Travel Documentation

 

Consult your local CFIA Animal Health Office as soon as you have international travel plans in mind, even if you don’t have all the details figured out. They will be able to provide you with current, accurate information on what you will need to travel with your pet, and the timelines required. This will help you to plan ahead to ensure there are no issues when it comes time to travel. Keep in mind that these requirements could take up to 6 months to complete, so it is best to contact them as soon as you know you will be travelling.

It is a good idea to understand the services you may need, depending on what country you are travelling to. The CFIA will be able to tell you for sure, but keep this information in mind:

  • Rabies vaccination: Most countries will require a certificate, signed by a veterinarian, to show that your pet is up-to-date with their rabies vaccination. If your pet is overdue for this vaccine, it may delay the process.

  • ISO compliant microchip: While some countries may accept a tattoo or older microchip, it is highly recommended that your pet have a 15 digit, ISO compliant microchip to avoid any issues. If required, this usually needs to be done prior to any other vaccinations, treatments, or laboratory tests.

  • Health inspection: Most countries require a current health certificate signed by a veterinarian, and some countries require a country-specific international health certificate, signed by a CFIA-accredited veterinarian.

Each country establishes it’s own requirements based on the type of animal travelling, and the approval process can take weeks to months. Factors that can play into the timeline can include:

  • Does the destination country require the pet to have an import permit?

  • Is a microchip required?

  • Do required treatment, tests, or vaccines need to be given after the microchip was implanted?

  • Does the destination country require vaccinations, treatments, or laboratory tests to be given or performed?

  • Is there a timeframe or sequence that the vaccinations, treatments, or laboratory tests have to be performed in?

  • Is there a waiting period after the vaccinations, treatments, or laboratory tests have been performed?

  • Is there a specific type of vaccine, treatment, or test that must be used?

Contact your airline or mode of travel to find out what requirements they have.

  • Do they have any forms that need to be completed?

  • Do they have any pet size or breed restrictions?

  • Do they have any blackout periods when pets cannot travel?

Gather the required information as your plans develop, including:

  • Home address

  • Pet name, age (and date of birth if known), breed, gender, weight, and colouring

  • Microchip identification number, implant date, and implant location on the pet (ex. between the shoulder blades)

  • Vaccination and testing information

  • Pet’s medical history and any pre-existing medical conditions

  • Destination country, address and contact information

  • Departure date and duration of travel

  • Method of travel, including airline and flight number

  • Port of entry

  • Purpose of movement

  • Name and contact of person travelling with the pet, if not the owner

Purchase a travel crate for your pet and get them comfortable being in it. Confirm the crate is approved for airline travel, if appropriate. Get your pet comfortable spending time in it by leaving it out for them to explore, and try feeding them treats or playing with them while they are in the crate.

Contact us to let us know you will be travelling. You will be asked to complete our Preparation for Travel Form. We will work with you to book all the appointments you will need, in the timelines provided by the CFIA Animal Health Office. These appointments will need to be coordinated with any appointments required by the CFIA, so it is best to plan ahead.

We can also discuss any travel health and safety concerns you may have with your pet, such as travel anxiety or motion sickness.

The original documents with original signatures must be presented to the country’s customs officials when entering the country. However, it is recommended to make a copy of the documents and carry them with you, as some countries will require a copy to be kept by the customs officials.