When traveling internationally with your dog or cat—or importing a pet to Canada—understanding pet export and import regulations is essential. One of the most important and legally required steps for most international pet movement is microchipping. Without proper identification and paperwork, your pet may be denied entry, quarantined, or returned to the origin country.
In this guide, we’ll explain Canada’s pet microchipping regulations for importing pets to Canada, exporting them abroad, and what steps to take to ensure compliance. Whether you’re relocating to or from Canada, or buying a pet internationally, this article will help you navigate the technical details of microchip requirements, documentation, and health regulations.
Why Microchipping Matters in Pet Import and Export
Microchipping is more than just a safety measure—it’s a mandatory requirement in many international travel protocols involving animals. The microchip allows customs officials, veterinarians, and health authorities to match your pet with their vaccination and health records during entry or exit inspection.
According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and many global border control agencies, pets must be identified with an ISO-compliant microchip (ISO 11784/11785) before traveling internationally.
At North Care Animal Hospital in North Vancouver, we specialize in pet microchipping services and ensure all chips meet international travel regulations.
Microchipping Requirements for Importing Pets to Canada
If you’re bringing a dog or cat into Canada, follow these key requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Microchip Type | ISO 11784/11785 compliant 15-digit microchip |
| Scanning Equipment | If not ISO-compatible, you must bring your own microchip reader |
| Timing | Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination |
| Documentation | Vet certificate showing chip number and vaccination dates |
| Rabies Vaccination | Required for dogs over 3 months, valid at least 30 days before entry |
| CFIA Inspection | May occur at the point of entry, especially for commercial shipments |
A microchip that cannot be read at the port of entry may lead to denied entry or quarantine. That’s why it’s crucial to get your microchip verified and documented before traveling.
If you’re located in West Vancouver or nearby, our North Vancouver animal hospital is easily accessible, and we offer walk-in and mobile vet services for your convenience.
Microchipping Requirements for Exporting Pets from Canada
Planning to move abroad with your dog or cat? Exporting pets from Canada to other countries requires compliance with that destination country’s regulations, which nearly always includes:
Microchipping with ISO standard chip
Proof of rabies and other vaccinations
International Health Certificate (usually within 7–10 days of travel)
Endorsement by a CFIA-accredited veterinarian
Many countries, such as the European Union, Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom, require microchips to be implanted before any vaccinations. At North Care Animal Hospital, we offer expert guidance on export rules and prepare all documents required for CFIA endorsement.
Pet Travel Without a Microchip: What Can Go Wrong?
Denied Entry: Countries like the UK and Australia will not allow pets to enter without a registered microchip.
Extended Quarantine: Incorrect or unreadable microchips often result in 30+ days of quarantine.
Confiscation or Return: Authorities may confiscate your pet or return them at the owner’s expense.
Customs Delays: Paperwork that doesn’t match microchip data causes major delays.
Avoid the stress by visiting North Care Animal Hospital, where we handle pet export certifications and ensure your pet is fully compliant.
Microchip Scanning & Registration Process
We follow a detailed, technical process to ensure every microchip is properly implanted and registered:
Chip Verification: We check the ISO standard and functionality.
Sterile Implantation: Inserted under the skin at the shoulder blade area.
Scanner Test: Chip is read using universal microchip scanners.
Data Linking: We register your pet’s microchip with a recognized national database.
Documentation Issued: You’ll receive a certificate including:
Microchip number
Implant date
Manufacturer details
Pet and owner information
Veterinarian signature
We also help with updating microchip information, which is critical when moving to a new country.
How North Care Animal Hospital Supports International Travel
As a trusted clinic serving both North Vancouver and West Vancouver pet owners, our experienced veterinary team helps with:
Microchip implantation for international compliance
Preparation of rabies vaccination records
Issuing travel certificates and export forms
Same-day or next-day appointments through walk-in services
Mobile vet services available for pet owners with limited mobility or busy schedules
Located conveniently at 1061 Marine Drive, Unit #101, North Vancouver, BC, we are just minutes from West Vancouver and open 7 days a week from 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
To book a microchipping appointment or discuss your international pet travel needs, call us at 604-984-1464 or email us. Our team is here to simplify the complex process of pet export and import in Canada.
Common Questions About Pet Travel Microchipping
Is microchipping required for importing dogs into Canada?
Yes, especially for dogs over 8 months imported commercially or internationally. It ensures proper identification and is often tied to vaccination record verification.
Can I travel with a pet that doesn’t have a microchip?
No. Most airlines and customs regulations worldwide require a valid microchip for entry and boarding.
What kind of microchip do I need for international travel?
ISO 11784/11785 compliant, 15-digit, unencrypted microchip. These are universally recognized by scanners.
Can I get a microchip updated after it’s implanted?
The microchip ID itself cannot be changed, but registration data (owner name, contact info, address) can be updated at any time through the microchip registry.
How long does a microchip last?
A pet microchip is designed to last the pet’s lifetime, generally 25 years or more.
Final Thoughts: Microchipping Is Key to Safe Pet Travel
Whether you’re bringing a pet into Canada or moving abroad, microchipping is not optional—it’s a foundational step to comply with pet export and import laws in Canada and abroad. It also dramatically increases the chances of recovering a lost pet during travel.
We encourage all pet owners in West Vancouver and North Vancouver to visit our hospital or request an in-home appointment to start the process early. Our team makes microchipping, documentation, and regulatory compliance seamless and stress-free.
Schedule Your Microchipping Appointment Today
Don’t let a missing microchip delay your travel plans. Call North Care Animal Hospital at 604-984-1464 or book online for expert pet microchipping and travel documentation services. We’re open every day, including weekends and holidays.