Commercial dogs at high-risk for dog rabies to be stopped from entering Canada

From 28 September 2022 until further notice, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will not issue import permits for commercial dogs from countries at high-risk for dog rabies. The CBSA will deny such dogs entry to Canada.

A personal dog is a pet that lives or will live with the owner and will not be transferred or given to another person upon arrival. You, as the owner must:

• be the importer of the dog and

• have proper documentation proving that you have ownership

If you are not the owner of the dog or the dog is intended for commercial purposes (which are listed under "Commercial Dog"), it is considered a commercial import.

An assistance (service) dog is:

• a dog that provides a distinct service to the individual it is assigned to (designated handler) and

• has been certified and trained by an organization accredited by the International Guide Dog Federation or Assistance Dogs International

Assistance dogs do not include therapy animals, companionship animals, emotional support animals, or comfort animals.

If your assistance dog falls within the personal category, it is exempted from the rabies vaccination requirements.

Your assigned assistance dog is considered a commercial import if:

• it is travelling with another person or

• it is in special "training status"

Commercial dogs include dogs that are intended to be transferred/given to another person and intended for purposes such as:

• dogs used for breeding, including selling/distributing the offspring, further resale, shows or exhibitions, or scientific research

• dogs that have special "training status"

• dogs intended for further adoption, an animal welfare organization, or fostering, which includes rescue dogs (by an individual or animal welfare organization)

• Canadian commercial dogs returning to Canada