Canada asks for a quarantine period, and that single line trips up more travelers than anything else on the checklist. The science here is simpler than it sounds: chip, vaccinate, permit, then prove it in the right order. Get the sequence right and the border becomes a formality. Miss one date and your dog waits, not you. Pixel and I have watched this go smoothly and go sideways.
Bringing a pet to Canada requires three documents in the right order: a microchip, a rabies vaccine within the destination's wait window, and a government-endorsed health certificate. The table below lays out exactly what's required, what's not, and where each rule comes from.
How Canada handles your pet Official sources
Key points
Dogs/cats 3+ months need valid rabies vaccination certificate in English or French Under 3 months exempt but must prove age Certificate must ID animal precisely (breed, color, weight, microchip) CFIA distinguishes personal pets from commercial imports strictly Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Tap the
🐕 Dog 🐈 Cat
Cabin policy Minimum age 40 weeks …Bos taurus that: is imported into Canada for the purpose of feeding and subsequent slaughter not later than 40 weeks after importation verified 2026-07-20 Advance booking notice 24 hours It is the importers responsibility to arrange an appointment for an inspection at least 24 hours prior to the expected arrival of the animal at the port of entry. verified 2026-07-15 Advance booking required ✓ YesBook your appointment Countries without a certificate If you are travelling to a country for which there is currently no negotiated export certificate and the country does not provide one, you must contact the… verified 2026-07-14 Crate must have/be a carrier Kennel of origin certification | The dogs must have been born in a kennel that EITHER participates in a program approved and supervised by the government of the country of origin and proof of license or registration… verified 2026-07-15 Hold & cargo policy Hold: Minimum age 16 weeks Dogs will have to be at least 16 weeks of age at the time of export to Canada. verified 2026-07-15 Hold: Crate must have/be a carrier g the airport or land border crossing entry, that will be used to enter Canada. Kennel of origin certification | The dogs must have been born in a kennel that EITHER participates in a program approved and supervised by… verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ Yesthe airport or land border crossing where the dog(s) will enter | Scheduling is required but there is no minimum advance notice that must be provided to the CFIA to schedule an inspection. verified 2026-07-15 Cargo: Heat embargo 2024°C r organisms (for example, scorpions, spiders, butterflies, insects) None of the above Feedback Date modified: 2024-07-22 verified 2026-07-20 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesUMBER: RDIMS#10336762 PAGE 1 OF 2 HA3010 (Amended December 22, 2022) VETERINARY HEALTH CERTIFICATE FOR THE EXPORT OF DOGS AND CATS TO THE PHILIPPINES I. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: CANADA NER Name: Address: IV. DESCRIPTION OF… verified 2026-07-15 Government endorsed cert required ✓ YesPet export certification: Book an appointment An appointment is required to get your pet export certificate endorsed by an official CFIA veterinarian. verified 2026-07-14 Microchip · Required ✓ Yestration te st referred to in point II.3.1. (10) In conjunct ion with footnote (6), the marking of the animals concerned by the implantation of a transponder or by a clearly readable tat too applied before 3 July 2011… verified 2026-07-29 Microchip · Tattoo accepted ✓ Yesbody titration test referred to in point II.3.1. (10) In conjunction with footnote (6), the marking of the animals concerned by the implantation of a transponder or by a clearly readable tattoo applied before 3 July… verified 2026-07-29 Quarantine · Type quarantine facilities …dogs less than 8 months of age (for the breeding and resale, which includes adoption, end uses) Criteria for quarantine facilities for commercial dogs less than 8 months of age entering Canada by air Veterinary certificates of health and… verified 2026-07-29 Quarantine · Required ✓ Yes(21) days of age at the time of its importation into Canada. ( veau d'engrais ) (2) Every feeder calf imported into Canada from the United States is quarantined from the time of its arrival in Canada until the day it is… verified 2026-07-20 Quarantine · Duration 8 days SA Requirements for importing commercial dogs less than 8 months of age (for the breeding and resale, which includes adoption, end uses) Criteria for quarantine… verified 2026-07-15 Quarantine · Pre-approval required ✗ NoPost-import quarantine facility | Not required | Importers transporting dogs by air must have a post-import quarantine facility that has been pre-approved by the CFIA in case arriving animals require further inspection… verified 2026-07-29 Quarantine · Reduced duration 15 days Animal(s) will be quarantined, for at least 15 days on arrival, in a SENASA-approved facility. verified 2026-07-15 Quarantine · Approved facility required ✓ Yescountry of origin. Importers transporting dogs by air must have a post-import quarantine facility that has been pre-approved by the CFIA in case arriving animals require further inspection and/or quaran verified 2026-07-15 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Required ✓ Yes The FAVN test must be used, NOT the RFFIT verified 2026-07-15 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Minimum level iu ml 0.5 …entry, or the animal has a Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) resulting in a titre of at least 0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 30 days after any prior rabies vaccination. verified 2026-07-20 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Test validity months 24 months neutralizing antibody titration test within the past 24 months with a result of 0 REFERENCE NUMBER: RDIMS#3859275 PAGE 1 OF 1 HA2450 (AUGUST 22, 2008) VETERINARY… verified 2026-07-24 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Approved laboratory required ✓ Yes5 IU/mL) as established by the approved laboratory, verified 2026-07-15 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Waiting period after test days 30 days …by blood test or from herd history; and (2) the animal is quarantined in Canada for a period of at least 30 days from the time of its arrival in Canada and proves negati verified 2026-07-20 Import permit · Required ✓ Yesnsported via aircraft or other means of transportation direct to the prescribed landing place or any other airport in Malaysia. - An approval to import restricted breeds of dogs shall be obt ained in writing from the… verified 2026-07-29 Import permit · Lead time 30 days …veterinarian authorised by the competent authority on the date indicated in the table below not less than 30 days after the preceding vaccination and at least three months prior to the date of issue of this ce verified 2026-07-15 Flea treatment · Required ✓ Yes| Dogs must be treated for internal and external parasites prior to export to Canada | Dogs must be treated for internal and external parasites prior to export to Canada verified 2026-07-15 Health certificate · Issuer a licensed veterinarian …certificates Most pets travelling from Canada to another country will need an export certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian and endorsed by an official Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) veterinarian verified 2026-07-14 Health certificate · Required ✓ YesFor pets that are transported in the cabin and accompanied by the owner, only the CFIA export health certificate must be DESCRIPTION OF ANIMAL / DESCRIPCIÓN DEL ANIMAL Name / Nombre: Species / Especie: Dog / Canino Cat… verified 2026-07-23 Health certificate · Endorsed by CFIA It is mandatory to obtain CFIA endorsement of an export certificate before the animal(s) leave Canada as the CFIA cannot endorse or issue a certificate if the animal(s) is/are no longer in Canada. verified 2026-07-28 Health certificate · Validity days 10 days (b) This certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of issue by the official veterinarian until the date of the documentary and identity… verified 2026-07-15 Health certificate · Government endorsed ✓ YesPet export certification: Book an appointment An appointment is required to get your pet export certificate endorsed by an official CFIA veterinarian. verified 2026-07-28 Other vaccinations · Distemper ✓ YesDogs must be vaccinated for distemper, hepatitis, parvo virus, and parainfluenza no earlier than six weeks of age. verified 2026-07-29 Other vaccinations · Parvovirus ✓ Yes/ Nombre de la vacuna y fabricante Batch number / Numero de lote 1 Dogs must be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis. verified 2026-07-29 Other vaccinations · Leptospirosis ✓ Yesasta (aaaa/mm/dd) Vaccine Name and Manufacturer/ Nombre de la vacuna y fabricante Batch number / Numero de lote 1 Dogs must be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and leptospirosis. verified 2026-07-29 Rabies vaccination · Required ✓ YesRabies vaccination, at no earlier than three months of age, is required and there will be a 28 day waiting period after vaccination before the animal is eligible for export. verified 2026-07-15 Rabies vaccination · Booster required ✓ Yese evidence referred to in point II.1 (e.g. boarding pass, flight ticket) and in point II. 2 (e.g. receipt of entry to the event, proof of membership) shall be surrendered on request by the competent authorities… verified 2026-07-29 Rabies vaccination · Approved vaccines list killed vaccine when vaccinated against rabies with a killed vaccine as shown below: when vaccinated against rabies with a killed vaccine as shown below: verified 2026-07-15 Rabies vaccination · Waiting period after vaccination 30 days …a Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) resulting in a titre of at least 0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 30 days after any prior rabies vaccination. verified 2026-07-20 Rabies vaccination · Min age at vaccination 12 weeks …age How old was the dog when it was vaccinated? Dogs cannot be effectively vaccinated against rabies before 12 weeks of age verified 2026-07-14 Tapeworm treatment · Drug praziquantel …reference No | II.b. - consist of an approved medicinal product which contains the appropriate dose of praziquantel or pharmacologically active substances, which alone or in combination, have been proven to reduce the burden… verified 2026-07-29 Tapeworm treatment · Required ✓ Yesharmacologically active substances, which alone or in combination, have been proven to reduce the burden of mature and immature intestinal forms of Echinococcus multilocularis in the host species concerned. (12) The… verified 2026-07-29 Tapeworm treatment · Window max hours before arrival 120 …referred to in point II.4 must: - be administered by a veterinarian within a period of not more than 120 hours and not less than 24 hours before the time of the scheduled entry of the d verified 2026-07-15 Tapeworm treatment · Window min hours before arrival 24 …II.4 must: - be administered by a veterinarian within a period of not more than 120 hours and not less than 24 hours before the time of the scheduled entry of the d verified 2026-07-15 Other rules Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedOnly dogs, cats and ferrets qualify as pets by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). verified 2026-07-14 Minimum age 16 weeks Dogs will have to be at least 16 weeks of age at the time of export to Canada. verified 2026-07-15 Service & assistance animals Recognized ✓ Yesction (2); (6) An assistance dog that is imported as a guide, hearing, or other service dog is not subject to any restrictions for import where the person importing the assistance dog is the user of the dog and… verified 2026-07-20 Documentation required ✓ Yesertificate and their import requirements can be met, the Canadian International Health Certificate can be used. Otherwise, the requirements will need to be submitted to the CFIA animal health office in your area for… verified 2026-07-14 Recognized organizations Assistance Dogs International …has been certified and trained by an organization accredited by the International Guide Dog Federation or Assistance Dogs International Assistance dogs do not include therapy animals, companionship animals, emotiona verified 2026-07-14 Cabin policy Advance booking notice 24 hours It is the importers responsibility to arrange an appointment for an inspection at least 24 hours prior to the expected arrival of the animal at the port of entry. verified 2026-07-15 Advance booking required ✓ YesAs a pet owner, you must plan ahead to ensure you have enough time to meet any testing, vaccination or treatment requirements and obtain the necessary certifications. verified 2026-07-14 Booking method office …Certificate can be used. Otherwise, the requirements will need to be submitted to the CFIA animal health office in your area for review to determine if a certificate can be negotiated. It is verified 2026-07-14 Hold & cargo policy Cargo: Advance booking required ✓ Yesavel, it is important to review the requirements and export certificate well in advance and plan out any required tests, vaccinations or treatments with your veterinarian. It is important to note that countries may… verified 2026-07-14 Cargo: Crate must have/be live-animal label health import program, which includes: animal products and by-products general live animals semen and embryos shipments of long duration involving large numbers of animals by sea Import requirements are based on the… verified 2026-07-15 Health & documents Health certificate required ✓ YesExport certificates A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Canadian International Health Certificate Dogs and cats A Armenia Dogs, cats, rabbits and fur-bearing animals Australia D ca Pets (dogs, cats and… verified 2026-07-14 Government endorsed cert required ✓ YesIt is mandatory to obtain CFIA endorsement of an export certificate before the animal(s) leave Canada as the CFIA cannot endorse or issue a certificate if the animal(s) is/are no longer in Canada. verified 2026-07-14 Import permit copy required ✓ YesRequesting import permits online If you've determined that you need a permit to import animals, it can be requested through the agency's online service portal, My CFIA . verified 2026-07-15 Microchip · Required ✓ Yestration te st referred to in point II.3.1. (10) In conjunct ion with footnote (6), the marking of the animals concerned by the implantation of a transponder or by a clearly readable tat too applied before 3 July 2011… verified 2026-07-29 Microchip · Tattoo accepted ✓ Yesbody titration test referred to in point II.3.1. (10) In conjunction with footnote (6), the marking of the animals concerned by the implantation of a transponder or by a clearly readable tattoo applied before 3 July… verified 2026-07-29 Quarantine · Type quarantine facilities …dogs less than 8 months of age (for the breeding and resale, which includes adoption, end uses) Criteria for quarantine facilities for commercial dogs less than 8 months of age entering Canada by air Veterinary certificates of health and… verified 2026-07-15 Quarantine · Required ✓ Yesof its importation into Canada. ( veau d'engrais ) (2) Every feeder calf imported into Canada from the United States is quarantined from the time of its arrival in Canada until the day it is slaughtered as required by… verified 2026-07-20 Quarantine · Duration 15 days Animal(s) will be quarantined, for at least 15 days on arrival, in a SENASA-approved facility. verified 2026-07-15 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Minimum level iu ml 0.5 …entry, or the animal has a Rabies Neutralising Antibody Titre Test (RNATT) resulting in a titre of at least 0.5 IU/ml, taken at least 30 days after any prior rabies vaccination. verified 2026-07-20 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Test validity months 24 months …the animal described above was subjected to a rabies neutralizing antibody titration test within the past 24 months with a result of 0.5 IU/ml or greater. verified 2026-07-15 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Approved laboratory required ✓ Yes5 IU/mL) as established by the approved laboratory, verified 2026-07-15 Rabies titer test (FAVN) · Waiting period after test days 30 days …by blood test or from herd history; and (2) the animal is quarantined in Canada for a period of at least 30 days from the time of its arrival in Canada and proves negative to such tests as the Minister may specify verified 2026-07-25 Import permit · Required ✓ Yesshall be obtained in writing from the Director General of Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS) prior to application of an import permit. verified 2026-07-15 Health certificate · Required ✓ YesFor pets that are transported in the cabin and accompanied by the owner, only the CFIA export health certificate must be DESCRIPTION OF ANIMAL / DESCRIPCIÓN DEL ANIMAL Name / Nombre: Species / Especie: Dog / Canino Cat… verified 2026-07-23 Health certificate · Endorsed by official veterinarian m the United States if the animal is accompanied by a certificate of an official veterinarian of the United States or a certificate of a veterinarian endorsed by an official veterinarian of the United… verified 2026-07-20 Health certificate · Validity days 180 days using a vaccine that is approved in Canada for use in ferrets, no less than 30 days and no more than 180 days prior to the date of export, as shown below: NAME OF ANIMAL DATE OF VACCINATION REFERENCE NUMBER:… verified 2026-07-15 Health certificate · Government endorsed ✓ YesPet export certification: Book an appointment An appointment is required to get your pet export certificate endorsed by an official CFIA veterinarian. verified 2026-07-28 Other vaccinations · Felv ✓ YesThe animal(s) has/have been vaccinated against Feli ne Rhinotracheitis, Panleukopenia, Feline Leukemia, Calicivirus and Chlamydophila psittaci. 5. verified 2026-07-15 Other vaccinations · Feline calicivirus ✓ YesCats must be vaccinated against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia. verified 2026-07-15 Other vaccinations · Feline herpesvirus ✓ YesCats must be vaccinated against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia. verified 2026-07-15 Other vaccinations · Feline panleukopenia ✓ YesCats must be vaccinated against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia. verified 2026-07-15 Rabies vaccination · Required ✓ Yes2 Dogs and cats over three (3) months of age must be vaccinated against rabies 2 Dogs and cats over three (3) months of age must be vaccinated against rabies verified 2026-07-15 Rabies vaccination · Booster required ✓ Yese evidence referred to in point II.1 (e.g. boarding pass, flight ticket) and in point II. 2 (e.g. receipt of entry to the event, proof of membership) shall be surrendered on request by the competent authorities… verified 2026-07-29 Rabies vaccination · Approved vaccines list killed when vaccinated against rabies with a killed vaccine as shown below: when vaccinated against rabies with a killed vaccine as shown below: verified 2026-07-15 Rabies vaccination · Waiting period after vaccination 21 days …vaccination, or are between 12 and 16 weeks old and have received an anti-rabies vaccination, but 21 days at least have not elapsed since the verified 2026-07-15 Rabies vaccination · Min age at vaccination 12 weeks …age How old was the dog when it was vaccinated? Dogs cannot be effectively vaccinated against rabies before 12 weeks of age verified 2026-07-15 Tapeworm treatment · Drug praziquantel - consist of an approved medicinal product which contains the appropriate dose of praziquantel or pharmacologically active substances, which alone or in combination, have been proven to reduce the burden… verified 2026-07-25 Tapeworm treatment · Required ✓ Yesharmacologically active substances, which alone or in combination, have been proven to reduce the burden of mature and immature intestinal forms of Echinococcus multilocularis in the host species concerned. (12) The… verified 2026-07-29 Other rules Pets accepted ✓ AcceptedOnly dogs, cats and ferrets qualify as pets by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). verified 2026-07-14
Timing chain
Day -90 microchip implant · Day -30 rabies vaccine deadline · Day -10 health certificate issued · Day 0 arrive at customs
Conditional requirements
These rules apply only to pets with a specific travel history. Most travelers can ignore them — but if one applies to you, skipping it can mean denied entry.
Dog from a country at high risk for dog rabies — If your pet has been in one of 108 higher-risk countries in the last 6 months:
Rabies titer (blood) test: Rabies antibody titer required for dogs from high-risk countries. FAVN ≥ 0.5 IU/ml.Permit: Written permission from CFIA required prior to import.
Breed restrictions
Banned breeds: Mastiff, Bull Terrier, Doberman, Presa Canario, Rottweiler, American Bulldog, Dogo Argentino, Japanese Tosa, Pit Bull Terrier, Pit Bull, American Pit Bull, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier verified 2026-07-15
The health certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of issue by the official veterinarian until the identity checks at entry. Book the veterinary appointment so the issue date lands within 10 days of the arrival date. Travel outside that window voids the document. Schedule departure before day 10 elapses. Carry the original certificate showing the issue date at inspection.
Canada bans several breeds at import: Mastiff, Bull Terrier, Doberman, Presa Canario, Rottweiler, and American Bulldog. Confirm the dog's breed against this list before booking any flight. A banned breed cannot enter under this route. Choose a different destination or a permitted transport arrangement instead. Verify breed classification on the microchip registration to match the identity documents presented at the border.
Frequently asked
Does my pet need a microchip for Canada? Yes. Canada requires an ISO-standard microchip, and it must be fitted before the rabies vaccination to be valid. How long before travel must the rabies vaccine be given for Canada? The rabies vaccine must take effect at least 30 days before entry, and can be given from 12 weeks of age. Travelling before that window makes the vaccination invalid at the border. Does Canada require a rabies antibody (titer) test? Only for pets arriving from a country not on the EU's listed (Annex II) countries. Those pets need a rabies antibody titer test from an approved lab. Pets from EU or listed countries do not. What if my flight is delayed past my health certificate validity? If the certificate window expires before you board, you'll need a re-issue. Build a 1-2 day buffer between the cert date and departure to absorb minor delays. What happens if I forget a document? At the destination airport: at best, an extended inspection while you produce backup; at worst, the pet is held in quarantine or returned to origin at your cost. Bring printed copies.
The import permit depends on a blood sample taken not less than 30 days after the preceding vaccination. Schedule the rabies vaccination first, then wait the full 30 days before drawing blood. Count 30 days forward from the vaccination date to fix the earliest sampling date. Book the veterinarian for that date. Submit the permit application only after the 30-day interval clears.
Canada's four requirements stack in a specific order, and the dates matter more than the paperwork itself. Pixel makes friends with every customs officer, but he still travels on a clean timeline. Rather than juggling vaccination gaps and certificate windows by hand, let Pawgo's plan-builder generate a personalized plan for your exact dog, breed, and travel dates. It sequences every step so nothing expires before you land.
Glossary
ISO chip ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard. FAVN Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations. Brachycephalic Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk. AVIH Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.
