International Pet Transport to Canada
Key Takeaways
- Canada is a popular destination for Australian expats and returning Canadians - and one of our most frequently serviced international routes
- All pets travelling from Australia to Canada require a microchip, valid rabies vaccination certificate, export permit and health certificate as a minimum
- Departure Pets flies pets into Calgary, Halifax, Toronto and Vancouver using Air Canada
- All pets travelling from Australia to Canada travel as live animal air cargo - there is no cabin option for pets departing from Australia, regardless of size or breed
- There is no mandatory quarantine period for pets arriving in Canada from Australia, provided all documentation is correct and in order
- Your assigned Departure Pets consultant will confirm all current import requirements based on your pet's destination province, entry airport and individual circumstances
Planning to relocate your pet from Australia to Canada? Whether you're an Australian expat heading to a new chapter, a Canadian returning home, or relocating for work, Canada is one of our most frequently serviced international pet relocation destinations. With four major entry airports serviced and a clear documentation pathway, Canada is a well-established route for our team - but getting the preparation right still requires expert coordination.
At Departure Pets, we manage every step of your pet's journey from Australia to Canada - from your front door through to safe delivery at your new Canadian address.
Why Use Departure Pets for Pet Transport to Canada?
Canada spans six time zones and multiple provinces, each with its own character - but when it comes to pet imports, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) sets the national framework that all incoming pets must comply with. Documentation must be precise, vaccinations must be current and correctly timed, and export requirements on the Australian side must be managed in parallel.
Departure Pets has well-established processes for the Australia-to-Canada route. Our team handles every step on both sides of the journey - so you're not trying to coordinate between Australian and Canadian requirements on your own.
Air Canada Dog and Cat Cabin Policy - Is It Available Through Departure Pets?
Under Air Canada's pet travel policy, cats and small dogs are permitted to travel in the cabin with their owner on certain routes, housed in a soft-sided carrier under the seat. This is a separate service managed directly between the pet owner and Air Canada, and is not something Departure Pets coordinates or provides.
For customers researching the Air Canada dog and cat cabin policy, it's worth noting that this option applies to small pets on select routes within Canada and the US - it is not available for pets travelling from Australia to Canada, regardless of pet size or breed. All pets on this route travel as live animal air cargo.
Departure Pets manages pet transport as live animal air cargo - this is the standard method used for international relocations from Australia to Canada, and is the appropriate option for the vast majority of pets travelling this route.
If you're relocating your pet from Australia to Canada and want to understand the best transport option for your pet's size, breed and specific circumstances, get in touch with our team and we'll walk you through everything.
Canada Pet Import Requirements from Australia
Important: While the documentation requirements for Canada are straightforward relative to some other destinations, timing and accuracy still matter. Our team verifies everything thoroughly before your pet travels to ensure a smooth, compliant arrival in Canada.
Airports We Service for Pet Relocation in Canada
Departure Pets transports pets into the following Canadian airports using Air Canada. All airports require an airline-approved PP travel crate, microchip, valid rabies vaccination certificate, export permit and health certificate.
Pet Flights to Calgary
Airport Code: YYC
Location:
Calgary International Airport
2000 Airport Rd NE
Calgary, AB
T2E 6W5
Pet Travel Requirements
- IATA Pet Travel Crate
- Microchip
- Valid Rabies Vaccination Certificate
- Export Permit
- Health Certificate
Pet Flights to Halifax
Airport Code: YHZ
Location:
Halifax Stanfield International Airport
747 Bell Blvd
Goffs, NS
B2T 1K2
Pet Travel Requirements
- IATA Pet Travel Crate
- Microchip
- Valid Rabies Vaccination Certificate
- Export Permit
- Health Certificate
Pet Flights to Toronto
Airport Code: YYZ
Location:
Toronto Pearson International Airport
6301 Silver Dart Drive
Mississauga, ON
L5P 1B2
Pet Travel Requirements
- IATA Pet Travel Crate
- Microchip
- Valid Rabies Vaccination Certificate
- Export Permit
- Health Certificate
Pet Flights to Vancouver
Airport Code: YVR
Location:
Vancouver International Airport
3211 Grant McConachie Way
Richmond, BC
V7B 0A4
Pet Travel Requirements
- IATA Pet Travel Crate
- Microchip
- Valid Rabies Vaccination Certificate
- Export Permit
- Health Certificate
Departure Pets will ensure all of Canadas travel requirements have been met and are compliant.
If your preferred airport is not listed above, please contact our team directly and we will do our best to accommodate your pet's relocation to your preferred Canadian destination.
What Does Departure Pets Manage for Canadian Pet Relocations?
Our team coordinates every aspect of your pet's journey from Australia to France, including:
- Residence collection - we collect your pet directly from your home in Australia
- Boarding - safe, comfortable accommodation at our pet lounges while your pet awaits travel
- DAFF appointments - full compliance with Australian export requirements managed for you
- Veterinary protocol - all required health checks, vaccinations and certifications coordinated by our team
- Export permit - arranged and verified before departure
- Flight bookings - we manage all cargo bookings with the airline
- Destination clearance - your pet travel consultant will confirm all arrival and clearance requirements for your specific Canadian destination
- Door-to-door delivery - your pet arrives safely at their new Canadian home
Want to know more about what happens at each stage? Read our how pet travel works guide for a full overview of the process. You can also read what our customers are saying about their experience relocating with Departure Pets.
Ready to Move Your Pet to Canada?
Canada is one of our most well-established international routes and our team knows exactly what it takes to get your pet there safely and compliantly. Get in touch today for a tailored quote
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