Use the CFIA tool for the actual animal, age and reason for entry. Moving with your own pet is different from importing an animal for adoption, sale or another ownership transfer.
Start with the CFIA decision tool
Select dog or cat, the age at arrival, origin and travel purpose. The dog tool separates personal and commercial entries and asks further questions for younger dogs. A checklist for an adult personal pet must not be treated as the rules for every puppy or commercial movement.
Official sources: CFIA: pet import requirements tool
Check the applicable rabies evidence
CFIA’s import reference document sets out the vaccination-certificate conditions for relevant dog categories, including language and clear identification. Ask the vet to use the requirement returned by the official tool for your case; confirm any additional conditions for a younger or unaccompanied animal.
Official sources: CFIA: import reference document
Personal ownership matters
CBSA describes a personal dog as one living, or going to live, with its owner without transfer to another person after arrival. Commercial rules can differ, including restrictions involving high-rabies-risk origins. State the purpose accurately and keep the evidence consistent.
Official sources: CBSA: travelling with animals
Arrange the route after checking the category
Complete the Indian export steps and confirm the operating carrier, connections and animal acceptance in writing. If the journey transits the US, evaluate that stop with the carrier and the relevant US requirements rather than assuming that “transit” means no checks.
Create a folder with the official tool’s result, applicable vaccine evidence, export documents and transport acceptance. Save the date on which you checked the route. A private ID card is useful for identifying a pet but is not an import certificate.
Plan a temporary trip in both directions
For a return to India, retain the original Indian export evidence and read the AQCS re-import guidance before travelling. If the pet will later return to Canada again, run the Canadian requirements tool for that future journey too.
When comparing proposals, ask what is included at the Canadian arrival point and who can help if a document needs clarification. Confirm collection and onward transport separately from the owner’s passenger booking.
Your document checklist
| Document | Who provides it | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| CFIA result for species, age and purpose | CFIA tool | Save the current result for the actual journey. |
| Applicable rabies and identification evidence | Licensed veterinarian | Use the language and identification conditions for the chosen category. |
| Indian export folder | AQCS / owner / carrier | Follow the linked departure checklist. |
| Transport and arrival arrangements | Operating carrier / receiving party | Confirm the complete itinerary. |
Common questions
Is adopting a dog into Canada the same as bringing my personal pet?
No. Ownership transfer can change the import category. Use CFIA’s correct branch.
Is an airline acceptance email enough to enter Canada?
No. Carrier acceptance and government import requirements are separate checks.
Want help putting the journey together?
Discuss your route, dates and pet’s needs with Anist.
Request a travel callbackSubmitting a request does not confirm a booking. Government clearance and carrier acceptance are separate.
