Destination: Ontario
Taking Pets to Ontario
Taking Pets to Ontario
Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, is an excellent destination for UK pet owners relocating abroad. Home to vibrant cities like Toronto and Ottawa, as well as picturesque countryside and pet-friendly parks, Ontario offers an ideal environment for pets and their families. With the UK’s rabies-free status, importing pets to Ontario is straightforward, with no quarantine required when all regulations are met.
To bring your pet to Ontario, you must ensure they have an ISO-compliant microchip, an up-to-date rabies vaccination, and a health certificate issued within five days of travel. For pets without a rabies vaccination, DEFRA export paperwork can certify the UK’s rabies-free status, ensuring compliance with Canadian import laws. Puppies under eight months old are also permitted to travel, but additional preparation is required.
Ontario’s major airports, such as Toronto Pearson International Airport and Ottawa International Airport, provide convenient entry points for pets. Returning to the UK is equally simple, provided your pet receives a rabies booster at least 21 days before travel. With expert assistance from PetAir UK, you can ensure every detail of your pet’s relocation to Ontario is handled with care, allowing you and your furry friend to enjoy a smooth and stress-free transition to your new home.
Plan Your Pet’s Journey
- Research direct flights to major Ontario airports such as Toronto Pearson International Airport or Ottawa International Airport, operated by airlines like Air Canada and British Airways.
- Confirm each airline’s pet transport policies, including crate requirements and any specific guidelines for international travel.
Microchip Your Pet
- It is mandatory to have your pets microchipped or equivalent for travel – Cats & Dogs require an ISO-compliant microchip for identification.
- If your pet isn’t already microchipped, arrange this with your vet well in advance of the flight.
Rabies Vaccination
- A rabies vaccination is recommended but not compulsory for entry into Canada.
- If your pet is vaccinated, obtain a Fit to Fly certificate from a vet within 10 days of travel.
- If your pet is unvaccinated, a DEFRA export certificate must be completed within 72 hours of departure.
Health Certificate
- Schedule a veterinary appointment to issue a health certificate within 10 days of travel (or 72 hours if unvaccinated for rabies).
- Ensure the certificate complies with Canadian import regulations, including vaccination records and microchip details.
Select an IATA-Compliant Travel Crate
- Purchase a travel crate that adheres to IATA standards, ensuring it is large enough for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
- Acclimatise your pet to the crate in the weeks leading up to the flight to minimise stress during travel.
- PetAir UK provides bespoke travel crates with pheromone spray, deep bedding, and water bowls for added comfort.
Prepare for Travel Day
- Arrive early at the airport to complete all necessary check-in procedures for your pet.
- Clearly label the travel crate with your contact information and the final destination address in Ontario.
- Ensure your pet is well-hydrated before the journey.
Customs Clearance in Ontario
- Upon arrival at the airport, your pet will go through customs clearance, which includes:
- Presenting all required documents, including the health certificate and vaccination records.
- Paying any applicable import fees required by Canadian authorities.
- Undergoing an inspection if required.
Ensure your contact details are clearly displayed on your pet’s crate for easy identification.
Transportation to Your Ontario Destination
- Arrange ground transport from the airport to your final destination in Ontario.
- Consider renting a pet-friendly vehicle or using a local pet transport service.
Settling Your Pet in Ontario
- Gradually introduce your pet to their new surroundings to help them adjust.
- Explore Ontario’s pet-friendly parks, trails, and local veterinary services to ensure your pet’s comfort and well-being.
- Establish a consistent feeding and exercise routine to ease the transition.
Returning to the UK
- If planning to return, ensure your pet receives a rabies booster at least 21 days before departure.
- Verify all UK import paperwork is complete and accurate to avoid quarantine upon arrival.
Consult Pet Travel Experts
- Work with specialists like PetAir UK to manage logistics and ensure compliance with all regulations, making the relocation process seamless and stress-free.
By following these steps, relocating your pet to Ontario is a straightforward and efficient process. With its vibrant cities, natural beauty, and welcoming atmosphere, Ontario is a perfect place for you and your furry companion to call home.
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Marley and Dakota travelled to Vancouver, Canada
Hey Darren, Hope all is well.
I just wanted to say huge huge thank you to all involved with the transporting of Marley and Dakota to Vancouver.
The boys arrived yesterday, with much praise from customs and the cargo centre staff. Everyone got kisses, lol. The staff at Swissport were really lovely, caring and helpful. They helped us with the crate to the car and made sure the boys were happy.
Both flew fabulously, with absolutely zero mess in their crates! It was spanking clean, which everyone was shocked about especially for such a long journey with additional delays in Customs due to two flights from Asia landing just before the boys did. I would thoroughly recommend anyone with Nervous dogs to definitely get the travel crate beforehand for their dogs to get accustomed and make it their own safe haven. I’m pretty sure it made a huge difference.
They are still adjusting to the time difference, but surprisingly are eating really well, playing with toys and enjoying getting to know their new home on Vancouver Island. They definitely have a way too much energy for me at the moment lol.
Thanks again for everything. I will definitely keep in contact with updates as we all settle in.
Lxxxx, Dxxxxx, Marley and Dakota
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Cookie to Toronto
Would just like to let you know cookie arrived safe and well. I can’t thank you all enough. You are a great team and did a fantastic job coordinating his trip. A big thank you to Ian in Scotland also, he was amazing really! I will certainly be writing a review on your website. Very much appreciated
Much Love, Lxxxx, Cxxxxxx, Cookie and Cxxx.
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Harley flew to Canada during coronavirus lockdown. April 2020
Harley made it safe and sound and honestly PetAir UK made this the EASIEST process of my life. I was not worried about her and the fact that you were able to pick her up and provide a crate for her made things that much better. I am so happy to have my fur baby back and I couldn’t have done it without you. I appreciate all the updates and the options provided to me.
Please see a picture of when we picked her up! Made me so happy!
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Coco to Canada – May 2019
We are all in our new home safe and sound. Just wanted to say thank you so much to you & your team, we really couldn’t have taken our ‘baby no 1’ overseas & stress-free without you! Once you became our agent I felt things were finally moving in the right direction, you have reassured me & explained everything clearly throughout this whole process & I cannot thank you enough. Will be in touch if we decide to return to the UK!
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Thor flew over to Canada with Petair UK
“Thanks Linsey for all your help with everything, it went so smoothly. Thor is doing really well he seems to be happier here in Calgary he is always smiling. The kids played dress up with him and I took a really cute picture to which I attached. Thanks to you and your team for the stress free transfer of Thor.”
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Tosca and Allegra to Canada
Just wanted to let you know that the flight to Montreal went well and the dogs have settled back to their of life in paradise, lots of freedom, nature and the lake….
The weather has been really nice too but today raining.
Thank you again for all your help!
They will return to UK at the end of February and next summer we’ll do this again.