Pet Transport from Italy to Canada
Moving a dog or cat from Italy to Canada is one of the simpler international pet moves. Canada does not require quarantine, titre tests, or import permits for personal pets from Italy. The main requirement is a valid rabies vaccination certificate in English …
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.
Responsible: Licensed veterinarian in Italy
Responsible: Owner or vet
Responsible: Owner or agent
Responsible: Owner
Responsible: Owner
What your pet needs to enter Canada
Every item must be verified before your pet can board. We track each one against current standards.
What this route typically costs
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.
Approved carriers for this route
Not all airlines accept live animals. We book only with carriers that handle live animal cargo correctly.
What does Canada require for pets arriving from Italy?
For personal pets over three months of age, Canada requires a valid rabies vaccination certificate under the Health of Animals Regulations (SOR/91-525). The certificate must be in English or French, identify the animal (breed, colour, weight, microchip number where applicable), be signed by a licensed veterinarian, and specify vaccine validity duration.
No titre test, no quarantine, no import permit, and no formal export health certificate from the Italian Ministero della Salute is required for personal pets. The CBSA officer at the Canadian entry point checks the rabies certificate. Source: CFIA, inspection.canada.ca; CBSA, cbsa-asfc.gc.ca (2026).
What is the language requirement for the rabies certificate?
The rabies vaccination certificate must be in English or French. Most Italian vets issue certificates in Italian. You have two options: ask your vet to include English notation on the certificate (most CFIA-experienced vets can do this), or have the certificate officially translated before departure.
A certificate that is entirely in Italian will be refused at the Canadian border. Do not assume it will be accepted. If you use an Italian vet who is not familiar with the Canadian requirement, bring a certified English translation.
How do I get my pet from Italy to Canada by air?
There is no direct Italy-to-Canada non-stop flight by most carriers. The most common routings are via Frankfurt (Lufthansa, then Air Canada or Lufthansa to Toronto or Montreal) or via Paris CDG (Air France to Toronto or Montreal). ITA Airways may connect via partner carriers.
Small pets can travel in the cabin on certain routes (under 8kg including carrier, depending on airline). Larger pets travel as checked baggage or cargo. Brachycephalic breeds are often restricted from cargo year-round; verify with your carrier before booking.