Transporting pets to Canada is a process that requires strict compliance with the rules and preparation of documents. It is important that your pet meets the age requirements and has all the necessary documents for smooth entry.
1. Age and vaccinations
Your pet must be at least 4 months old to be brought into Canada. This should be clearly stated in veterinary documents. Additionally, dogs and cats are required to have a current rabies vaccination, given at least 30 days prior to travel. The vaccination must be recognized as an international standard and confirmed by a certificate, signed by a veterinarian.
In addition to rabies vaccination, it is necessary for pets to have other vaccinations:
– For dogs: vaccination against distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirus.
– For cats: vaccination against calcivirosis, panleukopenia and rhinotracheitis.
2. Required documents
To enter Canada you will need to prepare the following documents:
– Microchipping: The pet must be microchipped. This microchip must be installed before or on the same day of rabies vaccination. This requirement is especially important in countries such as Canada where microchipping is required to identify a pet.
– A veterinary passport, which will indicate vaccinations, including rabies.
– A state veterinary certificate, which is issued by a veterinarian within 5 days before the trip. It must confirm that the animal is healthy and ready for transportation.
3. Special conditions for brachycephalics
Some flat-faced dog breeds, such as pugs or bulldogs, may have difficulty breathing in hot weather. For this reason, airlines may refuse to transport such breeds during hot months when the air temperature exceeds 27°C.
Some airlines do not transport these breeds at all due to their increased susceptibility to heat stroke and breathing problems.
4. Requirements for a transportation container (CARGO)
Airlines have strict requirements for containers used to transport animals.
Containers should be spacious enough for your pet to stand, sit and turn around comfortably. They must be durable, well-ventilated, and meet IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards. Make sure that the container meets all of your airline’s requirements.
If you are transporting your pet from Russia, there are additional steps to consider:
Veterinary certificate from the Russian Federation To transport an animal from Russia, it is necessary to obtain a veterinary certificate, Form No. 1. This document is drawn up at a state veterinary clinic (for example, SBBZh) no earlier than 5 days before departure from the country. This document confirms that your pet is healthy and ready for transportation. At the departure airport, this document will be exchanged for an international certificate of form No. 5a, which will be valid in other countries.
