CFIA - Animal Health Office - Burnaby, British Columbia

Anis S.

My experience with the CFIA was, frankly, one of the most stressful and frustrating processes I’ve ever dealt with. I had an appointment scheduled at 9 AM to get my documents endorsed, but I didn’t receive my papers until noon—three hours later! The delay alone was enough to make the day feel unnecessarily chaotic.
One major issue I encountered was the strict requirement for a blue ink signature on every single document. Without it, they will flat-out refuse the endorsement. In my case, they didn’t outright reject my documents, but the process was far from smooth. I had to call my veterinarian five times to ensure the certificate was sent with the proper blue ink signature. It was absurd that I, the applicant, was made to coordinate this when it should have been handled directly between the CFIA and the vet. This added so much unnecessary stress and back-and-forth to an already tedious process.
That said, I have to give credit to the woman at the reception, who was incredibly kind and patient. She was a bright spot in an otherwise frustrating experience, trying her best to navigate the situation with professionalism. However, her kindness couldn’t make up for the CFIA’s overly bureaucratic and poorly organized system. The rigid rules, lack of clear communication, and excessive delays make the entire process feel like a nightmare. If you’re preparing to deal with the CFIA, brace yourself for a slow, stressful ordeal and double-check every detail—especially those blue ink signatures!

Joanne L.

I went to the CFIA office in Burnaby without an appointment due to an urgent situation caused by a miscommunication with a veterinary hospital. I was told over the phone that walk-ins couldn’t be accommodated and all offices had turned me down. Still, I decided to try my luck and went in person.

To my immense relief, a compassionate and understanding staff member kindly took the time to attend to my case. Despite the odds, she went out of her way to help me get my document endorsed. Her empathy and professionalism meant the world to me in that stressful moment. I am so grateful for her assistance — I regret not catching her name, but I hope this review reaches her.

Thank you, CFIA Burnaby, for showing humanity behind the processes. This five-star review is the least I can do to express my appreciation.

Baer K.

I had appointment Monday morning that is today. I need to bring my cat back to China in 3 days. The lady who helped me found out the missing information and updated it. Otherwise it won't be allowed to enter at the other side of the border . I am so grateful for her knowledge and help. No bureaucracy as we had assumed but efficiency. Great work done! Thank you! Awesome!

Helena L.

Does anyone actually work in the animal health inspection department? I’ve called every day for the past 4 days at different times no one answers. I’ve sent emails and prepared everything on my end. What does it take to get an appointment?

Yecheng S. (. ?. ?.

Want to book an appointment but no answer from email. Trying to call in but says no operator is available. Mailbox are full unavailable to leave any information for them. How can I even get an appointment.

Ming L. S.

We've been taking our little dog to Germany for the past 7 years (this year included). Up until the last 2 years, the service was efficient, helpful and friendly. When arriving for appointment, I'd be in and out within 10 minutes. Last year, the authority official was not helpful. She disapproved us after a lengthy wait. This year, their system changed asking all documents be pre-approved before appointment. After gathering vaccination and signed health certificates before granting an appointment, it took them more than 2 hours to sign and stamp my documents.... as if they want to prevent from going rather than help. If this was a private office with inefficient staff and unhappy customers, this business wouldn't last long.

Hamna H. G.

Very Professional Services, I am exporter from Asia and once my shipment was stuck for inspection, CFIA staff BC they do it Professionally and replied to my queries immediately, Thumbs up👍👍🙏🙏

HOV

This place used to be efficient and helpful. Now no more! Expect to make several trips and miss either your flight or your fur baby. No one answers your phone--voice mailbox always full. No one ever answers your email, never ever. An extremely worrying situation.