Key takeaways
- Most destinations need a Canadian vet to fill in an export certificate that CFIA then endorses before the pet leaves
- UK and EU: microchip, rabies vaccine at least 21 days before travel, health certificate within 10 days of arrival
- US: dogs must be at least 6 months old, microchipped and have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt
- Rabies-free places such as Australia, New Zealand and Japan need a rabies blood test and long waits: start 9 months ahead
- Airline rules on crates, breeds and temperature can stop a pet even with perfect papers
How pet export works from Canada
For most countries, two people sign your pet’s papers:
- A licensed veterinarian examines your pet and fills in the export health certificate for the destination country.
- The CFIA checks and endorses (signs and stamps) the certificate. The endorsement must happen before the animal leaves Canada; CFIA cannot endorse it afterwards.
CFIA publishes country-specific certificates and charges a fee for endorsement. Book early in busy seasons. Some destinations, like the US for dogs from Canada, need different paperwork. Start at CFIA: Exporting pets.
Destination rules at a glance
| Destination | Main steps | Start |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Microchip, rabies vaccine at 12 weeks or older, wait 21 days, UK health certificate within 10 days of arrival. Dogs need tapeworm treatment 1 to 5 days before arrival. | 2 months ahead |
| European Union | Microchip, rabies vaccine, wait 21 days, EU animal health certificate within 10 days of arrival. Tapeworm treatment for dogs going to Ireland, Finland or Malta. | 2 months ahead |
| United States | Dogs: at least 6 months old, microchipped, CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Cats: no CDC form, but check state and airline rules. | 1 to 2 months |
| India | No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Animal Quarantine and Certification Service before arrival, plus health certificate and rabies vaccination. | 3 months or more |
| Australia, New Zealand, Japan | Rabies vaccines, a rabies antibody blood test at an approved lab, a long wait after the blood sample (often about 180 days), import permit or advance notice, and sometimes quarantine on arrival. | 9 months or more |
These are summaries. Rules depend on your pet’s age, travel history and vaccine dates, and they change. Read the destination’s official page and ask your vet.
How the planner counts
The planner counts back from your travel date. It uses the destination’s main waiting periods, such as 21 days after a rabies vaccine for the UK and EU and a 10-day window for the health certificate. It adds a CFIA booking step about 45 days ahead and an airline step a week ahead. If a step’s date is already past, it tells you, because your pet may not be ready on time.
Example: a dog flying to London on May 15, 2027 needs its microchip and rabies vaccine by about March 16, the vaccine no later than April 24 (21 days), the vet’s health certificate from May 5, and tapeworm treatment around May 10 to 14.
Airlines and crates
- Small pets can often fly in the cabin within weight limits; larger pets fly as checked baggage or cargo.
- Many airlines restrict snub-nosed breeds in the hold and stop pet cargo in very hot or very cold weather.
- Your crate must meet airline size rules. Get your pet used to it weeks before.
Check your airline’s pet page when you book, and book your pet’s space at the same time.
Cost and next steps
Vet visits, tests, CFIA fees, the crate and the flight add up. Pet relocation companies estimate about $2,500 to $5,500 per pet if you use their service. Add your pet to the move-abroad budget and the leaving Canada checklist. If you also rent a place abroad, ask landlords about pets early.
This planner is general information. Your vet, CFIA and the destination authority have the final word on your pet’s documents.