Moving your dog or cat from United Kingdom to Canada
Short answer: start at least 21 days before your flight. Rules last checked against official sources on 2026-10-30.
This page and the planner are generated automatically from official government sources. Planning tool only — not veterinary, legal or professional advice; no human expert reviews your plan. Always confirm with your vet, the official authority and your airline.
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United Kingdom → Canada pet import requirements
| Requirement | Status | Details | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rabies vaccine | conditional | Dogs and cats 3+ months: a vet certificate (English or French) showing EITHER current rabies vaccination, OR that the pet lived in a rabies-free country (the UK is recognised) for the 6 months before entry / since birth, OR a rabies titer ≥0.5 IU/ml. | official |
| Rabies titer test (RNATT) | not required | Not listed in the official requirements for this route. | official |
| Health certificate / endorsement | required | UK export health certificate EHC 2923 (apply online via APHA); an Official Veterinarian examines the pet within 72 hours of export and signs it. | official |
| Quarantine | not required | Pet dogs are not subject to post-import quarantine in Canada. | official |
| Other | conditional | Unaccompanied dogs under 8 months and commercial dogs have different rules. | official |
Order of steps
- Apply online for EHC 2923 and nominate your Official Vet — at least 21 days before the flight. Needs a Government Gateway + Defra account (you and your OV). Recommended: 3–4 weeks ahead.
- Decide your rabies proof — at least 21 days before the flight. Current rabies vaccination certificate, or the rabies-free residency route (UK recognised by CFIA).
- Official Vet examines your pet and signs EHC 2923 — between 3 and 0 days before the flight. Within 72 hours before export.
- Carry the signed certificate(s) on travel day — at least 0 days before the flight. Border officers inspect them on arrival in Canada.
Items marked “verify” could not be fully confirmed; check the official source and your vet.