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How to Travel Internationally with Pets from Canada: Complete Guide
Bringing your dog or cat abroad from Canada involves specific health certificates, airline rules, and destination requirements. Here's everything you need to know.
Published 2026-04-20 · 12 minute read
Moving or travelling abroad with your pet is entirely doable, but it requires planning. Different countries have wildly different import rules, airlines have varying policies and fees, and the paperwork needs to be completed in a specific order and timeline. This guide walks you through everything so your furry companion can join your international adventure.
Step 1: Check Destination Requirements
Every country has different rules for importing pets. Some are straightforward (the US requires a rabies vaccine and health certificate), while others are complex (Australia and New Zealand require months of quarantine). Research your destination's requirements as your first step — they dictate your entire timeline.
Destination Requirements at a Glance
| Destination | Quarantine | Key Requirements | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | None | Rabies vaccine, health certificate | 2-4 weeks |
| European Union | None | Microchip, rabies vaccine, EU health cert | 4-6 weeks |
| United Kingdom | None | Microchip, rabies vaccine, tapeworm treatment | 4-6 weeks |
| Mexico | None | Health certificate, rabies vaccine | 2-3 weeks |
| Australia | 10 days minimum | Extensive testing, import permit, microchip | 6-12 months |
| New Zealand | 10 days minimum | Import permit, blood tests, treatments | 6-12 months |
| Japan | Up to 180 days | Microchip, 2 rabies vaccines, blood test | 7+ months |
| Costa Rica | None | Health certificate, rabies vaccine | 2-3 weeks |
| Thailand | None (usually) | Import permit, health cert, rabies vaccine | 4-6 weeks |
Step 2: Visit Your Veterinarian
Your vet needs to provide several documents depending on your destination:
- International Health Certificate (issued within 10 days of travel for most countries)
- Proof of rabies vaccination (must be current, some countries require it 30+ days before travel)
- Microchip implantation (ISO 15-digit microchip, required by the EU, UK, and many countries)
- CFIA endorsement (Canadian Food Inspection Agency must endorse health certificates for most destinations)
- Blood titer test for rabies antibodies (required by Australia, Japan, and some others)
- Parasite treatment records (tapeworm treatment required by the UK)
- CFIA — Pet Travel Requirements — Canadian Food Inspection Agency — official pet import/export rules
- USDA APHIS — Pet Travel to the US — US rules for bringing your Canadian pet across the border
- Australian Government — Pet Import — Strict quarantine rules — start the process 6–12 months early
Step 3: Choose Your Airline
Airline pet policies vary significantly in terms of what they allow, size restrictions, and costs:
| Airline | In-Cabin | Cargo/Checked | Cost (CAD, one-way) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | Under 10 kg | Yes, AC Animals | $70 cabin / $270+ cargo |
| WestJet | Under 10 kg | Yes (seasonal) | $70 cabin / $250+ cargo |
| British Airways | No | Cargo only | $350-1,500+ |
| Lufthansa | Under 8 kg | Yes | €70 cabin / €200+ cargo |
| KLM | Under 8 kg | Yes | €75 cabin / €200+ cargo |
| United Airlines | Under ~8 kg | Yes (PetSafe) | $125 USD cabin |
Step 4: Prepare for Travel Day
- Use an airline-approved carrier (check dimensions for your specific aircraft)
- Freeze water in the carrier's bowl so it doesn't spill but melts for drinking during the flight
- Don't sedate your pet unless specifically advised by your vet (sedation can be dangerous at altitude)
- Arrive early — pet check-in takes extra time at the airport
- Carry all health documents in your hand luggage (originals, not copies)
- Exercise your dog well before heading to the airport
- Line the carrier with absorbent pads
Costs to Expect
The total cost of moving a pet internationally from Canada typically ranges from CAD $500-3,000 depending on destination, pet size, and whether your pet flies in-cabin or cargo. For complex destinations like Australia, using a pet relocation service (PetRelocation, Starwood) can cost CAD $3,000-8,000 but handles all the logistics for you.
Returning to Canada with Your Pet
Bringing a pet back into Canada is relatively straightforward. Dogs need a valid rabies vaccination certificate. Cats have minimal requirements. There's no quarantine for pets entering Canada from most countries. The CFIA website has the complete list of requirements for importing animals into Canada.
Travelling with pets requires extra planning, but thousands of Canadians do it successfully every year. Start early, follow the requirements precisely, and your pet will be settled into their new home abroad in no time.