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

Dr Gemma Nash
Feb 3
4 min read

Taking a dog from the UK to Canada is generally more straightforward than many destinations, but the exact paperwork required depends on how your dog is travelling, whether they are rabies vaccinated, and your flight route.

At PassPets, we regularly assist with pet 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 If you think that something is incorrect or out of date, please do contact us so we can update this guide.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 dog 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. Inconsistencies between paperwork are a common cause of delays at check-in or on arrival.

Step 2: Rabies Vaccination

For personal pets over 3 months old travelling accompanied with their owner, a rabies vaccination is not always mandatory for entry into Canada, but it is strongly recommended.

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

Your dog must have been at least 3 months old at the time of vaccination
There is no fixed waiting period stated by Canadian authorities, however we recommend allowing at least 21 days where possible
If travelling sooner than this, you must confirm acceptance with both the airline and Canadian authorities

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 dog (age, breed, sex, colour, microchip)
state the vaccination date, vaccine brand, batch/serial number, and duration of immunity

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

If your dog is not rabies vaccinated:

In some limited circumstances, dogs can travel to Canada without a rabies vaccination, but an Export Health Certificate (EHC) is essential.

For us to issue an EHC in this scenario:

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

We would not routinely recommend travelling without a rabies vaccination, 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 Export Health Certificate appointment, you should confirm:

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

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

fly directly to Canada
transit through the EU
transit through non-EU countries

For example, transiting through the EU can trigger additional rabies timing rules and certification requirements.

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

Most trips fall into one of these:

1) Fit to Fly / private veterinary certificate (very common)

Many airlines want a veterinary health certificate issued shortly before travel. We can issue a Private Veterinary Certificate (often called Fit to Fly / Fit to Travel) after examining your dog and reviewing the documents. (Typical airline windows vary — many owners aim for within 5 days of departure to meet strict carriers’ requirements, but you must check your airline’s rules.)

2) Export Health Certificate (EHC 2923) — required in some cases

EHC 2923 exists on GOV.UK and is used for exporting dogs/cats to Canada where it’s required. If you need an EHC, the appointment must usually be within 72 hours (3 days) of export — and you must also complete the EHC application process.

EHC is more likely to be needed if your dog is:

travelling unaccompanied
travelling for commercial purposes (change of ownership, breeding, etc.)
travelling without rabies vaccination
or where an airline/entry point specifically asks for it

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: Airline rules (crates, breed restrictions, pet limits)

You must check directly with your airline for any additional requirements, including:

crate specifications
brachycephalic breed restrictions
limits on the number of pets per passenger

Airline rules vary and can differ even when paperwork is otherwise correct.

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 and tapeworm requirements).