Moving to Canada with pets in tow? We can help! Meet our experts and see how we can make this portion of your relocation as stress-free as possible so that you can focus on your human move.
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What to Know Before Moving Dogs and Cats to Canada
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Microchip and Vaccinations
Make sure your pet meets these basic requirements so you can begin the import process.
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Import Documentation
Canada requires import documentation that your veterinarian must complete.
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Ground Transportation
Your pet may require ground transportation into Canada or upon arrival.
Canadian Import Requirements and Timeline
Scarlet: South Africa to Canada
Microchip and Vaccinations
Time frame: we recommend starting at least 30 days ahead
All pets entering Canada must be vaccinated against rabies. Not all provinces require a microchip for entry, but PetRelocation always recommends having your pets microchipped.
How to start the process of moving your pet to Canada
All pets must have an original Rabies Certificate with a veterinarian's signature
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.
Rocky: United States to Canada
Import Documentation
Time frame: within 10 days of travel
At this stage, we provide detailed templates for your veterinarian and answer any questions regarding the proper completion of all forms.
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. This certificate must be completed by your vet within 10 days of travel.
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. If your pet can fly, they still may need ground transportation to get to their final destination upon arrival.
Flight restrictions for certain pets
Due to COVID-19, 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:
- Breed: if your pet is considered a "snub nose" pet they may have issues securing flights from the United States into Canada.
- Size: not all flights within North American can carry larger pets.
- Weather: weather embargoes, especially in the summer months, may restrict what flights your pets can travel.
Our North American Team
Meet the experts behind your pet's move!
