Emergency Transit for Regulated Animals

Summary#

The final rule Regulations Amending the Health of Animals Regulations (Emergency Transit): SOR/2021-114 lets animals move across the Canada–United States border during rare emergencies without the usual import permits and paperwork. It requires a simplified export certificate from a veterinarian and came into force on June 1, 2021.

What it does#

• Gives the Canadian Food Inspection Agency the power to allow an animal to cross into Canada (or into the United States) just so it can continue on to re-enter the other country, when:
  • a usual transportation route is blocked,
  • there is no reasonable alternate route, and
  • the animal’s welfare is at risk.
• Removes the need for the usual import permit and some other paperwork during these emergency transits.
• Requires the animal to travel with a simplified export certificate signed or approved by a veterinary inspector, an accredited veterinarian approved by a veterinary inspector, or an official veterinarian. The certificate must list:
  • species and number of animals, and
  • the seal number on the transport vehicle (unless the vehicle cannot be sealed).
• Excludes animals that are under quarantine or subject to movement restrictions because of disease.
• These regulatory changes enable Canada to implement the CFIA – United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Joint Policy on the Emergency Transit of Regulated Animals, which both countries planned to sign.

Who's affected#

• Livestock owners, producers and transporters who might need to evacuate or reroute animals in an emergency.
• Pet owners in exceptional situations involving cross-border movement.
• Veterinarians who issue or approve the simplified export certificates.
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency staff who would make the emergency determination and issue or endorse certificates.
• United States Department of Agriculture officials, since the rule is tied to a joint Canada–U.S. policy.
• The government says Indigenous peoples will not be affected.

Why it matters#

• It makes it faster and simpler to move animals out of harm’s way during disasters (for example, wildfires, major road or bridge closures, or other emergencies).
• Faster movement can reduce animal suffering and livestock losses.
• It reduces the normal paperwork and waiting time (which can include up to 10 business days for an import permit) in urgent situations.
• These changes are meant for rare, exceptional events, so they should not change routine animal trade or travel under normal conditions.