Import Rules
Commercial dogs, including rescue and adoption dogs, from countries at high risk for dog rabies are prohibited from entering Canada. No import permits are issued.
Additional notes
In force since 28 September 2022. Personal pets accompanied by their owner are not affected, but CFIA has signalled it may strengthen the personal-dog rules from high-risk countries, so check close to travel.
Dogs under 8 months arriving unaccompanied, and all commercial dogs (which includes dogs for adoption, resale, fostering or breeding), follow a stricter pathway: ISO microchip, CFIA import permit applied for through the My CFIA portal, and a veterinary health certificate.
Additional notes
Adoption counts as commercial even when no money changes hands. This catches many rescue transports.
Pets arriving from an officially rabies-free country, which includes Australia, Fiji, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Sweden and the United Kingdom, may instead carry a government vet certificate confirming the animal has been in that country for at least 6 months (or since birth).
Additional notes
Most owners from these countries carry a rabies certificate anyway, which also covers the return leg and any US onward travel.
Dogs and cats aged 3 months or older arriving from any country need a valid rabies vaccination certificate, written in English or French and issued and signed by a licensed vet.
Additional notes
There is no waiting period after vaccination for Canada, unlike the EU's 21 days. The certificate must identify the animal and show the vaccination date and validity.
Ferrets from the US need a rabies vaccination certificate. Ferrets from other countries should be confirmed with CFIA before travel.
Pets under 3 months old need no rabies certificate but must have proof of age.
All pets must be declared to the Canada Border Services Agency at the first point of entry, where documents are checked and the animal is visually inspected. An inspection fee applies if the paperwork is not in order.
Pets leaving Canada need the destination country's export health certificate, completed by an accredited vet and endorsed by a CFIA district office where the destination requires it.
Additional notes
Canada is a listed country for both GB and the EU, so no titre test applies on those routes. Destination timing rules, such as GB's tapeworm window, drive the vet appointment date.
Personal pets accompanied by their owner face no quarantine, no rabies titre test and no microchip requirement, making Canada one of the simplest major destinations.
Additional notes
Microchipping is still strongly recommended for identification.
Travellers from the US may bring up to 20 kg of US-origin pet food for their own animal. Pet food containing animal products cannot be brought in from other countries.
Additional notes
Buy food after arrival when flying in from outside the US.
Certified assistance dogs accompanying their handler are exempt from several requirements. Carry the certification.
Banned & Restricted Breeds
Pit Bull types (Ontario)
Status: Ontario's Dog Owners' Liability Act bans pit bulls (Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and substantially similar dogs) from the province. Visiting or transiting Ontario with a pit bull type is not permitted. The ban has been in force since 2005 and remains in force.
Exemptions: Limited exemptions for grandfathered Ontario dogs, which must be muzzled and leashed in public
Pit Bull types and others (rest of Canada)
Status: There is no federal breed ban. Regulation is provincial and municipal: Ontario bans pit bull types province-wide, some municipalities such as Winnipeg restrict them, while others have repealed bans (Montreal in 2019). Check the destination city's animal control bylaw before travelling with a commonly restricted breed.
Exemptions: Varies by municipality
Veterinarians
Weather & Embargo Risks
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Airline Risk | Heat Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -1°C | -7°C | High | |
| January | 7°C | 1°C | None | |
| February | 0°C | -6°C | High | |
| February | 8°C | 1°C | None | |
| March | 5°C | -2°C | Medium | |
| March | 11°C | 3°C | None | |
| April | 14°C | 6°C | None | |
| April | 12°C | 4°C | None | |
| May | 17°C | 9°C | None | |
| May | 19°C | 10°C | None | |
| June | 24°C | 15°C | None | |
| June | 20°C | 12°C | None | |
| July | 22°C | 14°C | Low | |
| July | 27°C | 18°C | Medium | |
| August | 22°C | 14°C | Low | |
| August | 26°C | 17°C | Medium | |
| September | 19°C | 11°C | None | |
| September | 21°C | 13°C | None | |
| October | 14°C | 7°C | None | |
| October | 14°C | 7°C | None | |
| November | 7°C | 2°C | None | |
| November | 9°C | 4°C | None | |
| December | 7°C | 2°C | None | |
| December | 1°C | -4°C | High |
Rows highlighted in yellow indicate months with high embargo risk. Airlines may restrict pet travel during extreme temperatures.
Pet-Friendly Accommodation
Airbnb
Always filter for 'pets allowed'. Contact the host before booking to confirm the pet policy, size limits and any fees.
Booking.com
Filter for 'pets allowed'. Many hotels charge a per-night supplement. Call to confirm the specific policy.
BringFido
Specialist platform where every listing is pet-friendly. Reviews include pet-specific feedback.
Fairmont Hotels
Canadian flagship chain, widely pet-friendly with in-room amenities. Confirm per hotel.
Delta Hotels (Marriott)
Pet policy varies by property.
Notable Cities in Canada (8 cities)
Ottawa
Ontario
Canadian national capital
Montreal
Quebec
Toronto
Ontario
Vancouver
British Columbia
Calgary
Alberta
Edmonton
Alberta
Halifax
Nova Scotia
Winnipeg
Manitoba
Living with your pet in Canada (1 city)
Canada (Toronto, Vancouver and nationwide)
Municipal dog licence required (for example Toronto, with a fine for non-compliance), renewed yearly. Short-stay visitors generally exempt
Leash laws: Leashes required in public except in designated off-leash areas; Toronto caps leads at two metres
Muzzle requirements: Ontario bans pit bull types under the Dog Owners' Liability Act, importing one is illegal and risks seizure; some BC municipalities require muzzling of pit bull types
Dog-friendly highlights
Extensive off-leash parks, dog-friendly patios, trails and pet-welcoming hotels
Things to avoid
Extreme winter cold and road salt on paws, summer heat, ticks and Lyme disease, and avoid bringing banned breeds into Ontario
Canadians are dog-friendly and tidy; cleaning up after your dog is expected and often enforced
Bringing medications to Canada (5 medications)
ACP / Acepromazine
Acepromazine
Quantity limit: Trip supply
Original packaging: Required
Declaration: Required
WARNING: Most airlines prohibit sedation. Do not sedate for air travel.
CBD Oil/Treats
Cannabidiol
Original packaging: Required
Declaration: Required
CBD legality varies by EU country. France: legal under 0.3% THC. Germany: legal. Netherlands: legal. Some countries may confiscate.
Gabapentin
Gabapentin
Quantity limit: 90 days supply
Original packaging: Required
Declaration: Required
Carry vet letter in English and local language if possible
Phenobarbital
Phenobarbital
Quantity limit: 90 days supply
Original packaging: Required
Declaration: Required
Controlled substance - declare at customs. Carry vet letter with pet's name and dosage.
Trazodone
Trazodone
Quantity limit: Trip supply
Original packaging: Required
Declaration: Required
Travelling with multiple pets (14 topics)
AHC requirements
Up to 5 pets can be listed on a single AHC (as of current DEFRA rules), provided they are not travelling for commercial purposes. However, many OVs charge per animal regardless.
2 Dogs
Up to 5 pets on one AHC. Two dogs from same household can share one certificate.
3+ Dogs
Up to 5 pets on one AHC. Same OV appointment, one certificate. Some OVs still charge per animal but only one cert needed.
Dog + Cat
Dog and cat can be on the same AHC (up to 5 pets total, non-commercial).
Key rules: Up to 5 pets on a Single AHC. This is a DEFRA rule, you do NOT need separate AHCs for each pet. However, many OVs charge per animal.
Cost implications: £100-250 for the AHC appointment regardless of whether 1 or 5 pets. Some OVs may charge extra per animal for the examination.
Tips: Book all pets in a single OV appointment. Confirm with your OV that they'll list all pets on one AHC. Max 5 non-commercial pets per certificate.
Airline cabin limits
Most airlines allow only ONE pet in cabin per passenger. Some allow one per booking regardless of passenger count.
2 Dogs
Need two passengers to bring two cabin dogs. Some airlines limit total cabin pets per flight (often 2-3 across entire cabin).
3+ Dogs
Extremely difficult by air. Max 1 cabin pet per passenger, and airlines cap total pets per flight. Some pets likely need cargo.
Dog + Cat
Same rules apply, dog in one carrier, cat in another, need two passengers.
Key rules: Call airline before booking to confirm cabin pet availability. Some flights may already have their pet quota filled. Book early.
Cost implications: Cabin pet fee applies PER animal (not per booking). Typically £40-100 per pet per flight.
Tips: If both dogs are under weight limit, book two separate passengers. If only one qualifies for cabin, consider driving instead, splitting pets between cabin and cargo is stressful for everyone.
Airline cargo limits
Airlines limit total live cargo per flight. Large dogs take up more space and weight allocation in the cargo hold.
2 Dogs
Two large dogs in cargo is feasible but must book both well in advance. Some airlines charge per crate + per kg.
3+ Dogs
Contact airline cargo department directly for 3+ animals. May need to split across flights or use a pet relocation company.
Dog + Cat
Dog and cat should be in separate crates and ideally positioned away from each other in the hold (airlines usually handle this).
Key rules: Each animal needs its own IATA-approved crate. Two crates must both fit within the cargo allocation. Book cargo space Early.
Cost implications: Cargo fees per crate: £200-600+ depending on size and route. Two large dogs = £400-1,200+ in cargo fees.
Tips: For 3+ animals, seriously consider a pet relocation company. They handle logistics, documentation, and can charter or block-book cargo space.
Animals belonging to the same family as pet travel scheme animals that do not fall inside the scheme.
Animals other than Cats, Dogs and Ferrets do not fall inside the scope of the pet travel scheme and therefore travel under their own legislaton, which for terrestrial mammals, often involves doing so under a Rabies Import Licence. being under licence means that they must go straight into a quarantine facility and cannot travel in the same vessel as other pets in their family. For example a Rabbit would travel in hold 5 of an Aircraft, whereas the Dog from that same family would be pallitised and placed in the front cargo hold of that plane.
Animals imported under a Rabies licence must travel under their own AWB.
Animals that are travelling under a rabies licence (for example if they are known to be non-compliant with the import regulations into the UK) must travel under their own individual Air Waybill (AWB), even if there are other animals from the same family or house hold carrying out the same trip.
Animals known to be non-compliant with the pet travel scheme.
Animals that are known to be non-compliant with the pet travel scheme must travel under a Rabies Import Licence.
Crate sharing
Dogs Cannot share a crate for air travel under any circumstances (IATA Live Animals Regulations). Each animal must have its own crate.
2 Dogs
Two separate crates required. Even puppies from the same litter cannot share for air travel.
3+ Dogs
Three separate crates. Consider the logistics of transporting 3+ large crates to the airport.
Dog + Cat
Absolutely separate crates. Dog and cat must never be in same crate.
Key rules: IATA regulations strictly prohibit crate-sharing for commercial air transport. No exceptions.
Cost implications: Must buy/hire separate crates per animal. IATA crates for large dogs cost £80-300+ each.
Tips: For ferry/Eurotunnel travel, dogs CAN share the car space, this is one major advantage of driving vs. flying with multiple pets.
Eurotunnel with multiple pets
Eurotunnel allows multiple pets in your vehicle. No separate pet fee, pets travel free as part of your vehicle booking.
2 Dogs
Both dogs stay in your car. Free. No additional booking required. Just present documentation for each dog at check-in.
3+ Dogs
All dogs in your car. Free. Present individual documentation for each at check-in. Staff will check each microchip.
Dog + Cat
Dog and cat both in car. Free. Separate documentation for each.
Key rules: Eurotunnel has no pet limit per vehicle. All pets travel free. Each needs their own AHC and documentation.
Cost implications: FREE. This is the most cost-effective option for multi-pet households.
Tips: Eurotunnel is the multi-pet household's best friend. No fees, no limits, no separation, no crates required (just secure in vehicle). 35 minutes and done.
Ferry with multiple pets
Ferries are generally the easiest option for multi-pet travel. Dogs stay in your car or in pet-friendly cabin/kennel area.
2 Dogs
Most ferries allow multiple dogs per vehicle with no additional documentation hassle. Pet-friendly cabins may have a 2-dog limit.
3+ Dogs
Check ferry operator for max pets per booking. Most allow 2 in a pet cabin; more than 2 may need to stay in the vehicle on car deck.
Dog + Cat
Most ferries allow dogs and cats together in the vehicle. Pet cabins typically have a limit but you can have different species.
Key rules: Check each operator's multi-pet policy. Brittany Ferries, P&O, and Dfds all have different limits for pet cabins.
Cost implications: Some operators charge per pet (£15-30 each), others per booking. Ferry pet fees are generally much cheaper than airline fees for multiple animals.
Tips: Ferry + driving is usually the best option for multi-pet households. Everyone stays together, no crate requirements (just seatbelt harnesses or car crates), and much less stressful for the animals.
Pet-friendly accommodation
Many "pet-friendly" properties have limits on number of pets. Commonly 1-2 pets max. Fees usually per pet per night.
2 Dogs
Most pet-friendly places accept 2 dogs. Always confirm in advance. Expect £10-30/night per dog surcharge.
3+ Dogs
3+ dogs significantly limits accommodation options. Self-catering cottages/villas are often best as they have fewer restrictions than hotels. Booking.com filters are unreliable for 3+ pets.
Dog + Cat
Confirm property accepts both species. Some places welcome dogs but not cats, or vice versa.
Key rules: Always phone/email directly to confirm multi-pet acceptance. Online "pet-friendly" filters rarely account for number of pets.
Cost implications: Pet surcharges add up fast with multiple animals. £20/night x 2 dogs x 7 nights = £280 extra. Factor this into budget.
Tips: Self-catering properties (gîtes, villas, cottages) are almost always better for multi-pet households. More space, fewer restrictions, lower pet fees, enclosed gardens for dogs.
Pets imported under a rabies movement licence into GB
Pets being imported into GB under a Rabies licence are not permitted to share a space with any other animal, due to the risk of rabies. This includes not being put in the same cargo hold, not being transported in the same vehicle and not sharing a kennel or container with any other animal.
2 Dogs
Animals travelling under a rabies licence must be travelled and kenneled individually.
3+ Dogs
Animals travelling under a rabies licence must be travelled and kenneled individually.
Sharing kennels / Catteries at quarantine facilities.
If pets belonging to the same family fail the pets travel scheme, or are imported under a licence, they c
Dog + Cat
Only animals of the same species can share kennels or catteries.
Sharing kennels / Catteries on arrival to BCPs
Pets belonging to the same family and AWB number can share a kennel on arrival to some UK Border Control Posts (BCPs). The number and weight of the pets that can share depends on the specifics of the kennel licencing at that place. However, if one pet fails the pet travel scheme and needs to go to quarantine, sharing a kennel might mean that the other pets must also go into quarantine with the failed pet. Pets imported under a licence are not permitted to share a kennel with pets imported under the pet travel scheme and vice versa.
2 Dogs
Upto 2 Medium Dogs of a certain weight can share a kennel at Animal Aircare Heathrow.
3+ Dogs
Up to 3 pets of the same species can share a kennel at HARC.
Dog + Cat
Only animals of the same species can share kennels or catteries.
Tapeworm treatment (return to UK)
Each pet needs their own tapeworm treatment within the 1-5 day window before UK return.
2 Dogs
Both dogs need treatment in the same window. Book a single vet appointment for both. Ensure both are stamped on their respective AHCs.
3+ Dogs
All dogs need treatment. A single appointment can cover all, but make sure vet stamps EACH AHC individually.
Dog + Cat
Both dog and cat need tapeworm treatment. Same vet, same appointment, same treatment (Praziquantel), separate AHC stamps.
Key rules: ONE missed tapeworm treatment means that specific pet is refused UK entry. The others can enter. The untreated pet faces quarantine.
Cost implications: Vet consultation abroad for tapeworm: typically €30-60 per animal. Multi-pet appointment may be cheaper per head.
Tips: Set ONE alarm for all pets' tapeworm treatment. Do them all in the same appointment. Double-check each AHC is stamped individually.