We like our pets in Canada and welcome yours if you’re coming here in your RV. Below you’ll find some helpful information on what you need to do in advance of bringing your pets to Canada.
Planning ahead of time is key!
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If you’re planning on traveling to Canada with your furry friend, there’s a few thing you need to know before you arrive. From the necessary paperwork and vaccinations to the rules and regulations for bringing pets into the country, this guide will help ensure a smooth and stress-free trip for both you and your pet.
Get your Pet's Health Checked & Vaccinated
Before bringing your pets to Canada, it’s important to make sure they’re up to date on all necessary vaccinations and have a clean bill of health from a licensed veterinarian. Canada requires proof of rabies vaccinations for all dogs and cats entering the country, and some provinces may have additional requirements.
It’s also a good idea to have your pet microchipped and bring along their medical records in case of any emergencies.
Check Canada's Entry Requirements for Pets
Before bringing your pets to Canada, it’s important to check the current entry requirements. They do change periodically but not often, but it’s safer to check closer to the date of entry into Canada.
Canada Customs – info on bringing pets into Canadahttps://inspection.canada.ca/importing-food-plants-or-animals/pets/eng/1326600389775/1326600500578
Here’s an example of what’s required if you are bringing in a dog to Canada (a pet) from the United States.
When you arrive in Canada you’ll need the following:
- a valid rabies vaccination certificate; and
- the dog appears healthy and meets humane transportation requirements
A personal pet dog is defined as a dog that is intended to live with the owner who is bringing the animal into Canada as a personal pet dog. The dog is not intended to be transferred or given to another person upon its arrival into Canada, and/or is not intended for commercial purposes such as reproduction, breeding or sale of offspring, showing/exhibition, sale of germplasm, sale of the dog itself, scientific use/research or special training status (regardless of whether a profit is made or a transfer of funds occurs).
The owner must be the importer of the dog and be able to provide documentation that clearly demonstrates they own the dog and obtained ownership prior to it entering Canada upon request.
If you are bringing a dog to Canada to give to someone else, to foster, to adopt out, to breed, or for other commercial purposes, change your selection from “personal” to “commercial” to get the correct import requirements.
If the dog will be travelling alone or accompanied by a person/agent that has been authorized by the owner to accompany the dog to Canada on their behalf (for example, a flight companion, family member, friend, etc.), change your selection from “accompanied by owner” to “unaccompanied by owner” to get the correct import requirements.
A hard copy of all required original documentation may be requested during the inspection, and the importer must be able to provide such records if asked. As such, it is strongly recommended to travel with a physical original copy of all required documentation.
Simplified Version of the Rules
I know, it sounds like a lot of trouble – but it’s not. Your pet needs to be healthy and have a rabies vaccination. You need to show the paperwork if asked. That’s it!
Keep your pets safe when traveling
If your pet is unrestrained they could cause a distraction and then an accident. It’s possible they may get ejected in the case of an accident and get seriously injured. If you have to make a sudden stop they could get thrown around the RV or even get hit by other items in the vehicle.
The answer is to keep them safe and one of the ways to have them in a travel crate or kennel. It should be roomy enough for him to stand up, move around, and lie down comfortably. Ventilation is important as well.
Another method of restraining your pet is a seatbelt / safety harness that connect with the vehicles regular seatbelt.
Booster seats are great for little dogs – it allows them to see out the window.
It may take a bit of practice for your pet to become used to the restraints but it’s super important for both of your sakes.
Do you have any travel stories involving your pets? Please comment below or send them to carolann@rvingincanada.com.
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