Paperwork for taking dogs and cats to Canada
If you have the rabies vaccination mentioned above, then the only other document requires is a ‘fit to fly’ letter, issued by the vet, to state that the animal has been examined, is free from contagious disease and fit to fly. We recommend having this issued no more than 72 hours prior to travel.
If your pet doesn’t have a rabies vaccination, then they will need a DEFRA export certificate that confirms the pet is coming from a rabies-free country. The DEFRA export health certificate must be applied for in advance of travel and can only be completed by an OV (Official veterinarian). But please remember, if a rabies vaccination has been given, the DEFRA Export Health Certificate is NOT required.
On arrival in Canada, your pet’s importation documentation will be inspected by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and a visual inspection will be carried out to ensure there are no signs of illness and there will be fees to pay on arrival for this service.
If you are looking to import pets other than dogs and cats to Canada, there are varying requirements depending on the species and province of residence. For example, domestic rabbits and ferrets are subject to permits and quarantine. Whereas, pet reptiles or amphibians (excluding tortoises and turtles) do not require border inspection, permits etc. To obtain the most accurate information in relation to your specific pet travel requirements, please visit the Government of Canada.
There are a few airlines that operate direct services to Canada suitable for both passengers and pets (but please note, the pets will need to travel in the cargo hold as opposed to in the cabin) Airlines that operate this service are:
There are also in-direct options that may offer more destinations, such as Lufthansa or KLM, both of which have great on-site facilities for pets during the layover. While not all planes are suitable for transporting pets to Canada, an increasing number are. However, some of the smaller airports may not always have the facilities to receive pets.
We recommend you contact one of our Canada pet shipping experts before you book your pet’s flight to Canada so that we can advise on flights and airports which are suitable for live animals.
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If you are travelling with a pet or planning to import an animal to Canada, you will need the right paperwork at the border to meet Canadas import requirements. If you dont, you risk experiencing delays at the border and your animal may not be allowed into Canada.
Canada has specific import requirements in place to avoid introducing animal diseases to protect its people, plants and animals.
Bringing Pets To Canada
Canada is one of the world’s most popular expat destinations. Each year, thousands of families relocate to Canada to begin their new journey in life. Most of these families have a pet and therefore, over the last couple of years, bringing pets to Canada became a popular topic of interest.
If you are relocating with a pet to Canada, check out the following destination guide.
Canada doesn’t require a microchip for dogs imported as “personal pets”. However, dogs under 8 months will require a microchip if they are being imported as “commercial pets”.
Canada doesn’t require microchips for cats.
Even though this isn’t mandatory for most pets, we still highly recommend you get your pet microchipped before traveling abroad.
Bring your Dog to Canada
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Our dear friend Gypsy travelled to Toronto, Canada with her parents last Christmas and they told us all about their experience – warts and all! Read on to find out what paperwork they needed, how stressful they found it, how much fun they had and how it was for Gypsy to fly in the cabin with her mum and dad. Unfortunately they had to stay in London this Christmas due to the pandemic but we thought it was a good, festive time to talk to them about their big journey!
Please note that due to Brexit, although the Canada leg of the journey would still be valid information, the rules around bringing your dog to the UK from European countries might change in the near future. Please do your own research before booking and once the laws are announced, we will update this page and other relevant sections of our website – Travelling Ruff team
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Today we’ll chat with one of our dearest friends Gypsy – known as @gypsy.onthehill on Instagram – and her sweet mumma Bihter about how they travelled to Canada from the UK for a happy occasion! Don’t let us spoil the story, let’s hear it all from them…
Q – Of course, we know and love Gypsy and her humans dearly but let’s introduce you to our readers first. Please tell us a little about your gorgeous little girl.
A – “The little muffin is now 16 months! We have had her since she was 8 weeks old, so it has been a whirlwind year and some change.
Gypsy is… sassy! She loves people, absolutely loves them. We often joke that if an intruder ever came in, she would just bring her ball to play fetch with them hah! She also is very flirty (selectively so), really mild mannered, fun loving and at times a worrywart.
Especially when I go into the toilet and don’t let her follow me in. Is she worrying I will fall into the toilet? Maybe!”
Q – The joys of Cavaliers – they do have the loveliest temperament! How about Gypsy’s mum and dad?
A – “We are Bihter and Jordan, 33 and 39 respectively. I like to think she takes her sassiness after me (mum) and her fun-loving nature from papa (Jordan).
I’m trying to finish my law conversion in the UK and Jordan is working for a big architectural company in London.
We like long walks in the park nearby, just as much as we love vegging out on the couch and watching reruns of Parks & Rec or making fantasy travel playlists for our next dog-friendly getaway.”
Q – We can totally relate as dog parents Can you tell us about your connections to Canada?
A – “Jordan is from Canada while I moved there when I was a kid from Turkey. Both our parents are still in Toronto which is why we go back every Christmas.”
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Q – We know it was for a happy occasion, would you like to tell our readers why you travelled to Canada this time?
A – “2019 was a mad year for us! So many exciting things happened – Jordan finally listened to my threats and made the move to London from Denmark, we found a beautiful home, got Gypsy and got engaged!
Quickly after all that, we decided to do the wedding over our Christmas trip in Canada since both our grandmothers were going to be in Toronto and we really wanted them to be able to attend. I was always hesitant about a winter wedding as I’m not a fan of cold weather, but it turned out so beautifully!
The only thing missing was our little girl, as the venue did not allow dogs. Yes, we also protested that hard.”
Q – Congratulations to the happy couple and their lovely little girl! So how did you decide to take Gypsy with you?
A – “It wasn’t even a question for me, honestly. Even before we went to pick Gypsy up to bring her home, I knew she was coming to Canada with us over Christmas, so I had done all my research prior to that.
Add the excitement both our families had for meeting the little munchkin, and it was a done deal.
I made a list of all the airlines that allowed in-cabin transport and of course our return back to the UK which would have been the best for Gypsy.”
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