Immigration and Departure to Canada with Pets|Complete Guide to Quarantine, Procedures and Required Documents for Dogs and Cats [Latest by 2026].

Pet immigration and relocation to Canada can be safely accomplished with proper preparation.
Preparation and departure procedures in Japan are key, including rabies vaccines, quarantine certificates in English, and microchips required by Canada's Animal Quarantine Authority (CFIA). In this guide, we have compiled the necessary procedures, documents, and schedules for each type of dog or cat and each method of travel. With accurate information, you can smoothly start a new life with your pet.

What you will learn in this guide

  • 狁Dog vaccine and certificate requirements for entry into Canada
  • Procedures at the Japanese animal quarantine office and how to obtain an English certificate
  • Differences in requirements based on pet age and health status
  • Airline restrictions (e.g., short-heads) and in-flight/cargo options
  • Common Procedural Failures and Countermeasures
  • PetAirJPN Support Plans and Fees

3 points you must check before entering Canada

If you are bringing your pet to Canada, the following are the first requirements to check. Failure to meet these may result in denial of entry upon arrival.

① Expiration date of 狁 dog disease vaccine
Pets over 3 months old must have an expired 狁 dog vaccine certificate (signed by a veterinarian). Canada strictly verifies vaccine expiration dates.
Animal quarantine certificate in English
An "Export Quarantine Certificate" issued by the Animal Quarantine Service in Japan is required. The Japanese version is not acceptable. Please apply to the quarantine station at least 10 days before you plan to leave Japan.
(iii) Microchip installation
Required by Japanese quarantine procedures. Also recommended in Canada and essential for identification of pets, a 15-digit microchip is fitted according to ISO 11784/11785 standards.

Important:狁Dog disease antibody titer testing (blood test) is not required in Canada. However, the animal quarantine certificate must clearly state the brand name, lot number, and expiration date of the vaccine.

Preparation Schedule from Departure to Return Home

To ensure a smooth departure and entry into the country, we recommend that you follow the timeline below.

1

2 months prior to scheduled departure date

  • Conduct pet health examinations
  • Check rabies vaccination status
  • Check if microchip is installed (if not, make an appointment)
  • Check airline carriage rules (e.g., short-horse restrictions).
2

4-6 weeks prior to scheduled departure

  • Rabies vaccination (if required)
  • Microchipped (no separate testing required)
  • Prepare application documents for the animal quarantine station
  • Finalize the method of travel (in-flight/cargo)
3

10 days prior to scheduled departure

  • Apply to the quarantine station via NACCS (Export Quarantine Application System)
  • Specify desired inspection date (usually within 10 days)
  • Confirm acquisition of quarantine certificate in English
4

day of departure

  • Carry English quarantine certificate and rabies vaccine certificate
  • Prepare pet cage (Check airline standards)
  • Check microchip ID records
  • Final check of your pet's health
5

Upon Arrival in Canada

  • Document inspection at CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency)
  • Confirmation of the pet's actual condition
  • Physical examination (if necessary)

Documents and requirements for entry into Canada

requirement entry Contents/Conditions remarks
rabies vaccine certificate Required for pets over 3 months. Valid for up to 3 years. Must be signed and stamped by a veterinarian. It is important that the brand name and lot number be listed.
Animal Quarantine Certificate in English Issued by the Animal Quarantine Service in Japan. Includes species, age, sex, body color, weight, etc. of pet. Issued within 10 days of NACCS application
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  • Airline coordination:Confirmation of Air Canada, ANA, and JAL rules of carriage, reservation procedures, and advance consultation for short-range flights.
  • Proposal for cages and goods:Selecting a cage that meets airline standardsProposal for temperature control goods
  • Post-arrival support:Delivery upon arrival in Canada, introduction of local veterinarian
  • Support Plans and Fees

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    Risako Seto|PetAirJPN Business Manager, Pet International Transportation Specialist

    She has loved animals since she was a child, and her desire to "protect the lives of animals" led her to become a pet nurse. Currently, she is using her experience as an international pet transportation specialist and business manager of PetAirJPN to support many pets and their families to relocate or travel abroad.
    We help owners fulfill their wish to "be with their pets, their precious family members, no matter where they are in the world. We strive to provide a transportation plan that is as stress-free as possible, according to the personality and physical condition of each individual pet. We will support you wholeheartedly so that both you and your pet can start a new life with peace of mind.

    [Qualifications]
    pet nurse
    Animal Health Technician (AHT)
    Veterinary Technician (VT)

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