Regulations sourced from DEFRA, USDA APHIS, DAFF and other official authorities.
How we source our data →
Overview
Canada is a listed third country under EU pet import rules, so no titre test applies for Latvian entry. Latvia is an EU member state requiring the EU AHC, endorsed by the CFIA. The practical highlight of this route: KLM operates a direct Toronto-to-Amsterdam service with a direct Amsterdam-to-Riga connection, making this one of the more streamlined Canada-to-Baltic cargo paths. The main planning challenge is the CFIA endorsement within the 10-day AHC window.
Step by step
The Canada to Latvia process
1
First step.
Confirm microchip is ISO 11784/11785 (15-digit)
Responsible: Canadian vet
2
Most Canadian pets are vaccinated. Confirm the vaccine is current and within its valid period.
Ensure rabies vaccination is current and at least 21 days old
Responsible: Canadian vet
3
7-8 days before departure.
Schedule Canadian vet for EU AHC within 10 days of departure
Responsible: Canadian vet
4
2-4 business days. Confirm current CFIA processing time.
Obtain CFIA endorsement of the AHC
Responsible: Owner + CFIA
5
4-6 weeks before travel.
Book cargo Canada to Riga via Amsterdam
Responsible: Owner or agent
6
Travel day. Canada to Riga via AMS: approximately 12-15 hours.
Travel to Riga. Present AHC at BCP RIX.
Responsible: Airline + owner
Checklist
Latvia: entry requirements
Requirement
Detail
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 standard (15-digit). Must precede rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. Current. At least 21 days old at time of Latvian entry.
Rabies titre test
Not required. Canada is a listed third country under EU pet import rules.
Quarantine
Not required for Canadian pets with valid AHC and current vaccination.
Import permit
Not required for non-commercial companion movements.
Health certificate
EU AHC issued by a licensed Canadian vet, endorsed by CFIA, valid at Latvian entry.
Leaving Canada
Export requirements
Requirement
Detail
Export permit
No export permit required for companion pets leaving Canada.
Health certificate
EU AHC completed by a licensed Canadian vet and endorsed by CFIA. Must be issued within 10 days of Latvian entry.
Costs
What this route typically costs
1
Canadian vet exam for EU AHC: CAD 150-350
2
CFIA endorsement fee: see current fees at inspection.canada.ca
3
Cargo Canada to Riga via AMS: CAD 1,200-3,500
4
IATA travel crate: CAD 100-400
5
Pet transport agent: CAD 500-1,200
6
Total typical range: CAD 2,000-5,500
Critical points
Read before you book
⚠ KLM's direct YYZ-to-AMS and AMS-to-RIX routing is convenient, but cargo space on the AMS-to-RIX leg is limited (smaller regional aircraft). Confirm maximum crate dimensions at time of booking.
⚠ The CFIA endorsement must be completed before departure. Book the vet appointment 7-8 days before your Canadian departure to allow the CFIA processing within the AHC's 10-day validity window.
⚠ No titre test required: Canada is a listed third country. But the 21-day post-vaccination rule applies for any new vaccination.
⚠ Riga Airport's BCP is well-managed for EU-listed third country arrivals. Ensure the chip number in the AHC matches the chip in your pet.
Carriers
Airlines on this route
KLM via Amsterdam
KLM operates direct Toronto (YYZ) to Amsterdam (AMS) with a direct AMS-to-Riga (RIX) service. This is the most convenient end-to-end Canada-to-Latvia cargo option: two legs, same carrier, and KLM Cargo manages live animals on both. AMS is an excellent live animal hub.
Cargo Only
Air Canada via Frankfurt or London
Air Canada from Canadian cities to FRA or LHR, with connections to RIX. Air Canada Cargo handles live animals. A practical option for Western Canada departures.
Cargo Only
Lufthansa via Frankfurt
Lufthansa connections from Canadian gateways to Frankfurt (FRA), with connections to Riga. FRA Animal Lounge is outstanding for live animal cargo.
Cargo Only
airBaltic via Amsterdam or Frankfurt
airBaltic connects Riga (RIX) to AMS and FRA. For Canada-to-Riga moves, connect from Canada to AMS or FRA, then airBaltic to RIX. airBaltic's hub position at RIX makes cargo handling into Riga smooth.
Cargo Only
KLM's Toronto-Amsterdam-Riga routing for pet cargo
KLM is the most convenient carrier for the Canada-to-Latvia corridor. From Toronto Pearson (YYZ), KLM operates a direct flight to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). From AMS, KLM’s direct service to Riga International Airport (RIX) completes the journey. With both legs on KLM, the cargo booking is through one carrier, the live animal handling protocols are shared, and there is no interline cargo transfer.
For cargo, book through KLM Cargo. Specify the exact IATA crate dimensions and total weight. Confirm live animal acceptance on both legs and confirm the maximum crate size for the AMS-to-RIX leg (operated on smaller aircraft). This is particularly important for large dogs in size 700+ crates.
For West Coast Canadian departures (Vancouver YVR, Calgary YYC), Air Canada via London or Frankfurt followed by connections to RIX is the standard path. Allow more connection time for West Coast departures given the greater distances.
CFIA endorsement timeline and the 10-day AHC window
The sequence for the Canada-to-Latvia move: your licensed Canadian vet completes the EU AHC form (using the current EU template available via the CFIA instructions page). You submit the signed AHC to your nearest CFIA office for endorsement. The CFIA reviews and stamps the document, typically within 1-4 business days depending on location and season. You then have the endorsed AHC and must use it to enter Latvia within 10 days of the signing date.
The CFIA’s instructions for the EU non-commercial AHC are detailed and include country-specific guidance. Read them at inspection.canada.ca/en/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/exports/pets/eu-non-commercial before your vet appointment. Your vet needs to use the current EU template, not an older version.
If you are concerned about timing, a pet transport agent experienced in the Canada-to-EU corridor manages this process routinely and knows the CFIA timelines in your region.
FAQ
Common questions
Correct. Canada is on the EU’s list of third countries for which the rabies titre test is waived for entry into EU member states. Latvia applies the same EU rules as all other member states. A current vaccination (at least 21 days old) and the CFIA-endorsed EU AHC are the requirements.
The CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) endorses the EU AHC. After a licensed Canadian vet completes and signs the form, you submit it to a CFIA office. The CFIA endorsement confirms the vet’s credentials and the document’s authenticity. Contact your nearest CFIA office or submit via the CFIA online system. Instructions are at inspection.canada.ca.
The AMS-to-RIX sector is operated on medium or regional aircraft depending on the schedule. IATA crates up to size 500 (approximately 61 x 46 x 43 cm) typically fit. Sizes 700 and above may not. Contact KLM Cargo before booking to confirm the maximum crate dimensions for your specific flight.
No direct Canada-to-Riga (RIX) cargo service exists. A connection via Amsterdam (AMS) is the most common routing, operated by KLM. Alternative connections are via Frankfurt (FRA) or London (LHR). The total journey from Toronto to Riga via Amsterdam is approximately 12-15 hours.