Importing a dog

If you are planning on importing a dog, this page may be useful to you. Disturbingly – the governing body is the Canadian Food Inspection Agency – but presumably – that is a holdover from the days when it was mostly livestock moving around. Not actually implying that dogs are food. We hope.  😉

Probably the most obvious things you will need to know is about microchips:

Canada does not require a microchip or tattoo identification for dogs imported as personal pets. However, dogs under 8 months of age imported under the commercial category (dogs for retail sale, breeding purposes, show or exhibition, scientific research, dogs in ‘special training status’, and dogs destined for adoption and/or animal welfare organization) must be identified by an electronic microchip.

 

and rabies vaccines:

Dogs imported into Canada must have all necessary vaccines depending on the age of dog. A dog that is less than 3 months of age at the time of import does not require rabies vaccination. However, proof of a dog’s age must be provided on request.

Please do check the information on the site – which is very well designed – in case of changes/updates to policies.

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/imports/policies/live-animals/pets/dogs/eng/1331876172009/1331876307796

 

The USA, however, does require puppies to be vaccinated for rabies before import, and stipulates that puppies under 4 months cannot be vaccinated for rabies – therefore, puppies may not travel to the US under 4 months of age. (CDC – USA)