Getting your dog from Greece to Canada is entirely achievable, but the preparation timeline is not flexible.
This route is relatively straightforward compared to some international routes. Start preparations at least 4 weeks before your travel date: some steps have fixed waiting periods that cannot be shortened.
Getting the timing right is critical. Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer.
Documents Required for This Route
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Health certificate | Required |
| Microchip record | Required (ISO 11784/11785 recommended) |
| Rabies vaccination record | Required |
| Rabies titre test | Not required for standard pet imports from most countries |
| 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 (Greece) | No formal export permit required. Destination import documentation serves as travel authority. |
How the Process Works
Canada: Entry Requirements for Pets
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Microchip | Required (ISO 11784/11785 recommended) |
| Rabies vaccination | Required |
| Rabies titre test | Not required for standard pet imports from most countries |
| Quarantine | No routine quarantine for pet dogs or cats. Animals must appear healthy upon arrival. |
| 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 Greece: Export Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Export permit | No formal export permit required. Destination import documentation serves as travel authority. |
What This Route Typically Costs
| # | Cost factor |
|---|---|
| 1 | Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size) |
| 2 | IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire) |
| 3 | Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate |
| 4 | Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes) |
Critical Points — Read Before You Book
Understanding Canada's pet import rules
Compared to some international pet transport routes, Greece to Canada is manageable. That said, every country’s rules are different and the timing requirements are strict.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) manages pet imports. Requirements are relatively straightforward compared to USA, Australia, or Singapore. Government portal blocked automated extraction; data compiled from published CFIA guidelines and cross-referenced with CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) documentation. Important: Canada suspended import of commercial dogs from high-risk rabies countries in September 2022; personal pet imports may still be affected.
Step-by-step: what to do first
Microchip first, then vaccinate. The microchip must be implanted before any rabies vaccination for the vaccination to count. It’s the most common and costly mistake people make.
Get the health certificate from an official (government-approved) veterinarian, not just your regular vet. Some countries have strict requirements about who can sign the certificate. Check the destination authority’s approved list.
If this is your first international pet move, consider using a registered pet transport agent. They handle the documentation, airline booking, crate sizing, and can troubleshoot issues. IPATA-registered agents are the recognised standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Other Routes to Consider
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