Destination: Toronto
Taking Pets to Toronto
Taking Pets to Toronto
Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is a prime destination for UK pet owners relocating abroad. With a strong infrastructure for pet care and numerous direct flights from UK airports to Toronto Pearson International Airport, the process is streamlined for cats and dogs alike. As the UK is rabies-free, importing pets into Canada is straightforward, avoiding unnecessary complications like quarantine. Instead, the focus is on ensuring compliance with Canada’s veterinary regulations.
Pets flying into Toronto need a microchip, an up-to-date rabies vaccination, and a health certificate issued within five days of travel. DEFRA export paperwork can be used for pets without rabies vaccinations, leveraging the UK’s rabies-free status. Puppies under eight months old can travel, but with specific additional requirements.
The return journey to the UK from Toronto is similarly uncomplicated, provided the pet has received a rabies vaccine at least 21 days prior to departure. Toronto’s pet-friendly community and Canada’s structured import processes make it an excellent choice for those looking to relocate their furry companions. With experts like PetAir UK guiding every step of the journey, moving your pet to Toronto is a hassle-free and safe experience.
Plan Your Pet’s Journey
- Research airlines with direct flights from the UK to Toronto, such as British Airways, Air Canada, and Air Transat.
- Confirm with the airline their specific pet transport requirements, including crate dimensions, weight limits, and documentation needs.
Ensure Your Pet’s Microchip
- It is mandatory to have your pets Microchipped or equivalent for travel – Cats & Dogs require an ISO-compliant microchip for identification
pet has 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 has been vaccinated, obtain a Fit to Fly certificate from a vet within 10 days of travel.
- If your pet is not vaccinated, a DEFRA export certificate issued within 72 hours of departure is required.
Health Certificate
- Book a vet appointment to obtain a health certificate within 10 days of the flight (or 72 hours if unvaccinated for rabies).
- Ensure the certificate meets Canadian import requirements, including details about vaccinations and overall health.
Choose an Appropriate Travel Crate
- Select an IATA-compliant travel crate that allows your pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
- Acclimatise your pet to the crate by introducing it weeks before the flight to reduce stress.
- PetAir UK offers bespoke travel crates with pheromone spray, deep bedding, and water bowls for extra comfort.
Prepare for Airport Procedures
Arrive at the airport early on the day of travel to complete all necessary pet check-in procedures.
Provide clear labels on the crate, including your contact information and destination address.
Customs Clearance in Toronto
Upon arrival, your pet will go through customs clearance, which includes:
- Presenting all required paperwork to border officials.
- Paying any applicable import fees.
- Undergoing an inspection if required.
- Ensure your contact details are visible on your pet’s crate for easy identification.
Settling Your Pet in Toronto
- Familiarise your pet with their new surroundings gradually to help them adjust.
- Locate nearby pet-friendly parks and veterinary services in Toronto to ensure their needs are met.
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.
Rely on Pet Travel Experts
- Engage with specialists like PetAir UK to manage logistics and ensure compliance with all regulations for a smooth transition.
By following these steps, relocating your pet to Toronto can be a safe and stress-free experience , allowing them to settle comfortably into their new Canadian home.
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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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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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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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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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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