Many immigrants will get to the port of entry only to discover that they can’t enter Canada with their pet due to one reason or the other. This can be frustrating for so many immigrants who can’t imagine leaving their favorite pets behind.
Without much ado, here are the requirements you need to comply with before your pet can be allowed into Canada.
Importing pets
The Canadian agency that handles the importation of animals is the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The officials from this organization are positioned at all port of entry in Canada. Their major role is to oversee the importation of animals.
Different factors will influence whether your pet will be allowed into the country or not. The important ones include health status, species of the animal, the purpose of import and health status. You can check the requirements on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s website.
Make the necessary plans
Make sure that your pet is in sound health before traveling to Canada. Prepare your pet’s health documents early on. It’s best to get in touch with your airline to know what traveling with your pet entails.
Vaccinations
Officials at the Canadian point of entry will ask for a certificate indicating that your pet is rabies-free. This can be obtained from a certified veterinarian and prove that your pet has been living in the specified country for at least six months.
Another thing is that the certificate must show that your country has been rabies-free in the past six months. The Canadian government has announced that the following countries are rabies-free.
- Anguilla
- Antigua
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Bermuda
- Cayman Islands
- Fiji
- Finland
- Iceland
- Ireland (Republic of)
- Jamaica
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Martin (Netherlands Antilles)
- Saint Pierre et Miquelon
- Vincent and the Grenadines
- Sweden
- Turks and Caicos
- United Kingdom (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland)
Microchip implant
Although microchip implants are not compulsory, using them will help you to find your pet in case it gets lost.
Pets under three months
If your pet isn’t up to three months, it will be relieved from import requirements if you can prove the age.
Adequate food and water
Make sure that you pack along enough food and water for your pet before the trip.
Appropriate animal carriers
The carrier should have ample room for your pet to move around. Adequate ventilation is important too.
Import permit fees
Get ready to pay some fees for pet inspection, import permits, and the likes. Contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) import office for more information.
