AU
CA
Pet Transport from Australia to Canada: CFIA Rules, Costs and How It Works
6-8
Weeks lead time needed
Start this early minimum
See key facts
Quarantine on arrival
Moderate
Route complexity
4
Airlines on this route
Official rules on this page checked
Step by step
The Australia to Canada import process
01
4-6 weeks before travel. Confirm pet availability and breed restrictions.
Book cargo or cabin space with chosen airline
Responsible: Owner or agent
02
3-4 hours before scheduled departure for cargo; 2 hours for cabin
Deliver pet and all documents to airline cargo desk on departure day
Responsible: Owner
03
On arrival at Canadian port of entry (YVR, YYZ, or other)
CBSA inspection on arrival in Canada; health certificate and microchip review
Responsible: CBSA plus owner
Which Canada rules depend on a pet coming from Australia?
Canada sorts countries into 3 groups, and Australia falls in “Countries recognized as rabies free”.
Rabies-free origin; cats and dogs can meet the rabies condition by origin and residence instead of vaccination. List under review. Official source
The rules that apply to every pet entering Canada, whatever the origin, are listed with their official sources in our Canada guide.
What does Australia require before your pet leaves?
- Export permit: A Notice of Intention (NOI) to Export Live Animals (other than Livestock) must reach the regional office at least 10 working days before departure or the start of isolation. Applies to dogs and cats exported from Australia.
Exporting companion animals and other live animals, checked 1 October 2026 - Export permit: An export permit is issued and the animal must leave within 72 hours of issue; fees apply to the NOI, the health certificate and the permit. Applies to dogs and cats exported from Australia.
Exporting companion animals and other live animals, checked 1 October 2026 - Export permit: All exported cats and dogs, including assistance dogs, need an export permit and health certificate (industry advice 80-2023, 11 April 2023). Applies to dogs and cats, including assistance dogs, exported from Australia.
80-2023: Information on international travel with cats, dogs and assistance dogs, checked 1 October 2026 - Export permit: Export permit fee for non-livestock animals (which includes exported cats and dogs): AUD 305 per document in 2026-27 (DAFF live animal exports cost recovery implementation statement 2026-27, Table 7 'Fees, charges and volumes', columns: modelled revenue AUD 2,925,255, modelled volume 9,591, 2026-27 price AUD 305). Time-based assessment and inspection fees and the NOI fee are charged separately. Applies to dogs and cats exported from Australia.
Cost recovery implementation statement: live animal exports 2026-27, checked 1 October 2026 - Export health certificate: DAFF's certifying veterinary officer assesses documents and prepares the export health certificate; DAFF charges a time-based fee for this. Check importing country requirements in MICoR. Page last updated 27 August 2026. Applies to dogs and cats exported from Australia.
Exporting companion animals and other live animals, checked 1 October 2026 - Other conditions: Final health and welfare examination by a registered veterinarian within 72 hours of departure (or the period the importing country sets), before the DAFF appointment. Applies to dogs and cats exported from Australia.
Exporting companion animals and other live animals, checked 1 October 2026
Costs
What this route typically costs
Microchip implant (if not yet done): approx. AUD 80-150 at an Australian vet
Rabies vaccination or booster: approx. AUD 80-150 at an Australian vet
Health certificate from accredited Australian vet: approx. AUD 150-350
Airline cargo fees (Sydney or Melbourne to Vancouver or Toronto): approx. AUD 1,500-4,000 depending on pet size, crate, and routing
IATA-compliant travel crate: AUD 100-400 depending on size
Specialist agent fee if used: AUD 600-1,500
Critical points
Transit through the United States, even without clearing customs, may introduce USDA documentation requirements. If your itinerary routes through a US airport, confirm transit documentation requirements with both the airline and USDA APHIS before travel.
Brachycephalic breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Bulldogs, Persian cats) face cargo restrictions on most airlines serving this route, particularly during Australian summer (December to February). Confirm breed eligibility before booking.
Airlines
Approved carriers on this route
| Airline | Notes | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Qantas | Cargo service from Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), and Brisbane (BNE) to Vancouver (YVR) via Honolulu (HNL) on some routes, or direct on select services. All pets travel as manifested cargo via Qantas Freight. Brachycephalic breeds restricted year-round. Temperature embargoes during Australian summer (December to February). | Cargo Only |
| Air Canada | Cargo from Australian gateways to Vancouver (YVR) and Toronto (YYZ). Small pets (under 10kg including carrier) may travel in cabin on some segments, subject to availability. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round. Air Canada Cargo operates pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. | Cabin and Cargo |
| Emirates | Cargo routing from Sydney or Melbourne via Dubai (DXB) to Toronto (YYZ) or Vancouver (YVR). Pets as manifested cargo. Temperature restrictions on the DXB leg during Gulf summer months. Longer total transit time than direct routing. | Cargo Only |
| United Airlines | Cargo routing via United States hub (Los Angeles LAX or San Francisco SFO) to Canadian gateway. Note: US transit introduces USDA documentation requirements even if the pet is not cleared through customs. Confirm transit documentation requirements before booking. | Cargo Only |
FAQ
Common questions about this route
No. Canada does not require quarantine for dogs or cats from Australia with the correct documentation. Your pet will be inspected by CBSA at the port of entry, and provided the health certificate is in order and the animal appears healthy, clearance is typically straightforward.
A microchip is not strictly required under CFIA federal rules for personal pet imports of dogs and cats. However, it is strongly recommended: most airlines require it for cargo transport, and it is the most reliable way to reunite you with your pet if any issue arises in transit. If your pet does not yet have a microchip, implant it before any vaccinations are given.
Transit through a US airport may trigger USDA APHIS documentation requirements even if your pet does not clear US customs. Requirements vary depending on the transit airport and whether the pet remains on the aircraft or passes through the cargo facility. Confirm with your airline and USDA APHIS before finalising any itinerary that routes through the US.
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Requirements on this page were checked against the authorities below. Rules change, so confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before you travel.
- USDA APHIS · United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
- CFIA · Canadian Food Inspection Agency
- DAFF · Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
- IATA · International Air Transport Association, Live Animals Regulations