Pet Relocation to Canada

Who can bring a pet?

This page is for a personal dog or domestic cat moving to Canada, not an animal for sale, adoption, breeding, show or research. CFIA’s import tool asks species, age, owner accompaniment and purpose. Commercial dogs from high-risk rabies countries are prohibited, so classify the move honestly before planning.

Microchip

A microchip is useful for identification and must match the pet’s records and airline documents. CFIA’s personal-pet rabies requirements center on vaccination certification or a qualifying titre, but the right option depends on the animal’s age and category. Check the current CFIA tool before deciding which evidence to obtain.

Rabies vaccination

Indonesia is not among the countries Canada recognizes as rabies-free. A personal dog aged eight months or older generally needs a valid rabies vaccination certificate in English or French, or may qualify using an RNATT result. Dogs under eight months accompanied by their owner use the applicable personal-pet rule. Domestic cats three months or older need a current rabies certificate or qualifying evidence.

Rabies titre test

CFIA’s reference document accepts a rabies neutralising antibody titre of at least 0.5 IU/ml for certain personal dogs and cats from undesignated countries. The sample must be taken at least 30 days after a prior rabies vaccination and the report must identify the animal. A valid vaccination certificate is often the simpler option; check the exact age category.

Import permit

A personal dog or cat does not use the same permit pathway as a commercial dog import. The CFIA Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) and pet-import tool should be checked for the specific species, age, purpose and accompaniment. Commercial dogs from high-risk countries cannot enter Canada under the current prohibition.

Government documents

Carry the rabies vaccination certificate in English or French, or the accepted titre report where that option applies, plus identity and ownership information and airline health documents. Declare the animal at the border. CFIA may inspect the pet and supporting records. Separately, when a pet actually leaves Indonesia, Barantin asks the sender to report the export through PTK Online and provide destination-required veterinary documents, vaccination records and, for dogs and cats, a protective rabies titre result. The pet is then presented at a designated exit point for quarantine inspection; an Animal Health Certificate is issued if requirements are met. If the final export is from a third country, use that country’s export certificate instead.

Quarantine and arrival inspection

CFIA states that pet dogs imported from any country are not subject to routine post-import quarantine. Non-compliant animals may still face inspection, vaccination orders, refusal or removal. Municipal licensing and provincial rules begin after arrival and vary by destination.

Airline requirements

Confirm the pet is travelling as a personal move and whether it is accompanied by its owner, because CFIA categories depend on that detail. Check airline acceptance, airport handling and provincial or municipal rules at the final address. Declare the pet at the Canadian border.

Travel crate

Canada’s humane-transport rules apply to animals during air travel. The airline will set crate acceptance and size. Choose a carrier in which the pet can stand, turn and lie naturally, and check heat, breed and connection restrictions before booking.

Timeline

The timeline is usually driven by vaccine validity, any titre sample date, certificate issuance, travel booking and the animal’s age on arrival. A titre needs at least 30 days after vaccination before sampling. Confirm CFIA’s current rules for the pet’s exact age before setting a departure date.

Cost factors

Cost factors include veterinary certificate, vaccines or titre test, airline cargo or cabin fees, crate, airport handling, import inspection if referred, and provincial or municipal registration. Canada does not impose routine quarantine on compliant personal dogs, but a commercial-purpose misclassification can stop the move entirely.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my personal dog from Indonesia to Canada?

Often yes, if the dog meets the age-specific rabies documentation rule and is genuinely a personal pet. Check the CFIA import tool. Commercial dogs from high-risk countries are prohibited.

Is quarantine required for personal dogs?

CFIA says pet dogs imported from any country are not subject to routine post-import quarantine. Border inspection and action for non-compliance can still apply.

Do cats have the same rules as dogs?

No. Requirements differ by species and age. A domestic cat aged three months or older needs current rabies documentation or qualifying evidence; confirm the exact case in CFIA’s tool.

Official sources

Checked against the linked official sources on 24 October 2026. Rules can change; verify again before preparing your pet.

Pet relocation from Indonesia to Canada