Moving to Canada with a feline friend is perfectly possible – but it involves more than simply booking an airline ticket. From rabies paperwork to crate training, every step must meet Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) rules and UK export regulations. This guide walks you through the process from start to finish so that you – and your cat – arrive safely and legally
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1. Are Cats Allowed to Enter Canada?
Yes. CFIA classes cats as personal pets, and the United Kingdom is on the official list of countries recognised as rabies‑free.(inspection.canada.ca) That makes the import process straightforward compared with higher‑risk countries.
2. Core Rules for Cats Travelling from the UK
| Requirement | Summary |
| Rabies documentation | Option 1: Rabies vaccination certificate showing a current vaccine given after microchipping.Option 2: Veterinary certificate confirming the cat was born and has lived only in the UK (a rabies‑free country).(inspection.canada.ca) |
| Export Health Certificate (EHC 2923) | Mandatory for all cats leaving Great Britain for Canada. Must be signed by an Official Veterinarian within 5 days of departure.(gov.uk) |
| Microchip | Needed for the EHC. Matches the microchip number on the rabies certificate. |
| Age | Cats under 3 months can travel without a rabies shot but must still appear healthy at inspection.(inspection.canada.ca) |
| Quarantine | None for pets arriving from the UK that meet the above conditions.(petairuk.com) |
3. Timeline & Paperwork Checklist
| When | Action |
| 3–4 months before | Check microchip reads correctly. If your cat is not yet vaccinated, schedule the rabies jab (allow 21 days after a first vaccination before travel). |
| 6–4 weeks before | Gather proof of microchipping and vaccination. Decide whether you will use Option 1 or Option 2 for rabies documentation. |
| 10 days before | Book a final appointment with an Official Veterinarian for EHC 2923 endorsement. |
| Within 5 days of flight | Vet examines cat, completes and signs EHC. |
| Day of travel | Carry original documents in your hand luggage. Have a spare copy taped to the travel crate. |
4. Choosing an Airline & Crate
- Cargo vs. cabin – Most transatlantic carriers (e.g. Air Canada, British Airways) accept cats as manifested cargo. A minority allow cabin travel for small pets on select routes.
- IATA‑compliant crate – Choose a rigid plastic kennel with metal‑secured door, absorbent bedding and two empty water dishes. Size: cat can stand upright and turn easily.
- Seasonal safeguards – Airlines set temperature embargoes in extreme heat or cold. If travelling in mid‑winter, pick flights with minimal layovers.
- Humane transport standards – Follow CFIA’s crate and welfare tips to keep pets safe during transit.(inspection.canada.ca)
PetAir UK can supply IATA‑approved kennels and manage airline bookings on your behalf.
5. At Canadian Customs (CBSA)
- Present documents – CBSA officers will review the rabies certificate or veterinary certificate plus your signed EHC.
- Inspection fee – A small inspection fee may be charged at some airports.
- Visual health check – Officers verify that the cat appears healthy; unwell pets may be referred to a CFIA vet.(cbsa-asfc.gc.ca)
Keep your cat calm by lining the crate with an item that smells like home and offering water once cleared.
6. Settling Your Cat in Canada
- Climate shift – Many UK cats have never experienced −15 °C winters. Gradually increase outdoor exposure and invest in insulated carriers for vet visits.
- Local vet registration – Arrange a check‑up within the first month to register for province‑specific health regulations (e.g. mandatory rabies boosters in Ontario every 1–3 years).
- Pet insurance – Canadian vet fees can be higher than in the UK; insurance from day one limits surprises.
- Microchip database – Update UK chip details to include your Canadian address and phone number.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Do kittens under 3 months need a rabies jab? No, but you must carry proof of age and they must appear healthy at inspection.(inspection.canada.ca)
Is quarantine ever required? Not for cats from recognised rabies‑free countries that arrive with correct paperwork.
Can my cat travel in the aircraft cabin? Policies vary – Air Canada allows cats under 10 kg (carrier included) in cabin on certain routes; British Airways accepts only service animals in cabin on long‑haul.
Shipping a pet can feel overwhelming. PetAir UK handles the logistics – from liaising with your vet for EHC 2923 to arranging climate‑controlled flights and customs clearance. Contact our team for a tailored quotation and let us make your cat’s Canadian adventure stress‑free.
