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1. Importing Dogs

If you are importing a pet dog to Canada from the US you will need to provide a rabies vaccination certificate to show unless your dog is less than three months old. If your dog is younger than 3 months, proof of aegis is required. 

Importing dogs for commercial purposes involves other requirements. Commercial purposes include: 

  • Retail Sale
  • Adoption (including rescue dogs) 
  • Breeding purposes
  • Show or exhibitions (unless it is a temporary visit to Canada for a show)
  • Scientific Research 

Commercial dogs need to have a rabies vaccination certificate, a veterinary certificate of health, an import permit, and a microchip. The veterinary certificate of health must show the dog is in good condition and has had all necessary vaccines, including distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza virus. You need to apply for the import permit at least 30 days before the dog is imported.

It is important to note that some provinces/cities have bans on certain dog breeds. Ie. Winnipeg and Ontario do not allow American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

2. Importing Cats

When importing your pet cat from the US to Canada, you must provide a rabies vaccination certificate because the US is not considered rabies-free. Cats younger than three months are exempt from all import requirements.

Importing cats to Canada for commercial purposes involves additional steps such as obtaining import permits.

3. Importing Livestock

Livestock includes cattle, poultry, sheep, goats and swine. Check the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's import conditions for each specific animal. Canada also uses the Livestock Identification and Traceability Program to regulate the location and identity of imported and exported livestock.

In Canada, imported livestock that are designated for immediate slaughter may be exempt from some of these requirements.

4. Other

The requirements vary significantly when importing other animals into Canada. Some animals need an import permit, such as turtles and tortoises, certain aquatic animals, prairie dogs and squirrels, African rodents, rabbits, and birds. Pet foxes, skunks, raccoons, and primates are not permitted to enter Canada. Other pets such as snakes, frogs, scorpions, spiders, and some aquatic animals do not need to have an import permit.

If you need a hand understanding the regulations surrounding importing your pet or livestock, give us a call today!

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