If you are travelling with a pet or planning to import an animal to Canada, you will need the correct paperwork at the border to meet Canada’s importation requirements.
Depending on the country of export and the type and age of the pet, requirements can vary.
Bringing animals to Canada: Importing and travelling with pets
The best way to understand the requirements is to go to the CFIA website and answer the questions online. In return, you will be provided with a list of required paperwork as well as information about legal and transportation policies. This list can be printed to have on hand at the port of entry, along with all of the pet’s usual documents.
When you travel with your pet, you must present all documents at the border in person.
Note that, when using Air Animal services, please follow their requirements regarding cage sizes and acceptable weights.
Typically, when using Air Cargo services, you will be asked to provide the name of the Customs Broker to include on the Air WayBill (AWB).
Actually, you can do the clearance by yourself and won’t need a broker, which will save some money.
Airlines, however, prefer to work with Customs Brokers to make sure that animals will neither be delayed at the border nor have any other problems.
Live animal brokers cannot declare electronically via the EDI system, so when you hire a broker, it means that they have to present at the Customs office in person.
Flights can arrive at any time of day or night, so sometimes you may need a broker’s assistance after hours to release animals immediately and this service can be costly.
ARGO Customs Brokers offers money-saving tips as well as consultation regarding how to complete the necessary steps by yourself.
Over the last two years, we consulted with many individuals who wanted to import their pets. These pets played crucial roles regarding stress reduction for their owners during the pandemic.
We are proud that our detailed and professional information helped many to do everything by themselves which resulted in successful pet importation.
Satisfied owners have even sent us pictures of their sweet, happy cats and dogs that safely arrived at new homes.