Moving a pet from Canada to the UK follows the standard UK import process: microchip, rabies vaccination, the 21-day wait, an endorsed health certificate, and tapeworm treatment for dogs. The Canadian side involves CFIA export …
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 Air Canada cabin advantage
One of the best features of the Canada to UK route is Air Canada’s cabin pet policy. Air Canada allows small dogs and cats to travel in the passenger cabin on many routes, provided the pet plus carrier fits under the seat and meets the size and weight limits.
This is a meaningful advantage. US carriers operating transatlantic routes (Delta, American, United on the UK leg) generally do not permit pets in the cabin on those flights, so pets travel as cargo. Air Canada’s cabin option means a small pet can stay with you throughout the flight, reducing stress for the animal and the owner.
For larger pets that exceed the cabin limits, Air Canada and British Airways both offer cargo. Confirm cabin availability for your specific route and pet size when booking, as it can vary by aircraft and route.
CFIA export and the tapeworm window
Canada’s Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) handles the export certification. The process starts with a Canadian-licensed veterinarian who completes the health certificate, which is then endorsed by CFIA. Start this 3-4 weeks before travel to allow for the endorsement step.
For dogs, the tapeworm treatment must be administered between 24 and 120 hours before arrival in Great Britain. On a direct flight from Toronto or Vancouver to Heathrow (around 7-9 hours), the treatment is typically given 1-3 days before departure. Calculate the window from your scheduled UK arrival time, and have the vet record the exact date and time in the certificate. Cats and ferrets are exempt from the tapeworm requirement.
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.