Pet Travel Certificates
Planning international travel with your pet from Toronto? We’re here to help you navigate the requirements and paperwork for a smooth, stress-free journey.
Pet Travel Information & Requirements
Travelling with your pet requires careful planning and attention to detail. The requirements for pets travelling from Canada to another country are highly specific, vary by destination, and can change without notice. As a pet parent, planning ahead is key to ensuring you have enough time to meet any testing, vaccination, or treatment requirements and secure the proper documentation.
Proper preparation helps ensure your pet’s safety, comfort, and successful entry into your destination country.
What to Expect at Your Pet’s Travel Appointment
A complete veterinary health examination and consultation is necessary to ensure your pet is fit to travel and to minimize the risk of illness during their journey.
During this appointment, your pet’s vaccination history and parasite prevention will be reviewed.
Our veterinarian will provide a stamped and signed Animal Health Statement.
If vaccinations were performed at My Animal Vet, a printed certificate can be provided upon request. If vaccinations were administered elsewhere, please contact the original clinic directly for the appropriate certificate.
Export Certificates + CFIA Requirements
Most pets travelling internationally from Canada require an export certificate completed and signed by a licensed veterinarian and then endorsed by an official Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Veterinarian.
IMPORTANT: Please contact the CFIA directly to confirm current travel requirements and obtain the appropriate export certificate.
Travel to the United States
Dogs entering or returning to the U.S. must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 6 months old
- Have an ISO-compliant or universally readable microchip
- Appear healthy upon arrival
- Have a CDC Dog Import Form receipt (completed and submitted online by the pet parent)
Click HERE for more information on U.S. travel requirements.
Travel Preparation Tips
Help your pet acclimate by gradually introducing them to their travel carrier or new environment. Short car rides can help reduce stress.
If you anticipate travel-related stress or anxiety, please speak with our veterinarian. Supportive options, including pheromones, calming supplements, or medications, may be recommended.
Research and comply fully with airline and destination regulations. It is your responsibility to secure the proper documents and adhere to carrier specifications. Missing or incorrect information can result in denied boarding or refused entry.
Some requirements must be completed at specific time intervals; failure to meet these timelines may make your pet ineligible for travel.
Pack appropriately for your pet’s needs, including food, water, medications, supplements, and comfort items.
Look into pet-friendly accommodations and identify nearby veterinary services at your destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I start preparing for pet travel?
Ideally, 2–3 months in advance, depending on the destination. Some countries require testing or treatments at very specific intervals.
Can My Animal Vet help me determine the travel requirements for my destination?
We can guide you, but requirements vary by country and may change. You must confirm all official requirements with the CFIA and the destination country’s authorities.
Do all pets need an export certificate?
Most pets travelling internationally from Canada do. Requirements differ between countries, so confirm directly with the CFIA.
Can you print my export documents?
Yes, we can print any letter-size paperwork you provide. Legal-size printing is not available, so if your destination country requires that format, you’ll be responsible for printing those forms.
What if my pet is anxious about travel?
Discuss this during your veterinarian consultation. We can recommend pheromones, calming supplements, or medications to support a stress-free experience.
Can someone help manage the entire travel process?
Yes. Pet travel specialists such as Pawsitive Pet Health Certificates can assist with full travel coordination and relocation support.
We’re Here to Help
Proper travel preparation ensures a smoother, safer, and more comfortable journey for everyone—especially your pet. If you need guidance or have questions along the way, we’re here to support you.
Want to find out the cost for pet travel certificates? Click the button below to get more detailed information and ensure your pet is ready for their journey.