Take Action: End Canada's Ban on International Dog Rescue
Canada has banned dog rescue from the most vulnerable countries in the world, where many dogs face challenging lives on the street, and constant threats to their safety.
The new measure from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) prohibits the entry of dogs for adoption and fostering from more than 100 countries.
Dog rescues weren't consulted on the plans, and many are now saying that if this policy stands, they will have to shut down their operations—robbing dogs of a chance at a better life. This news came as a huge shock and is devastating to the many volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to saving lives.
This list of countries affected by the ban are those that CFIA considers to be at high risk for dog rabies, but rabies is 100% preventable with appropriate vaccinations.
Canada has been a beacon of hope for dogs living on the streets and in shelters in countries around the world. Bringing adoptable dogs to Canada means they are offered a second chance at life. Animal rescues have also built up a robust and complex system of veterinary care, vaccination, flight volunteers and adoption efforts to help.
The policy is especially heartbreaking for dogs in wartorn countries like Ukraine and Afghanistan and for dogs in countries like Philippines and China where rescuers are saving animals from the meat trade. Shockingly, the CFIA has offered no exceptions to the prohibition.
Join us in calling on the CFIA to allow adoptable animals into Canada via exemptions for animal rescues or humanitarian efforts.