Bringing pets to Canada: rules for importing or travelling with animals

All animals entering Canada must meet import requirements including domestic and non-traditional pets. Import conditions can include testing and quarantine, before entering Canada.

Non-traditional pets such as pigs, sheep, goats and poultry (including, but not limited to, ducks and pigeons) represent the same level of animal disease risk as farmed animals and must therefore meet the same import conditions.

CFIA can refuse entry to Canada to any animal presented for importation.

Pet import and travel requirements apply to:

• animals entering Canada permanently
• animals in transit through Canada on their way to a final destination
• animals entering Canada for a temporary visit
• Canadian animals returning to Canada

Learn about import requirements related to these animals:

• Dogs
• Cats
• Amphibians and reptiles
• Birds (from the United States)
• Birds (from countries other than the United States)
• Fish
• Foxes, skunks, raccoons and ferrets
• Horses (from the United States)
• Primates
• Pigs
• Poultry
• Rabbits
• Rodents (guinea pigs, gerbils, mice, rats, chinchillas, hamsters, etc.)
• Scorpions, spiders and other organisms that do not require a permit to import
• Sheep and goats

If the animal you wish to import is not listed, please refer to the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS).

Tips for travelling with your pet

• Protecting pets when they travel
• Video - Travelling with pets: What's the deal?