The short answer
To bring a dog or cat into Canada you need rabies vaccination. There is no quarantine for animals that meet every requirement. Plan on at least 30 days before departure.
Canada keeps entry for dogs and cats from most countries relatively straightforward: a valid rabies vaccination certificate is the core requirement, and there is no quarantine for compliant animals.
Entry requirements
How far ahead to start
These are the windows the Canada requirements create, counted back from your travel date. The first one is the one people underestimate.
- 1
Implant an ISO 11784/11785 microchip
22 days before travel Cannot be rushed
It has to come first: every later certificate references this number, and a rabies shot given before the chip usually does not count.
- 2
Rabies vaccination
21 days before travel Cannot be rushed
Must be given after the microchip and be valid on the day you travel. Most destinations also require a minimum of 21 days between the shot and entry.
- 3
Book the flight and reserve the pet slot
30 days before travel
Airlines cap how many animals travel per flight. The pet slot runs out well before the seats do.
- 4
Health certificate and official endorsement
2 days before travel Cannot be rushed
Issued by an accredited vet close to departure, then endorsed by your government authority. This endorsement cannot be done at the airport.
- 5
Travel day
Travel day
Carry the originals plus copies of everything, arrive early, and keep the crate documents attached to the crate.
Confirm with the official source
Rules change without notice and can differ by the country your pet is travelling from. Before you book anything, check the requirements directly with the authority that issues them.
Frequently asked questions
Does Canada require a microchip for pets?
Not mandatory, but strongly recommended — a microchip is expected by many carriers and by most onward destinations from Canada.
Does Canada require a rabies titer (blood) test?
No — a rabies titer test is generally not required for Canada when travelling from a listed country.
Is there a quarantine for pets entering Canada?
No — Canada does not quarantine pets that meet every entry requirement before arrival.
How far ahead should I start planning a pet move to Canada?
Give yourself at least 30 days before travel to complete every step in the correct order.