St. John’s, the historic capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, is a fantastic destination for UK pet owners relocating to Canada. Known for its friendly atmosphere, scenic coastline, and pet-friendly spaces, St. John’s offers a warm welcome to pets and their owners. The UK’s rabies-free status ensures a straightforward process for bringing pets to Canada, with no quarantine required when all regulations are followed.

To import your pet to St. John’s, you’ll need to ensure they 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 certify the UK’s rabies-free status, ensuring compliance with Canadian import laws. Puppies under eight months old are also eligible to travel but require additional paperwork and preparation.

Although direct flights to St. John’s International Airport may not be available from the UK, connecting flights through major Canadian cities make the journey manageable. Returning to the UK is equally straightforward, provided your pet receives a rabies booster at least 21 days before travel. Experts like PetAir UK can handle every detail, ensuring a stress-free and seamless relocation to St. John’s for your beloved pet.

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The Steps

Plan Your Pet’s Journey

  • Research flights to St. John’s International Airport. While direct flights from the UK are unlikely, connecting flights through Toronto, Montreal, or Halifax are common.
  • Confirm each airline’s pet travel policies, including layover procedures and crate requirements.

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 complies with Canadian regulations, including proof of vaccinations and microchip details.

Select an IATA-Compliant Travel Crate

  • Purchase a travel crate that meets IATA standards, ensuring your pet can stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
  • Help your pet acclimatise to the crate weeks before travel to minimise stress during the journey.
  • PetAir UK provides bespoke travel crates with pheromone spray, deep bedding, and water bowls for added comfort.

Prepare for Travel Day

  • Arrive at the airport early to complete all necessary pet check-in procedures, especially if connecting through other cities.
  • Clearly label your pet’s travel crate with your contact information and the final destination address in St. John’s.
  • Ensure your pet is well-hydrated before the journey.

Customs Clearance in St. John’s

Upon arrival at St. John’s International Airport, your pet will be processed 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 St. John’s

  • Help your pet adjust to their new environment by introducing them gradually to their surroundings.
  • Explore St. John’s pet-friendly amenities, such as walking trails, parks, and veterinary clinics, 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 the logistics and compliance requirements, ensuring every

By following these steps, relocating your pet to St. John’s is a straightforward and stress-free process. With its picturesque setting and friendly community, St. John’s is an ideal place for you and 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

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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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