Destination: British Columbia
Taking Pets to British Columbia
Taking Pets to British Columbia
British Columbia (BC), on Canada’s stunning west coast, is an ideal destination for UK pet owners relocating abroad. Renowned for its natural beauty, vibrant cities, and pet-friendly communities, BC offers a perfect environment for pets to thrive. With the UK’s rabies-free status, the process of bringing pets to British Columbia is simple and hassle-free, with no quarantine required when all regulations are followed.
To import your pet to British Columbia, they must 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 confirm the UK’s rabies-free status, ensuring compliance with Canadian import rules. Puppies under eight months old can also travel but require additional documentation and preparation.
Direct flights to British Columbia’s major airports, such as Vancouver International Airport and Victoria International Airport, simplify the journey. Returning to the UK is equally straightforward, provided your pet receives a rabies booster at least 21 days before travel. With expert guidance from PetAir UK, you can ensure a seamless and stress-free relocation to British Columbia, allowing your furry companion to enjoy the province’s breathtaking scenery and welcoming atmosphere.
Plan Your Pet’s Journey
- Research direct flights to British Columbia’s major airports, including Vancouver International Airport and Victoria International Airport. Airlines like Air Canada and British Airways frequently offer flights from the UK.
- Confirm the airline’s pet transport policies, including crate requirements and specific guidelines for international flights.
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 meets Canadian import regulations, including vaccination and microchip details.
Select an IATA-Compliant Travel Crate
- Purchase a travel crate that adheres to IATA standards and is large enough for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
- Help your pet acclimatise to the crate in the weeks leading up to the flight to reduce stress.
- 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 details and final destination address in British Columbia.
- Ensure your pet is well-hydrated before the journey.
Customs Clearance in BC
- Upon arrival at your chosen airport, your pet will go through customs clearance, which includes:
- Presenting all required documents, such as the health certificate and vaccination records.
- Paying any applicable import fees as required by Canadian authorities.
- Undergoing an inspection if required.
Ensure your contact details are clearly displayed on your pet’s crate for easy identification.
Settling Your Pet in BC
- Gradually introduce your pet to their new surroundings to help them adjust.
- Explore BC’s pet-friendly parks, trails, and 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.
Work with Pet Travel Experts
- Partner with professionals like PetAir UK to oversee all aspects of the relocation process, ensuring compliance with regulations and minimising stress.
By following these steps, relocating your pet to British Columbia is a straightforward and worry-free process. Whether settling in Vancouver’s bustling cityscape or the serene surroundings of smaller towns, BC’s pet-friendly atmosphere and stunning landscapes make it a perfect home for you and your furry companion.
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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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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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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.
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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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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