Canada’s ‘temporary’ ban on importing rescue dogs turns four years old with no end in sight

The CFIA remains tight-lipped on when—if ever—the ban will be replaced with permanent measures. What was supposed to be a reactionary, emergency measure appears dangerously close to becoming permanent policy.

Animal rescue workers in Thailand. The ban has had a devastating impact on rescue groups, and has been a death sentence for countless dogs in need, writes Kaitlyn Mitchell.Photograph courtesy of Soi Dog Canada

Opinion

BY KAITLYN MITCHELL

October 14, 2026

On Sept. 28, 2022, Canada banned the import of “commercial dogs”—including rescue dogs brought here for adoption—from over 100 countries. The animal protection community was caught completely off guard. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency's decision to enact the ban ...

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