Yonge Sheppard Animal Hospital
We’ve moved! Now at 678 Sheppard Ave E, Unit 6 North York, ON M2K 1B7 | 647-260-8387 | yonge.sheppard.vets@gmail.com
Traveling Internationally With Your Pet
Traveling with your pet can be exciting—but it also comes with extra planning and paperwork. Try to give yourself 3-6 months of preparation before you travel.
Topics Covered
Every country has its own set of rules for bringing pets across borders, and these requirements can take weeks (or even months) to prepare for. To help make the process easier, we’ve created this checklist so you know what to expect when planning an international trip with your furry family member.
1. Research Your Destination Country’s Pet Import Requirements
Every country has different regulations for pets entering their borders. Make sure to check:
- Import Permit – Does your destination require one?
- Microchip – Some countries require a 15-digit ISO 11784/11785 microchip. If your pet’s chip isn’t universally scannable, you’ll need to provide the scanner.
- Vaccinations – Confirm which vaccines are required and when they must be given.
- Rabies Titer Test (FAVN) – Some destinations require this test, which can take 6+ weeks for results.
- Parasite Treatments – Check whether internal or external parasite treatments must be administered by a veterinarian.
- Quarantine – Will your pet need to stay in quarantine on arrival?
- Cargo Restrictions – Some countries require pets to arrive as manifest cargo rather than as carry-on or checked baggage.
2. Schedule a Visit With Your Veterinarian
Your veterinary team plays a crucial role in preparing your pet for travel. At your appointment, make sure to:
- Complete a full health check to ensure your pet is fit for travel.
- Verify microchip placement and timing (rabies vaccines may need to be updated if given before microchip placement).
- Review vaccination records and obtain official certificates.
- Discuss any required titer tests or parasite treatments.
- Ask for guidance if you’re unsure about requirements—though remember, regulations vary by country, so your veterinary team will need you to provide specific information.
Please note: these agencies are listed as potential resources, but Yonge Sheppard Animal Hospital has not vetted or endorsed them for quality. We encourage you to research thoroughly before choosing a service provider.
For details, visit the CFIA Pet Export Information page.
Airline rules can be just as important as country requirements. Keep in mind:
- Transit Airports – Avoid layovers through challenging countries (like the UK, Taiwan, Australia, or China).
- Layovers – Keep them under 3 hours if possible, and consider the climate where your pet will be waiting.
- Airline Changes – Try not switch airlines mid-trip, as this may trigger extra requirements.
- Breed Restrictions – Many airlines restrict brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds.
- Sedation – Pet travel will expose your pets to lots of noises they may not have been exposed to before, which can be stressful for the. Always discuss with your veterinarian before sedating your pet.
Your pet’s crate or carrier must meet airline and international standards. Always check with your specific airline, but these requirements can include:
- Carriers (small pets/cabin): Must have a waterproof bottom, secure structure, and good ventilation.
- Crates (cargo travel): Must meet IATA requirements (waterproof bottom, spring lock, ventilation).
Acclimating your pet to the carrier in the time BEFORE international travel:
Place familiar bedding or clothing with your scent inside.
Leave the crate door open so your pet can explore freely.
Practice short trips to help your pet adjust.
Offer praise when your pet rests inside calmly.
International pet travel can feel overwhelming, but with the right preparation, you can help your pet have a safe and comfortable journey. Start planning well in advance—some requirements take weeks or months to arrange. And remember, your veterinary team at Yonge Sheppard Animal Hospital is here to support you along the way.
– The Yonge Sheppard Animal Hospital Team 🐾💚