You will need to ensure that your pet meets all Canadian import requirements, which may include a health certificate, a rabies vaccination certificate, and other documents. You will also need to make arrangements to clear your pet through Canadian customs upon arrival.
FAQs – International Pet Transport to Canada
Yes, you can bring your pets into Canada from Australia.
Generally our international moves begin at around $2500 USD, but with more details will be able to give you a more precise estimate.
Accompanied dogs (puppies traveling with their owner):
All dogs greater than 3 months of age, with the exception of assistance dogs certified as a guide, hearing or service dogs which accompany their user into Canada, must have proof of current rabies vaccination to travel to Canada.
Pets may fly into Canada in-cabin, as excess luggage or as manifest cargo (flying pets unaccompanied). Dogs and cats imported into Canada will undergo an inspection. The owner will need to pay an inspection fee at the airport (about $30 + tax for the first pet and about $5 + tax for each additional pet).
2 lacs to Rs. 8 lacs depending upon the crate size, the airline you choose, whether your pet goes with you as manifested baggage, and many more factors. If you take your pet as accompanied baggage, the entire cost will lie around Rs. 1 Lakh.
If you're traveling to Canada from the United States, Mexico, or any other country not considered rabies-free with your cat or dog that is at least three months old, you'll need a valid rabies vaccination certificate. For cats and dogs younger than three months, proof of age must be provided upon request.
If you plan on traveling to Canada with a dog from the United States, there are requirements that must be met otherwise you could be denied entry to Canada. In most situations, a dog must be accompanied by a rabies vaccination certificate in order to be permitted to cross the border.
Air Canada allows 2-4 pets in the cabin per flight. Small cats and dogs are welcome to travel in the cabin if the combined weight of pet and carrier is under 22 lbs (10 kg). Pets count towards passenger's carry-on allowance and must be stowed under the seat for the duration of the flight.
Pet quarantine in Canada
If your pet has in good health and has complied with all pet import requirements, there is no mandatory quarantine for your pet. However, if your pet does not fulfil all pet import criteria, they may not be allowed to enter the country.
Book through a pet travel specialist. These companies ensure compliance with origin, transit point and destination quarantine requirements, vet checks, licences or permits and that appropriate containers for shipping are taken care of.
Your pet can travel on the plane with you (either in-cabin, as accompanied baggage, or as cargo). Your pet will be charged accordingly. Some airlines no longer offer this option and some countries do not allow pets to enter the country in-cabin. You can book your pet on a separate flight.
The cost to fly your dog to Canada ranges from £1200 - £3500, depending on a variety of factors.
While pets are welcome in Banff National Park, they must be kept on a leash at all times. Want to go somewhere your furry friend can roam free? Banff is home to an off-leash dog walking park in the town's industrial area.
Yes, taking your dog to USA for a holiday is possible. However there will be vetwork required prior to departure from Australia and again in the USA prior to your return. Pets would need to remain in USA for approx. 3 months to complete these requirements.
Dogs and cats traveling with their owners do not require import permits to travel into Canada. However, unaccompanied dogs under the age of 8 months will require one.
Immigrating to Canada with your dog can be a little more complicated than you might expect. Dogs are required to undergo a visual inspection from the Canada Border Services Agency and like cats, may be required to complete more inspections. It is the responsibility of the owner to contact the CFIA in advance of travel.
Before you leave Canada, contact the embassy of your destination country about its requirements for importing animals. The Canadian International Health Certificate may be used to accompany pet dogs and cats to other countries. This certificate must be printed on legal paper (8.5" X 14").
For a Australia pet passport you will likely need a microchip, vaccinations, parasite treatments and a rabies blood test. The documents required to travel with dogs depends on which country you are travelling from, and which country you are travelling to.
While there are no weight or breed limitations for pets, they must travel in either a hard-sided or soft-sided carrier. This carrier must fit under the seat in front of you or you cannot fly with your pet. There can only be one pet per carrier, and they must be able to stand up and turn around while inside.
Some of the countries that are generally classified as rabies-controlled are: Bahrain, Belgium, Belarus, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Grenada, Hong Kong, Hungary, Kuwait, Latvia, Qatar, Slovakia, Taiwan, Trinidad and Tobago, UAE, USA, UK.
Dogs can fly long distances, but they can find it a little stressful. A 12-hour flight with them in a cargo hold is going to be much more unnerving for them than a 1-hour flight in a pet carrier on the seat next to you.
Good news: If you take a look at the Pet Import Requirements to Canada, you'll see that there's no reason to prepare for a quarantine when moving pets to Canada. Primarily you'll just need to focus on having proof of up-to-date rabies vaccines and all the additional necessary paperwork.
Air Canada
When it comes to pets, they are also quite accommodating. Your pet is welcome to travel in the cabin with you as long as you arrive 30 minutes before takeoff and have them safely buckled into their carrier. Larger dogs are welcome to fly in the cargo hold to keep them secure and comfortable.