Pet Travel from the UK to Canada: Dog & Cat Import Requirements
Travelling to Canada with your pet is often more straightforward than many other destinations — and in most cases, an Export Health Certificate is not required.
The key is understanding exactly what applies to your specific journey and getting the timing right. This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need, so you only complete the paperwork that is actually required.
Step-by-Step Guide: Importing Your Dog or Cat from the UK to Canada
Step 1 — Check whether your pet actually needs an Export Health Certificate
For many pets travelling from the UK to Canada, an Export Health Certificate (EHC) is not required.
In most cases, your pet can travel without an EHC if:
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they are travelling with you as the owner
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they are travelling for non-commercial purposes
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they are over 3 months of age
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they have a valid rabies vaccination certificate
This is the most common route for dogs and cats travelling to Canada from the UK.
An Export Health Certificate (EHC 2923) is more likely to be needed if:
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your pet is travelling unaccompanied
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the movement is commercial (for example sale, transfer of ownership, breeding or rehoming)
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your pet is travelling without a valid rabies vaccination
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an airline or other authority specifically requests additional veterinary certification
If you are unsure which route applies, we can help confirm this before anything is booked.
Step 2 — Make sure your pet’s rabies vaccination documents are valid
If your pet is travelling to Canada as an accompanied pet, the most important document is usually the rabies vaccination certificate.
Your pet should:
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be at least 3 months old
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have a valid rabies vaccination
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have vaccination records that clearly match your pet’s details
Your rabies certificate should ideally include:
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your pet’s name and description
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the microchip number, where applicable
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the date of rabies vaccination
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vaccine manufacturer and batch or serial number
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the duration of immunity
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the signature of the vet who administered the vaccine
There is generally no mandatory waiting period for entry into Canada after rabies vaccination, but your documentation must be complete and accurate.
Step 3 — Confirm your travel route before booking appointments
Before arranging any veterinary certification, make sure your travel plans are clear.
You should confirm:
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your intended date of travel
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whether your pet is travelling with you or separately
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your full flight route
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whether there are any transit countries
This is important because travelling via another country, especially through the EU or another international transit point, may create additional paperwork requirements even if Canada itself is straightforward.
Step 4 — Check whether your airline requires a Fit to Fly certificate
Even when Canada does not require an Export Health Certificate, your airline may still require a veterinary certificate confirming that your pet is fit to travel.
This is often called a:
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Fit to Fly Certificate
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Fit to Travel Certificate
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Private Veterinary Certificate
Airline rules vary, so this should always be checked in advance. If required, we can arrange this certificate at the correct time before departure.
Step 5 — Book your pet’s flight
Once your route and paperwork requirements are clear, you can go ahead and arrange your pet’s travel.
When booking, make sure to check:
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whether your airline accepts pets on your chosen route
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whether your pet will travel as accompanied baggage, in cabin, or manifest cargo
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crate requirements and airline size restrictions
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any breed-related restrictions
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whether the airline asks for a Fit to Fly certificate or any other supporting documents
It is always best to have the travel route confirmed before final veterinary appointments are scheduled.
Step 6 — Book your veterinary appointment (timing is important)
The timing of your veterinary appointment will depend on the type of certificate required for your journey.
If your pet requires a Fit to Fly (Private Veterinary) Certificate:
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we typically recommend that the appointment takes place within 5 days of your travel date
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this helps ensure compliance with the strictest airline requirements, as some carriers have tighter time windows
If your pet requires an Export Health Certificate (EHC 2923):
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the final clinical examination must take place within 72 hours of export
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the certificate must be completed and signed by an Official Veterinarian
At your appointment, we will:
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perform a full clinical examination to confirm your pet is fit to travel
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verify identification and supporting documentation
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complete and sign the required certificate(s)
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advise if any additional documentation is needed based on your route
As these certificates are time-sensitive, we will help schedule your appointment carefully to align with your travel date and avoid any risk of documents becoming invalid.
Step 7 — Keep special restrictions in mind
Although Canada is generally one of the simpler destinations for pet travel, some additional rules may still apply depending on your route or destination within Canada.
For example:
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certain provinces, such as Ontario, have restrictions relating to some pit bull-type dogs
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airline-specific breed, crate or routing restrictions may also apply
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if your pet is travelling without rabies vaccination, direct travel and extra certification may be required
These details should be checked early so there are no surprises close to departure.
Step 8 — Get everything checked before you travel
Before departure, make sure you have all original paperwork ready and that all details match exactly.
This includes checking:
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your pet’s name
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microchip number, if listed
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rabies vaccination details
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owner details
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flight dates
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any veterinary certificates issued for travel
Small discrepancies on travel paperwork can lead to unnecessary delays, so it is worth reviewing everything carefully before the day of travel.