Regulations depend on the age of the dog. If it's younger than 8 months, a signed rabies-vaccination certificate in English or French is required. It must be certified by a licensed veterinarian; identify the dog’s breed and color; and include the date the dog was vaccinated, and the vaccine name and serial number. For dogs 8 months and older, border officials require the same information. However, if the rabies certificate isn’t ruled up to date, you must have the dog vaccinated within a set time frame and forward the vaccination record to Canadian Food Inspection Agency authorities. If your dog is younger than 8 months and is traveling with someone else, it will also need a certificate of health signed by the veterinarian.
Cats 3 months or older require a rabies-vaccination certificate. The certificate must be in English or French and signed by a licensed veterinarian; identify the cat’s breed and color; and include the date the cat was vaccinated, and the vaccine name and serial number. If the rabies certificate isn’t ruled up to date, you must vaccinate the cat within a set time frame and forward the vaccination record to Canadian Food Inspection Agency authorities. Cats younger than 3 months have no requirements.
Your pet bird must be a species that lives in a cage and may not include pigeons, game birds, doves or fowl. You must accompany the birds or send them with someone in the immediate family; submit them to a health inspection at the border; confirm the birds have been with you for at least the previous 90 days and haven't been with non-household birds in that time; and declare the birds are pets and not for sale. If your bird is fewer than 3 days old, you must have owned the bird's parents for at least 90 days before the bird was born. You'll complete paperwork at the border.
Chipmunks and guinea pigs are among the many rodents allowed to enter Canada without documentation, but prairie dogs, Gambian pouched rats and squirrels are banned. Rabbits don't need any permits or health certificates.
Pet primates, such as apes or monkeys, are banned. Only primates that will live in a zoo, take part in a show or be used in research are allowed.
Amphibians and reptiles, except turtles and tortoises, don't require permits or health certificates. Turtles or tortoises need an import permit and must have lived with you prior to the move. You must transport them yourself.
