Canada’s Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) keeps two country lists that matter if you’re bringing a dog or cat into Canada: a short list of rabies-free countries with simpler entry rules, and a longer “high-risk” list used mainly to enforce Canada’s ban on commercial dog imports. If you’re moving with your own pet rather than importing one commercially, a standard rabies vaccination certificate is enough from virtually anywhere — including countries on the high-risk list. Below is exactly which countries fall where, what each list actually controls, and what it means for your trip.
Rabies-Free Countries Recognized by Canada
CFIA recognizes the following countries as rabies-free for domestic dogs and cats. Pets arriving directly from one of these countries face the simplest entry process:
- Australia
- Fiji
- Finland
- Iceland
- Ireland (Republic of)
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Sweden
- United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
Source: CFIA, “Countries recognized as rabies free for domestic cats and dogs” (last modified 2024-09-20). CFIA notes this list “is currently under review and subject to change” — always confirm before you book travel.
High-Risk Countries for Dog Rabies, According to CFIA
CFIA also publishes a list of countries it classifies as high-risk for dog rabies. This list is used almost entirely to enforce Canada’s 2022 ban on commercial dog imports from these countries (rescues, resales, breeding, and fostering). If you’re traveling or relocating with your own personal pet — not importing commercially — a dog from a high-risk country isn’t turned away and doesn’t need a rabies titer test or a CFIA-approved export facility; a standard rabies vaccination certificate documenting the vaccine’s date and type is what CFIA looks for.
Africa
Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Côte D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini (Swaziland), Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania (including Zanzibar), Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Western Sahara, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Americas and Caribbean
Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Asia, the Middle East and Europe
Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Cambodia, Ceuta and Melilla, China (mainland only), Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel (including the West Bank and Gaza Strip), Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyz Republic, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Moldova, Mongolia, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Yemen.
Source: CFIA, “Countries at high-risk for dog rabies” (last modified 2025-03-13). CFIA reviews this list regularly and it’s subject to change without notice — always confirm current status with CFIA before booking travel. Requirements change and vary by country, so also confirm with your airline. Call 647-477-5858 for a custom consultation on your specific route.
What About the European Union’s High-Risk List?
The EU maintains a separate “unlisted third country” classification under its own pet-travel regulation, and it works differently from Canada’s: dogs from EU-unlisted countries generally need a rabies antibody titer test at least 90 days before travel. That rule applies to pets entering the European Union, not Canada — if your trip starts or ends in Canada, CFIA’s rules above are what apply, not the EU’s. If you’re relocating a pet into the EU, confirm current requirements directly with the European Commission’s pet travel page.
What This Means If You’re Moving With Your Pet
For the vast majority of pet owners relocating to or from Canada, none of the country lists above change much in practice: your dog or cat needs a rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian (unless arriving from a recognized rabies-free country) and, depending on your airline, a general health certificate. There’s no CFIA-mandated waiting period between the rabies shot and travel for personal pets — that 28-day rule only applies to commercial imports of puppies under 8 months old. See our full Canada Pet Passport Guide for the complete document checklist, or our Canada–US pet import requirements guide if you’re crossing that specific border.
Requirements change and vary by country — always confirm current rules with CFIA and your airline before booking travel. This page is general information, not customs advice for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which countries does Canada consider high-risk for dog rabies?
CFIA publishes a list of roughly 100 countries across Africa, the Americas and Caribbean, and Asia/the Middle East/Europe that it classifies as high-risk for dog rabies. The full current list is above. This classification is used mainly to enforce Canada’s ban on commercial dog imports from these countries — it doesn’t block personal pet owners from bringing their own dog home.
Does my personal pet dog need a rabies titer test if it’s from a high-risk country?
No. Unlike the CDC’s rules for entering the United States or the EU’s rules for unlisted countries, CFIA does not require a rabies titer (antibody) test for a personal pet dog entering Canada from a high-risk country. A standard rabies vaccination certificate is sufficient.
Can I import a rescue or commercial dog from a high-risk country into Canada?
Generally, no. Since September 2022, CFIA has banned the commercial import of dogs (for resale, adoption, fostering, or breeding) from countries on its high-risk list. This ban does not apply to personal pets traveling or relocating with their owner.
What are the rabies-free countries recognized by Canada?
CFIA currently recognizes Australia, Fiji, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United Kingdom as rabies-free for domestic dogs and cats. Pets arriving directly from these countries face simplified entry requirements. This list is reviewed periodically, so confirm it’s current before you travel.
What if my pet is coming from a country not on either list?
If a country isn’t on CFIA’s rabies-free list or its high-risk list, it’s simply treated as “not rabies-free” for personal pet purposes. Your pet needs a standard rabies vaccination certificate and any general health documents your airline requires — the same as most countries.
Do these country lists ever change?
Yes. CFIA reviews both lists regularly and updates them without much notice — the high-risk list was last updated March 2025 and the rabies-free list is explicitly marked “under review.” Always check CFIA’s live pages or call us before you finalize travel plans.
Is there a mandatory waiting period after the rabies vaccine before I can travel with my dog?
No, not for personal pets. CFIA does not require a waiting period between a rabies vaccination and travel for a personal pet dog of any age. The only mandatory 28-day wait applies to commercial imports of puppies under 8 months old.
Pet Passport Guides
- Canada Dog Passport
- Canada–US Pet Import Requirements
- Bring a Dog Into the United States
- United Kingdom Pet Passport
- European Union Pet Passport
Moving or Traveling with a Pet?
Moving with your pet? Don’t let the thought of paperwork and travel arrangements stress you out! Our international pet relocation service, based in Toronto and serving the GTA, is here to help, ensuring a smooth and safe journey for your furry friend.
Our experts handle everything:
- Paperwork and documentation: We help you get the right health certificates and vaccination records in order.
- Travel logistics: Whether it’s a local ride or a cross-border relocation, we’ll find the right transport for your pet.
- Peace of mind: With door-to-door service and constant care, you can relax knowing your pet is in good hands.
Plus, we offer:
- Pre-move consultations: To create a personalized travel plan.
- Destination advice: Information on pet-friendly resources in your new area.
- Ongoing support: A dedicated contact to answer your questions and provide updates.
Make your move stress-free for both you and your pet. Call 647-477-5858 and let the professionals handle the details!
