AE CA

Pet Transport from United Arab Emirates to Canada

Moderate complexity 6-10 weeks typical

Planning to move your pet from United Arab Emirates to Canada? Get Your Quote

Pet transport from United Arab Emirates to Canada is a moderately complex route. The documentation is specific and there are a few stages to work through, but families who plan ahead get their pets there without major issues.

At minimum, your pet needs a microchip (ISO 11784/11785 standard), a current rabies vaccination, an approved import permit from the destination authority, and a government-endorsed health certificate issued close to your travel date. Allow 6-10 weeks from starting preparation to travel day.

Use the step-by-step timeline below to plan your preparation, and get in touch if you want us to coordinate the process for you.

Step-by-Step Process

1
Get your pet microchipped (ISO 11784/11785)

Before any vaccinations. Must be done first.

Responsible: Your veterinarian

2
Rabies vaccination

At least 21 days before travel (after microchip)

Responsible: Your veterinarian

3
Obtain health certificate / veterinary clearance

Within 10 days of travel (check destination-specific requirements)

Responsible: Official veterinarian

4
Book IATA-compliant flight and arrange pet cargo/cabin booking

2-4 weeks before travel. Confirm pet space availability.

Responsible: You (or your pet transport agent)

5
Travel day: arrive early, present all documentation

3-4 hours before departure for cargo pets

Responsible: You + airline cargo desk

Canada Import Requirements

What Canada requires for pets entering the country.

Microchip

Required (ISO 11784/11785 recommended)

Rabies Vaccination

Required

Rabies Titre Test

None

Quarantine

No routine quarantine

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

Exporting from United Arab Emirates

What you need from United Arab Emirates before your pet can leave.

Export Permit

Contact municipality for specific export clearance process

Cost Factors

Costs vary depending on pet size, transport method, and whether you use a transport agent.

  • Airline cargo/cabin fees (varies by carrier, pet weight, and crate size)
  • IATA-compliant travel crate (purchase or hire)
  • Veterinary fees (vaccinations, health certificate, microchip)
  • Government endorsement/USDA endorsement fee (if applicable)
  • Pet transport agent fee (if using a relocation service)

Important Warnings

Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds face cargo restrictions on most airlines. Check breed-specific policies before booking.
Microchip MUST be implanted before rabies vaccination. Vaccination given before microchip is invalid and the clock restarts.
Temperature embargoes apply during Gulf summer months (June to September). Airlines may refuse pet cargo when ground temperatures exceed 30C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Allow 6-10 weeks from your first vet appointment to travel day. The main variable is how quickly your pet’s health certificate can be issued and endorsed.

No routine quarantine for pets entering Canada with the correct documentation. No routine quarantine

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.

Required Your United Arab Emirates vet must be approved to issue official veterinary certificates. The certificate must be issued within the timeframe required by Canada: usually 10 days before travel. Present the original at check-in.

Required (ISO 11784/11785 recommended) The microchip must be in place before the rabies vaccination is given. If your pet was microchipped after its rabies jab, the vaccination is invalid and must be repeated.
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Route summary
  • From: United Arab Emirates
  • To: Canada
  • Complexity: Moderate
  • Timeline: 6-10 weeks
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