Health of Animals Regulations, Part XII (Transport of Animals)

C.R.C., c. 296, Part XII · Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Canada’s federal humane-transport rules, the national standard for moving dogs and other animals safely by every mode.

01 What It Is

Part XII of the Health of Animals Regulations (C.R.C., c. 296) sets the federal requirements for the humane transport of animals in Canada, administered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Where everyday welfare is largely provincial, transport is regulated nationally, so these rules are the country-wide standard for moving animals, dogs included.

02 What It Covers

The rules prohibit transporting animals that are unfit, and restrict transporting those that are compromised, except for veterinary care. They cap the interval an animal may be transported without access to feed, safe water and rest, require conveyances and containers to prevent injury and provide adequate ventilation and footing, and require a written transfer-of-care document for commercial shipments recording the animals’ condition and last feed, water and rest.

03 How It Is Checked

Compliance is overseen by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, which can inspect, detain non-compliant loads and take enforcement action. The rules apply across air, land and sea transport rather than to a single mode.

04 Why It Matters

Transport is one of the most stressful and risky points in a dog’s life, and the point where federal law has clearest reach in Canada. These rules set the national floor for how a dog may be moved and carried, and make an unfit or overlong journey a measurable breach.

Common Questions

Are they law?

Yes. Part XII of the Health of Animals Regulations sets the federal requirements for the humane transport of animals in Canada, dogs included. Where everyday welfare is largely provincial, transport is regulated nationally.

Who administers them?

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, which can inspect, detain non-compliant loads and take enforcement action.

What do they require?

They prohibit transporting unfit animals and restrict compromised ones, cap the interval an animal may travel without feed, safe water and rest, require conveyances that prevent injury and provide ventilation and footing, and require a written transfer-of-care document for commercial shipments.

Which modes do they cover?

Air, land and sea transport, rather than a single mode.

Who do they apply to?

Anyone transporting animals in Canada, with specific record-keeping duties on commercial shipments.

Why do they matter?

Transport is one of the most stressful and risky points in a dog’s life, and where federal law has clearest reach in Canada. The rules set the national floor and make an unfit or overlong journey a measurable breach.

Primary sources

Health of Animals Regulations (C.R.C., c. 296), full textlaws-lois.justice.gc.ca