Flying with a Dog from Costa Rica to Canada — Requirements

Dogs three months (90 days) of age or older must be accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian in the country of origin. The certificate must be in English or French (or have a certified English or French translation), must clearly identify the dog (species, breed, sex, age or date of birth, and a description), and must confirm the current vaccination is valid on the date of entry into Canada. Dogs under 3 months of age are exempt from the rabies vaccination requirement.

You must declare your dog to a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at the port of entry and present it and all documents for inspection. CBSA can refuse entry if the animal is undeclared, lacks required documents, or appears ill.

Personal pet dogs from high-risk countries do not require an import permit or post-entry quarantine. However, commercial dogs from countries on Canada's high-risk-for-dog-rabies list are prohibited entry (CFIA notice 2022-06-28, effective 2022-09-28). Ensure the dog is travelling as a personal pet with its owner or an authorised person.