How to travel with a pet to Canada? – Everything you need to know

Traveling with a pet to Canada requires good planning. Still, it’s much simpler than for other countries.

Although the country does not require microchipping or other permanent identification, pets can only enter Canadian soil if they are up to date with their rabies vaccinations.

In addition, airlines have very specific rules and may prohibit transport of some races considered dangerous.

Now, if you want to know what the rules are for traveling with an animal to Canada, keep reading this article that a PETFriendly Tourism prepared for you.

Documentation required for traveling with pets

Compared to the requirements to take pets to other countries, such as Japan or Portugal, the rules for traveling with an animal to Canada are less strict.

The country does not require quarantine, microchipping or tattoo identification of dogs and cats. 

However, it is necessary to present the International Animal Health Certificate (CZI) and the updated Vaccination Card.

Still, your pet may be required to undergo an inspection upon arrival at the Canadian landing airport.

International Animal Health Certificate

Every time you take your pet on an international trip, you’ll need to issue its CZI. 

This document is provided by the International Agricultural Surveillance System (Vigiagro) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply. 

So, to issue it, you must schedule an appointment at any International airport, taking: 

• Veterinary certificate for the pet;
• Vaccination card;
• Requirement for Inspection of Companion Animals;

Although you have everything organized, only schedule the interview for the issue of the CZI for the week of the trip, as it is valid for only ten days.

Vaccination card

The vaccination card is another document that must be presented when arriving in Canada.

It is not necessary that it is completed in English or French, and has some information about the pet, but it must have all this information:

• Name
• Average weight
• Gender
• Race and color
• Application of the rabies vaccine
• Application date;

Traveling with a pet to Canada – Airline Rules

The first step in traveling with animals to Canada is to notify the airline when purchasing the ticket and 24 hours before departure. 

This action is necessary as there is a limit of pets per flight.

Cabin Travel

For your dog or cat to travel in the cabin with the airlineAir Canada, it is necessary that its weight added to the weight of the box or transport bag does not exceed 10kg.

The kennel needs to be closed at all times and made of waterproof material, so that no kind of liquid leaks out. Dimensions are generally as follows:

• Rigid structure: 23cm high x 40cm wide x 55cm long;
• Bags: 27cm high x 40cm wide x 55cm long.

However, the measurements required depend on the aircraft model.

Each passenger can only bring one animal and the amount charged is USD$100.00 plus taxes.

On the other hand, children or people seated in the first row of airline or outgoing classes cannot travel with pets.

Na United Airlines , puppies and kittens must be at least 16 weeks old. The cost for traveling with a pet to Canada is USD 125 per way.

Travel in the basement

Animals weighing up to 45kg (weight plus box) must travel in the cargo hold on Air Canada.

Each passenger can bring up to two pets, but must pay USD$270.00 (plus taxes) to transport each one.

To travel in the cabin or hold, Air Canada still requires the pet to be at least 12 weeks old and fully weaned.

If you are traveling with a pet to Canada on another airline, please check the rules and requirements in advance as they may differ.

What are the requirements for traveling with a pet to Canada?

A Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regulates the entry of dogs and cats into Canada, whether for travel purposes or permanently.

Therefore, in addition to the International Zoosanitary Certificate and the vaccination card, pets must undergo an inspection upon arrival at any airport in the country.

These rules still apply to animals in transit, ie, that are making a connection in Canada.

Inspection 

Your pet must pass an inspection upon arrival in Canada by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). At this stage, all your pet’s documentation will be verified.

The inspection costs CAD $30.00 + tax for the first animal; and CAD $5.00 + tax for each additional pet on board. 

Now, if the dog or cat has not taken the rabies vaccine, there are other specific documents for these cases. 

In this case, you will need to pay CAD $55.00 + fees for the first animal and CAD $30,000 + fees for each additional one.

Vaccines needed

All dogs and cats older than three months must have their rabies vaccination up to date, except animals from rabies-free countries such as New Zealand, Australia and Uruguay. 

The rabies vaccination certificate must be written in English or French and contain the following information:

• Identification (such as race, color and weight);
• Declaration that the animal is vaccinated against rabies;
• Date of vaccination;
• Trade name and serial number of the licensed vaccine; 
• Duration of immunity (it will be considered valid for one year if you do not have this information).

In addition, the document must be issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian.

Feed

Even if the flight is long and you want to bring some food or snacks, don’t. 

Canada bans the import of pet food.

Breeds prohibited – traveling with a pet to Canada

Certain breeds of dogs are banned in some Canadian provinces and cities.

In Ontario, for example, the American Staffordshire Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier breeds are banned from living and moving.

So check with experts to see if your dog’s breed is accepted in your chosen destination.

How to travel safely with your pet to Canada by plane? 

The best way to ensure that the trip with your pet is smooth and safe is to pay attention to all requirements of the airlines, as well as the immigration of the destination.

Also, make sure your pet stays calm throughout the flight. To do this, get him used to being inside the box, if possible take small car trips.

However, prefer direct and short flights.

Finally, count on the help of PETFriendly Turismo to make your trip as smooth as possible. 

Talk to one of our experts and travel with your pet to Canada without a headache.