To avoid paying commercial import taxes on your family pet when landing as a Permanent Resident in Canada, you must declare them on your BSF186 (Goods to Follow) form. You must also satisfy the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) requirements, including a valid rabies vaccination certificate.
Moving to Canada as a new Permanent Resident is an exciting milestone, and leaving your beloved family pet behind is usually out of the question. However, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) views animals as “goods” when crossing the border. If you do not properly document your dog or cat during your initial landing, you could be forced to pay commercial import duties and taxes.
Whether you are landing at Toronto Pearson Airport, Vancouver International, or driving across the border into Alberta, the documentation process is exactly the same. Proper preparation ensures that your furry family member clears customs smoothly alongside your furniture and clothing. Here is your step-by-step guide to declaring pets on the BSF186 form. 📍
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Importing a personal pet into Canada requires coordinating with two separate federal agencies: the CBSA for taxation and the CFIA for health and safety.
Step 1: Obtain Necessary Veterinary Documents
Before you pack your bags, you must meet the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) health requirements. Canada does not generally require a microchip or tattoo for personal dogs and cats, but it is highly recommended. The mandatory requirement is a valid rabies vaccination certificate. 💉
The certificate must be written in English or French, be issued by a licensed veterinarian, identify the animal (breed, colour, weight), and state that the pet is currently vaccinated against rabies. If you arrive without this certificate, the CFIA will require you to vaccinate the animal in Canada at your own expense within a strict timeframe.
Step 2: Complete the BSF186 Form
The BSF186 form (Personal Effects Accounting Document) is the master list of everything you are bringing into Canada tax-free as a new immigrant. You must list your pet on this form. 🗒️
Under the “Description of Goods” section, clearly state “Personal Pet – [Species/Breed],” along with the pet’s name. You must also assign a monetary value in CAD. Do not write “Priceless.” Estimate the fair market value of the animal. If your pet is travelling with you on the plane, list them on the main BSF186. If they are flying cargo a week later, list them on the BSF186A “Goods to Follow” form.
Step 3: Arrive at the Port of Entry
When you land in Canada and approach the CBSA officer to process your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), present your completed BSF186 forms. Inform the officer immediately that you have a live animal with you. 👮♂️
The officer will review your list, stamp your BSF186 form, and give you a receipt copy. Because the pet is listed as a personal settler’s effect, the CBSA will waive the standard GST/HST and duties that would normally apply to importing an animal.
Step 4: Complete the CFIA Inspection
After clearing the immigration and CBSA desks, you will be directed to the secondary inspection area where a border officer (acting on behalf of the CFIA) will inspect your pet’s paperwork. They will review the rabies certificate to ensure it is valid. 🐾
Once the paperwork is verified and the inspection fee is paid, you and your pet are free to leave the airport and begin your new life in Canada.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
As a new Permanent Resident, you are exempt from many import taxes, but there are still mandatory administrative fees for bringing an animal into the country. 💰
- CBSA Duty and Tax: $0 CAD (As long as the pet is properly declared on the BSF186 form as a personal effect).
- CFIA Inspection Fee (First Animal): $36.95 CAD (plus tax) for the inspection of your rabies documentation.
- CFIA Inspection Fee (Additional Animals): $6.16 CAD (plus tax) for each additional pet processed at the same time.
- Rabies Vaccination (If missing): If you fail to provide a valid certificate, you must pay the CFIA administrative fee of $67.75 CAD (plus tax) for the first animal and $36.95 CAD (plus tax) for each additional pet, plus the local veterinary costs for the shot.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Preparing the BSF186 form and gathering vet records should be done several weeks before your flight. At the actual border, the timeline depends on the airport’s traffic. ⏱️
Generally, processing your PR landing paperwork, stamping the BSF186, and completing the CFIA pet inspection adds about 30 to 60 minutes to your arrival time. Ensure you factor this in if you have connecting domestic flights within Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Canada have a mandatory quarantine period for pets?
No. Unlike some island nations, Canada does not impose a mandatory quarantine for personal dogs and cats arriving from most countries, provided they have valid rabies vaccination certificates and appear healthy upon inspection.
What happens if I forget to put my pet on the Goods to Follow form?
If your pet arrives in Canada at a later date and is not listed on your BSF186A Goods to Follow form, the CBSA may classify the import as a commercial transaction. You will be required to pay the standard GST/HST and duties on the animal’s value.
Can I bring exotic pets like birds or reptiles?
Importing birds, reptiles, or exotic mammals involves significantly stricter CFIA regulations, including potential import permits and CITES (endangered species) documentation. You must research the specific species requirements well in advance.
Do puppies and kittens need rabies shots?
Dogs and cats under three months of age are exempt from the rabies vaccination requirement. However, you must provide proof of their age, usually via a signed document from your veterinarian.
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