Pet transport from Australia to Canada is a moderately complex route. The documentation is specific and there are a few stages to work through, but families who plan ahead get their pets there without major issues.
At minimum, your pet needs a microchip (ISO 11784/11785 standard), a current rabies vaccination, an approved import permit from the destination authority, and a government-endorsed health certificate issued close to your travel date. Allow 6-10 weeks from starting preparation to travel day.
Use the step-by-step timeline below to plan your preparation, and get in touch if you want us to coordinate the process for you.
Documents Required for This Route
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Health certificate | Required |
| Microchip record | Required (ISO 11784/11785 recommended) |
| Rabies vaccination record | Required |
| Rabies titre test | None |
| Import permit | Personal pet imports (1-2 animals) do not require an import permit. Commercial imports (for sale, breeding, adoption, fostering, or more than 2 dogs) require CFIA import permit. |
| Export permit (Australia) | Required for live animal exports from Australia |
How the Process Works
Get your pet microchipped (ISO 11784/11785)
Before any vaccinations. Must be done first.
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Rabies vaccination
At least 21 days before travel (after microchip)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
Obtain health certificate / veterinary clearance
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirements)
Responsible: Official veterinarian
Book IATA-compliant flight and arrange pet cargo/cabin booking
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space availability.
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets
Responsible: You + airline cargo desk
Canada: Entry Requirements for Pets
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Microchip | Required (ISO 11784/11785 recommended) |
| Rabies vaccination | Required |
| Rabies titre test | None |
| Quarantine | No routine quarantine |
| Import permit | Personal pet imports (1-2 animals) do not require an import permit. Commercial imports (for sale, breeding, adoption, fostering, or more than 2 dogs) require CFIA import permit. |
| Health certificate | Required |
Leaving Australia: Export Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Export permit | Required for live animal exports from Australia |
What This Route Typically Costs
| # | Cost factor |
|---|---|
| 1 | Airline cargo/cabin fees (varies by carrier, pet weight, and crate size) |
| 2 | IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire) |
| 3 | Veterinary fees (vaccinations, health certificate, microchip) |
| 4 | Government endorsement/USDA endorsement fee (if applicable) |
| 5 | Pet transport agent fee (if using a relocation service) |
Critical Points — Read Before You Book
Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds face cargo restrictions on most airlines. Check breed-specific policies before booking.
Microchip MUST be implanted before rabies vaccination. Vaccination given before microchip is invalid and the clock restarts.
Australian airlines may restrict pet cargo during peak summer (December to February) when temperatures exceed safe thresholds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Allow 6-10 weeks from your first vet appointment to travel day. The main variable is how quickly your pet’s health certificate can be issued and endorsed.
No routine quarantine for pets entering Canada with the correct documentation. No routine quarantine
Personal pet imports (1-2 animals) do not require an import permit. Commercial imports (for sale, breeding, adoption, fostering, or more than 2 dogs) require CFIA import permit.
Required Your Australia vet must be approved to issue official veterinary certificates. The certificate must be issued within the timeframe required by Canada: usually 10 days before travel. Present the original at check-in.
Required (ISO 11784/11785 recommended) The microchip must be in place before the rabies vaccination is given. If your pet was microchipped after its rabies jab, the vaccination is invalid and must be repeated.
Other Routes to Consider
Country guides:
Shipping from AustraliaImporting to Canada
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