Bringing Your Pets on Vacation to Canada

Want to bring your beloved pet across the border on your next vacation? Ontario is packed with pet-friendly accommodations and businesses. Here's what you need to know.

What You Need to Know & Tips to Help You Bring Your Fur Baby With You

Ontario's Sunset Country seems like the perfect place for your pets––forest, lakes, trails and wilderness. Sounds like a dog's paradise.

There are many pet-friendly accommodations like lodges, campgrounds and even hotels in the area.

Things to Remember

  • While it is illegal to import pet food into Canada, you are allowed to bring a small amount. Please bring what you would need during your stay in Canada.
  • Dogs imported into Canada must have all necessary vaccines depending on the age of the dog. A dog that is less than three months of age at the time of import does not require a rabies vaccination.
  • Proof of a dog's age must be provided on request.
  • Ask your vet if you're unclear of the vaccinations necessary to cross the border. 
  • If you're traveling with a puppy under the age of eight months, have paperwork (vet bills, microchip registration or AKC registry, etc) that shows the dog is under your name. This will ensure border agents don't treat your dog as if it's a commercial shipment. 

For more information, visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's website.

Meet Timber. Pets are welcome at Woman River Camp.

Please be respectful of the rules of your lodge. If they require you to have your pets on a leash, listen to their advice. Although it shouldn't need to be said, please also pick up after your pets. 

About Erin Rody

I grew up on Black Sturgeon Lake in Northwestern Ontario. I am a staff writer for the Sunset Country Travel Association. Through my articles I hope to entice you to visit the wonderful region I call home. We are all about outdoor adventure; with 70,000 lakes and rivers and a whole lot of forests how can we not be? Whether you like to fish, hunt, canoe, kayak, boat or go camping, Sunset Country has something for you. Enjoy!

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