Proof of origin may be required.

Meat and dairy products, nuts, plants, fruits and live animals, if allowed into Canada, may require permits issued in Canada in advance, and/or certificates from the country of origin.

Without required documents, entry is not permitted. Some products, plants or animals may be seized and disposed of, or ordered removed from Canada. Others may require treatment before they can stay. Travellers are responsible for all costs related to disposal, quarantine or treatment.

Does my pet need a permit?

Many live animals require permits. Often animals require a health inspection in the country of origin. A domestic dog or cat travelling with the owner need only meet the rabies certification requirements.

Can CBSA (Canada Border Service Agency) supply all the information I need about plants and animals?

No. Some provinces have special requirements, as do other federal departments and agencies such as Environment Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. For instance, Canada has import and export requirements for some 30,000 wild animals, including fish, and plant species and their products listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

For information regarding CITES, phone the Canadian Wildlife Service at 1-800-668-6767 or visit the CITES Web site.

For accurate and timely information on import requirements visit the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS).

In Canada, call a CFIA Import Service Centre toll-free:
Eastern: 1-877-493-0468
Central: 1-800-835-4486
Western: 1-888-732-6222