For ordinary dogs and cats moving between Canadian provinces or territories, the main nationwide transport rules are federal humane-transport requirements. Provinces and territories add their own animal-welfare and local-control laws.
CFIA states that screwworm is not present in Canada, but Canada is monitoring the 2026 U.S. outbreak. NWS can affect dogs and cats, so pets that have travelled through an affected area should be inspected for wounds and monitored after returning to Canada.
The current CFIA restricted-species list covers equines, pigs/wild boar, cattle/bison/water buffalo, sheep/goats, cervids, and camelids. That list can change, so always verify it before a cross-border trip.
Check current CFIA NWS import restrictions →
Last checked: August 16, 2026
Part XII of Canada's Health of Animals Regulations applies to animals transported into, within, and out of Canada, including pets.
Animals must be assessed as fit for the intended journey. A pet that becomes unfit during transport cannot simply continue to destination if doing so would cause suffering.
The transporter must use a suitable conveyance or container and protect the animal from injury, avoidable suffering, adverse conditions, and unsafe crowding.
Transporters are responsible for planning the trip so the animal's welfare is protected throughout the journey, including appropriate monitoring and care.
CFIA's nationwide guidance does not establish a U.S.-style routine province-border health-certificate system for ordinary pet dogs and cats moving within Canada. Provincial, territorial, municipal, rescue, sale, or species-specific rules can still apply.
CFIA notes that every province and territory has animal-welfare legislation, and some jurisdictions have additional rules touching humane transport, animal care, disease control, shelters, rescues, or local animal control.
Federal transport rules apply; Alberta's Animal Protection Act provides additional animal-welfare protections.
Federal transport rules apply; B.C.'s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act adds provincial welfare protections.
Federal transport rules apply; Manitoba's Animal Care Act and regulations add provincial welfare requirements.
Federal transport rules apply; provincial SPCA legislation provides animal-welfare protections.
Federal transport rules apply; the Animal Health and Protection Act and related regulations protect domestic animals.
Federal transport rules apply; Nova Scotia's Animal Protection Act and Animal Health and Protection Act also apply.
Federal transport rules apply; Ontario's Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act establishes provincial standards and enforcement.
Federal transport rules apply; P.E.I.'s Animal Welfare Act and regulations provide provincial protections.
Federal transport rules apply; Québec's Animal Welfare and Safety Act protects designated companion and other animals.
Federal transport rules apply; Saskatchewan's Animal Protection Act and Animal Health Act add welfare and disease-control authority.
Federal humane-transport rules continue to apply; territorial and local animal-control rules may also apply.
Federal humane-transport rules continue to apply; territorial and local animal-control rules may also apply.
Federal transport rules apply; Yukon's Animal Protection and Control Act and regulations add territorial care and control requirements.
CFIA — Provincial and territorial legislation concerning animal welfare
CFIA advises owners travelling with pets in screwworm areas to inspect animals for wounds or signs of infestation and keep monitoring after returning to Canada.
Possible signs include a wound that worsens, discharge or foul odour, visible larvae, discomfort, irritation, or reduced appetite.
CFIA states that animal owners should contact a veterinarian immediately if screwworm is suspected. NWS and OWS are immediately notifiable diseases in Canada.
If a trip enters or returns from the United States, check the current CFIA import restrictions and the U.S. state movement rules for the route.
Last comprehensive review: August 16, 2026. Requirements can change without notice. This page is general information and does not replace current CFIA, provincial, territorial, municipal, or veterinary guidance.