Travel documents

​The Canadian International Health Certificate may be used to accompany pet dogs and cats to other countries. This certificate must be printed on legal paper (8.5" X 14"). No other format will be accepted.
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​If your destination country accepts this document, have it completed by a veterinarian in Canada and endorsed by an official government veterinarian. There is a fee for this service.
You do not need a Canadian International Health Certificate if you are travelling to countries providing their own health certificates or to countries or zones that have negotiated specific veterinary health certificates with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
For further information, please contact the CFIA Office for your province.

traveling with exotic pets

​Do you travel with an exotic pet? Examples of exotic pets include parrots, many lizards, many turtles, hybrid cats, some fish and some snakes. If you are travelling between countries, your exotic pet may require a CITES permit.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was established to prevent over-exploitation of wildlife species through international trade and illegal poaching. Imports and exports of species listed under CITES are controlled through a permit system.  If you are travelling with a CITES-listed exotic pet, you will require a permit. It is illegal to bring a CITES-listed animal across Canadian and many international borders without the appropriate CITES permit.

Pet passports, also known as Certificates of Ownership, are available from Environment Canada for people who travel frequently outside of Canada with their CITES-listed exotic pet. If you are a resident of Canada and intend to take your pet temporarily and frequently out of Canada strictly for personal purposes, you can apply for a CITES Certificate of Ownership. This “pet passport” is valid for three years, authorizes multiple exports and re-imports, and is recognized by certain countries (e.g., USA).
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For more information, please consult the Environment Canada brochure Endangered species and the international traveller and the Government of Canada’s requirements for bringing your pet to Canada.

tips

​Whether you are flying or driving with your pet, the best thing you can do for your pet is to prepare them for being in their crate. Get your crate well ahead of travel and keep the top half off. Encourage your pet to rest in the bottom half. After several weeks, attach the top half and the door. As more airlines are requiring it, we would strongly recommend that you use crate hardware.

When your pet is traveling in cargo, you will need to have an IATA compliant pet crate in order to meet airline requirements for pets traveling in the cargo hold. Additionally, many airlines require that, instead of plastic fasteners, pet crates need to be secured by metal hardware. Presently, the following airlines make this requirement: United, Northwest, Horizon, Delta and Alaska Airlines.  


  • Several days prior to travel, take a picture with your pet, print two copies and attach one to the top of your pet’s crate with your pet’s passport papers and any veterinary instructions. Attach it with duck tape in a zip lock bag and mark it “Originals, Do Not Remove” Attach LIVE ANIMAL stickers on each side of the crate and a shipper’s declaration on the top of the crate.
  • Make sure your cell phone is written on the shipper’s declaration. Write your pet’s name on a piece of duck tape and put on the crate or mark the crate with a Sharpie pen. Attach a sturdy leash to the top of the crate if you are taking a trip with a layover. No fancy leash here as it may be lost along the way.
  • Keep a pet pad in your crate so that your pet will become accustomed to the scent. Put an old, unwashed t-shirt of yours in the crate (or try a stuffable toy) so your pet will carry your scent with them.

If you are flying, on the day of travel, you will need to attach the water/food bowl(s) to the door and put cable ties in the corners of the crate. Freeze water in the bowl the night before so it will not spill or drip. Once your pet is in the crate and the airlines have weighed your pet and inspected the crate, you will need to cable tie the door. The airlines should assist you with this, but it is wise to be prepared when you travel with your pet.
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It is all about keeping your pet safe when you travel. The last thing any pet owner wants is to have his pet escape from their crate. If you need an airline compliant pet crate, or one for your car, you can find it together with other pet travel accessories at http://www.pettravelstore.com.

Travel with your pet (not in cargo)

​All animals, including cats, dogs, exotic pets and reptiles, must be kept safe from harm and injury when they are travelling by land, air or sea.
Health check
  • It is always a good idea to check the health of your pet before any long trip to make sure it is fit to travel. Health certificates or other documentation may be required when taking your pet on an airplane or to another country, including the United States. Find out what is required in advance.

Pet carriers
  • Pet carriers must be large enough for the animal to comfortably lie down, turn around and stand in its natural position. The carrier should be secure so the animal cannot escape or be injured, but still provide adequate ventilation.
  • The carrier for your pet should be appropriate to the species of animal you are transporting. For example, snakes and other reptiles require a different type of carrier than a cat or dog. Speak to your veterinarian if you are unsure about what type of carrier you should use for your pet.

In your vehicle
  • Contain your pet Animals that could distract the driver should be contained. Some animals, such as cats, are more comfortable in a vehicle when they are in a carrier.
Pets should not be allowed to roam freely in the back of pickup trucks or be exposed in any way to flying debris.

Watch the weather
  • Animals should not be kept in parked vehicles for long periods of time, especially in hot or cold weather. Temperatures inside a vehicle can quickly rise or fall to levels that could cause your pet to suffer or even die.

Provide food, water and rest
  • On long trips, make sure your pet has food and water and that you make regular stops so it can rest or get out and walk around.
In an airplane

Most airlines have specific requirements for transporting animals. It is recommended that you contact the airline well in advance to let them know you will be bringing your pet and to find out if you need to do anything before arriving at the airport, i.e. purchase a special pet carrier or obtain a health certificate from a veterinarian.

Dos and Don’ts when bringing your pet on the plane

Do
  • Remove your pet from its carrying case and send the carrying case through the screening equipment.
  • Hold your pet in your arms and proceed through the metal detector.
  • Take your pet out of its cage or carrier if it is being transported in the belly hold of the aircraft. A screening officer will screen the cage or carrier separately.
  • Be responsible for your pet and its behaviour throughout the screening process.
  • Contact your air carrier or travel agent in advance to determine the airline’s policy on passengers travelling with pets.
Don’t
  • Hand your pet to a screening officer to hold while you go through security.
  • Put your pet on the conveyor belt.