How to Get a Canadian Pet Passport in 2023

Whether you are planning on traveling with a pet to or from Canada, there are strict rules that apply.

Getting a Canadian Pet Passport to enter Canada is easy and will just take 2 simple steps:

1. Research – entry requirements can vary depending on your pet’s species, age and breed. There are different entry regulations for different pet species. Additionally, certain breeds of dog are banned from entering some provinces in Canada. It’s important to ensure that your pet is permitted. If you are flying, you need to ensure your fly into an airport that allows the import of pets. Furthermore, you will need additional paperwork if your pet is an endangered species.
2. Visit the vet – dogs, cats and ferrets need rabies vaccinations and all pets need a general health check at minimum. A microchip is not required, but it is recommended.

In this article we will discuss the requirements to get a Canadian Pet Passport.

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What is a Canadian Pet Passport?

Canada does not have an official ‘Pet Passport’, however it is a term used to describe the documents that are required to travel to and from Canada with a pet. Customs officials will need to see these documents in order to clear your pet. Essentially, a pet passport demonstrates that your pet is fit and healthy to travel. With a Canadian Pet Passport, in most circumstances, your pet will not have to face a lengthly quarantine period. 

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How do I get a Canadian Pet Passport?

Traveling from a rabies-free country.

Rabies Vaccination.

To obtain a Canadian pet passport, you can use a current pet passport. The pet passports must be up to date, showing your pet’s rabies vaccinations are still valid. Usually dogs, cats and ferrets must have either a yearly rabies vaccination or a 3 yearly rabies booster. 

Otherwise you will need a rabies country-free certificate.

Rabies Country-Freedom Certificate.

Alternatively, you will need a certificate from your governmental authority stating that rabies has not existed in your country in the past six months. The certificate must also state that your pet has resided in your country for the past 6 months. A licensed veterinarian can do this as long as the document is endorsed by your local governing authority responsible for the import and export of pets. 

Health Certificate.

A health certificate isn’t always required to enter Canada, however it is recommended to ensure your pet is well enough to travel. Pets must appear healthy and meet humane transportation requirements.

If a dog or cat is under 8 months old and will not be accompanied by the owner, then he or she will need an animal health certificate. The health certificate must be issued and certified within 48 hours of entry.

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Traveling from all other countries.

Rabies Vaccination.

To obtain a Canadian pet passport, you can use a current pet passport. The pet passports must be up to date, showing your pet’s rabies vaccinations are still valid. Usually dogs, cats and ferrets must have either a yearly rabies vaccination or a 3 yearly rabies booster. 

Health Certificate.

A health certificate isn’t always required to enter Canada, however it is recommended to ensure your pet is well enough to travel. Pets must appear healthy and meet humane transportation requirements.

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If a dog or cat is under 8 months old and will not be accompanied by the owner, then he or she will need an animal health certificate. The health certificate must be issued and certified within 48 hours of entry.

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You can check the specific requirements for your specific pet and residing country here.

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Does my dog need a microchip for a Canadian Pet Passport?

A microchip is not required to enter Canada with a pet. 

A microchip is a permanent method of electronic identification. The chip is around the size of a grain of rice – and is implanted just under your pet’s skin between its shoulder blades. Each chip has a unique number that is detected using a microchip and scanner.

Although Canada does not require pets to be microchipped before entry, it is recommended. If you were to lose your pet while, a microchip makes it far more likely that you will be reunited.

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Banned Breeds.

Different dog breeds are banned in different provinces in Canada, listed below:

• Ontario – The American Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier and their crosses are banned from entering or transiting.
• The City of Toronto – also bans the breeds above, however, air transit is permitted. When transiting Toronto, advance notice must be provided and an agent must transit your dog.
• Winnipeg –  American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier and their mixes are banned from entry or transiting.

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Taking other animals to Canada.

Taking rabbits to Canada.

Rabbits are permitted to enter Canada from the US without any form of documentation. They may travel to Canda as long as the following conditions are met:

• Owners must have an import permit from the local CFIA office in the destination province
• The rabbit must travel with their owner
• The owner must possess a statement that the rabbit has always been in their possession
• Rabbits may need to spend time in quarantine.

Rabbits do not need rabies vaccinations, or any other vaccinations to enter Canada.

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Taking rodents to Canada.

Rodents do not need a permit or health certificate to enter or transit through Canada. The following are species are permitted:

Agoutis, Beavers, Capybaras, Chinchillas, Chipmunks, Coypus, Gerbils, Gophers, Groundhogs, Guinea pigs, Gundis, Hamsters, Jerboas, Lemmings, Maras, Marmots, Mice, Muskrats, Pacaranas, Pacas, Porcupines, Prairie dogs, Rats, Springhares, Squirrels, Tucotucos, Viscachas, Voles.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has placed restrictions on the importation of the following pets:

• Prairie Dogs, Gambian Pouch Rats, or Squirrels.
• Any rodents from Africa.

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Taking ferrets to Canada.

Ferrets entering Canada from the US over the age of 3 months from the US must have proof of current rabies vaccination.

Ferrets entering Canada from any other country also require an import permit issued by the local CFIA office in the destination province is required.

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Taking birds to Canada.

Birds are permitted to enter Canada from the US, as long as the following conditions are met:

1. Owners must accompany the bird into Canada;
2. The birds must be found to be healthy when inspected at the port of entry;
3. The owner must sign a declaration stating that the birds have been in his/her possession for the 90 day period preceding the date of importation and have not been in contact with any other birds during that time;
4. The owner must sign a declaration stating that the birds are the owner’s personal pets and are not being imported for the purpose of re-sale; and
5. The owner or any member of the family must not have imported birds into Canada under the pet bird provision during the preceding 90 day period.

Birds may be permitted to enter Canada from other countries. 

Bird owners from countries other than the US require an import permit from the local CFIA office in the destination province. Canada bans the import of birds from certain countries and has additional requirements from others. More information can be obtained at the local CFIA office.

To prevent the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza, birds from the following countries are prohibited:

• Bangladesh
• China
• Egypt
• India
• Indonesia
• Vietnam

How to use a Canadian Pet Passport

You can use your pet’s Canadian passport just as you would your own passport!

When crossing a border, you will need to inform the customs agent that you are bringing your pet. You will need to inform your travel company that you will be bringing your pet along. It’s important to do this as some companies do not allow pets.

When at the border, you will simply need to present both your passport and your pet’s passport.

It is important to keep in mind that vaccinations must remain up to date in order for your pet’s passport to be valid. Canada accepts both 1 year and 3 year rabies vaccinations. Additionally, remember to check border requirements prior to entry in case the country has additional requirements.

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What airlines allow flying a pets to Canada?

Most airlines allow flying pets to Canada. However, depending on the airline you fly with, pet policies differ.

When flying with a pet, it’s important to check airline pet policies before booking any travel. Different airline’s have different rules for flying with pets, including which breeds are allowed, the size and weight of pets that are permitted, and the number of pets they allow. Fees also vary between airlines.

Most airlines will allow pets to fly in the cargo section of their planes, in a climate controlled, comfortable pet zone. Although some pet owners think this will be stressful for their pets, it can actually be a lot calmer than flying in the cabin.

Some airlines will allow pets to fly in the cabin with their owners, but generally only small dogs and cats that weigh under 8kg are permitted. This is because they must fly inside an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of their owners.

For a list of airlines that allow pets to fly in the cabin with their owners, check:

• 21 Airlines That Allow Flying With Dogs In-Cabin [Prices & Policies]
• 15 Airlines That Allow Flying With a Cat In-Cabin [Prices & Policies]
• 7 Airlines that Allow Rabbits in the Plane Cabin [Policies & Prices]

For a list of airlines that allow other pets on their planes, check: 

• 13 Airlines That Allow Pet Birds on Planes [Policies & Prices]
• 7 Airlines That Allow Pet Snakes on Planes [Policies & Prices]
• 7 Airlines That Allow Lizards on Planes [Policies & Prices]
• 7 Airlines That Allow Rodents on Planes [Policies & Prices]
• Which Airlines Allow Hedgehogs on Planes? [Policies & Prices]

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Guidelines for Pet Carriers.

If you are flying to Canada with a pet, it is important that you use a pet carrier that is approved by your airline. Different airlines have different pet carrier policies, which often vary between aircrafts and routes. Check that your pet carrier is approved for your chosen airline, aircraft and route. 

The rules and regulations have been set out by International Air Transport Association (IATA) ensure that dogs are comfortable when travelling. Thus, inside their travel carriers, pets must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position in their kennel (without touching any side or the top of the container).

Furthermore, the rules for pet carriers also vary depending on whether your pet will be flying in the cabin or cargo area of the plane.

If you are travelling in the cabin with your dog or cat, then you will need to ensure that the carrier fits under the seat in front of you. This is why, generally, only small dogs and cats weighing under 8kg are permitted in the cabin.

BUDGET	PET CARRIER	PRICE
LOW	AmazonBasics Pet Carrier Medium	CHECK HERE
MEDIUM	PetsFit Pet Carrier With Expandable Side	CHECK HERE
HIGH	Mr. Peanut’s Double Expandable, Soft-Sided Pet Carrier	CHECK HERE

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Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

What are the requirements to return to Canada after travel?

The same requirements apply to dogs or cats that originated from Canada and are being returned directly from a country designated by the Minister as having been free from rabies and living there for not less than six (6) months. Thus, your dog or cat will need either proof of current rabies vaccination (EU Pet Passport is accepted) OR a health certificate in English or French and completed by a licensed veterinarian.

Can my pet travel to Canada with an EU Pet Passport?

An EU Pet Passport permits pets to travel to EU countries and listed non-EU countries without having to face quarantine. As Canada is a listed non-EU country, those of you with EU Pet Passports are in luck. Therefore, dogs, cats and ferrets with an EU Pet Passport can travel to Canada without facing quarantine.

Can I bring my puppy or kitten to Canada?

Yes, however, dogs under the age of 8 months must be shipped commercially. Thus, you must also have an import permit for your puppy. Dogs and cats under 3 months old are exempt from import requirements if entering Canada with their owner. Thus, they do not require the rabies vaccination. You should, however, provide proof of age and ownership.

Can I relocate to Canada with my pet?

Yes, many people relocate to Canada each year. As long as you follow the guidelines above then moving to Canada with a pet should be simple. This means, making sure that your pet has any required vaccinations and has all the documents required to enter Canada.

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Bottom Line

Obtaining a Canadian pet passport for your pet is simple, as long as you are aware of the guidelines. How to get a Canadian Pet Passport and the regulations, depend on your pet’s species, age and where you are traveling from. If you are traveling to Canada with an adult dog or cat who is your pet then the process should be very simple. Your pet will simply need a valid rabies vaccination certificate. However, in some cases you will need a health certificate.

Hope you have found this helpful – happy travels!