Frequently Asked Questions: Importing Domestic Cats

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Does Canada quarantine imported domestic cats?

Domestic cats entering Canada do not have to be quarantined.

Do the import requirements apply to all cats?

Canada's import requirements apply to pet cats or those described as "personal importations". They apply to pet cats entering Canada permanently, as well as pet cats passing through Canada on their way to a final destination.

Different import requirements apply to non-domestic cats. Please refer to the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) for more information.

Do all cats have to be vaccinated against rabies?

Cats do not require a rabies vaccination or certification if they are less than three (3) months of age at the time they are imported into Canada. You may be asked to show documentation confirming that your cat is less than three (3) months of age.

Cats three (3) months of age or older arriving from a country officially recognized by Canada as being rabies free do not have to be vaccinated against rabies, although vaccination is strongly recommended.

• These cats can enter Canada with a signed veterinary certificate from the country of origin that identifies the cat and states that it has been in that country since birth or for at least six (6) months immediately preceding shipment to Canada.
• The certificate must be accompanied by documentation from a competent government authority*, stating that rabies has not occurred in the country of origin for at least six (6) months immediately preceding the animal's shipment to Canada.

*Note: a "competent government authority" means a veterinary agency or other government agency that manages a country's animal health and welfare situation, as well as handles the responsibility of veterinary certification for international trade. The document can be either:

• a letter issued on the competent government authority's letterhead, which must be dated, stamped, and signed by an official of the competent government authority in the country of origin; or
• a signed letter written by the licensed veterinarian who issued the certificate, which must be endorsed by the competent government authority.

Why does Canada have different requirements for rabies-free countries and non rabies-free countries?

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) protects human and animal health by minimizing and managing risks. Cats coming from a country recognized by Canada as being rabies-free are not considered as a risk for introducing the disease into Canada.

You can protect yourself and your pet, as well as help reduce the spread of rabies by having your pet vaccinated against rabies.

Please refer to the Rabies Fact Sheet for more information.

Why are some countries considered as rabies-free not recognized by Canada?

Canada officially recognizes a country as rabies-free when the exporting country:

• made an application to Canada to be recognized as such; and
• was assessed to the satisfaction of the CFIA.

Do I have to accompany my cat to Canada?

No, you do not have to accompany your cat to Canada.

Does my pet cat need a health certificate?

Cats do not require a health certificate.

Cats of any age may require additional documentation when flying. Please check with your airline to determine whether you meet its requirements.

Will I be charged a fee to import my cat?

Inspection fees may apply.

Cats entering Canada are inspected by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The CBSA agent will require an additional inspection by the CFIA if the cat does not meet the import requirements or it appears unhealthy or in distress.

For those cats that do not meet the import requirements relating to rabies certification, owners will be required, at their own expense, to do the following:

• have the animal vaccinated against rabies within a specified period of time; and
• provide the vaccination record to a Canadian Food Inspection Agency office.

Please refer to Inspection Fees for more information.

Do I need to contact the authorities before my cat's arrival?

No, there is an inspector on duty at all times at points of entry into Canada.

Do I need an import permit for my cat?

No, an import permit is not required for your cat.

If I buy a cat in a foreign country and bring it back to Canada, will I have to pay any taxes or duty?

For more information, please contact the Canada Border Service Agency.

Does my cat require a tattoo or microchip identification?

Canada does not require a microchip or tattoo identification for pet cats.

Comments or requests for additional information.