Taking a Cat to Canada from the UK in 2026: Everything you need to know

Dr Gemma Nash
Feb 3
4 min read

Taking a cat from the UK to Canada is usually straightforward when the correct paperwork is issued at the right time. However, the exact certification required can vary depending on rabies vaccination status, flight route, airline rules, and whether your cat is travelling accompanied or unaccompanied.

At PassPets, we regularly assist with cat travel to Canada and can issue the appropriate Private Veterinary Certificate (Fit to Fly) and, where required, the Canadian Export Health Certificate (EHC 2923). Below is a clear, step-by-step overview of what’s typically involved.

Please note, this guide is frequently updated by our vets to ensure everything is up to date. If you think that something is incorrect or out of date, please do contact us so we can update this guide.

Step 1: Microchip

Your cat must be microchipped with a 15-digit, ISO-compliant microchip.

The microchip number must match all documentation, including vaccination records and any certificates issued for travel. Any discrepancy between paperwork can cause delays or refusal by the airline.

Step 2: Rabies Vaccination

For personal cats over 3 months old travelling directly to Canada accompanied with their owner, a rabies vaccination is not always mandatory, but it is strongly recommended.

If your cat is rabies vaccinated (or you are planning on doing so):

Your cat must have been at least 3 months old at the time of vaccination
There is no fixed 21- or 30-day waiting period stated by Canadian authorities for direct travel
A Private Veterinary Certificate (Fit to Fly) can be issued as soon as the vaccination has been given, assuming you have confirmed acceptance with the airline and authorities if travelling within 21 days

The rabies vaccination certificate must meet specific criteria and be:

written in English or French
issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian
clearly identify the cat (including microchip number)
state the vaccination date, vaccine trade name, serial number and duration of immunity

A valid EU pet passport can be used instead of a separate rabies vaccination certificate.

If you are transiting through another country (including the EU), a rabies vaccination may become mandatory and additional waiting periods may apply. Owners must confirm this before travel.

If your cat is not rabies vaccinated:

In some circumstances, cats can travel to Canada without a rabies vaccination. In this scenario, an Export Health Certificate (EHC) is essential and acts as a Rabies Country Freedom Certificate.

To issue an EHC in this case:

Your cat must be over 3 months old
Your cat must have been resident in the UK for the past 6 months or since birth
Your cat must be flying directly to Canada
You must confirm with the airline that they will accept your cat without rabies vaccination

Travelling without rabies vaccination is not routinely advised, and acceptance must be confirmed by the owner with both the airline and Canadian authorities.

Step 3: Plan your travel date and route

Before booking your appointment with us, you should confirm:

Your exact export date
Your full flight route, including any transit countries

This is essential, as certification requirements can change depending on whether you are:

flying directly to Canada
transiting through the EU
transiting through non-EU countries

Transit routes are a common reason additional certificates are required

Step 4: Work out which certificate(s) you need

Private Veterinary Certificate (Fit to Fly)

Most cats travelling to Canada with a valid rabies vaccination will require a Private Veterinary Certificate, commonly referred to as a Fit to Fly certificate.

This certificate is typically used to meet both airline and Canadian authority requirements.

Export Health Certificate (EHC 2923)

In some cases, an Export Health Certificate is also required. This can depend on:

airline requirements
rabies vaccination status
whether the cat is travelling accompanied or unaccompanied
whether the cat is travelling for commercial purposes

Owners must confirm with the airline and Canadian authorities whether an EHC is required in addition to the Fit to Fly certificate.

Step 5: Appointment timing

If you only require a Private Veterinary Certificate:

The appointment should ideally take place within 5 days of export to meet the strictest airline requirements
If booking outside this window, you must confirm with your airline that this is acceptable

If an Export Health Certificate is required:

The EHC appointment must take place within 72 hours (3 days) of export
There is no timestamp on the EHC, so the appointment can be any time within this window

At your travel certificate appointment with PassPets, we will:

Perform a full clinical examination
Check the microchip
Review rabies documentation and clinical history (if applicable)
Issue the completed Fit to Fly Certificate OR Export Health Certificate (or both)

Appointments are available at our Havant, Bristol and New Malden clinics.

Step 6: Transit Countries

If your journey involves transiting through other countries, additional documentation may be required.

This can include:

an EU Animal Health Certificate
another Export Health Certificate
or other country-specific documentation

You must check with the airline, transit country authorities, and Canadian authorities to confirm requirements.

Step 7: Returning to the UK from Canada (if applicable)

Returning to Great Britain is usually more straightforward than many destinations:

No rabies blood test (RNATT) is typically required to return directly from Canada, but you will normally need a GB pet health certificate and must meet UK entry rules (including rabies vaccination status)