Bringing Pets To: Canada

Bringing your furry family members with you to Canada? Let us be your guide! Our experienced team is here to take the stress out of your pet's relocation to Canada.

From paperwork to flights, we've got you covered. Trust us to make your pet's journey as comfortable and safe as possible.

Learn more about the ins and outs of pet transportation services in Canada to prepare for your big move!

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What to Know Before Moving Dogs and Cats to Canada

Canadian Import Requirements and Timeline

A dog in a forest setting wearing a pancho while looking back Scarlet: South Africa to Canada

Microchip and Vaccinations

Time frame: we recommend starting at least 30 days ahead

One of the most important considerations when moving to Canada with pets is ensuring your furry family member is safe and prepared for travel.

All pets entering Canada must be vaccinated against rabies. Not all provinces require a microchip for entry, but PetRelocation always recommends microchipping your pets.

How to start the process of moving your pet to Canada

All pets must have an original Rabies Certificate with a veterinarian's signature. Our pet relocation services to Canada are here to help you understand the process of pet shipping to Canada.

Other recommended vaccines and veterinary requirements include:

  • We recommend all pets have a microchip before entering Canada.
  • Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus (DHLPP) and Bordetella.
  • Cats: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia (FVRCP).

These should be valid at the time of import and administered no less than two weeks before the export date for maximum effectiveness.

A cat laying in a kennel Rocky: United States to Canada

Import Documentation

Time frame: within 10 days of travel

Moving to Canada with pets also requires a lot of important documentation. Ensuring you have the necessary forms and they’re filled out correctly can help your pet's relocation to Canada go as smoothly as possible.

Our pet relocation services team will not only provide you with detailed templates for your veterinarian but will also assist you in completing all forms correctly. You can count on us to make the process of pet travel to Canada as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Proper paperwork prevents hangups at customs

All pets need a health certificate stating they are healthy and fit to fly. Your USDA-accredited veterinarian should complete an APHIS 7001 health certificate. Your vet must complete this certificate within ten days of travel. 

We can assist you in ensuring that all necessary documents, including the APHIS 7001 health certificate, are completed correctly and submitted on time to avoid potential delays or issues during your pet's travel to Canada.

A dog laying on the grass Bailey: Moved Across Canada

Ground transportation (and why you may need it)

Long drives across North America

There are several reasons your pet may need ground transportation. Depending on your pet's breed or size, they may not be able to fly into Canada from other countries within North America. Therefore, your pet may need to be driven into Canada. 

Before moving to Canada with pets, make sure you know their breed in addition to when they’ll be able to travel. Pet shipping to Canada has strict rules that you must comply with to make sure you travel with your pet goes off without a hitch.

If your pet can fly, they may need ground transportation to reach its final destination upon arrival. Our team is here to coordinate ground transportation for your pet and ensure they arrive in Canada safely and comfortably.

Flight restrictions for certain pets

We are experiencing limitations on moving your pets into Canada by air. Therefore, at this time, ground transportation will be our primary option. However, once these restrictions are lifted, there are several reasons your pet may still need ground transportation, such as breed or size restrictions on flights within North America and weather embargoes, especially in the summer, that may restrict your pet's travel.

Pet relocation to Canada and other countries is always subject to changes outside of our control. Make sure to follow Pet Relocation to stay up-to-date on the latest pet transport news around the world.


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