Bringing a Stokeshire Dog Into Canada
Bringing your Stokeshire dog from the U.S. to Canada is straightforward when you follow Canada’s import rules and your airline’s pet policies. Here’s a comprehensive guide—organized by your dog’s age and travel method—plus details on how Stokeshire supports you every step of the way.
The Short Version
Dogs 8 months and older: No health certificate required for Canada; a valid rabies vaccination certificate is mandatory if the dog is 3+ months old.
Puppies under 8 months: Rules vary based on whether the puppy is traveling with you or unaccompanied (e.g., with a transporter).
Accompanied puppies: Proof of current rabies vaccination (if 3+ months).
Unaccompanied puppies: Veterinary health certificate issued within 72 hours of arrival.
Always check both: Canada’s import rules (CFIA) and your airline’s pet policies (carrier size, fees, cabin vs. cargo).
Who Sets the Rules?
CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency): Sets animal import requirements. Their “Bringing animals to Canada” page is the go-to resource.
CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency): Enforces rules at the border and may assess taxes/fees.
USDA APHIS: Provides guidance for U.S. vets/exporters when sending pets to Canada.
What Stokeshire Provides
Rabies vaccination certificate: For dogs 3+ months, signed by a licensed veterinarian and clearly identifying the dog.
Microchip information, health records, and bill of sale.
Travel coordination: Whether you’re traveling with your dog, using a flight nanny, or arranging ground transport.
Proof of age: For puppies under 3 months (rabies vaccination isn’t required, but officials will need age verification).
Requirements by Age & Travel Type
A) Dogs 8 Months or Older
Documents:
Rabies vaccination certificate (if 3+ months).
Health certificate not required for Canada.
B) Puppies Older Than 3 Months but Under 8 Months
Owner-accompanied (same flight or driving together):
Rabies vaccination certificate (current).
No Canadian health certificate required.
Unaccompanied (e.g., transporter/flight nanny):
Veterinary health certificate issued within 72 hours of arrival to Canada.
C) Puppies Under 3 Months
Documents:
No rabies vaccination required for Canada.
Proof of age is mandatory (airlines may still impose minimum age requirements).
Rabies Certificate Requirements
Canada requires the rabies certificate to:
Be issued by a licensed veterinarian.
Include the vaccine date and confirmation that it’s current (Canada accepts up to 3-year vaccines).
Clearly identify your dog (name/description).
Airline Policies for Canada-Bound Pets
Airlines have their own rules for carrier type/size, age minimums, fees, and cabin availability. Always confirm your specific itinerary.
Air Canada:
Small dogs allowed in the cabin if they fit under the seat.
Starting June 1, 2025, soft-sided carriers are required in the cabin.
Arrive early to check in with an agent. Fees and size limits apply.
WestJet:
Pets allowed in the cabin on many routes (restrictions apply).
Separate rules for WestJet Cargo.
Tip: Book nonstop or cool-weather flights when possible to reduce heat/cold stress.
Driving Across the Border
At land crossings, present your rabies certificate (if the dog is 3+ months). CFIA sets the import requirements, while CBSA officers handle inspections and may collect taxes/fees.
Taxes, Fees, and Inspections
Duty: Personal-use dogs are generally duty-free under the live-animal HS classification. However, CBSA may collect GST/HST depending on your province.
Inspection/quarantine fees: Some CFIA/CBSA services have fees, though most pet entries are quick.
Provincial & Local Rules to Know
Some provinces and municipalities have breed-specific laws. For example, Ontario prohibits the import of “pit bull”–type dogs. Always check your province/municipality before traveling.
Your Step-by-Step Plan
Reserve transport: Decide whether to drive, fly with your dog, or arrange a transporter. Confirm airline pet rules for your route.
Confirm paperwork with Stokeshire:
Rabies certificate (if 3+ months) and health records.
Health certificate (if unaccompanied and under 8 months).
Check provincial/municipal bylaws: Ensure compliance with breed and licensing rules.
At the border/airport:
Have all required documents: rabies certificate, health certificate (if needed), microchip info, and bill of sale.
Be ready to declare your dog and pay any applicable taxes/fees.
Returning to the U.S. Later?
The U.S. CDC has additional rules (as of Aug 1, 2024) for dogs entering the U.S., including age, microchip, and documentation requirements. Plan ahead if you’ll cross back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a microchip for Canada?
Canada focuses on rabies documentation, but microchipping is recommended for identification. Stokeshire dogs are microchipped.How old must my puppy be to fly?
Airline minimum ages vary. Air Canada requires pets to be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned for cabin travel, while WestJet won’t accept pets younger than 8 weeks.Is there a waiting period after rabies vaccination?
Canada recognizes current rabies vaccinations (up to 3-year vaccines). Ensure your certificate is complete and current on arrival.Will I pay duty or tax?
Personal pet dogs are typically duty-free, but GST/HST may apply based on your province.
Helpful Official Pages
CFIA: Bringing animals to Canada (official import rules).
USDA APHIS: Pet Travel from the U.S. to Canada (updated July 30, 2025).
CBSA: Travelling with animals (border enforcement and fees).
Air Canada: Pet policy updates (soft-sided carriers required June 1, 2025).
WestJet: Pet travel policies (including WestJet Cargo).
Ontario: Pit bull regulations (example of provincial restrictions).
How Stokeshire Can Help
Document preparation: Rabies certificate, proof of age, microchip info, bill of sale, and health certificate (if needed).
Travel coordination: We’ll work with your airline or ground transport to ensure compliance with carrier policies.
Border-day checklist: We’ll provide a detailed checklist and contact info in case of questions from officers or airline agents.
Would you like this guide tailored into a printable PDF or a webpage with province-specific add-ons like licensing timelines and city bylaws? Let me know!
write this as Blog that focus on those from Canada looking for a dog in the US - USe our breeds etc.
Jasper
Bringing a Stokeshire Dog Home to Canada: Your 2025 Guide
So, you’ve fallen in love with one of our Stokeshire pups and are ready to bring them home to Canada. Congratulations! Whether it’s one of our loyal Labrador Retrievers, playful Golden Retrievers, or the ever-charming Bernese Mountain Dogs, we’re here to make the process of bringing your new furry family member across the border as smooth as possible.
While the idea of importing a dog from the U.S. might seem daunting, it’s actually quite straightforward when you follow Canada’s import rules and your airline’s pet policies. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from paperwork to travel tips, so you can focus on what really matters—welcoming your new best friend into your home.
Why Choose a Stokeshire Dog?
At Stokeshire, we pride ourselves on raising healthy, well-socialized dogs that are ready to thrive in their new homes. Our breeds are carefully selected for their temperament, intelligence, and compatibility with Canadian families. Whether you’re looking for a hiking buddy, a cuddle companion, or a family-friendly dog, our Stokeshire Doodles or Australian Mountain Dogs.
The Basics of Bringing a Dog Into Canada
Canada’s pet import rules are designed to ensure the health and safety of animals entering the country. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to bring your Stokeshire dog home:
Rabies Vaccination Certificate: Required for dogs 3 months and older.
Health Certificate: Only required for puppies under 8 months traveling unaccompanied.
Proof of Age: For puppies under 3 months, as rabies vaccination isn’t required.
Step-by-Step Guide to Bringing Your Stokeshire Dog Home
1. Choose Your Travel Method
Decide how your new pup will travel to Canada:
Owner-Accompanied: You can drive across the border or fly with your dog in the cabin or cargo, depending on their size.
Transporter or Flight Nanny: If you can’t travel with your dog, we can help arrange a trusted transporter to ensure your pup’s safe arrival.
2. Confirm the Paperwork
Stokeshire provides all the necessary documents to meet Canada’s import requirements, including:
A rabies vaccination certificate (for dogs 3+ months).
Microchip information and health records.
A veterinary health certificate (if your puppy is under 8 months and traveling unaccompanied).
3. Check Airline or Border Rules
If you’re flying, confirm your airline’s pet policies, including carrier size, fees, and cabin vs. cargo options. For land crossings, ensure you have all required documents ready to present to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
4. Prepare for the Journey
For Flights: Book nonstop or cool-weather flights to minimize stress on your pup. Airlines like Air Canada and WestJet allow small dogs in the cabin, but size and age restrictions apply.
For Driving: Ensure your pup is comfortable in their crate and take breaks for water and potty stops.
What Stokeshire Provides
We’re committed to making the process as seamless as possible for our Canadian families. Here’s what we include with every Stokeshire dog:
Rabies Vaccination Certificate: For dogs 3+ months, signed by a licensed veterinarian.
Microchip Information: For identification and peace of mind.
Health Records: Including vaccination history and proof of age for puppies under 3 months.
Travel Coordination: Whether you’re flying with your pup, using a flight nanny, or driving, we’ll help you navigate the logistics.
Border-Day Checklist: A step-by-step guide to ensure you have everything you need when crossing into Canada.
Age-Specific Requirements
Dogs 8 Months or Older
Documents Needed: Rabies vaccination certificate (if 3+ months).
Health Certificate: Not required for Canada.
Puppies 3–8 Months
Owner-Accompanied: Rabies vaccination certificate (current). No health certificate required.
Unaccompanied: Veterinary health certificate issued within 72 hours of arrival.
Puppies Under 3 Months
Documents Needed: Proof of age (rabies vaccination not required). CVI provided by Stokeshire.
Tips for a Smooth Transition
Book Early: Flights with pets can fill up quickly, especially for in-cabin travel.
Choose the Right Carrier: Airlines like Air Canada now require soft-sided carriers for in-cabin pets (effective June 1, 2025).
Check Provincial Rules: Some provinces, like Ontario, have breed-specific regulations. While Stokeshire breeds are not restricted, it’s always good to double-check local bylaws.
Plan for Weather: Avoid extreme temperatures by booking flights during cooler parts of the day or year.
What Happens at the Border?
When you arrive at the border or airport, you’ll need to present:
Your dog’s rabies vaccination certificate (if 3+ months).
A health certificate (if required for unaccompanied puppies).
Microchip information and bill of sale.
CBSA officers may inspect your documents and collect any applicable taxes or fees. Personal-use dogs are typically duty-free, but GST/HST may apply depending on your province.
Why Canadian Families Love Stokeshire Dogs
Our dogs are more than just pets—they’re family. Stokeshire pups are raised with love, care, and attention to ensure they’re ready to thrive in their new homes. From their first vaccinations to their first cuddle, we’re with you every step of the way.
Ready to Bring Your Stokeshire Dog Home?
We’re here to help! Whether you need assistance with travel arrangements, paperwork, or just have questions about the process, our team is ready to support you.
Start your journey today and discover why so many Canadian families choose Stokeshire for their new furry family member.
Resources
Canadian Food Inspection Agency. (2024, April 29). Bringing animals to Canada: Importing and travelling with pets. Government of Canada. https://inspection.canada.ca/en/importing-food-plants-animals/pets Canadian Food Inspection Agency
United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. (2025, ~7 months ago). Pet travel from the United States to Canada. U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export/pet-travel-us-canada APHIS
Canada Border Services Agency. (2024). Travelling with animals (dogs, cats, ferrets) into Canada. Government of Canada. https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/services/fpa-apa/animals-animaux-eng.html Canada Border Services Agency
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association. (2022, October 21). Importation of dogs into Canada (position statement). https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/policy-and-outreach/position-statements/statements/importation-of-dogs-into-canada/ canadianveterinarians.net