When planning a trip to Canada, it is important not only to take the necessary things for your pet with you, but also to familiarize yourself with the import requirements in advance. Correctly completed documents and compliance with all rules will help avoid complications when crossing the border. How to transport an animal to Canada in accordance with current regulations? The good news is that Canada has less stringent requirements for importing pets than the United States or the European Union. However, certain rules must still be followed, and it is important to prepare all documents in advance.
Needed Documents and Requirements
- International veterinary passport. This document is required for travel and must contain information about the owner, pet, and all vaccinations. Make sure the passport is filled out correctly, without corrections or blots.
- Rabies vaccination certificate. It must be issued as a separate document and certified by the state veterinary service. It is important that the vaccination must be done at least 30 days before the trip, but no later than 12 months. The animal must be at least 3 months old at the time of vaccination.
- Rabies antibody titer test. Although this document is not always required, in some cases it may be necessary, especially if you are transferring in a third country where it is required. The test confirms that the pet has sufficient antibodies to the rabies virus. The minimum acceptable antibody level is 0.5 IU/ml, and the analysis must be carried out in an accredited laboratory no earlier than 3 months before the trip.
- International veterinary certificate (Form 1 – VET). Issued at a state veterinary clinic before travel. Once received, it must be exchanged at the airport for an international certificate. Please note that this document is only valid for 3 days, so a trip to the vet should be planned in advance. To obtain it, the animal must be present, along with your passport and the pet’s veterinary passport.
- Microchip. Although microchipping of pets in Canada is not mandatory, having a microchip will greatly simplify identification of the pet in case of loss. The chip must comply with the international standard ISO 11784/11785.
- Microchip for commercial animals. If the dog is being transported for commercial purposes (for example, for sale or breeding), a microchip becomes a mandatory requirement. In this case, additional import regulations must also be followed.
Checking at the Border
When entering Canada, your pet will undergo a mandatory inspection by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The documents are checked, their authenticity and compliance. The agency staff also examine the animal itself for signs of disease. If the documents are incorrect or the pet is suspected of having a disease, the case is referred to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The CFIA may offer a booster vaccination for your pet within 14 days. They may also conduct additional medical examinations. Please note that there is a fee for the CFIA services.
Airline Rules
In addition to government requirements, you should familiarize yourself with the rules of the airline you plan to fly with before traveling. Different carriers have different rules for animal shipping. Here are the main points to pay attention to:
- If the pet may be transported in the cabin or only in the animal compartment, using pet cargo.
- Requirements for the carrier (size, ventilation, material).
- The need for certificates about the pet’s health.
- The possibility of accompanying the animal during the flight.
Some breeds of dogs and cats (for example, brachycephalic breeds such as French bulldogs or Persian cats) may have restrictions on transportation in the pet compartment due to breathing characteristics.
Alternative Methods of Transportation
If independent preparation seems complicated or you want to avoid possible problems at the border, entrust the transportation of your pet to professionals. Delivery Animal specializes in international transportation of animals and guarantees a safe and comfortable move to Canada. We will help you collect all the necessary documents, choose the best route and organize the flight taking into account all the requirements and characteristics of your pet. You can go on a trip with your pet or entrust the transportation to professionals. In any case, if all the papers are prepared correctly, the trip will pass without unnecessary worries. Animal delivery to Canada can be simple and convenient if you take care of all the nuances in advance!
