Botrina Dobermans - Doberman Breeding Kennel in B.C. Canada

Importation of Dogs into Canada

The following was taken directly from the Canadian Customs web site and are the rules that apply.

Importation of Dogs

1. From the United States

A valid rabies vaccination certificate issued by a Canadian or United States practicing veterinarian is required, which identifies the animal and states that it has been vaccinated against rabies within the preceding three (3) year period.

2. From a rabies-free country (officially recognized as such by Canada)

Dogs and Cats may enter Canada if accompanied by a certificate of an official government veterinarian. The certificate must clearly identify the animals and show that:

(a) rabies has not existed in that country for the six (6) month period immediately preceding the shipment of the animals; and,

(b) the animals have been in that country for the six (6) month period referred to in paragraph (a), or since birth.

The same applies to dogs that originated from Canada and are being returned directly from a country designated by the Minister as having been free from rabies for not less than six (6) months. This would include dogs coming out of a quarantine imposed by the exporting country before that quarantine period is completed.

As an alternative to the conditions above, the animals could enter Canada, subject to rabies vaccination as stated in section 3 below.

As another alternative, the animals could be vaccinated upon arrival in Canada at the owner's expense.

3. From countries where rabies is present (or not recognized officially rabies-free by Canada)

Dogs may enter Canada if accompanied by a certificate of a veterinarian from the country of origin, which clearly identifies the dogs and shows that they were vaccinated against rabies at least once within the preceding three (3) year period.

As an alternative, the animals could be vaccinated for rabies upon entry into Canada at the owner's expense.

Vaccination is not recognized if it is done before the animal reaches three (3) months of age.

4. Dogs under eight (8) months of age

New regulations became effective September 15, 1994, which changed Canada's import requirements for dogs under eight (8) months of age.

One or two (2) dogs accompanied by the owner require certification for vaccination against rabies. No additional certification is required.

One or two (2) dogs not accompanied by the owner require a detailed health certificate in addition to the rabies certificate.

More than two (2) dogs require an export certificate and an import permit in addition to the rabies certificate. The import permit may be obtained through Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Area Offices.

Special purpose dogs

Special purpose dogs (seeing-eye, hearing-ear, etc.) from all countries are exempted from all import conditions, when the dog is accompanying its user.

Fees

Fees are payable for inspection of animals being imported into Canada, including dogs and cats, from countries other than the United States. The fee must be paid at the time of inspection.

$30.00 for the first animal, and $5.00 for each additional animal.