Do I have to declare companion animals at Canada customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to Canada customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare companion animals in Canada?

Under Memorandum D2-3-1, Tariff item No. 9804.30.00, Note 1, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Customs Act, section 124, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed. Under Customs Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 1: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.

Can I post or ship companion animals to Canada instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take companion animals out of Canada?

Canada publishes no separate rule for taking companion animals out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Canada limit for companion animals apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) states it in What visitors can bring into Canada. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “You must declare all food, plant and animal products when you arrive. This includes any pets you may be travelling with.”

How does Canada compare with other countries on companion animals?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit companion animals, 20 limit it and 0 let it through. Canada is among the ones that set a limit.

Can I bring companion animals to Canada?

Official classification: Pets (companion animals)

Declare

You can bring companion animals into Canada, but you must declare it.

Carried Allowed, declare

Declaration Required

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler
No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

What visitors can bring into Canada Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Be aware and declare Canada Border Services Agency

Questions about Pets (companion animals) in Canada

Do I have to declare companion animals at Canada customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to Canada customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare companion animals in Canada?: Under Memorandum D2-3-1, Tariff item No. 9804.30.00, Note 1, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Customs Act, section 124, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed. Under Customs Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 1: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.
Can I post or ship companion animals to Canada instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take companion animals out of Canada?: Canada publishes no separate rule for taking companion animals out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Canada limit for companion animals apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) states it in What visitors can bring into Canada. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “You must declare all food, plant and animal products when you arrive. This includes any pets you may be travelling with.”
How does Canada compare with other countries on companion animals?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit companion animals, 20 limit it and 0 let it through. Canada is among the ones that set a limit.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia China France Germany

Other items in this group

Antique and replica weapons Banned knives and edged weapons Buddha images, artifacts/objects, antiques CITES-protected species and products Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) Consumer fireworks