US → CA · Air
United States to Canada — flying with a pet
Last reviewed 2026-09-01
Canada's requirements for pets travelling with their owner are light on paperwork and heavy on documentation quality: the rabies certificate must be exact and legible.
What matters on this route
- Dogs and cats over 3 months need a rabies certificate in English or French with animal description, vaccine name, and validity dates.
- Puppies and kittens under 3 months may enter without rabies proof but need age evidence.
- CFIA may inspect at the airport; fees can apply for document review.
- Airline crate and breed rules are usually the binding constraint, not the border.
Airline notes
| Airline | Note |
|---|---|
| Air Canada | Cabin, checked, and cargo options; strict carrier dimension limits. |
| WestJet | Cabin pets on most routes; seasonal cargo restrictions. |
| Delta | Cabin pets to Canada permitted; checked pet service limited. |
Frequent questions
- Does Canada require a microchip?
- Not mandatory for entry, but strongly recommended so the rabies certificate can be matched to your animal.
- Is quarantine possible?
- Healthy pets with correct paperwork are not quarantined. Missing rabies proof can lead to refusal or on-site vaccination at your cost.
Build the checklist for this route
Guidance only. PawPass helps you organize requirements and deadlines. We do not issue health certificates, endorse documents, diagnose animals, or provide travel insurance. Always verify with the official sources linked here.