Destination: Montreal
Taking Pets to Montreal
Taking Pets to Montreal
Montreal, a vibrant and culturally rich city in Canada, is an excellent choice for UK pet owners relocating abroad. Known for its pet-friendly atmosphere, beautiful parks, and walkable neighbourhoods, Montreal offers a warm welcome to furry family members. Importing pets from the UK to Montreal is straightforward due to the UK’s rabies-free status, eliminating the need for quarantine when the correct steps are followed.
To bring your pet to Montreal, you’ll need to ensure they have a microchip, an up-to-date rabies vaccination, and a health certificate issued no more than five days before the flight. If your pet is unvaccinated against rabies, DEFRA export paperwork certifying the UK’s rabies-free status can be used to meet Canadian requirements. Puppies under eight months old are also permitted, but they require additional considerations.
Direct flights from the UK to Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, offered by airlines like Air Canada and British Airways, make the journey convenient for pets and owners alike. Returning to the UK is just as simple, provided your pet receives a rabies booster at least 21 days before travel. With the guidance of experts like PetAir UK, relocating your pet to Montreal is a smooth and stress-free experience.
Plan Your Pet’s Journey
- Research airlines offering direct flights to Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, such as Air Canada and British Airways.
- Confirm each airline’s specific requirements for transporting pets, including crate dimensions, weight limits, and policies.
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.
Obtain a Health Certificate
- Book 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 proof of vaccinations and microchip details.
Choose an IATA-Compliant Travel Crate
- Purchase a travel crate that meets IATA standards, ensuring it is large enough for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
- Help your pet get used to the crate weeks before travel to reduce stress during the journey.
- PetAir UK provides bespoke travel crates with pheromone spray, deep bedding, and water bowls for added comfort.
Prepare for the Flight
- Arrive early at the airport to complete all required pet check-in procedures.
- Clearly label the travel crate with your contact information and destination address in Montreal.
- Ensure your pet is well-hydrated before the journey.
Customs Clearance in Montreal
Upon arrival, your pet will go through customs clearance, which includes:
- Presenting all necessary 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.
Settle Your Pet in Montreal
- Introduce your pet to their new environment gradually to help them adjust.
- Locate pet-friendly parks, trails, and veterinary clinics in Montreal to meet their needs and keep them healthy.
- 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 with Experts
- Work with specialists like PetAir UK to oversee the logistics, ensuring every detail is handled professionally and in compliance with regulations.
By following these steps, relocating your pet to Montreal is a hassle-free experience. The city’s welcoming environment and beautiful landscapes make it a perfect destination for you and your furry companion.
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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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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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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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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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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!