Taking your Dog or Cat to Canada
Everything you need to know in 2026
If you are thinking about taking your Dog or Cat to Canada, we are here to help you.
Our vets are very familiar with the official requirements necessary to have a smooth travel and are happy to help if needed.
Here is the full list of veterinary import requirements for your pet:
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A special veterinary certificate is required to travel with your dog or cat from the UK to Canada.
The certificate must be approved by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and signed by an Official Vet, which is a vet has gone through a special training to be authorised to complete Export Health Certificates.
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Dogs and Cats must identifiable (via microchip) and be vaccinated against rabies in accordance with CFIA requirements.
No waiting period is imposed between the time the animal is vaccinated for rabies and the time the animal is imported into Canada.
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Your pet must be examined by a vet within 72hours before travelling to Canada, and the vet should declare that your pet is fit to travel.
After this examination, provided that all the requirements are met (see below), we provide the owners with the Export Health Certificate.
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Pit bulls cannot be imported to the Province of Ontario, as they have been banned.
For information on Ontario's pit bull ban, visit the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General’s website at: www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/about/pubs/dola- pubsfty/dola-pubsfty.asp