Frequently Asked Questions - Importation of Domestic Cats

Question 1: Does Canada quarantine imported domestic pet cats?

No, domestic cats can enter Canada without quarantine from any country.

Question 2: Do the conditions listed apply to all cats?

No, the information on this Web page applies to domestic or pet cats. If you frequently import cats or import several at a time, you may be asked to certify that they are your personal pets and are not for resale.

Question 3: Do all cats have to be vaccinated against rabies?

No, cats under three (3) months of age do not require vaccination against rabies.

Question 4: Do the requirements listed apply to cats imported on a temporary basis, such as a visit or while travelling through to another country?

Yes, the requirements apply to all domestic cat importations including temporary visits and in-transit visits.

Question 5: Why does Canada have different requirements for rabies free countries versus non rabies free countries?

Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of warm-blooded animals, including pet cats and dogs, and humans. Once symptoms appear, rabies is always fatal in animals and people. Rabies is present in Canada, but one of the ways the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) controls the disease is by requiring proof of vaccination against rabies for all cats and dogs over 3 months of age entering the country.

• Rabies Fact sheet

Question 6: How can I find out if my cat is entering from a country Canada considers to be rabies free?

View the CFIA's list of countries recognized as rabies free for importations of cats and dogs.

Question 7: Do I have to accompany my cat?

No, you do not have to travel with your pet cat, it may be shipped separately.

Question 8: Will I be charged a fee to import my pet cat?

Cats imported into Canada will have a documentary inspection by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to ensure the vaccination is current and the animal description matches. During this visual inspection, CBSA ensures that there is no visible signs of illness. In certain cases, cats imported will require a CFIA inspection for which CFIA inspection fees apply. The fee must be paid at the time of inspection and depend on whether vaccination is required at the port of entry. The fee is $30.00 + tax for the first animal and $5.00 + tax for each additional cat in the shipment (when the cat is already vaccinated). If you choose to have the pet vaccinated in Canada the inspection fee will be $55.00 + tax, fees do not include vaccination against rabies.

For additional information on CBSA fees please visit their website.

Question 9: Do I need to contact someone with the date and time of my arrival?

No, there will be an inspector on duty at the port of entry.

Question 10: Does my cat need a health certificate?

The CFIA does not require you to have a health certificate for your cat, but if the animal is travelling to Canada by air, the commercial airline may require a health certificate. Contact your airline for additional information on their requirements.

Question 11: If I buy a cat in a foreign country and bring it back to Canada, will I have to pay any taxes or duty?

Contact CBSA for this information. In Canada, the telephone number is 1-800-461-9999. If you are calling from outside Canada, please telephone either 204-983-3500 or 506-636-5064 (long distance charges apply), or visit the Canada Border Services Agency website.

Question 12: Do I need an import permit for my cat?

No import permit is required for domestic cats.

Question 13: Does my cat require a tattoo or microchip identification?

No.

 

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