Calgary, located in the heart of Canada’s stunning Alberta province, is a popular destination for UK pet owners relocating abroad. Known for its pet-friendly culture and proximity to the Rocky Mountains, Calgary is an ideal city for pets and their owners. The UK’s rabies-free status makes importing pets to Calgary straightforward, with no quarantine required, provided the correct steps are followed.

The journey to Calgary involves a few simple requirements: your pet must have a 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 can also travel, though they are subject to additional requirements.

Direct flights to Calgary International Airport are available from several UK airports, making the journey seamless and convenient for pet travel. Returning to the UK is equally stress-free, provided your pet has a rabies vaccine administered at least 21 days before the flight. PetAir UK’s expert team ensures all paperwork and logistics are handled with precision, so you and your pet can enjoy a smooth relocation to Calgary.

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The Steps

Plan Your Pet’s Journey

  • Research airlines offering direct flights to Calgary International Airport, such as British Airways and Air Canada.
  • Check airline-specific requirements for pet travel, including crate sizes, weight limits, and documentation.

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 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.

Obtain a 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 requirements, including details about vaccinations and overall health.

Select an Appropriate Travel Crate

  • Purchase an IATA-compliant travel crate that allows your pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
  • Introduce the crate to your pet weeks before the flight to help them acclimatise and reduce travel-related stress.
  • PetAir UK provides bespoke travel crates with pheromone spray, deep bedding, and water bowls for added comfort.

Prepare for Departure

  • Arrive early at the airport on the day of travel to complete pet check-in procedures.
  • Clearly label the crate with your contact information and Calgary address.

Customs Clearance in Calgary

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.

Settle Your Pet in Calgary

  • Help your pet adjust to their new home by gradually introducing them to their surroundings.
  • Locate pet-friendly parks, walking trails, and veterinary services in Calgary to ensure your pet’s comfort and health.

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.

Trust Pet Travel Experts

  • Work with professionals like PetAir UK to oversee all travel arrangements, ensuring every detail is handled with care and compliance.

By following these steps, relocating your pet to Calgary is a stress-free experience. With its pet-friendly atmosphere and breathtaking natural surroundings, Calgary is a wonderful place for your pet to call home.

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1. About you

2. Tell us about your pets

3. About your journey

Give us an idea of what date you are going to be travelling - we appreciate you might not know to the day so '1st week in September' or 'Late June' will be fine.

Are you interested in any other emigration related services (for example Money exchange, international removals etc)

If you select this option your details will be passed onto carefully chosen partner companies.

4. About your journey

Would you prefer to be contacted by Email or Phone

How do i measure my dog?

Dog Example Petair

We also have a great guide on how to measure your dog if you need more help & advice.

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