Pet Travel Guide: Transporting Dogs and Cats to and from Canada

Taking your dog or cat from the UK to Canada requires careful preparation to ensure a smooth journey for your pet.

• Microchip: An ISO 11784/11785 microchip is not strictly required for entry but is highly recommended for identification purposes.
• Rabies vaccination: Your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination certificate in English or French, signed by a licensed veterinarian.
• Vaccination details: The certificate must clearly state the breed, colour, weight, and vaccine details, including the serial number and duration of immunity.
• Import permit: You do not need an import permit for personal pets travelling with you to Canada.
• Health certificate: A valid rabies vaccination certificate serves as the primary document required for entry into Canada.
• Arrival checks: Upon arrival, your pet will undergo a visual inspection by the Canada Border Services Agency to ensure they are healthy.
• Professional advice: Rules change frequently, so confirm all requirements with your veterinarian and the official Canadian authorities before you travel.

Bringing a dog or cat from Canada into Great Britain involves meeting specific UK government health and documentation standards.

• Microchip: Your pet must be microchipped before receiving their rabies vaccination to ensure they can be correctly identified.
• Rabies vaccination: Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies, and you must wait 21 days after the primary vaccination before travel.
• Travel document: You must carry an official veterinary export or health certificate, as Canada does not issue EU pet passports.
• Rabies blood test: If travelling from an unlisted country, a blood test and a three-month wait period may be required before entry.
• Tapeworm treatment: Dogs must receive a tapeworm treatment from a vet between 24 and 120 hours before their scheduled arrival in the UK.
• Quarantine: Pets that fully comply with all documentation and health requirements are not subject to quarantine upon arrival in Great Britain.
• Official guidance: Regulations are subject to change, so verify all current requirements with your vet and the UK government before departure.

Travelling from the EU to Canada requires following specific export procedures to ensure your pet meets all Canadian import standards.

• Export health certificate: You must obtain an EU export health certificate issued by an official veterinarian to confirm your pet's health status.
• Rabies vaccination: Ensure your pet has a valid rabies vaccination certificate in English or French, signed by a licensed veterinarian.
• Documentation: The certificate must include the pet's breed, colour, weight, and specific vaccine details to be accepted at the Canadian border.
• Carrier rules: Always check with your chosen airline or transport company, as they may have their own specific requirements for pet travel.
• National extras: While Canada has no internal border checks, remember that specific countries like Ireland or Finland require additional tapeworm treatments.
• Import requirements: Confirm if your specific situation requires an import permit or additional testing by contacting the Canadian authorities well in advance.
• Final verification: Rules change frequently, so confirm all requirements with your veterinarian and the official authorities on both sides before you travel.