One of the first questions many immigrants ask when moving to Canada is how to bring their beloved pet along. The good news is that airlines like Air Canada have clear policies in place, but there are important details to understand before booking your flight.
Cabin travel. Small cats and dogs can travel in the cabin as long as they fit comfortably in an approved carrier that can be stored under the seat in front of you. The pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down inside the carrier. The one-way fee is typically 100 CAD/USD, and the carrier counts as your only carry-on piece of luggage.
Documentation is essential. Canada enforces strict rabies control, so a complete and up-to-date vaccination record is mandatory. Your certificate must clearly list the animal’s age, breed, sex, color, weight, and vaccine details including the laboratory and batch number. You can verify all requirements directly on the Government of Canada’s official website.
Important update. Since September 28, 2022 (World Rabies Day), Canada has prohibited the entry of commercial dogs from countries with a high risk of canine rabies. This restriction applies to dogs imported for resale, adoption, fostering, breeding, exhibition, or research. Affected countries in the Americas and Caribbean include Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
Essential tips for pet travel. Do not feed your pet within 12 hours of the flight to prevent motion sickness. Prepare all documents at least four days in advance to avoid last-minute surprises. Validate requirements with the official authority in your country of origin, such as ICA in Colombia. Microchipping is not mandatory but is strongly recommended for identification and safety.