Vaccination Requirements for Dogs Traveling to Canada

Proper planning, with safety and comfort in mind, will help you and your pets to make the most of any trip. However, when you're traveling to other countries, such as Canada, you may be required to supply a number of documents certifying the health and vaccination of your dog. Requirements vary from country to country and can be subject to change, so research your destination carefully in advance of your trip.

  1. Dogs Entering Canada

    • A Canada Veterinary Certificate that has been completed by a licensed veterinarian is required to bring a dog into Canada. The certificate must identify the animal by breed, color, weight and other characteristics, as well as indicate the type of rabies vaccination used, its serial number and duration of protection. The vaccine must have been given within the previous three years. The veterinarian's certificate must be dated no more than 10 days prior to the date of the visit, according to the PetTravel website. Canada requires a $30 fee for the inspection to ensure that the animal is free of visible signs of illness. Additional requirements may be necessary for dogs on flights.

    Puppies Under 8 Months of Age

    • Puppies under the age of 8 months and accompanied by their owners must have a certificate of current rabies vaccination. Pups 8 months and younger that are not in the company of their owners will also need a health certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian certifying the pet's general health, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website. The entry of more than two dogs may require an import certificate unless you can prove they are registered for a competition, trial or other association event.

    Dogs for Commercial Purposes

    • Dogs that are brought into Canada for commercial purposes are required to have rabies vaccination certificationa signed by a veterinarian, as well as import forms indicating the purpose of the importation. This category includes dogs brought in for sale, for breeding or for research. These animals require an import certificate available from the Canadian government. Other dogs also come under this category, such as those for show or exhibition, those going to animal welfare organizations and dogs from Canada returning to the country.

    Special Purpose Dogs

    • Service dogs such as seeing eye dogs or dogs for the deaf are exempt from the requirements as long as the dog is accompanied by his user.

    Microchips or Tattooing

    • Special identification methods such as microchipping and tattooing are not required for entry into Canada unless the dogs are to be used for breeding or commercial purposes. The methods are advised for protecting your pets, though.