e-4122 (Animals)

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for establishing the policies regarding the importation of live animals, including dogs into Canada under the Health of Animals Act and Health of Animals Regulations. The CBSA administers and enforces these policies at the border.

On September 28, 2022, the CFIA implemented Notice to industry: New measure prohibiting the entry of commercial dogs from countries at high-risk for dog rabies, the new import restrictions banning all commercial dogs from high risk rabies countries (approximately 112 countries) from being imported into Canada. These restrictions are in effect at international airports in Canada.

The Government of Canada protects Canada’s food, animals and plants to enhance the health and well-being of Canada’s citizens, its environment and its economy. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for regulating the importation of animals into Canada to prevent the introduction and spread of anydisease, such as rabies caused by canine-variant viruses (dog rabies), that have the potential to harm animal and human health. 

Since September 28, 2022, the entry of all commercial dogs into Canada from countries considered to be high risk for dog rabies is no longer permitted, regardless of their age. Commercial dogs can include (but are not limited to) dogs for resale, adoption, fostering, breeding, show or exhibition, research and other purposes. 

This recent measure was implemented in response to the importation of dogs infected with dog rabies, and resulting calls from federal and provincial public health officials to strengthen importation measures in Canada for dogs from countries at high risk for dog rabies. The CFIA consulted with public health authorities regardingthe human health risk and it was determined to be significant enough to warrant the implementation of a measure that helps prevent the introduction and spread of dog rabies to Canada. The CFIA worked with the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency and other federal government partners to implement this measure.

Canada does not currently have any cases of dog rabies (rabies caused by the canine-variant), a virus that can be transmitted between mammals, including humans. Rabies is 99% fatal to animals and humans once they start to show signs or symptoms.

Dog rabies can be introduced into Canada through imports that come from over 100 countries where this deadly disease is present. The importation of even one rabid dog could result in transmission to Canadian humans, pets and Canadian wildlife. In past years, commercial dog imports have increased significantly and shipments of dogs arriving from countries with widespread dog rabies pose a high risk of introducing this disease in Canada.

Anyone looking to import dogs into Canada must comply with the import requirements under the Health of Animals Regulations. These requirements are very specific to the animal species. They are also influenced by other factors such as the purpose of import, the animal health disease status of the country of origin, the age of the animal and whether or not it will be accompanied to Canada by the owner. 

Canada’s import requirements for personal pet dogs and assistance dogs remain unchanged. In accordance with this measures, the CFIA will continue to explore options to further strengthen the requirements to protect the country from dog rabies. The CFIA will work with stakeholders, including air carriers, veterinarians, provincial veterinary authorities, infectious, the Canadian dog industry and animal advocacy groups. The CFIA is committed to continuing to develop approaches that keep the Canadian public and animals safe and prevent the introduction and spread of diseases into Canada.