What to Know About Keeping Pets in Canada

Moving your pet from Australia to Canada is no small achievement. Between the vet appointments, the export paperwork and everything in between, you’ve navigated a complex international pet relocation.

Settling into Canada with your pet is the beginning of a new chapter. Canadians love their animals just as deeply as Australians do, but the day-to-day experience of pet ownership here looks and feels quite different.

From a provincial licensing system to winters unlike anything most Australian pets have ever experienced, there’s a new set of things to learn.

The good news is that with a little preparation and the right knowledge, the transition is very manageable. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to settle your pet into Canadian life with confidence.

Understanding the Provincial System

One of the first things Australian expats notice about Canada is that the rules seem to change depending on where you are. That’s because in Canada, pet regulations are set at the provincial and municipal level rather than nationally. The requirements in Vancouver look different to those in Toronto, which look different again from those in Montreal.

This can feel confusing at first, but it’s straightforward once you understand the system. Think of it a little like the difference between councils back home.

The Three Most Common Destinations for Australian Expats

If you’ve settled in one of Canada’s most popular expat destinations, here’s what to know at a high level:

• British Columbia is generally considered one of the most pet-friendly provinces, with a strong culture of outdoor pet ownership and well-developed local services.
• Ontario is home to Canada’s largest city, Toronto, with robust pet protection laws for renters and clear municipal licensing requirements.
• Quebec has its own distinct regulatory environment, and French-language requirements may apply to some documentation.

Your First Step

Don’t feel overwhelmed by the variation. The most important thing you can do when you first arrive is check your city or municipality’s official website for the pet-specific rules that apply to your area. Alternatively, your local vet is one of the best first points of contact, as they’ll be across the local requirements and can quickly point you in the right direction.

Licensing and Registration

Canadian pet licensing works similarly to the Australian system. It’s just administered a little differently, and it’s important to get it sorted early after you arrive.

How Licensing Works

Pet licensing in Canada is handled at the municipal level, which means your city or town sets the rules. What remains consistent across most areas is:

• An annual licence is required for dogs, and in many municipalities, for cats too.
• In many municipalities, licensing is tied to proof of rabies vaccination, so having your pet’s vaccination certificate accessible and up to date is important. Check the specific requirements for your city on arrival.
• Once licensed, your pet will receive a physical metal tag that must be worn on their collar at all times. This is a legal requirement in most areas, not just a recommendation.

When to Register

Most Canadian municipalities require you to register your pet within 30 days of arriving in the area. Make this one of your early priorities in those first few weeks.

Breed-Specific Legislation

It’s important to be aware that some Canadian provinces and municipalities have breed-specific legislation (BSL) in place. Ontario has a province-wide ban on pit bull-type breeds that has been in effect since 2005.

This covers Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, and any dog with substantially similar physical characteristics. Bringing one of these breeds to Ontario is not permitted under provincial law.

If you have a breed that may be affected, it is essential to seek advice before you travel. Your pet transport consultant can help you understand what applies in your destination city.

Renting with a Pet

Renting with a pet in a new country can feel uncertain. But in many parts of Canada, the rules are actually more favourable to pet owners than you might expect.

Understanding what applies in your province before you start your property search will make the process much smoother.

Provincial Differences

Unlike Australia, where landlord and tenant rules around pets can vary significantly and often favour the landlord, some Canadian provinces offer meaningful protections for pet-owning renters:

• Ontario — once you have signed a lease, a landlord cannot legally evict you simply for having a pet. Any no-pet clause written into a lease is void under the Residential Tenancies Act. However, it’s important to note that before a lease is signed, a landlord can decline your application if you have a pet. Landlords in Ontario are also not permitted to charge pet deposits.
• British Columbia — landlords can include a no-pet clause, but the rules are more nuanced than a blanket prohibition. Pet deposits are permitted but capped by law.
• Quebec — pet policies are largely at the landlord’s discretion, so it pays to clarify upfront.

Regardless of province, it’s worth researching the tenancy laws specific to your destination before signing anything. A quick search of your provincial tenancy authority’s website will give you the current rules.

The Pet Resume

One practical step to make your rental application stand out is preparing a simple pet resume before you start your search. Include:

• A recent photo of your pet
• Vaccination and health records
• A reference from your Australian vet or previous landlord

It’s not a common practice in Australia, but it signals to Canadian landlords that you’re a responsible pet owner. In competitive rental markets like Toronto and Vancouver, it can make a difference.

Veterinary Care

Veterinary care in Canada is excellent. The standard of expertise and facilities is high, and you’ll find good options in cities and regional centres alike. That said, the system operates quite differently from what most Australians are used to, and it’s worth understanding the differences before you need to use it.

The Cost of Care

Without government subsidies, veterinary costs in Canada are significantly higher than in Australia. This applies to routine check-ups as well as emergencies.

After-hours urgent care clinics are available in most major cities, which is reassuring, but their fees reflect the convenience.

The best way to protect yourself is to take out pet insurance shortly after arrival. A local Canadian policy can:

• Protect you from unexpected and potentially large veterinary bills
• Give you the freedom to make decisions based on what’s best for your pet, not what you can afford in the moment
• Cover ongoing treatments and specialist referrals if needed

There are a number of reputable Canadian providers worth comparing once you’ve arrived and confirmed your address.

Prescriptions for Preventatives

Just as in Australia, your pet will need ongoing flea, tick and heartworm prevention. But in Canada, the most effective products require a veterinary prescription. This means registering with a local vet should be one of your first priorities after settling in, even if your pet is in perfect health.

Region-Specific Health Advice

Canada is an enormous and environmentally diverse country. The health risks and preventative care your pet needs in coastal British Columbia look quite different to what’s recommended on the prairies or in central Canada. Your local vet is always the best source of advice for region-specific considerations.

Preparing Your Pet for the Canadian Winter

For most Australians, a Canadian winter is unlike anything they (or their pets) have ever experienced. Temperatures in many parts of the country drop well below -20°C, and the season can last from November through to March or beyond.

It sounds daunting, but with the right preparation, it’s very manageable. Millions of Canadian pet owners navigate it successfully every year, and your pet will adapt with your help.

Practical Tips for Winter Pet Care

The good news is that a few simple habits make a big difference:

1. Invest in the right gear — booties and a well-fitting coat are worthwhile for smaller or short-haired breeds, especially in colder provinces.
2. Wipe paws after every walk — removes salt, chemicals, and ice before your pet can lick them off.
3. Shorten walks in extreme cold — even cold-hardy dogs have limits. If it’s too cold for you, it’s likely too cold for them.
4. Keep antifreeze stored safely — out of reach and away from areas your pet can access.
5. Know when to stay inside — on the coldest days, a shorter outing or some indoor enrichment is perfectly fine.

Not All Canadian Winters Are Equal

It’s worth noting that Canada’s climate varies enormously by region:

• Vancouver: One of Canada’s mildest cities. Snow is relatively rare, and winters are wet rather than bitterly cold.
• Toronto and Montreal: Cold, snowy winters with significant ice. Preparation is important.
• Calgary and the prairies: Some of the coldest and most dramatic winter conditions in the country.

Research what to expect in your specific city so you can prepare accordingly.

Wildlife and Environmental Hazards

Australians are no strangers to keeping an eye out for local wildlife. We grow up with an awareness of snakes, spiders and everything in between. Canada has its own cast of characters, and while the risks are different, the approach is the same: a little awareness goes a long way.

Coyotes

Coyotes are widespread across urban and suburban Canada, including in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary. They are most active at dawn and dusk and pose a genuine risk to small dogs and cats.

• Keep your pet on a leash, particularly in areas where coyote sightings have been reported.
• Supervise outdoor time, especially in the early morning and evening.
• Never leave small pets unattended in backyards overnight.

Bears

Bears are present in many parts of Canada, particularly in British Columbia and Alberta. This includes in suburban areas near forested regions. The best protection is simple but important:

• Secure rubbish bins and any outdoor food sources.
• Be aware on trails and make noise while walking so bears know you’re there.
• Follow local guidelines about bear activity in your area.

Porcupines

Porcupines are a surprisingly common hazard for curious dogs across much of Canada. A dog that gets too close will come away with a face full of quills (painful, difficult to remove and requiring a vet visit).

Ticks and Lyme Disease

Ticks are present across much of southern Canada, particularly in Ontario and British Columbia. Unlike Australia, where tick paralysis is the primary concern, ticks in Canada can carry Lyme disease, a serious bacterial infection that affects both animals and humans. Speak to your vet about the right tick prevention product for your area as soon as you arrive.

Rabies

Rabies is present in Canadian wildlife, including bats, foxes, skunks and raccoons. Keeping your pet’s rabies vaccination current throughout your time in Canada is the straightforward and effective solution. Your vet can advise on the recommended schedule.

The good news is that with the right preventatives in place and a little local awareness, all of these risks are very manageable.

Key Dates and Seasonal Considerations

Canada’s calendar brings a few moments and seasons that every pet owner should be aware of.

Canada Day (1st July)

Canada Day is celebrated with fireworks displays across the country, and it’s a common night of the year for pets going missing. Frightened animals can bolt through fences, gates and doors when startled by sudden noise.

How to prepare:

• Check that your pet’s microchip details are current and registered with a Canadian database.
• Ensure your yard is securely fenced with no gaps or weak points.
• Have a plan for keeping your pet calm and contained on the night.

Winter

Unlike a one-off event, the Canadian winter is an extended period that requires consistent habits rather than a single day of preparation. The cold-weather practices outlined in Section 5 apply throughout the season, from the first snowfall through to the spring thaw.

The Spring Thaw

As snow melts and temperatures rise, new hazards emerge. Standing water, mud and debris can introduce parasites and bacteria that weren’t a concern during the frozen months. Spring is a great time to:

• Book a check-up with your vet to update parasite prevention.
• Check your pet’s paws for any cracking or damage from the winter months.
• Gradually reintroduce longer outdoor activities as the weather improves.

Wildfire Smoke (Summers in BC and Alberta)

In recent years, wildfire smoke has become an increasingly significant seasonal consideration, particularly in British Columbia and Alberta during the summer. Poor air quality affects pets just as it does humans.

• Limit outdoor time on days when air quality warnings are in effect.
• Watch for signs of respiratory distress (coughing, wheezing or lethargy).
• Keep fresh water available at all times and provide a clean indoor environment on high-smoke days.

Conclusion

The adjustment period when settling into your new Canadian environment is real, and it applies to both of you. Just as you’re finding your feet in a new country, your pet is taking in an entirely new world of smells, sounds and experiences.

Give them time, keep their routine as consistent as possible, and don’t be surprised if it takes a few weeks before they seem fully at home. That’s completely normal.

One of the most wonderful things about being a pet owner in Canada is the community that comes with it. Canadians are warm, welcoming people, and that warmth extends to their animals.

Local dog parks, neighbourhood social media groups and even a chat on your morning walk are some of the fastest ways to find your feet in a new city and make genuine connections.

It’s time to enjoy every moment of the adventure ahead.