Do I need any special papers for my pet to travel to Canada?

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Ravishing

You need proof of a rabies shot and that the animal with you is the animal that received the shot. My husband and I went to our local vet and the vet filled out a special form for us with all of the information required.
In the end we didn't actually end up showing any information for the cat driving into or out of Canada. He hid in a blanket on the floor so he wasn't visible and nobody at either border bothered asking of we had an animal in the car.

Maggie H

Just so you know, if you are flying Air Canada it is no longer allowing pets onboard. Fly Westjet.

Cariad

The answer to your question depends on how old your pet is.

If a dog/cat is under 3 months of age, they can't GET a rabies vaccination to have the paper. (the minimum age for rabies vaccination is 3 months) Therefore, it is not required. It is when the beast is OVER the age of 3 months that you need the statement from a qualified vet that your animal doesn't have rabies & has been vaccinated. (the rabies tag the vet gives is not good enough)

From the site:
Domestic or pet cats less than three months of age can enter Canada for any period of time without vaccination, quarantine, or certification.

Domestic or pet dogs between the ages of three (3) and eight (8) months, which are accompanied by their owners, require rabies certification in accordance with Section 2 if from a rabies-free country, or in accordance with Section 3 if from a country that is not designated as rabies-free. No additional certification is required.
NOTE: Dogs less than three months of age do not require rabies vaccination or certification that the dog comes from a rabies-free country.

The documents you need must clearly identify the animal.

For cats:
The certificate should identify the animals as to breed, colour, weight, etc., and indicate the name of the licensed rabies vaccine used (trade name), including serial number and the duration of its validity (up to three years). Please note that if the duration of validity is not indicated on the certificate, it will be considered to be valid for one year. (as well as stating the animal is rabies free, or if it has been vaccinated iof applicable)

For dogs:
Do all dogs have to be vaccinated against rabies?
No, dogs under three (3) months of age do not require vaccination against rabies.
Service Dogs with their users, certified canine vision, hearing or other special skill do not require vaccination against rabies (assistance dogs).
Pet dogs arriving from a country officially recognized free of rabies does not have to be vaccinated against rabies. Veterinary certificate of origin identifying the animal also stating that rabies has not occurred in the past six months and that the animal has been in that country for the previous six months.

There is more info on the site.

You also need to check with the province you are entering on any restrictions. Ontario has restrictions on pit bull dogs, except when they are in dogs shows or something like that.

Before you travel take pictures of you animal and keep them with you. Ensure the tags on the animal are up to date on contact info. (and consider a tag with a cell phone or friends number in case your cell phone doesnt work where you are) Update the microchip with a travelling number if you need to. NEVER let your animal off the leash, even a well trained one. Travel is stressful and the animal may bolt. Also do not let dogs/cats roam free in your vehicle. They become furry cannon balls if you need to step on the break...I have seen this first hand, and it is not pretty. (a loose animal can also make emergency manoevers hard)

Ziggy

If it is a domestic animal, you need proof of a rabies vaccination. The Canadian Government has a website which details all necessary documentation for your pet: (please note that Canada does not view the US as rabies-free).

http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/import/petse.shtml

EDIT
In response to the above comment, my girlfriend and I took our cat over the boarder and back without an issue from either border patrol. For cats, you only need proof of rabies vac.... but do check out the link for information on all pets.

Alex P

yes that he is not sick

Anniekd

Wow. First, I thought you said "special powers" and my mind just exploded all over the keyboard. I was like, "I wonder, couldn't you use levitation and just send your kitty 30 feet in the air all the way over the border?" Or teleportation. Or mind control. It was awesome, but I don't think I can answer your actual question, sorry.

seattle2

yes....do not even try to take a pet in....u won't get it back in U.S. if you do get it over the line....

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