The journey from Ghana to Canada for a pet is straightforward to plan once the key dates are mapped out. Allow around 4-10 weeks. The requirements are modest compared with stricter destinations. Compliant pets are not held in quarantine on …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Ghana to Canada
typically takes around 4-10 weeks.
There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets.
A rabies titre test is not required.
Verification date not recorded. Confirm current requirements with the destination authority.
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step
The Ghana to Canada pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Microchip your pet (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
Responsible: Your veterinarian
First step - must be done before any vaccinations.
2
Book IATA-compliant flight and cargo/cabin space
Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)
2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space with airline directly.
3
Obtain official veterinary health certificate
Responsible: Official veterinarian
Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirement)
4
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation at cargo desk
Responsible: You + airline check-in/cargo desk
3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets; 2 hours for cabin
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
Required (ISO 11784/11785 recommended)
Rabies vaccination
Required
Rabies titre test
Not required for standard pet imports from most countries
Quarantine
No routine quarantine for pet dogs or cats. Animals must appear healthy upon arrival.
Import permit
Personal pet imports (1-2 animals) do not require an import permit. Commercial imports (for sale, breeding, adoption, fostering, or more than 2 dogs) require CFIA import permit.
Health certificate
Required
Export permit (Ghana)
Required. Issued by Veterinary Services Directorate.
Costs
What this route typically costs
Airline cargo or cabin fees (varies by carrier, route, pet weight, and crate size)
IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
Veterinary fees: vaccinations, microchipping, health certificate
Pet transport agent fee (recommended for complex routes)
Critical points to read before you book
Always verify current regulations with the destination country's official veterinary authority before travel.
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
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Air Canada Cargo handles pet transport in heated/pressurised hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Cabin and Cargo
EMIRATES
Emirates
Cargo: Emirates SkyCargo handles all pet transport as manifested cargo. Brachycephalic breeds accepted with additional requirements and seasonal restrictions. Temperature embargoes during extreme heat (summer months in Gulf region)
Cargo Only
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa
Small pets (up to 8kg with carrier) allowed in cabin. Cargo: larger pets via Lufthansa Cargo in pressurised, temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo year-round
Cabin and Cargo
BRITISH
British Airways
Cargo: Pets transported via British Airways World Cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Book through approved cargo agent. No cabin pets on any route.
Cargo Only
SINGAPORE
Singapore Airlines
Cargo: Pets travel in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions. Temperature embargoes apply on certain routes/seasons
Cargo Only
CATHAY PACIFIC
Cathay Pacific
Cargo: Pets travel as manifested cargo in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted during summer months. Hong Kong AFCD import regulations must be met
Cargo Only
AIR FRANCE
Air France
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo transport available for larger pets. Brachycephalic breeds subject to restrictions/seasonal embargoes
Cabin and Cargo
KLM
KLM
Small pets allowed in cabin (up to 8kg including carrier). Cargo: pets transported via KLM Cargo. Temperature restrictions apply. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Cabin and Cargo
DELTA AIR
Delta Air Lines
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: Delta Cargo handles larger pets in temperature-controlled hold. Brachycephalic breeds restricted from cargo
Cabin and Cargo
AMERICAN
American Airlines
Small pets allowed in cabin. Cargo: American Airlines Cargo handles pet transport. Seasonal temperature embargoes apply
Cabin and Cargo
How Canada handles incoming pets
Canada has a modest set of rules compared with stricter destinations. Get the essentials in place and confirm the finer points below.
What experienced owners do
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.
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.
FAQ
Common questions about Ghana to Canada pet transport
Allow at least 4 weeks from starting preparations to travel day. Some steps involve mandatory waiting periods that cannot be shortened, so starting early is the only way to keep to your schedule.
No routine quarantine is required in Canada for pets arriving with correct documentation. However, if your pet arrives without the right paperwork, penalty quarantine can apply. Get everything right before you travel.
No, Canada does not require a rabies titre test for most pets arriving from Ghana. Your pet still needs a valid rabies vaccination and microchip. Check the current requirements with the destination authority before travel.
Yes, cats can be transported from Ghana to Canada. The same microchip, vaccination, and health certificate requirements apply as for dogs, though some rules (such as tapeworm treatment) apply to dogs only. Check the full requirements for cats with the destination authority.
Airline guides
Air Canada
Emirates
Lufthansa
British Airways
Singapore Airlines
Cathay Pacific
Air France
KLM
Delta Air Lines
American Airlines
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.