Bringing dog to Canada
Sep 25th 2016, 11:48 am
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2
Bringing dog to Canada
Hello,
Could anyone give me some simple black and white info on bringing a dog to live in Canada from the UK.
The cost, the process etc etc
It seems like it's not the strictest of crossings but i'm seeing conflicting information when i'm googling so I was hoping someone with some actual experience could help.
Many thanks,
Tom
Could anyone give me some simple black and white info on bringing a dog to live in Canada from the UK.
The cost, the process etc etc
It seems like it's not the strictest of crossings but i'm seeing conflicting information when i'm googling so I was hoping someone with some actual experience could help.
Many thanks,
Tom
Sep 25th 2016, 1:42 pm
#2
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2011
Location: Back to good old blighty
Posts: 44
Re: Bringing dog to Canada
who are you flying over with, Air Canada are really helpful so are air transat.
All you have to do is make sure that the kennel is correct size, food and water bowl attached, fit to fly letter from vet dated within 2-3days and everything else is done by the cargo agents at drop off.
All you have to do is make sure that the kennel is correct size, food and water bowl attached, fit to fly letter from vet dated within 2-3days and everything else is done by the cargo agents at drop off.
Sep 25th 2016, 3:50 pm
#3
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Joined: Nov 2009
Location: Somewhere in Hamilton, ON
Posts: 4,307
Re: Bringing dog to Canada
We brought our golden retriever over in 2011.
We had to have a rabies shot and a certificate from the vet confirming she was fit to fly.
Then we booked her in cargo with air transat and she travelled in a varikennel strapped to a large pallet. You can't give them anything in the crate and you're not allowed to sedate them.
Considering she was a very nervous dog she did really well and other than jet lagged she was totally fine when hubby picked her up in Halifax.
I would definitely ship my dog again if I was on the move.
We had to have a rabies shot and a certificate from the vet confirming she was fit to fly.
Then we booked her in cargo with air transat and she travelled in a varikennel strapped to a large pallet. You can't give them anything in the crate and you're not allowed to sedate them.
Considering she was a very nervous dog she did really well and other than jet lagged she was totally fine when hubby picked her up in Halifax.
I would definitely ship my dog again if I was on the move.
Sep 26th 2016, 3:24 am
#4
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Joined: Oct 2010
Location: A Briton, married to a Canadian, now in Fredericton.
Posts: 4,854
Re: Bringing dog to Canada
I could not come without the dog (he's a Cairn Terrier...but a big boned sort of animal) and three cats, and I used a pet shipping company, Goldenway Pets, who took all the hassle away. I had a child and an absent husband. It kept me nsomewhat sane!
Very best of luck!
Very best of luck!
Sep 28th 2016, 4:33 pm
#5
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2016
Location: St. John's, Newfoundland
Posts: 44
Re: Bringing dog to Canada
I am currently in the process of doing this from Northern Ireland to Newfoundland!
I've broken this down into 3 sets of requirements (EXPORT- AIRLINE- IMPORT):
Export from the UK- You need a EHC (Export Health Certificate). If you live in England/Wales ring DEFRA and they will email you the application form (EHA1). It has all the guidance on it. You need to ensure your dog has a rabies vaccination. The EHC needs to be completed by your vet who needs to see your dog within 72 hours of departing UK/arriving in Canada- so bear this in mind when scheduling your last day or two at home! My experience- we took our dog to vets last week to discuss the documentation requirements & get the rabies vaccination. (we are also applying for a pet passport which is NOT a requirement to take dog out of UK to Canada, however it is if we wish to return to the UK. We are not expecting to have to use it, but we are getting it 'just in case'- otherwise dogs are quarantined upon return if they don't have a passport. I've not had a bill yet- but your vet can advise you. My vet now has the EHC cert & will complete when she see's my dog 2 days before we fly.
AIRLINE- they have specific requirements- so it depends on which airline you fly with, and whether the dog is in the cabin as hand baggage (only for wee dogs), or excess baggage/cargo. Previous posters' comments re kennel specifications/ food/water/sedation are all appropriate- but this will be specified by your airline requirements. TO SIMPLY it- determine where you're going in Canada, who flies there and whether they take dogs & refer to their guidance. One tip- while an airline may state that they take pets, just double check your specific route with the airline directly. The reason I say this is that some aircraft don't have temperature controlled cargo spaces for animals, so it may be too hot/cold/inadvisable at particular times of the year. my experience- I'm glad I rang Air Canada whom we are flying with to double check- the plane on our particular route (Heathrow to St Johns) is an Airbus (small plane) & the cargo isn't heated. I was advised temps can vary between 2-36 degrees ; C and pet transport isn't recommended between 1 Nov- 31 March- this guidance was specific to my route/aircraft. I have a bichon frise who is a bit on the large size (fat!) for hand luggage, is now on a very strict diet- so we can meet the 10kg requirement for take him that way....
We also have to go by boat from Belfast to Liverpool, hire a car to Heathrow & stay overnight before our flight. Just to add to the stress lol!
IMPORT- the Canadian Food Import Agency establishes the import requirements for domestic pets. Basically when we arrive our dog has to be examined by a vet- we pay $35-40, and hopefully that should be it.
I did browse around the internet, which was really helpful to get me going & also about preparing our dog. However stick with government bodies and airline guidance as that is correct & specific to your situation.
So:
Stick with DEFRA for export
AIRLINE for travel requirements
CFIA for import requirements
I haven't a definite cost yet but we are doing it ourselves. I'm aware from previous threads that pet owners have two options- DIY which is a lot cheaper, or if you prefer to spend more but have someone else take care of matters use a pet transportation company. However imo we are doing the DIY route. The correct info is provided by the relevant UK and Canadian government authorities.
hope this helps to demystify the process a bit!
I've broken this down into 3 sets of requirements (EXPORT- AIRLINE- IMPORT):
Export from the UK- You need a EHC (Export Health Certificate). If you live in England/Wales ring DEFRA and they will email you the application form (EHA1). It has all the guidance on it. You need to ensure your dog has a rabies vaccination. The EHC needs to be completed by your vet who needs to see your dog within 72 hours of departing UK/arriving in Canada- so bear this in mind when scheduling your last day or two at home! My experience- we took our dog to vets last week to discuss the documentation requirements & get the rabies vaccination. (we are also applying for a pet passport which is NOT a requirement to take dog out of UK to Canada, however it is if we wish to return to the UK. We are not expecting to have to use it, but we are getting it 'just in case'- otherwise dogs are quarantined upon return if they don't have a passport. I've not had a bill yet- but your vet can advise you. My vet now has the EHC cert & will complete when she see's my dog 2 days before we fly.
AIRLINE- they have specific requirements- so it depends on which airline you fly with, and whether the dog is in the cabin as hand baggage (only for wee dogs), or excess baggage/cargo. Previous posters' comments re kennel specifications/ food/water/sedation are all appropriate- but this will be specified by your airline requirements. TO SIMPLY it- determine where you're going in Canada, who flies there and whether they take dogs & refer to their guidance. One tip- while an airline may state that they take pets, just double check your specific route with the airline directly. The reason I say this is that some aircraft don't have temperature controlled cargo spaces for animals, so it may be too hot/cold/inadvisable at particular times of the year. my experience- I'm glad I rang Air Canada whom we are flying with to double check- the plane on our particular route (Heathrow to St Johns) is an Airbus (small plane) & the cargo isn't heated. I was advised temps can vary between 2-36 degrees ; C and pet transport isn't recommended between 1 Nov- 31 March- this guidance was specific to my route/aircraft. I have a bichon frise who is a bit on the large size (fat!) for hand luggage, is now on a very strict diet- so we can meet the 10kg requirement for take him that way....
We also have to go by boat from Belfast to Liverpool, hire a car to Heathrow & stay overnight before our flight. Just to add to the stress lol!
IMPORT- the Canadian Food Import Agency establishes the import requirements for domestic pets. Basically when we arrive our dog has to be examined by a vet- we pay $35-40, and hopefully that should be it.
I did browse around the internet, which was really helpful to get me going & also about preparing our dog. However stick with government bodies and airline guidance as that is correct & specific to your situation.
So:
Stick with DEFRA for export
AIRLINE for travel requirements
CFIA for import requirements
I haven't a definite cost yet but we are doing it ourselves. I'm aware from previous threads that pet owners have two options- DIY which is a lot cheaper, or if you prefer to spend more but have someone else take care of matters use a pet transportation company. However imo we are doing the DIY route. The correct info is provided by the relevant UK and Canadian government authorities.
hope this helps to demystify the process a bit!
Sep 28th 2016, 4:35 pm
#6
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Joined: Jun 2016
Location: St. John's, Newfoundland
Posts: 44
Re: Bringing dog to Canada
Sep 28th 2016, 7:53 pm
#7
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 516
Re: Bringing dog to Canada
Our vet had an emigration specialist who contacted DEFRA to get the requirements and coordinated the whole process of vaccinations, testing, and fit to fly. Didn't appear to charge extra for the service either 
Sep 30th 2016, 5:41 pm
#8
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 62
Re: Bringing dog to Canada
I went to see the vet, they looked up the DEFRA info and made sure our pooch had all the jabs to comply, signed off the doggie passport then it was 400 quid to put her on the same plane. We picked her up of the oversize baggage carousel in Montreal.
Oct 10th 2016, 10:29 pm
#9
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 44
Re: Bringing dog to Canada
I am currently in the process of doing this from Northern Ireland to Newfoundland!
I've broken this down into 3 sets of requirements (EXPORT- AIRLINE- IMPORT):
Export from the UK- You need a EHC (Export Health Certificate). If you live in England/Wales ring DEFRA and they will email you the application form (EHA1). It has all the guidance on it. You need to ensure your dog has a rabies vaccination. The EHC needs to be completed by your vet who needs to see your dog within 72 hours of departing UK/arriving in Canada- so bear this in mind when scheduling your last day or two at home! My experience- we took our dog to vets last week to discuss the documentation requirements & get the rabies vaccination. (we are also applying for a pet passport which is NOT a requirement to take dog out of UK to Canada, however it is if we wish to return to the UK. We are not expecting to have to use it, but we are getting it 'just in case'- otherwise dogs are quarantined upon return if they don't have a passport. I've not had a bill yet- but your vet can advise you. My vet now has the EHC cert & will complete when she see's my dog 2 days before we fly.
AIRLINE- they have specific requirements- so it depends on which airline you fly with, and whether the dog is in the cabin as hand baggage (only for wee dogs), or excess baggage/cargo. Previous posters' comments re kennel specifications/ food/water/sedation are all appropriate- but this will be specified by your airline requirements. TO SIMPLY it- determine where you're going in Canada, who flies there and whether they take dogs & refer to their guidance. One tip- while an airline may state that they take pets, just double check your specific route with the airline directly. The reason I say this is that some aircraft don't have temperature controlled cargo spaces for animals, so it may be too hot/cold/inadvisable at particular times of the year. my experience- I'm glad I rang Air Canada whom we are flying with to double check- the plane on our particular route (Heathrow to St Johns) is an Airbus (small plane) & the cargo isn't heated. I was advised temps can vary between 2-36 degrees ; C and pet transport isn't recommended between 1 Nov- 31 March- this guidance was specific to my route/aircraft. I have a bichon frise who is a bit on the large size (fat!) for hand luggage, is now on a very strict diet- so we can meet the 10kg requirement for take him that way....
We also have to go by boat from Belfast to Liverpool, hire a car to Heathrow & stay overnight before our flight. Just to add to the stress lol!
IMPORT- the Canadian Food Import Agency establishes the import requirements for domestic pets. Basically when we arrive our dog has to be examined by a vet- we pay $35-40, and hopefully that should be it.
I did browse around the internet, which was really helpful to get me going & also about preparing our dog. However stick with government bodies and airline guidance as that is correct & specific to your situation.
So:
Stick with DEFRA for export
AIRLINE for travel requirements
CFIA for import requirements
I haven't a definite cost yet but we are doing it ourselves. I'm aware from previous threads that pet owners have two options- DIY which is a lot cheaper, or if you prefer to spend more but have someone else take care of matters use a pet transportation company. However imo we are doing the DIY route. The correct info is provided by the relevant UK and Canadian government authorities.
hope this helps to demystify the process a bit!
I've broken this down into 3 sets of requirements (EXPORT- AIRLINE- IMPORT):
Export from the UK- You need a EHC (Export Health Certificate). If you live in England/Wales ring DEFRA and they will email you the application form (EHA1). It has all the guidance on it. You need to ensure your dog has a rabies vaccination. The EHC needs to be completed by your vet who needs to see your dog within 72 hours of departing UK/arriving in Canada- so bear this in mind when scheduling your last day or two at home! My experience- we took our dog to vets last week to discuss the documentation requirements & get the rabies vaccination. (we are also applying for a pet passport which is NOT a requirement to take dog out of UK to Canada, however it is if we wish to return to the UK. We are not expecting to have to use it, but we are getting it 'just in case'- otherwise dogs are quarantined upon return if they don't have a passport. I've not had a bill yet- but your vet can advise you. My vet now has the EHC cert & will complete when she see's my dog 2 days before we fly.
AIRLINE- they have specific requirements- so it depends on which airline you fly with, and whether the dog is in the cabin as hand baggage (only for wee dogs), or excess baggage/cargo. Previous posters' comments re kennel specifications/ food/water/sedation are all appropriate- but this will be specified by your airline requirements. TO SIMPLY it- determine where you're going in Canada, who flies there and whether they take dogs & refer to their guidance. One tip- while an airline may state that they take pets, just double check your specific route with the airline directly. The reason I say this is that some aircraft don't have temperature controlled cargo spaces for animals, so it may be too hot/cold/inadvisable at particular times of the year. my experience- I'm glad I rang Air Canada whom we are flying with to double check- the plane on our particular route (Heathrow to St Johns) is an Airbus (small plane) & the cargo isn't heated. I was advised temps can vary between 2-36 degrees ; C and pet transport isn't recommended between 1 Nov- 31 March- this guidance was specific to my route/aircraft. I have a bichon frise who is a bit on the large size (fat!) for hand luggage, is now on a very strict diet- so we can meet the 10kg requirement for take him that way....
We also have to go by boat from Belfast to Liverpool, hire a car to Heathrow & stay overnight before our flight. Just to add to the stress lol!
IMPORT- the Canadian Food Import Agency establishes the import requirements for domestic pets. Basically when we arrive our dog has to be examined by a vet- we pay $35-40, and hopefully that should be it.
I did browse around the internet, which was really helpful to get me going & also about preparing our dog. However stick with government bodies and airline guidance as that is correct & specific to your situation.
So:
Stick with DEFRA for export
AIRLINE for travel requirements
CFIA for import requirements
I haven't a definite cost yet but we are doing it ourselves. I'm aware from previous threads that pet owners have two options- DIY which is a lot cheaper, or if you prefer to spend more but have someone else take care of matters use a pet transportation company. However imo we are doing the DIY route. The correct info is provided by the relevant UK and Canadian government authorities.
hope this helps to demystify the process a bit!
I'm looking into this now with similar situation, also have a fat Bichon just over 10kgs and thinking of a major diet to lose a kg so he can get to sit with me in cabin!
I've contacted Air Canada before and been told they only deal with other agents and gave me a name of one which has been helpful but very expensive! I thought I cannot DIY when flying with them? My other dog is an large breed which means he have to travel as cargo, do you think this maybe reason I've to use an agent?
Have you book your dogs with Air Canada yet? If they do allow me to arrange it all, it'll save a great deal!
Oct 20th 2016, 12:49 pm
#10
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2016
Location: St. John's, Newfoundland
Posts: 44
Re: Bringing dog to Canada
hi Hanzo I'll be booking shortly. I cannot speculate on what AC's reasons are- in fact you have me a bit worried now. However on their webpage for pet travel in cabin, there is no mention of using a 3rd party. Perhaps someone else can advise? Perhaps the best thing would be to get some clarification from Air Canada themselves?
The thing with the fat bichon- Angus is now down to 9kg. We purchased a soft sided carrier which weights 839grams- yes we literally had to 'weigh up' the options of bags. While he does fit, it's not the most comfortable, but neither is human seats on a plane! He may be at the maximum size/weight, but I know we will happily put up with it for a 5 hour flight to get him to Canada.
The thing with the fat bichon- Angus is now down to 9kg. We purchased a soft sided carrier which weights 839grams- yes we literally had to 'weigh up' the options of bags. While he does fit, it's not the most comfortable, but neither is human seats on a plane! He may be at the maximum size/weight, but I know we will happily put up with it for a 5 hour flight to get him to Canada.
Oct 20th 2016, 1:06 pm
#11
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 44
Re: Bringing dog to Canada
hi Hanzo I'll be booking shortly. I cannot speculate on what AC's reasons are- in fact you have me a bit worried now. However on their webpage for pet travel in cabin, there is no mention of using a 3rd party. Perhaps someone else can advise? Perhaps the best thing would be to get some clarification from Air Canada themselves?
The thing with the fat bichon- Angus is now down to 9kg. We purchased a soft sided carrier which weights 839grams- yes we literally had to 'weigh up' the options of bags. While he does fit, it's not the most comfortable, but neither is human seats on a plane! He may be at the maximum size/weight, but I know we will happily put up with it for a 5 hour flight to get him to Canada.
The thing with the fat bichon- Angus is now down to 9kg. We purchased a soft sided carrier which weights 839grams- yes we literally had to 'weigh up' the options of bags. While he does fit, it's not the most comfortable, but neither is human seats on a plane! He may be at the maximum size/weight, but I know we will happily put up with it for a 5 hour flight to get him to Canada.
As for going with 3rd party, it's because my other dog is too big and heavy, over 35kgs and will have to go as cargo and Air Canada cargo said they don't deal with individuals so have to go through pet company!! Also, it turns out my other dog, Gizmo is a zuchon, it is on their list of dogs that can't travel as cargo because of their short nose...Gizmo can't travel together with my other dog! So one will be cargo with another company and Gizmo as check luggage doing it myself! It's all becoming a bit of nightmare! Also travelling to Nova Scotia also doesn't help as there are limited choices of airlines to use....
Anyway, let me know how it all goes and good luck!! xx
Oct 20th 2016, 1:36 pm
#12
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2016
Location: St. John's, Newfoundland
Posts: 44
Re: Bringing dog to Canada
hi Hanzo- your msg has given me some relief! Though I'll wait til I get him booked with AC and moved over to Canada before I will break out the champagne. Moving Angus has been the biggest source of stress for us on this move! I've never heard of a zuchon, and it's a pity they cannot travel together; but at least you can save a bit by doing DIY with Gizmo. All the best in NS. At least we can do a direct flight from London, although it means we have to travel overland from NI to Heathrow, but we do these things for the love of our dogs!
Oct 20th 2016, 3:24 pm
#13
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 44
Re: Bringing dog to Canada
Same here, they're my biggest stress and my husband just don't understand, saying I worry too much! I just know they'll be so scare and they're older now so may not travel well etc..
Zuchon is a shih tzu crossed Bichon, they call them teddy bear dog sometimes!
Keep us updated!!
Zuchon is a shih tzu crossed Bichon, they call them teddy bear dog sometimes!
Keep us updated!!
Oct 25th 2016, 3:07 pm
#14
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2016
Location: St. John's, Newfoundland
Posts: 44
Re: Bringing dog to Canada
just booked my dog with AC- in the cabin. Rang the reservations desk as required within 24 hours of booking. They took details- breed of dog ( bichon frise), weight (8.4kg), dimensions and weight of carrier (839g) to ensure dog & carrier come within 10kg & measurements) & contact details. Person from AC pet department rang back (seems reservation desk passes this onto pet department). He confirmed the booking was suitable & advised re letter from vet confirming my dog has rabies vaccination, the license no of the vaccine & validity (within the past year) of vaccine. cost £65. Dog will replace my standard carry on allowance. Hope it goes as smoothly on the day!
Nov 1st 2016, 12:34 pm
#15
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 10
Re: Bringing dog to Canada
For those of you in NI, if you're moving somewhere close to the US, flying with Aer Lingus out of Dublin can be an option too. I did Dublin to Chicago with my guy in cargo- booked it all myself, think the cost was only about €250 additional for him (28kg lab cross w huge crate).I then drove from Chicago to Winnipeg (yeah it's a long way, had people to stay with)- don't recommend going quite that far! I really wanted to avoid any transfers at airports. Aer Lingus says they'll only fly when it's 5-30C or something similar, so you should def check airline requirements.
Anyway, rabies vaccine and pet passport with page filled in about being fit to travel was all I needed. Didn't even get asked for vaccines at Canadian border, but some people do.
Anyway, rabies vaccine and pet passport with page filled in about being fit to travel was all I needed. Didn't even get asked for vaccines at Canadian border, but some people do.