Lead time needed
2-4 weeks
Quarantine
None
Route complexity
Low
Airlines
4 carriers on this route
Start my quote
Home/Routes/Italy to Canada
IT
CA

Pet Transport from Italy to Canada

Relocating a pet from Italy to Canada follows a clear path once you understand what Canada asks for. Allow around 2-4 weeks. The requirements are modest compared with stricter destinations. Compliant pets are not held in quarantine on arrival. No rabies titre …

In short: Preparing to move a pet from Italy to Canada typically takes around 2-4 weeks. There is no routine quarantine on arrival for compliant pets. A rabies titre test is not required.
Regulations checked
Prepared and reviewed by Pet Transport Global Editorial Team
Step by step

The Italy to Canada import process

Every step must be completed in sequence. A single missed deadline can add months to your timeline. We own the entire process.

1
Certificate must be valid on arrival in Canada.
Vaccinate against rabies and obtain certificate in English or French

Responsible: Licensed veterinarian in Italy

2
Before booking. Italian-only certificates must be translated or supplemented with English notation.
Confirm certificate language

Responsible: Owner or vet

3
4-8 weeks before travel.
Book flight and confirm pet acceptance with airline

Responsible: Owner or agent

4
At least 2-3 weeks before travel.
Source IATA-compliant crate if travelling as cargo or checked baggage

Responsible: Owner

5
On travel day.
Travel to Canada. Present pet and documents to CBSA on arrival.

Responsible: Owner

Requirements

What your pet needs to enter Canada

Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.

Microchip
Not mandated by CFIA for personal pets from Italy, but required by most airlines …
Rabies vaccination
Required. Pets over three months of age must have a valid rabies vaccination …
Rabies titre test
Not required from Italy.
Quarantine
Not required for personal pets from Italy.
Import permit
Not required for personal pets.
Health certificate
Not mandated by CFIA from Italy, but airlines may require one for cargo. A …
Export permit
No export permit required for personal pet exports from Italy.
Costs

What this route typically costs

Airline cabin fee: EUR 50-200 each way
Checked baggage or cargo fee: EUR 150-700 depending on crate size
IATA-compliant crate: EUR 80-400
Rabies vaccination certificate from Italian vet: EUR 40-120
Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 200-600

Critical points

Rabies vaccination certificate must be in English or French. Italian-only certificates will be refused at the Canadian border.

If CBSA finds documentation incomplete, your pet may be detained. Ensure vaccination is current and certificate is complete before travel.

Brachycephalic breeds face cargo restrictions on most airlines.

Commercial imports require significantly more documentation. This guide covers personal pets only.

Airlines

Approved carriers for this route

Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.

ITA Airways / Alitalia successors
ITA Airways operates from Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa. No direct ITA service to …
Cabin and Cargo
Air Canada
Air Canada connects from major Italian airports via hubs. Small pets in cabin (under 7kg …
Cabin and Cargo
Lufthansa
Via Frankfurt (FRA) to Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver. Small pets in cabin on some …
Cabin and Cargo
Air France
Via Paris CDG to Toronto or Montreal. CDG is a major hub for Canadian routes. Small pets …
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

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

No. Canada does not require quarantine for personal pets from Italy.
No. Italy is not a high-risk rabies country for Canadian import purposes. No titre test is required.
No. The certificate must be in English or French. Ask your Italian vet to include English notation, or obtain a certified translation before travel.
2 to 4 weeks is sufficient. The main steps are ensuring the rabies vaccination is current and the certificate is in English or French. No titre test or quarantine waiting period applies.
A CBSA officer checks your pet and its rabies certificate at the port of entry. The check is typically quick if documentation is complete and in English or French.
Airline guides
  • ITA Airways / Alitalia successors
  • Air Canada
  • Lufthansa
  • Air France
Breed guides

Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.

Browse all breed guides →

Move your pet to Canada.

Get my free quote
IT CAItaly to Canada
International pet transport route
Lead time2-4 weeks
QuarantineNone
ComplexityLow
Airlines4
ServiceDoor to door
Get a free quote for this route

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
Chat with us