Getting a pet from Lithuania to Canada is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. This is one of the more straightforward routes, and roughly 2-4 weeks is usually enough. Compliant pets are not held in quarantine on …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Lithuania to Canada
typically takes around 2-4 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Lithuania to Canada pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Verify ISO microchip and current rabies vaccination
Responsible: Lithuanian vet
Check ahead of time. Vaccination must be valid at Canadian entry.
2
VMVT-endorsed health certificate from authorised vet
Responsible: VMVT-authorised vet + VMVT
Within 10 days of arrival in Canada. Allow time for VMVT endorsement within the window.
3
Book cargo from Vilnius or Kaunas via hub to Canadian city
Responsible: Owner or agent
6-8 weeks before travel. Confirm live animal acceptance on all legs.
4
Travel via European hub to Canada
Responsible: Airline + owner
Travel day. 12-18 hours total.
5
CBSA and CFIA inspection on arrival
Responsible: CBSA and CFIA
On arrival. Present all original documentation.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Canada
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Strongly recommended. ISO 11784/11785 standard. Required by most airlines for cargo.
Rabies vaccination
Required for dogs. Current at time of entry. For cats: not federally mandated but recommended.
Rabies titre test
Not required from Lithuania. Canada does not require a titre test from EU-origin pets.
Quarantine
No routine quarantine for compliant arrivals.
Import permit
Not required for personal pets (dogs and cats).
Health certificate
VMVT-endorsed official vet certificate. Issued within 10 days of Canadian arrival.
Export permit (Lithuania)
No formal export permit required for personal companion pets from Lithuania.
Costs
What this route typically costs
VMVT-endorsed health certificate: EUR 80-200
Cargo Lithuania to Canada via hub: EUR 600-2,000
IATA travel crate: EUR 80-300
Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 400-900
Total typical range: EUR 800-3,200
Critical points to read before you book
Lithuania has two main airports (Vilnius VNO, Kaunas KUN) but both require hub connections for transatlantic routes. Confirm cargo pet acceptance on the Lithuanian airport to hub leg specifically.
The 10-day certificate validity window is strict. Plan the VMVT endorsement step before booking your travel date.
Check the provincial animal import requirements for the specific Canadian province you are entering, in addition to CFIA federal requirements.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
LOT POLISH
LOT Polish Airlines
Warsaw (WAW) is accessible from Vilnius (VNO) and Kaunas (KUN). LOT Cargo to European hubs from Warsaw. Warsaw is a practical staging point for transatlantic routes.
Cargo Only
AIR CANADA
Air Canada
Via Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or London to Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver. Air Canada Cargo in heated and pressurised hold. Access from Lithuania via connecting flights to European hubs.
Cargo Only
KLM ROYAL
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Via Amsterdam Schiphol from Lithuanian airports. KLM Cargo transatlantic routes to Canada. Established live animal cargo programme from AMS.
Cargo Only
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa
Via Frankfurt or Munich from Lithuanian cities. Lufthansa Cargo to Canada from FRA. Frankfurt Animal Lounge available for live animal transit.
Cargo Only
The rules for bringing a pet into Canada
Canada has a modest set of rules compared with stricter destinations. Get the essentials in place and confirm the finer points below.
How to keep this move on track
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
FAQ
Common questions about Lithuania to Canada pet transport
Your authorised vet completes and signs the official health certificate. The signed certificate then goes to the VMVT (State Food and Veterinary Service of Lithuania) for the official government endorsement, which confirms the issuing vet is authorised and the certificate meets international standards. VMVT endorsement typically takes 1-3 working days. Your vet or a transport agent can manage this step.
The health certificate is issued for the Lithuania-to-Canada journey. If you are transiting through EU countries as part of the cargo routing, the certificate covers the journey. You do not need separate EU transit documentation for a cargo pet moving from one EU country through another EU country as part of an international journey.
At the federal CFIA level, Canada does not maintain a banned breed list for dog imports. However, several Canadian provinces have their own breed-specific legislation, notably Ontario (pit bull restrictions) and several municipalities. Check the rules for your destination province before travel.
Airline guides
LOT Polish Airlines
Air Canada
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Lufthansa
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.