The journey from Canada to United Kingdom for a pet is straightforward to plan once the key dates are mapped out. This is a middle of the road route, and about 6-10 weeks of preparation usually covers it. Pets with correct documentation …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Canada to United Kingdom
typically takes around 6-10 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Canada to United Kingdom pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm microchip pre-dates rabies vaccination and 21-day wait is complete
Responsible: Vet
Verify now.
2
Begin CFIA export certification with a Canadian-licensed vet
Responsible: Canadian vet, CFIA
3-4 weeks before travel. CFIA endorsement takes time.
3
Book flight (Air Canada cabin for small pets, or cargo)
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks ahead.
4
Health certificate issued and CFIA-endorsed
Responsible: Canadian vet, then CFIA
Within 10 days of travel
5
For dogs: tapeworm treatment within the required window
Responsible: Canadian vet
24 to 120 hours before scheduled arrival in Great Britain
6
Travel to UK
Responsible: Airline
On travel date. Direct flights to Heathrow.
7
APHA Border Inspection Post at Heathrow. Documents and microchip verified.
Responsible: APHA
On arrival. Pet released after clearance.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter United Kingdom
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Required. ISO 11784/11785 standard. Must be implanted before the rabies vaccination.
Rabies vaccination
Required. At least 21 days must have passed since the primary vaccination course before entering Great Britain.
Quarantine
Not required with correct documentation. Penalty quarantine up to 120 days for non-compliant arrivals.
Import permit
No import permit. The endorsed health certificate (or AHC equivalent) serves as the entry document.
Health certificate
Endorsed health certificate within 10 days of travel. For dogs, tapeworm treatment recorded 24-120 hours before arrival in Great Britain.
Export permit (Canada)
CFIA export certification. Health certificate from a Canadian-licensed veterinarian, endorsed as required for UK entry.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Air Canada cabin pet fee: approximately CAD 50 to CAD 120 per leg for small pets
Air cargo fee (larger pets): CAD 1,500 to CAD 4,000 from Canada to Heathrow
CFIA export certification and vet fee: CAD 200 to CAD 600
Tapeworm treatment (dogs): CAD 30 to CAD 90
Pet transport agent fee: CAD 600 to CAD 2,000
IATA-compliant travel crate (if cargo): CAD 100 to CAD 500
Total typical range (small pet, cabin): CAD 400 to CAD 1,500
Total typical range (larger pet, cargo): CAD 2,000 to CAD 6,000
Critical points to read before you book
Tapeworm treatment for dogs has a strict 24 to 120 hour window before arrival in Great Britain. Calculate from your scheduled UK arrival time. Cats and ferrets do not need it.
The CFIA export certification involves an endorsement step that takes time. Start the process 3-4 weeks before travel.
Air Canada allows small pets in the cabin on many routes, which is a genuine advantage over US carriers that are cargo-only on transatlantic flights. Confirm cabin availability for your specific route and pet size.
Microchip must pre-date the rabies vaccination, and at least 21 days must have passed since the primary course.
Winter weather can affect cargo schedules from Canada. If travelling in deep winter and using cargo, confirm there are no temperature embargoes on your route.
Airlines
Carriers approved for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals on this route. We know which carriers to use and how to book.
AIR CANADA
Air Canada
Allows small pets in the cabin on many routes (an advantage over US carriers), plus cargo for larger pets. Direct routes to Heathrow.
Mixed
BRITISH
British Airways
Canadian cities to Heathrow. Pets via IAG Cargo. No cabin pets on BA.
Cargo Only
WESTJET
WestJet
Canada to UK routes. Check current cabin and cargo pet policy at booking.
Cargo Only
The rules for bringing a pet into United Kingdom
United Kingdom has a clear set of import requirements that are manageable with some planning. Follow them in order and keep an eye on the dates that cannot move.
How to keep this move on track
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
Work backwards from your travel date and add a buffer. Fixed waiting periods mean a single slipped appointment can push the whole move back by weeks.
Check the airline’s crate size and labelling rules early. An undersized or wrongly labelled crate is a frequent reason pets are refused at check-in.
Ask about temperature embargoes for your travel window. Summer and winter cargo restrictions can rule out certain routes and dates entirely.
FAQ
Common questions about Canada to United Kingdom pet transport
Yes, on Air Canada. Air Canada allows small pets in the passenger cabin on many routes, provided the pet plus carrier meets the under-seat size and weight limits. This is an advantage over US carriers, which are generally cargo-only on transatlantic routes. Confirm cabin availability for your specific flight and pet size when booking. For larger pets, Air Canada and British Airways offer cargo.
No. Canada is on the UK’s approved list, so pets do not require quarantine with correct documentation: microchip (implanted before vaccination), current rabies vaccination (21-day wait complete), CFIA-endorsed health certificate, and tapeworm treatment for dogs. Your pet is released at the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre after the APHA inspection.
Allow 3-4 weeks for the CFIA export certification, including the endorsement step. The process starts with a Canadian-licensed vet who completes the health certificate, which CFIA then endorses. Starting early avoids last-minute pressure, especially since the health certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel and the tapeworm treatment for dogs must fall within a tight window before arrival.
No. Tapeworm (echinococcus) treatment is required for dogs only. Cats and ferrets are exempt. Your cat needs a microchip (implanted before vaccination), a current rabies vaccination, and a CFIA-endorsed health certificate, but no tapeworm treatment and a minimal process at the UK border.
Airline guides
Air Canada
British Airways
WestJet
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.