🇬🇧 How to travel to Canada with your dog

Dogs arriving in Canada do not need to be quarantined or need a microchip if it is a personal trip, and not for commercial purposes, to participate in competitions and exhibitions, scientific research, etc.

The Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) can refer any animal presented at the border for secondary inspection by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Expect delays. Importers should use the Automated Import Reference System tool to determine whether a CFIA inspection is required. If so, they should contact the CFIA closest to their first point of entry into Canada to schedule the inspection.

Dogs must have all vaccinations according to their age. Dogs under 3 months old do not need to be vaccinated against rabies, but the age of the animal must be confirmed when requested.

A charge of $30 + fees is charged for the first animal and $5 plus fees for the rest to have their documentation inspected by the CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) upon arrival in the country.  If it is found that the animal does not meet the vaccination rules, the owner will be required to vaccinate the animal within two weeks of arrival, for which $55 plus fees for vaccinating the first animal and $30 plus fees for  the others. These fees must all be paid at the time of inspection.

Importation of food for “personal” use (of your dog, as opposed to commercial use, which is for sale) is prohibited. So, when you go there, you should research where there is a pet shop nearby and, ideally, where it sells the food your dog is used to.

More countries and more companies should, like Canada, understand that, nowadays, dogs and cats are part of our family.

Nycka, the nomad