-import quarantine in Canada." That wording covers pet dogs from any country.

Does my dog need a microchip to enter Canada?

Not for entry into Canada: the CFIA states that Canada does not require a microchip or tattoo identification for domestic dogs imported as personal pets. The CFIA tool results for a vaccinated personal pet dog list a rabies certificate (or country-freedom path) plus health and humane transport conditions. The rabies certificate must identify the animal, including "microchip/tattoo number if applicable" (CFIA 7059). For the trip back to the US, the CDC requires a microchip that can be detected with a universal scanner.

Is an EU pet passport accepted in Canada?

Yes, for the rabies paper: the CFIA states that the European Union pet passport is an acceptable alternative to the rabies vaccination certificate as long as all the required elements are included. Those elements are the certificate fields in the documents section. The CFIA also states that the European Union pet passport is not an acceptable alternative to the Veterinary Certificate of Health.

How long is a rabies vaccination valid for Canada?

Read the date on the form. Do not guess. Look at the print on the paper. Per the CFIA, the certificate must "specify the period of validity of the rabies vaccination (otherwise, it will be considered valid for 1 year from the date of vaccination)". Use the period printed on the certificate when it is stated.

When you settle in, keep coverage ready for day-to-day care and sudden care. Shop plans before you need them. Compare expat pet insurance