CA GB

Pet Transport from Canada to United Kingdom

Moderate complexity 6-10 weeks typical

Planning to move your pet from Canada to United Kingdom? Get Your Quote

Pet transport from Canada to United Kingdom is a moderately complex route. The documentation is specific and there are a few stages to work through, but families who plan ahead get their pets there without major issues.

At minimum, your pet needs a microchip (ISO 11784/11785 standard), a current rabies vaccination, a rabies titre test with a waiting period after the result, an approved import permit from the destination authority, and a government-endorsed health certificate issued close to your travel date. Allow 6-10 weeks from starting preparation to travel day.

Use the step-by-step timeline below to plan your preparation, and get in touch if you want us to coordinate the process for you.

Step-by-Step Process

1
Get your pet microchipped (ISO 11784/11785)

Before any vaccinations. Must be done first.

Responsible: Your veterinarian

2
Rabies vaccination

At least 21 days before travel (after microchip)

Responsible: Your veterinarian

3
Rabies titre test (RNATT blood test)

Blood drawn 30+ days after vaccination. 90-day wait after successful result.

Responsible: Your veterinarian + approved laboratory

4
Tapeworm treatment (Dogs only)

24-120 hours before scheduled arrival time in GB

Responsible: Your veterinarian

5
Obtain health certificate / veterinary clearance

Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirements)

Responsible: Official veterinarian

6
Book IATA-compliant flight and arrange pet cargo/cabin booking

2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space availability.

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

7
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation

3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets

Responsible: You + airline cargo desk

United Kingdom Import Requirements

What United Kingdom requires for pets entering the country.

Microchip

Required (ISO 11784/11785). Must be implanted BEFORE rabies vaccination. Vaccine is invalid if microchipped after.

Rabies Vaccination

Required. Minimum age: 12 weeks. 21-day wait after vaccination before travel. 21 full days from date of first vaccination (or last in initial course) before travel

Rabies Titre Test

Required for: Pets from unlisted countries (countries not on UK Part 1 or Part 2 lists). Not required for: Pets from listed countries (all P1 countries are listed). Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 90-day wait after blood draw

Quarantine

No routine quarantine. Penalty quarantine up to Up to 120 (4 months) days if non-compliant

Import Permit

Pet travel document (AHC or pet passport) serves as permit equivalent

Health Certificate

Required. Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or EU Pet Passport. Issued by: Official veterinarian in country of departure. Valid for 10 days from issue. From EU countries: EU pet passport OR AHC accepted. From non-EU countries: AHC or equivalent. GB-issued pet passports NOT valid for EU entry (post-Brexit).

Exporting from Canada

What you need from Canada before your pet can leave.

Export Permit

No CFIA export permit required for personal pet exports. Some destination countries may require CFIA endorsement of health certificate.

Cost Factors

Costs vary depending on pet size, transport method, and whether you use a transport agent.

  • Airline cargo/cabin fees (varies by carrier, pet weight, and crate size)
  • IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
  • Veterinary fees (vaccinations, health certificate, microchip)
  • Government endorsement/USDA endorsement fee (if applicable)
  • Pet transport agent fee (if using a relocation service)

Breed Restrictions

United Kingdom restricts or bans the following breeds from entry:

  • Pit Bull Terrier (banned)
  • Japanese Tosa (banned)
  • Dogo Argentino (banned)
  • Fila Brasileiro (banned)
If your pet is a restricted breed or a mix involving a restricted breed, contact us before making travel arrangements.

Important Warnings

Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds face cargo restrictions on most airlines. Check breed-specific policies before booking.
Microchip MUST be implanted before rabies vaccination. Vaccination given before microchip is invalid and the clock restarts.
The UK enforces type-based breed bans under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Dogs resembling banned types (Pit Bull, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro) may be seized regardless of pedigree documentation.
Arriving with incorrect documentation results in penalty quarantine of up to 4 months at the owner's expense.

Frequently Asked Questions

The process takes 6-10 weeks from start to finish. The rabies titre test requires a 3-6 month waiting period after the blood draw before your pet can travel, so start early.

No routine quarantine for pets entering United Kingdom with the correct documentation. No routine quarantine. Penalty quarantine up to Up to 120 (4 months) days if non-compliant

Pet travel document (AHC or pet passport) serves as permit equivalent

Required. Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or EU Pet Passport. Issued by: Official veterinarian in country of departure. Valid for 10 days from issue. From EU countries: EU pet passport OR AHC accepted. From non-EU countries: AHC or equivalent. GB-issued pet passports NOT valid for EU entry (post-Brexit). Your Canada vet must be approved to issue official veterinary certificates. The certificate must be issued within the timeframe required by United Kingdom: usually 10 days before travel. Present the original at check-in.

Yes. Required for: Pets from unlisted countries (countries not on UK Part 1 or Part 2 lists). Not required for: Pets from listed countries (all P1 countries are listed). Minimum: 0.5 IU/ml. 90-day wait after blood draw The microchip must be implanted before the first rabies vaccination for the vaccination to be valid. Start this process as early as possible.
On this page
Route summary
  • From: Canada
  • To: United Kingdom
  • Complexity: Moderate
  • Timeline: 6-10 weeks
Get a quote
Related Routes
Country Guides

Start your journey

Get Your Free Quote

Enter your pet's details and route

Quotes are tailored to your specific journey.

No obligation. Your details are kept private and never shared.

Get a free pet transport quote

Tell us your route and pet details. We will send you a step-by-step plan and tailored quote.

Request a Quote