If you are relocating a pet from Germany to Canada, the process is manageable once you know the sequence. Allow around 4-8 weeks. The requirements are modest compared with stricter destinations. Pets with correct documentation skip …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Germany to Canada
typically takes around 4-8 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 Germany to Canada pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm microchip is ISO standard
Responsible: Your vet
Verify now.
2
Confirm rabies vaccination is current
Responsible: Your vet
Vaccination must be valid on arrival in Canada.
3
Book airline cargo or cabin space
Responsible: Owner or agent
4-6 weeks ahead.
4
German official vet issues health certificate in CFIA-specified format
Responsible: BMEL-authorised official vet
Within 10 days of travel.
5
Travel to Canada. CFIA inspection on arrival.
Responsible: Airline/owner
On travel date. No quarantine for compliant pets.
Requirements
What your pet needs to enter Canada
Every item below must be in place before your pet can travel. We manage and verify each one.
Microchip
Strongly recommended. ISO 11784/11785 standard.
Rabies vaccination
Required for dogs. Must be valid on arrival. Cats: no federal rabies vaccination requirement, but recommended.
Quarantine
No routine quarantine for compliant personal pet arrivals.
Import permit
Not required for personal pets (1-2 dogs). Commercial imports require CFIA permit.
Health certificate
Required. Issued by a German official vet in the format accepted by CFIA, typically within 10 days of travel.
Export permit (Germany)
No formal export permit required for companion pets leaving Germany.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Health certificate from German official vet: approximately EUR 120-300 (GBP 100-260)
Airline cargo Frankfurt to Canada: EUR 400-1,200 depending on carrier and crate size
Travel crate (IATA-compliant): EUR 60-220
Total typical range: EUR 650 to EUR 1,800
Critical points to read before you book
Germany follows EU pet travel rules for movements between EU member states. For travel to Canada, a CFIA-format health certificate is needed, not just an EU pet passport. Confirm with your German vet that they can issue the CFIA-accepted certificate.
Germany is updating its dog breed regulations under EU Regulation 2026/131 from April 2026. Some German Bundeslaender have their own breed restrictions. Check the specific state rules for your breed before departure.
Canada suspended the import of dogs from certain high-risk countries for commercial purposes. This does not apply to personal pets, but if you have more than 2 dogs, confirm the current CFIA rules before travelling.
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.
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa
Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC) to Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and other Canadian cities. Small pets in cabin on some routes. Lufthansa Cargo for larger animals. One of the best cargo pet services on this corridor.
Cabin and Cargo
AIR CANADA
Air Canada
Frankfurt and Munich to Canadian cities. Air Canada Cargo. Small pets in cabin on select routes.
Cabin and Cargo
AIR TRANSAT
Air Transat
Seasonal service Frankfurt to Montreal/Toronto. Leisure carrier.
Cargo Only
How Canada handles incoming pets
Canada keeps its import requirements relatively light, which makes preparing easier. Even so, the basics still need to be right and in the correct order.
What experienced owners do
Use an official, government-authorised vet for the health certificate, not just your usual clinic. Many destinations only accept certificates signed by an approved vet.
If this is your first international move, consider an IPATA-registered pet transport agent. They handle the documents, airline booking and crate sizing, and can troubleshoot problems.
Get your pet used to the travel crate weeks in advance. A calm, crate-familiar animal travels far better than one meeting the crate for the first time at the airport.
Confirm live animal acceptance on every flight segment before booking. Not all aircraft or connections take pets, and cargo terms can differ leg to leg.
FAQ
Common questions about Germany to Canada pet transport
No. Canada does not require routine quarantine for personal pets arriving with correct documentation. Your pet needs a current health certificate in CFIA-specified format, a valid microchip, and for dogs a current rabies vaccination. CFIA inspectors check documentation on arrival.
No. The EU pet passport is designed for movement between EU member states and listed EEA/associated countries. For entry into Canada, you need a health certificate in the format accepted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), issued by a German official veterinarian within 10 days of travel. Confirm with your vet that they can issue the CFIA-specified certificate format.
Lufthansa Cargo from Frankfurt is generally considered the best option for large dogs on this corridor. Frankfurt has purpose-built animal handling facilities and Lufthansa’s transatlantic cargo network is extensive. Air Canada also operates Germany to Canada routes with cargo pet services. Book 6-8 weeks ahead.
Germany itself has no national breed ban for export, but individual German states (Bundeslaender) have their own breed-specific legislation. Some states restrict or require permits for Pit Bull types, Rottweilers, and other breeds. If your breed is affected by German state law, confirm export documentation requirements with your state veterinary authority before booking travel.
Airline guides
Lufthansa
Air Canada
Air Transat
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.