Pet Transport Dominican Republic to Canada

The journey from Dominican Republic to Canada for a pet is straightforward to plan once the key dates are mapped out. This is a middle of the road route, and about 4-8 weeks of preparation usually …

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4-8

Weeks lead time needed

Start this early minimum

None

Quarantine on arrival

Medium

Route complexity

Airlines on this route

Lead time needed

4-8 weeks

Quarantine

None

Route complexity

Medium

Airlines

3 carriers on this route

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In short: Preparing to move a pet from Dominican Republic to Canada typically takes around 4-8 weeks.

Regulations checked June 2026

Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team

Step by step

The Dominican Republic to Canada import process

Confirm microchip is in place

Ensure rabies vaccination is current

Book DSA-authorised vet examination and export health certificate

Obtain DSA notification or export permit

DSA endorses the health certificate

Book cargo or in-cabin place with airline

Travel day: arrive at SDQ with all documents

Costs

What this route typically costs

DSA health certificate preparation fee and official endorsement fee

DSA export permit or notification fee

Airline cargo fees on two segments (SDQ-MIA and MIA-YYZ)

IATA-compliant travel crate if not already owned

Certified English or French translation of rabies certificate if issued in Spanish

Professional pet relocation agent fees if using a specialist

Critical points

Canada requires the rabies certificate to be in English or French. A Spanish-only certificate will need a certified translation before travel.

Confirm live animal carriage is booked and confirmed on every segment of the journey, not just the first leg.

The SDQ-MIA-YYZ routing involves two separate airline segments. Check that cargo transfer procedures at Miami are in place.

DSA endorsement takes several working days. Do not finalise flight bookings before the certificate is endorsed.

Airlines

Approved carriers on this route

Airline	Notes	Type
American Airlines / American Airlines Cargo
Air Canada
Copa Airlines

The rules for bringing a pet into Canada

Canada has a clear set of import requirements that are manageable with some planning. Follow them in order and keep an eye on the dates that cannot move.

How to keep this move on track

If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.

Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.

Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.

Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.

FAQ

Common questions about this route

No. Canada does not require a titre test for personal companion dogs. A current rabies vaccination certificate in English or French is the main requirement for dogs over three months old. This makes the Canada route significantly simpler than a move to the EU or Australia, where titre tests and waiting periods apply.

No quarantine is required for dogs and cats arriving from the Dominican Republic with correct documentation. CFIA inspects pets at the port of entry, but compliant arrivals are not held. If paperwork is missing or incorrect, penalty quarantine can apply.

Toronto Pearson (YYZ) is the most common entry point on the SDQ-MIA routing with American Airlines. Vancouver (YVR) and Montreal (YUL) are also options depending on your final destination. Confirm live animal cargo availability at your chosen arrival airport before booking.

Allow 4 to 8 weeks from starting the paperwork to departure. The main variables are DSA permit processing time and how quickly the health certificate can be prepared, endorsed, and translated if needed.

Airline guides

American Airlines / American Airlines Cargo
Air Canada
Copa Airlines

Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

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