Getting a pet from Slovenia to Canada is a step by step process, and each stage has its own timing. This is one of the more straightforward routes, and roughly 2-4 weeks is usually enough. Pets with correct documentation skip quarantine …
In short:
Preparing to move a pet from Slovenia 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 Slovenia 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: Slovenian vet
Check before planning travel dates.
2
UVHVVR-endorsed health certificate
Responsible: UVHVVR-authorised vet + UVHVVR
Within 10 days of arrival in Canada. Allow for UVHVVR endorsement time.
3
Book cargo from Ljubljana via hub to Canadian city
Responsible: Owner or agent
6-8 weeks before travel. Ljubljana connects via VIE or MUC.
4
Travel via Vienna or Munich to Canada
Responsible: Airline + owner
Travel day. 14-18 hours total.
5
CBSA and CFIA inspection on arrival
Responsible: CBSA and CFIA
On arrival day.
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. Current at time of entry. For cats: recommended but not federally mandated.
Rabies titre test
Not required from Slovenia.
Quarantine
No routine quarantine for compliant arrivals.
Import permit
Not required for personal pets.
Health certificate
UVHVVR-endorsed official certificate. Issued within 10 days of Canadian arrival.
Export permit (Slovenia)
No formal export permit required for personal pets from Slovenia.
Costs
What this route typically costs
UVHVVR-endorsed health certificate: EUR 80-200
Cargo Ljubljana to Canada (via Vienna or Munich hub): EUR 600-2,000
IATA travel crate: EUR 80-300
Pet transport agent (optional): EUR 400-1,000
Total typical range: EUR 800-3,200
Critical points to read before you book
Ljubljana Airport (LJU) is small with limited direct hub connections. Vienna (VIE) is the primary onward hub for North American routes. Confirm cargo pet acceptance on the LJU to VIE leg specifically.
UVHVVR endorsement takes time. Plan the vet appointment to allow for endorsement and still have travel days remaining within the 10-day certificate window.
Some Slovenian vets may not have processed CFIA-format health certificates before. Ask your vet explicitly. A pet transport agent can support the documentation process if needed.
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.
AUSTRIAN
Austrian Airlines
Ljubljana (LJU) to Vienna (VIE). Austrian Airlines Cargo or connecting Lufthansa Group carriers from VIE to Canada.
Cargo Only
LUFTHANSA
Lufthansa
Via Munich (MUC) or Frankfurt (FRA) from Ljubljana. Lufthansa Cargo to Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver from FRA.
Cargo Only
AIR CANADA
Air Canada
Via European hubs (Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London) to Canadian cities. Air Canada Cargo in heated and pressurised hold.
Cargo Only
KLM ROYAL
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Via Amsterdam from Ljubljana (via Vienna or Munich connection). KLM Cargo to Canada from Schiphol.
Cargo Only
The rules for bringing a pet into Canada
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.
How to keep this move on track
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.
Keep every original document together and take copies. Border officials want originals, and a missing signature or date can hold up clearance.
FAQ
Common questions about Slovenia to Canada pet transport
UVHVVR is the Administration of the Republic of Slovenia for Food Safety, Veterinary Sector and Plant Protection, the official government authority responsible for certifying animal health exports. The CFIA requires that health certificates for pets entering Canada from Slovenia be endorsed by this authority, confirming the issuing vet is officially authorised and the certificate meets international standards.
No direct route exists. All pet cargo from Ljubljana routes via a European hub, typically Vienna (VIE), Frankfurt (FRA), or Amsterdam (AMS). The full journey time to Toronto is typically 14-18 hours including connections.
Canada’s provincial governments can add requirements beyond CFIA federal rules. Ontario and several other provinces have their own rules on certain dog breeds. Check the provincial rules for your destination province before travel, particularly if you are moving to Ontario, British Columbia, or Quebec.
Airline guides
Austrian Airlines
Lufthansa
Air Canada
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Breed guides
Check breed-specific airline rules and country bans.