Relocating a pet from Latvia 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. Pets with correct documentation skip quarantine …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Latvia 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 Latvia to Canada pet import process
Each step must be completed in a precise sequence. Start early. We manage every stage and deadline.
1
Confirm ISO microchip and current rabies vaccination
Responsible: Latvian vet
Check well before travel. Vaccination must be current at the Canadian border.
2
PVD-endorsed health certificate from authorised Latvian vet
Responsible: PVD-authorised vet + PVD
Within 10 days of arrival in Canada. Book vet appointment with PVD endorsement time in mind.
3
Book cargo from Riga via European hub to Canadian city
Responsible: Owner or agent
6-8 weeks before travel. Confirm live animal acceptance.
4
Travel to Canada via hub airport
Responsible: Airline + owner
Travel day. 12-16 hours total including connection.
5
CBSA and CFIA inspection on arrival
Responsible: CBSA and CFIA at port of entry
On arrival day. Present all original documents.
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. Required by most airlines for cargo transport.
Rabies vaccination
Required for dogs. Must be current at time of entry. For cats: not federally mandated but required by most airlines.
Rabies titre test
Not required from Latvia. Latvia is an EU member state with established rabies control. Canada does not require a titre test from EU-origin pets.
Quarantine
No routine quarantine for compliant arrivals.
Import permit
Not required for personal pets.
Health certificate
Official vet certificate endorsed by the PVD of Latvia. Issued within 10 days of Canadian arrival.
Export permit (Latvia)
No formal export permit required for personal companion pets from Latvia.
Costs
What this route typically costs
PVD-endorsed health certificate: EUR 80-200
Cargo Riga to Canada via hub: EUR 600-2,000
IATA travel crate: EUR 80-300
Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 400-900
Total typical range: EUR 800-3,200
Critical points to read before you book
The health certificate has a 10-day validity window running from the date of the vet's signature. PVD endorsement takes additional time. Book the vet appointment to allow for both the endorsement and the travel date within that window.
Provincial rules in Canada can add requirements on top of CFIA federal rules. Check the provincial vet requirements for where you are entering (Ontario, BC, Quebec, Alberta, etc.).
Riga Airport (RIX) does not offer direct transatlantic service. Your pet must connect via a European hub. Confirm cargo acceptance on the Riga-to-hub leg before booking.
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.
AIRBALTIC
airBaltic
Riga (RIX) hub carrier. Connects to Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Helsinki, and other major European hubs. Does not operate transatlantic routes directly. Useful for connecting to hub carriers.
Cargo Only
AIR CANADA
Air Canada
Via European hubs (Amsterdam FRA/AMS) to Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), and Vancouver (YVR). Air Canada Cargo's heated and pressurised hold. Access from Riga via KLM or other connections.
Cargo Only
KLM ROYAL
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
RIX to AMS connections. KLM Cargo's transatlantic network covers Canadian cities from Schiphol. Established live animal cargo programme.
Cargo Only
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa
Via Frankfurt. Lufthansa Cargo to Canadian cities. Frankfurt Animal Lounge for dedicated live animal care in transit.
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 Latvia to Canada pet transport
Federally, Canada does not require a rabies vaccination for cats. But most international airlines require cats to have a current rabies vaccination for cargo transport, and some Canadian provinces require it at the provincial level. In practice, ensuring your cat has a current rabies vaccination is the simplest approach and is recommended by CFIA.
Yes. The PVD endorsement attracts a government fee which varies. Ask your vet or the PVD directly for the current fee schedule. Budget EUR 30-80 for the endorsement on top of the vet consultation fee.
CFIA can refuse entry or detain your pet at the owner’s expense until documents are corrected. In the worst case, re-export back to Latvia. Get all documents verified by a professional before you travel.
Airline guides
airBaltic
Air Canada
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Lufthansa
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.