Planning a trip abroad and want to bring your pet along? It’s possible—as long as you prepare properly. Entry requirements, transportation, health: Here’s a clear guide to travelling with your dog or cat without any unpleasant surprises.
Before you leave with your pet
Travelling with a pet doesn’t happen on a whim. Good preparation helps you avoid being turned away at the gate or the border. Here is what you need to do before departure:
Check with airlines about their rules for transporting pets.
Verify the destination country’s entry requirements (health certificate, rabies vaccine, microchip—ISO 11784/11785 standards for the U.S.—or electronic chip).
Book a vet appointment at least 6 weeks before departure to make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date.
Make sure you have an appropriate carrier and get your pet used to travelling in it.
Review your pet insurance, travel insurance, or set aside extra funds to cover veterinary care at your destination if needed.
The more you plan ahead, the smoother your trip will be.
Crossing the border with your pet
The same rules apply whether you travel by air or by land. In most cases, you will need to present the following travel documents at customs:
Health certificate
Up-to-date vaccination record—dogs are generally required to be vaccinated against rabies
Certain rules also apply to pet food at the border. It must be sealed in its original packaging. Lamb, goat, and mutton are prohibited.
Will your pet need to be quarantined at your destination?
It depends on the country. Some impose no quarantine if all entry conditions are met. Others require a mandatory quarantine, which can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks or even months. For more information before you go, visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.
Travelling by car with your pet
The rules are primarily focused on the safety and comfort of your pet in the car.
Here are the best practices:
Use a carrier or harness appropriate for your pet’s size. When travelling with a cat, a carrier is generally the better option.
On long trips, stop every 3 hours to let your pet relieve itself, drink water, and stretch its legs.
Keep your pet from sticking its head out the window to avoid ear and eye injuries or being thrown from the vehicle during sudden braking.
Travelling by plane with your dog or cat
Whether your pet travels in the cabin or in the cargo hold depends on its weight and size.
In the cabin
Small pets can travel in the cabin in a carrier placed under your seat. Fees and maximum weight limits vary by airline.
In the cargo hold
Larger pets travel in the cargo hold, in a pressurized freight compartment. Expect to pay a few hundred dollars, depending on the airline.
IATA carrier standards
The carrier must meet International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards:
Rigid plastic or fibreglass construction, secured with bolts (no clips)
Closure with sturdy locks
Wheels removed or blocked
Water and food dishes secured
Your pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down in its carrier. Without compliant equipment, boarding may be refused.
Are certain dog breeds excluded from flights?
Yes. Certain breeds are restricted on flights, especially in the cargo hold.
Flat-nosed dogs (pug, bulldog, boxer): Elevated risk of breathing problems
Breeds considered “at risk”: Possible additional requirements, such as a reinforced carrier or transport via cargo aircraft
Rules vary by airline.
Should you give your pet a sedative before a flight?
No, unless your vet advises otherwise—which is why you should consult one before travelling. Why? Certain sedatives can cause health problems:
Lower blood pressure
Cause disorientation in your pet
Trigger unpredictable reactions, such as biting
Pose respiratory or cardiac risks
Some airlines will also refuse to transport heavily sedated animals.
How to plan your stay with a pet
Not all venues accept pets. This is the case for many hotels, restaurants, tourist attractions, and campgrounds in Quebec.
Rules are often more flexible in the United States and Europe, but it is best to check before booking. Consider locating a veterinary clinic near your accommodation.
Travelling with your pet: An achievable goal
Travelling with your pet can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. With the right preparation, you can avoid the unexpected and make the most of your trip.
If you prefer to travel without your pet, know that boarding and concierge services are available to care for them in your absence. Take the time to choose an option that suits their needs.
FAQ – Travelling with a pet and insurance
1. Does my travel insurance cover my pet?
Not in most cases. The Travel Insurance offered by CAA-Quebec is an exception. It can reimburse up to $300 in emergency veterinary care if your pet is injured during the trip.
2. Can I cancel my trip if my pet dies?
It depends on your travel insurance policy. Some insurance companies do not cover this situation. Others, such as CAA-Quebec, offer “cancel for any reason” coverage if it is purchased within 72 hours of booking the trip.
3. What happens to my pet if I am hospitalized while travelling?
Some insurance policies cover the return of your pet to your home province in the event of an emergency evacuation.
