Canada
Entry Requirements
Is Canada a good place to travel or relocate to with your cats and/or dogs?
Here are reviews and details to help you see if this country is a good place to travel with your cats and/or dogs
Official Canadian government website on importing pets
Official government website on pets coming from the US to Canada
Entry Requirements from Non-high Rabies Country
Medical Requirements:
Rabies vaccine for all pets over 3 months. Pets under 8 months of age will be inspected for health upon arrival (a fee may be charged).
Documentation Required to take your dog or cat to Canada and how to get it:
A rabies vaccination certificate is required. The information must be written in either English or French.
Dogs from the US who are older than 8 months only need proof of rabies vaccination. They don’t need a health certificate. This is also true if 1-2 pets under 8 months are traveling with their owners. Health certificates are required in other circumstances.
Cats only need the rabies vaccine.
Europeans may use their Pet Passport to prove they meet the rabies requirement.
Pets from a rabies-free country can provide their Rabies Country-Freedom Certificate.
Entry Requirements from High Rabies Country
Medical Requirements:
Rabies vaccine for all pets over 3 months and pets under 8 months of age will be inspected for health upon arrival (fee may be charged).
Documentation Required and how to get it:
A rabies vaccination certificate is required. The information must be written in either English or French. This is also true if 1-2 pets under 8 months are traveling with their owners. Health certificates are required in other circumstances. Cats only need the rabies vaccine.
Additional Considerations
Microchip Requirements:
Microchips are not required for pets.
Quarantine Requirements (if any):
No, but pets who don’t meet requirements may not be allowed to enter.
Breed Restrictions:
There are no nationwide restrictions. However, certain provinces/cities have regulations. If you have a dog like a pit bull, you will want to check the regulations for the province you are going to.
Number of pet restrictions:
1-2 pets under 8 months without additional requirements.
Other:
Canada is concerned about puppies under 8 months traveling without their owners, so they may designate them under the commercial instead of pet requirements if traveling separately.
Is this country considered high-risk rabies for entry into the US?
No
Is this country considered high rabies for entry into EU countries?
No
Are you flying to Canada?
Read Flying with a Dog Under the Airplane Seat: The Ultimate Guide
Read Flying with a Big Dog: Travel Tips for Ease & Safety
This information was last updated January 2023. If you notice any errors or updates, please let us know by contacting us here.
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1 Reviews on “Canada”
We love exploring our beautiful British Columbia! For the last 2 years my senior pup Riley and I ventured to so many places it was so amazing to find all the nooks and crannies of dog friendly BC! Now we are continuing our adventures with our new pup Skye. There are so many hikes and trails to visit that give some beautiful views but what really stands out are places that you can go.
There are pet friendly hotels all over, just pay the minor pet fee ($25-30 at most places per night). There is often a wing in the hotel that is reserved for animal friendly rooms. We spent New Years at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort with our pup before heading to Silver Star Mountain in Vernon.
While enjoying our week at Silver Star we discovered a dog friendly patio (enclosed and heated!) at The Bulldog pub. Amazing food and space for fido? We were ALL OVER THIS ONE, especially after a hike through the snowshoe trails. Afterwards we ventured into Evolve to shop for some new snow gear amd headed back home!
Public transit isn’t as friendly to bigger pups but if you have a furry friend who fits inside a backpack carrier or similar then you’re good to go! They just can’t be out of the carrier while on transit.
Your pet can totally enjoy our little piece of Canada with you! And they will have so much fun doing it. Whether your a pampered socialite pooch who has a shopping addiction, or a rugged outdoor nut. BC has something for everyone!
We catalog our adventures for shopping, eating, the outdoors and all our experiences (even those for holidays like halloween and Christmas) on our blog http://www.serenarileyadventure.ca. Feel free to check out some local to Vancouver haunts before your next trip!
That’s a great tip about it being harder to go on public transportation with big dogs. However, it sounds like once you can get to the destination, your big dog will have a blast!