Canada Pet Passport Guide for Air Travel
To bring a dog or cat into Canada by air, you’ll need a rabies vaccination certificate (required once your pet is 3 months or older), a general veterinary health certificate, and, if you’re arriving from outside the United States, a CBSA inspection fee of CAD $36.95 for the first animal. No microchip and no quarantine are required for a compliant pet. Below, Your Dog Butler walks through every CFIA and CBSA requirement so you can travel with confidence.
1) Commercial Transport Restrictions
Dogs imported commercially from a high-rabies-risk country are currently not permitted entry into Canada. This restriction covers dogs imported for change of ownership, resale, adoption, fostering, breeding, show or exhibition, research, and similar purposes. Cats are not included in this restriction.
2) No Quarantine for Compliant Pets
As long as your dog or cat meets the vaccination, documentation, and inspection requirements outlined below, they will not be placed in quarantine on arrival in Canada. Pets that don’t meet the requirements — or that arrive without the required paperwork — can be refused entry, quarantined at the owner’s expense, or returned to their country of origin, so it’s worth confirming every document before you fly.
3) Pet Microchip Recommendations
Canada does not require a microchip for a personal (non-commercial) pet import. That said, we still recommend a 15-digit ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip for any pet that travels — it’s the fastest way to reunite you with your pet if a crate tag or collar is lost in transit, and many destination countries outside Canada do require one. Ask your vet to confirm your pet’s existing microchip is ISO-compliant well before your travel date.
4) Vaccination Requirements
Dogs and Cats from Rabies-Free Countries
If your dog or cat is 3 months of age or older and arriving from a country CFIA classifies as rabies-free, you’ll need a certificate confirming your pet has lived in that country continuously since birth, or for at least 6 months immediately before travel. A licensed veterinarian in the country of origin can issue this certificate, as long as it’s endorsed by the relevant government animal-health authority.
Dogs and Cats from Other Countries
If your dog or cat is arriving from a country that isn’t on the rabies-free list, you’ll need a valid rabies vaccination certificate issued in English or French by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin. An EU Pet Passport is also accepted as proof. Your airline may require its own veterinary health certificate on top of the CFIA documents, so confirm both before booking.
Read More: United Kingdom Pet Passport Guide
Unaccompanied Puppies and Commercial Transport
Since 2021, CFIA has applied additional import requirements to commercial dogs under 8 months of age — a rule introduced to curb puppy-mill imports, and separate from the 3-month rabies-certificate age threshold above. If your puppy is under 8 months and isn’t traveling with you, or its paperwork isn’t in your name, CFIA may treat the shipment as commercial and require a microchip, a health certificate issued within 48 hours of entry, and an import permit.
Puppies entering Canada unaccompanied or for commercial purposes must also be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza no earlier than six weeks of age, and arrangements should be made with CFIA officials in advance if the pet is arriving outside normal port-of-entry hours.
Puppies Under Three Months and Guide Dogs
Puppies under 3 months of age are exempt from these import requirements when they’re traveling with their owner — just keep proof of age and ownership on hand. Certified guide dogs and other service dogs also aren’t subject to these restrictions, provided the person importing the dog is the dog’s handler and is traveling with it.
5) Rabies Titer Test
A rabies titer (antibody) test is not required for a pet to enter Canada from any country. Our team stays current on CFIA and CBSA requirements so you don’t have to track them yourself — if a rule changes before your trip, we’ll flag it.
6) Pet Health Certificate
If your airline or destination requires a pet health certificate, our international pet relocation service can help you get the paperwork right the first time. The certificate must be completed by a licensed veterinarian and clearly identify your pet along with the rabies vaccine’s dates of vaccination, manufacturer, and expiration date — Canada accepts 3-year rabies vaccinations, which gives you some flexibility on timing.
For puppies entering Canada unaccompanied, an import permit is also required (see the Unaccompanied Puppies section above).
7) Inspections and Fees
Dogs and cats arriving in Canada from a country other than the United States are subject to a CBSA inspection. As of this CBSA fee schedule, effective March 31, 2026, the fee is CAD $36.95 for the first animal and CAD $6.16 for each additional animal. This fee does not apply to pets arriving from the United States. If your pet requires a rabies vaccination order on arrival, a higher fee applies instead — CAD $67.75 for the first animal and CAD $36.95 for each additional animal, and this one does apply regardless of country of origin, including the U.S. Fees are reviewed annually, so always confirm the current amount with CBSA before you travel.
All domestic dogs and cats must be free of any evidence of disease communicable to humans when examined at the port of entry. If your pet isn’t in apparent good health on arrival, a licensed veterinarian may need to examine them further, at the owner’s expense.
8) Puppies and Kittens
Puppies and kittens under 3 months of age who haven’t been vaccinated for rabies are exempt from import requirements when entering Canada with their owner. For pets between 3 and 8 months old, see the vaccination and commercial-transport requirements above — which rule applies depends on whether your pet is accompanied and how it’s arriving.
9) Banned Breeds
Your Dog Butler wants you to be aware of breed-specific rules that can affect travel to or through Canada:
Ontario Banned Breeds
- Under Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act, the Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and dogs with substantially similar physical characteristics are banned from entering or transiting Ontario, including the City of Toronto.
- Transiting through Toronto with these breeds is not allowed on WestJet flights.
- If you must transit through Toronto with a restricted breed, advance notice and airline approval are required — check with your airline well before booking.
Winnipeg Banned Breeds
Under the City of Winnipeg’s Responsible Pet Ownership By-law, the American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and dogs with predominantly matching physical characteristics are currently prohibited within city limits. Municipal breed bylaws change from time to time, so confirm the current rule directly with the city before transiting or relocating to Winnipeg with a restricted-looking breed.
10) Other Animals
Pets come in all shapes and sizes, and Canada’s import rules vary by species. Here’s what to know about a few common ones traveling from the United States.
Rabbits
Rabbits entering Canada from the United States do not require documentation, although they may be inspected at the border. If you have questions about a specific route, contact your local CFIA office.
Small Rodents
Guinea pigs, gerbils, mice, rats, chinchillas, and hamsters traveling from the United States generally do not require specific import documentation, but should still be declared and may be inspected at the border.
Ferrets
If you’re traveling with a ferret from the United States, proof of current rabies vaccination is required.
Birds
Domesticated birds can enter Canada from the United States when accompanied by their owner. You’ll need to declare that the bird is not intended for resale, and it must be found healthy during a visual inspection at the border.
11) CITES
If your pet is a species covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), additional permits are required before you travel. Check the CITES species database to confirm whether your pet is listed, and plan well ahead — CITES permits can take time to process.
Arriving at Toronto Pearson
Most air arrivals into Canada from the US and overseas land at Toronto Pearson International Airport, where CFIA and CBSA officers inspect your pet’s documentation. If you’re settling anywhere across the GTA, see our service area pages for pickup coverage in North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Mississauga, and Brampton.
Your Trusted Partner in Pet Travel
Requirements change and vary by country — always confirm current rules with CFIA and CBSA, and with your airline, before booking travel. Call 647-477-5858 for a custom consultation on your specific route.
We pride ourselves on our commitment to your pet’s safety and comfort, with climate-controlled vehicles, crash-tested crates, and a fully insured and bonded team. If you have questions about bringing your pet to Canada, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us — Your Dog Butler is your trusted pet relocation partner for cross-border travel.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to bring my dog or cat into Canada by air?
Most pets 3 months or older need a rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian, and your airline may also require a general veterinary health certificate. Pets arriving from a non-rabies-free country need the certificate issued in English or French; an EU Pet Passport is also accepted.
Does Canada require a microchip for pets entering the country?
No. CFIA does not require a microchip for a personal, non-commercial pet import. We still recommend an ISO 11784/11785-compliant microchip as a backup form of identification.
Will my pet be quarantined when entering Canada?
No, as long as your pet meets the vaccination and documentation requirements above. Pets that don’t meet requirements can be refused entry, quarantined at the owner’s expense, or returned to their point of origin.
How much is the CBSA inspection fee for pets?
As of March 31, 2026, CBSA charges CAD $36.95 for the first animal and CAD $6.16 for each additional animal for pets arriving from countries other than the United States. This fee does not apply to pets arriving from the U.S. Always confirm the current fee with CBSA before you travel.
Can I import a puppy under 8 months without traveling with it?
You can, but CFIA may treat it as a commercial import due to a 2021 rule aimed at reducing puppy-mill imports. That means additional requirements: a microchip, a health certificate issued within 48 hours of entry, and an import permit.
Which dog breeds are restricted from entering Ontario?
Under Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act, the Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and dogs with substantially similar physical characteristics are restricted from entering or transiting the province, including Toronto.
Do I need a rabies titer test to bring my pet to Canada?
No. Canada does not require a rabies titer (antibody) test for pets entering from any country.
What is a “dog passport” for travel to Canada?
A dog passport isn’t a single official document — it’s shorthand for the bundle of paperwork CFIA and CBSA require: a rabies vaccination certificate (for pets 3 months or older) and a general veterinary health certificate. Canada doesn’t issue or require a physical passport booklet the way EU travel does.
Is a Canada dog passport the same as an EU pet passport?
No. An EU pet passport is a specific booklet-format document recognized within the EU, and CFIA accepts it as proof of rabies vaccination for Canada entry. But Canada doesn’t issue its own passport booklet — you just need the vaccination certificate and health certificate described above.
How long before travel does my dog need to be vaccinated for rabies?
CFIA does not set a fixed waiting period between a rabies vaccination and travel for a personal pet — the health certificate just needs to document the vaccine’s date and type, for dogs 3 months or older. A 28-day waiting period does apply, but only to commercial imports of puppies under 8 months (see the Unaccompanied Puppies section above).
Can puppies enter Canada, and do they need the same documents as adult dogs?
Yes. Puppies under 3 months old are exempt from the rabies vaccination requirement when traveling with their owner, though your airline may still want a general veterinary health certificate. Puppies 3 months or older need the same rabies certificate as adult dogs.
How much does it cost overall to bring a dog into Canada?
Costs vary — vet visit and vaccination fees, an optional microchip, and the CBSA inspection fee (CAD $36.95 for the first animal, or CAD $67.75 if a rabies vaccination order applies) are the main line items. Call 647-477-5858 for a custom estimate based on your route and pet.
