🐕 Taking a Dog to Canada

Prepared by the Animals Productions editorial team. See about us and our editorial standards.

Here's exactly what you need to bring a dog into Canada 🇨🇦. The rules below are specific to dogs; for the full country overview see the country hub.

Verified entry requirements (2026)

1. Dogs >3 months: a valid rabies vaccination certificate (EN/FR, within 3 years). For dogs >8 months and ≤2 accompanied pets, a health certificate is not required — the rabies vaccination is enough. Under 3 months — no rabies vaccination needed.
2. Cats ≥3 months: a rabies vaccination certificate; no health certificate required. (A titer ≥0.5 IU/ml is an alternative — verify.)
3. Microchip not federally required for personal pets (recommended).
4. Import permit not required for personal dogs/cats.
5. Quarantine — none.
6. Breeds — no federal ban (municipal rules — verify).

Flying

Small dogs can fly in the cabin (airline weight limit applies); larger ones go in cargo.

Breed rules

No specific breed bans listed for Canada. Snub-nosed breeds may face airline limits.

FAQ

Can my dog fly in the cabin to Canada?

Small dogs can fly in the cabin (airline weight limit applies); larger ones go in cargo.

Does my dog need a titer test?

No, a titer test is not required for Canada.

How many pets can I bring?

Usually up to 5 per traveler.

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