The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has just announced changes to the regulations governing importation of young dogs into Canada. The new changes affect dogs under the age of eight months that are being imported into the country for breeding purposes, or to be sold as companion animals.
In June of 2020, an air cargo shipment arrived into Canada with a large number of deceased dogs, or dogs found in sickly conditions. Other non-compliance issues were also reported at that time, which sparked an investigation by the CFIA.
The new changes, which took effect May 15, aim to tighten up current regulations by imposing the following:
- Importers of canines will now need to specify the number of dogs they are importing, and will only apply for a single entry permit. Previously, multiple permits were allowed and it was not always clear how many dogs were being imported.
- All dogs coming into the country will require a rabies vaccine at least 28 days before coming to the country, although some exceptions are being made for recognized breeders.
- Prior to leaving their originating country, all dogs will need to be treated for parasites.
- Importers will now have to register their travel route starting from the country of origin, all the way to entering Canada, and will also have to pre-schedule an inspection at the airport or land border crossing where the animals will be entering the country.
- If dogs are being transported by air, importers will be required to have access to a pre-approved post-import quarantine facility in case further inspection or quarantining is required.
- A ‘Kennel of Origin’ certification will be required, which will be certified by a veterinarian in the country of origin certifying that certain health criteria has been met.
While the CFIA primarily deals with animals transported into the country for food production, they are also responsible for all incoming animals to be sold as pets. Some existing requirements will still continue to be enforced, such as dogs needing to be microchipped and vaccinated for common diseases like distemper.
According to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Blaude Bibeau, “These changes are designed to crack down on those involved in shipments of puppies that don’t meet Canadian animal health and certification requirements. They provide additional tools for the CFIA to take appropriate actions against non-compliance. The new rules raise the bar on preventing potential animal abuses and make it clear that they will not be tolerated.”
Advocates against the import of dogs from irresponsible breeders consider this to be a big win. These new restrictions are designed to crack down on shipments of puppies that don’t meet health and certification requirements, and will go a long way towards preventing animal abuse and neglect.
Brandon Forder, known as The Pet Expert, is vice-president of Canadian Pet Connection, an industry leader in healthy pet lifestyles. Brandon is certified in pet nutrition, and has more than twenty-five years’ experience specializing in pet health and behaviour. He has written hundreds of informative pet-related articles for newspapers, magazines, radio, and the popular Ask the Pet Expert Blog. Brandon is highly skilled in pet problem solving, and enjoys teaching others about smart and responsible pet ownership. To learn more, visit www.CanadianPetConnection.ca.
