Pet travel FAQ for Canadians

Q: How do I find the current requirements for taking my pet out of Canada?

The country you are entering sets the rules, and those rules can change without notice. Check its veterinary authority or embassy, then compare that guidance with the certificate and instructions published by the CFIA before you book any time-sensitive appointments.

Q: Does every dog, cat, or ferret need a CFIA-endorsed export certificate?

No. The country you are entering decides whether a government-endorsed certificate is required. When it is, a licensed veterinarian completes the correct export certificate before a CFIA veterinarian endorses it. Use the general Canadian certificate only if the importing country accepts it.

Q: How early should I start preparing?

Start as soon as you know the route and approximate dates. Some destinations require tests, vaccination waiting periods, treatments, permits, or government appointments that cannot be rushed. The CFIA recommends checking the requirements and planning with your veterinarian well in advance.

Q: How does CFIA endorsement work?

A private veterinarian reviews and signs the export certificate first. You then book an appointment with a CFIA animal health office for endorsement and pay the applicable fee. The certificate must be endorsed before the pet leaves Canada; CFIA cannot endorse it afterward.

Q: What does a dog need to enter the United States?

A dog entering the United States must appear healthy, be at least six months old, have a microchip, and travel with a CDC Dog Import Form receipt. Extra documents depend on where the dog has been during the previous six months and, for higher-risk travel histories, where the dog was vaccinated. State and airline rules can add requirements.

Q: What are the main requirements for a dog, cat, or ferret entering the European Union?

A pet travelling from Canada will usually need a readable microchip placed before the valid rabies vaccination, plus an EU animal health certificate. The certificate generally must be issued no more than 10 days before arrival. A rabies antibody test or tapeworm treatment only applies in certain cases, so check the destination and travel history.

Q: What should I check before taking a pet to Great Britain?

Great Britain requires an approved travel route, a microchip placed before the rabies vaccination, the required wait after a first rabies vaccination, and the correct pet travel document. Dogs may also need tapeworm treatment within a set window. Check the route and document rules before booking transport.

Q: Why does travel to Japan need so much lead time?

For dogs and cats arriving from a non-designated region such as Canada, Japan’s process includes microchipping, two rabies vaccinations, a rabies antibody test, a 180-day wait, and advance notification at least 40 days before arrival. Starting the sequence in the wrong order can restart the timeline.

Q: Are government documents enough to board an international flight?

Not always. Airlines set their own carrier sizes, booking steps, breed restrictions, seasonal embargoes, and health-document rules. If one airline sells the ticket but another operates the flight, check both. Do the same for every connection before you buy.

Q: Should I sedate my pet for a flight?

There is no safe blanket answer. Discuss your pet’s health, anxiety, route, and carrier requirements with your veterinarian, and confirm the airline’s policy. Superpets organizes travel paperwork but does not provide veterinary advice.

Question 1

How do I find the current requirements for taking my pet out of Canada?

Question 2

Does every dog, cat, or ferret need a CFIA-endorsed export certificate?

Question 3

How early should I start preparing?

Question 4

How does CFIA endorsement work?

Question 5

What does a dog need to enter the United States?

Question 6

What are the main requirements for a dog, cat, or ferret entering the European Union?

Question 7

What should I check before taking a pet to Great Britain?

Question 8

Why does travel to Japan need so much lead time?

Question 9

Are government documents enough to board an international flight?

Question 10

Should I sedate my pet for a flight?

Question 11

What do I need to bring my pet back to Canada?

Question 12

Do the same rules apply to multiple pets or animals other than dogs, cats, and ferrets?

Question 13

What does Superpets do with my pet’s records?

Question 14

Does Superpets replace my veterinarian or the CFIA?

Question 15

How current are the requirements in Superpets?

Question 16

Can I keep digital copies of my travel documents?

Pet travel FAQ for Canadians

Planning and Canadian export certificates

Common destinations from Canada

Flights, health, and returning to Canada

Using Superpets

Not sure where to start?