Moving a pet to Canada from the USA
Harmonised entry: microchip, active rabies vaccination and an endorsed international health certificate.
Quick rules summary
| Governing body | Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) |
|---|---|
| Mandatory lead time | 2–4 weeks |
| Rabies titer test (FAVN) | No |
| Import permit | No |
| Post-arrival quarantine | 0 days |
| Microchip mandate | Recommended |
| Primary failure point | Expired or incorrectly worded rabies vaccination documentation. |
Biosecurity & veterinary protocol
- 1
A valid rabies vaccination certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian is the sole statutory requirement for dogs over three months of age.
- 2
The certificate must identify the animal, the vaccine product and the validity dates.
- 3
Health certificates and microchips are strongly recommended, and required by most airlines.
- 4
Commercial imports and animals changing ownership face additional CFIA requirements.
Breed & airline warnings
Some provinces and municipalities restrict Pit Bull type dogs (notably Ontario and Winnipeg).
Airline brachycephalic cargo embargoes apply on summer routings.
Crates must follow IATA Live Animals Regulations: L = A + ½B, W = 2C, H = D + bedding. Two compatible animals up to 14 kg (30 lbs) each may share a crate; heavier animals travel individually. Check your breed →
Your Canada timeline
Plan backwards
Complexity: Standard
Lead time: 2–4 weeks
Governing body: Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
Quarantine: 0 days
- T−45d
Book flights and IATA-compliant crate
Confirm carrier acceptance, crate sizing and any brachycephalic or breed embargoes on the routing.
- T−21d
Microchip + records review
Implant an ISO 11784/11785 15-digit microchip and confirm every vaccination record post-dates it.
- T−14d
Rabies vaccination
Rabies vaccine administered after the microchip — a vaccine given first is legally invalid.
- T−10d
USDA-accredited vet exam + health certificate
Category II accredited veterinarian completes the certificate and submits it via VEHCS.
- T−7d
USDA APHIS endorsement
Endorsement within 10 days of arrival for non-commercial moves, or within 48 hours of departure for commercial moves.
- T−3d
Parasite treatments and final checks
Tapeworm or parasite treatments given inside the destination's required window, recorded by the vet.
- Day 0
Departure day
Check-in as cargo, checked baggage or in-cabin per the booked service.