Are you one of those people who can’t live without their pets? You do not need to worry if that’s the case and you are moving to Canada.

You can absolutely bring your pet to Canada. If you are the owner of your pets, there is no restriction on the number of animals you bring to Canada. It would be best if you considered Canada’s entry and transit procedures before taking your pet to the border. Well, you can’t import dogs for use in businesses for sale. 

You may bring adult dogs via automobiles from nearer country to Canada if proper documentation and immunization of pets are done. If any of the following applies, a dog and the owner cannot enter Canada:

  • Your pet appears to have a contagious illness
  • No immunization and vaccination of your pet is done
  • There is no recent rabies vaccine and its documentation

Read the travel instructions below if you are about to fly to Canada with a pet. Note down important points and start packing. Now, let’s cover the basics.

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Travelling With Pets To Canada

Pets arriving in Canada from any nation are not confined. Canada does not mandate a waiting duration before vaccinations either. Immediately following rabies immunization, pets are permitted to enter Canada. 

Professional and business dogs are no longer allowed to enter Canadian premises from nations with a great risk of rabies since Sep 28, 2022. These nations have yet to receive the licenses. 

But what these business dogs are? These dogs are used for the things like giving or transferring to someone else, reselling, nurturing, adoption, mating, showing or exhibiting, and research. 

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Note down the following documents that are required to bring your pet to Canada:

Import Permit

Canines under 8 months old must be imported commercially with a Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) license. We must advise you to begin the procedure a month before your flight.

Rabies Vaccination Certificate

A rabies vaccination certificate is required if you are relocating from a nation where rabies is common, e.g. Mexico, the US, or any other country. A valid rabies vaccination certificate is needed for a dog if it is 3 months or older than 3 months.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency presently recognizes the following nations as being rabies-free:

  • Australia
  • British Empire; Scotland, England, Northern Island and Wales
  • Sweden
  • Finland
  • Fiji
  • New Zealand
  • Republic of Ireland
  • Japan
  • Iceland

Animal age verification is required for your personal pet under three months old. The rabies vaccination certificate must adhere to the following conditions:

  • It must be mentioned on the certificate that the pet has had a rabies vaccination
  • The certificate must be in English or French
  • The certificate must bear the date when it was issued and the signature of the licensed veterinarian who issued it
  • It must contain the pet’s age, colour, gender, breed, characteristics, weight, and, if relevant, microchip or tattoo
  • It must show the exact date of vaccination of your pet
  • It should declare the brand name and the registration number of the endorsed vaccination
  • Must be mentioned here the timeframe for the protection against rabies. If it doesn’t show, it means the certificate is valid for only one year

Health Certificate

Canada does not necessarily need your personal pets to have a health certificate that has been approved, in contrast to many other nations. You can bring your pets without any health card, but some airlines still demand it. So, we must advise you to travel with it.

A Veterinarian certificate of health is typically required by the Canadian government, which must be obtained about 2-4 days before flying to Canada. The Veterinarian health certificate is not similar to an approved health certificate because it does not need to be signed by a legitimate government official.

But still, some pet dogs need both veterinarian and health certificates. Please get in touch with the pet immigrant advisors, so you may know your pet’s specifics since there are a lot of things to take into account.

Rules For Dogs Traveling To Canada

Following are the conditions that must be followed if you intend to bring a dog into Canada:

Service Dogs

Service dogs are free from all import regulations for animals if:

  • The service dog is travelling with its owner
  • There must be proof from a proper agency that your pet has been registered as a service pet 
  • Pet Dogs >3 Months & Accompanied By Owner- The rabies vaccination is a must for pet dogs older than 3 months to enter Canada.

Pet Dogs <3 Months & Accompanied By Owner

If a pet dog is travelling with its owner and is under three months old, there are no limitations as long as the age of your pet dog can be verified.

Commercial Dogs <8 Months

Puppies under eight months old can enter Canada after having the following:

  • A microchip
  • Veterinarian’s health certificate
  • Rabies vaccination certificate
  • An import permit

You can take your puppies to Canada for scientific study, selling, dog shows, breeding, adoption, and training. Please be aware that unless they are being brought as a domestic pet, saved, and stray dogs headed for resale or an animal welfare group or considered business canines.

Commercial Dogs >8 Months

Dogs older than 8 months can enter Canada if it has a current rabies vaccination certificate. You may take these puppies for commercial purposes.

Canadian Commercial Dogs

A commercial dog is only permitted to enter Canada after not having spent over 60 days abroad. These puppies should also have a rabies vaccination certificate and be carried by a Canadian resident.

Commercial puppies should also have documentation proving registration in a contest, exhibition, or trial held by an acknowledged association. 

If you bring a pet, your entrance may be refused at the Canadian border. Because you have been convicted of a DUI or any other crime. If the crime (DUI or DWI) or violation occurred within the last 10 years, you can’t particularly enter Canada.

But if you, despite having a criminal history, if you have any specific approval, such as a temporary resident permit or Canadian rehabilitation. 

The real kicker is that if you travel without any criminal history, crossing the border with your pet usually requires significantly less documentation than doing so while being charged with a felony. 

Transporting Dog Food & Treats

If it satisfies all of the following criteria, you may transport up to 20 kilograms of your pet food and treats:

  • The pet food or item must be professionally packaged and of American region (if you are travelling from the US)
  • At the moment of entrance, you must be in charge of food or other items for your pet
  • You must enter the country with the pet that may consume the imported goods

Consider bringing dried animal food if your journey is longer to avoid any difficult situation. 

Check Out Rules About Bringing Pets into Canada

Dangerous & Banned Dog Breeds In Canada

A dog is typically seen as an integral member of the family. So, the majority of the families who are moving overseas do not consider abandoning their cherished puppies behind. However, it’s crucial to remember that travelling overseas with a pet is only sometimes straightforward.

Flying a hazardous dog complicates this further. Do you intend to travel by plane holding a Pitbull or other aggressive type of dog? Sadly, it is difficult to go to another nation with banned or hazardous dogs.

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Several nations around the globe have prohibited particular breeds. Some may not have imposed a ban but can have additional rules that you must follow. 

It is crucial to remember that flying a hazardous dog abroad without the proper documentation is prohibited. The penalties are severe. You may have to go to jail in Israel for importing dangerous dogs.

Dangerous Dog Breeds

Man’s closest buddy has long been thought to be a dog. They are dependable, kind, comforting, and helpful. Sadly, some may also be a threat. Any dog might be harmful. Even mini ones have teeth.

Because of the distinctive physical characteristics and particular habits of several breeds, they are classified as dangerous. These distinctive characteristics may include a strong jaw structure.

A list of popular hazardous dog breeds from across the globe is shown below:

  • Tosa Inu
  • American Bulldog
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • American Pitbull Terrier
  • Karabash (Kangal dog)
  • Bull Terrier
  • Fila Brasileiro
  • Cane Corso
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Caucasian Shephard
  • Chow Chow
  • Doberman

There is no countrywide restriction on specific breeds in Canada. But, there are federal restrictions imposed by states and even local governments. You must give notification in advance if you are going to travel via Toronto airport carrying a prohibited breed.

FAQs

Which Airline Is Most Pet Friendly?

It may be challenging and frustrating to move with pets, particularly if it’s going to be your first-ever flight. But you don’t have to be worried about it; it is important to find where to book your tickets as there are several airlines. Choose the one which may make your trip joyful and anxiety-free.

Air India is the most pet friendly and quite sympathetic. Your pet may fly in the plane with you if you check in half an hour before takeoff and put them in their backpack. If your pets are larger, then these may travel via cargo because jumbo-sized pets are difficult to handle. 

Cargo is quite safer and more comfortable for larger dogs. According to your travel and dog, the cost of relocation may vary from $50 to $118. As you can see, it is a highly cost-effective and global alternative.

This airline provides an affordable price, a cabin for dogs, cargo service, and services to dogs, cats, and service dogs.
When travelling with dogs, it’s vital to know that many airlines have limits on breeds, locations, and food. Airlines frequently adhere to governmental laws and safety protocols, even though the dogs may be difficult to grasp. 
The safety and welfare of your pet should be your top priority, but these rules might alter at any time. 

Which Airlines Allow Big Dogs In-Cabin?

Flying with dogs in a cabin is quite usual and easy these days because most airlines have changed their policies now regarding providing cabins to your pets. Therefore you can keep your beloved dog close if you are flying for your vacation.

Furthermore, you can avoid being concerned about your pet travelling in the airplane’s cargo hold by itself. The following airlines permit canines to travel in cabins:

– Air Canada
– Aegean Airlines
– Vueling
– Air Europa
– United Airlines
– Air France
– Turkish Airlines
– TAP Air Portugal
– Alaska Air
– Southwest
– American Airlines
– Lufthansa
– Delta
– JetBlue
– French Bee

Be aware of the extra baggage pet fees for most airlines. Moreover, for numerous reasons, all the airlines do not permit passengers to travel with huge dogs in the cabin. 
If your dog is lighter than 20 lbs, it is allowed to be in the cabin. Your pet, however, is transported within a container that may slide beneath your seat. It must be certified by the airline.

How Hard Is It to Get a Dog Passport?

Although there isn’t an actual pet passport for Canada, the phrase refers to the paperwork needed to bring a pet into the country and back out again. Custom officers need to view these papers to make your pet’s entry smooth.
It is actually proof that your pet is in a healthy state and ready to travel. Moreover, you must know all the requirements for a pet passport. To enter Canada, you may easily obtain a Canadian passport for your pet by following these two easy steps:

– Research: Different entrance criteria may apply depending on your dog’s type, breed, and age. For various types of pets, there are various admission requirements. Moreover, several Canadian regions forbid the importation of particular dog breeds.

It is crucial to confirm if your dog is welcome. If you are travelling via plane, you must ensure that whatever the airport you land at permits the importation of dogs. Additionally, if your pet is an endangered animal, you’ll require extra documentation.

– Visit The Veterinarian: All pets should have a light examination and rabies immunization for dogs, cats, and rodents. Although not essential, sometimes a microchip is advised.

Getting a Canadian pet passport is easy. But it isn’t easy to get a passport for any other country if you are going to transport your pet from Canada.

Do Dogs Get Scared On Planes?

For most dogs, travelling via plane is an unfamiliar experience. The airflow might only impact a pet’s equilibrium and discomfort or unease. Although your dog has previously travelled without incident, the dog may react next time for several reasons, including:

– Various sounds
– Odors
– Other stimuli

We suggest you employ a connection by-fragrance strategy with lavender oil to assist him in getting used to the flight. You can put a drop of lavender oil on your palm so that your pet continues smelling it.

This is mostly done when it’s time to have a walk with pets or feeding time since they are enjoyable experiences. Sniff this lavender perfume before entering the plane, so your dog maintains calm.

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Additionally, it’s crucial to maintain your composure and relaxation during the journey. Even if you may not be afraid of the plane, your pet is nonetheless affected by nervousness. Your dog may definitely sense your stress and reflect it in its behaviour.

That’s why it’s vital to maintain assertiveness during your journey since your dog’s nervousness may subside, and the trip may end. 

Conclusion

There is no exception to the rule for visitors taking their dogs with them. Therefore, while travelling in Ontario with a dog resembling a pit bull, have proof of your pet’s ancestry with you.

There are communities across Canada that have breed limitations and bans. Consider avoiding them. 

It would be best if you considered many factors to avoid unneeded stress, problems, and costs to maximize the likelihood of a successful transfer. You must take extra measures if you carry a dangerous or restricted pet.

We hope this guide makes it simpler for you to arrange your vacation to Canada with pets. Ask us everything on OnTheMoveCanada related to this guide, and we’ll be pleased to help you out. Have a good day!