Flying private to Canada with your dog or cat
A private jet makes the journey easier for a pet, but it does not change the import rules. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) sets them, and for most dogs and cats the key document is a rabies vaccination certificate.
- Cats
- Rules from 3 months old
- Dogs
- Rules split at 8 months
- Pet dog quarantine
- None
- Language
- Certificate in English or French
How pet import works
Yes. A pet dog of eight months or older needs a valid rabies vaccination certificate in English or French from a licensed vet, identifying the dog, unless it comes from a country the CFIA designates as rabies-free with a certificate showing it lived there for the six months before. Dogs under three months need no rabies vaccination. Pet dogs are not quarantined.
The rules below come from the CFIA's Import Reference Document, which is part of the Health of Animals Regulations. They cover personal pets; dogs for sale, adoption or breeding follow a separate permit route.
Tell us about your pet when you ask for a quote. Operators set their own rules on pets in the cabin, and we confirm with the operator before booking.
Sources:Canadian Food Inspection Agency: Import Reference Document, sections 1 (cats) and 2 (dogs), last amended 8 October 2025Canadian Food Inspection Agency: pet import and travel guidelines
CFIA import rules for pet dogs and cats
| Animal | Rule |
|---|---|
| Cat under 3 months | No import restrictions |
| Cat 3 months or older | Vet's certificate in English or French identifying the cat, showing current rabies vaccination, or that it lived in a rabies-free country for the past six months, or a rabies antibody result of at least 0.5 IU/ml taken at least 30 days after any vaccination |
| Dog under 3 months | No rabies vaccination or rabies-free certificate needed |
| Dog 8 months or older from a rabies-free country | Vet's certificate that rabies has not existed in the country for six months and the dog lived there for that time or since birth; or a valid rabies vaccination certificate; or an antibody result of at least 0.5 IU/ml |
| Dog 8 months or older from any other country | Valid rabies vaccination certificate in English or French from a licensed vet in the country of origin, identifying the dog; or an antibody result of at least 0.5 IU/ml with the lab report |
| Pet dog under 8 months, travelling with its owner | The same rules as an older dog from the same kind of country |
If an animal does not meet the rules, an inspector may order a rabies vaccination at the owner's expense. The antibody test timing after vaccination differs between sections of the document, so ask your vet to follow the section for your dog.
Tell us the dates and passengers. A specialist replies with aircraft options and an all-in price, around the clock.
Assistance dogs, young dogs alone and commercial dogs
- An assistance dog imported as a guide, hearing or other service dog has no import restrictions when its user imports it and travels with it.
- A dog under eight months travelling without its owner needs a vet's certificate with health and vaccination details and must arrive within 72 hours of the examination.
- Pet dogs from any country are not subject to quarantine after import.
- Since 28 September 2022, commercial dogs from countries at high risk for dog rabies are not allowed into Canada, at any age. Commercial includes dogs for resale, adoption, fostering, breeding, shows and research. The CFIA said it would look at strengthening the rules for personal pet dogs from those countries too.
Sources:Canadian Food Inspection Agency: Import Reference Document, sections 1 (cats) and 2 (dogs), last amended 8 October 2025Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 28 June 2022: notice to industry on commercial dogs from countries at high risk for dog rabies
How a pet arrives
All animals brought into Canada must be declared at the border, so list your pet in the passenger details the operator sends ahead. Keep the certificate and any lab report with the animal.
The CFIA's interactive pet tool asks for the animal's age, whether the owner travels with it and the country it comes from, so check it before you book. The Import Reference Document does not mention a microchip requirement for pet dogs or cats, but the certificate must identify the animal.
Sources:Canadian Food Inspection Agency: pet imports (modified 21 May 2026)Canadian Food Inspection Agency: pet import and travel guidelinesCanadian Food Inspection Agency: Import Reference Document, sections 1 (cats) and 2 (dogs), last amended 8 October 2025
Questions, answered
Still deciding? A charter specialist will talk you through aircraft, airports and price, with no obligation.
Ask a specialistDoes my cat need a rabies certificate to enter Canada?+
Yes, if it is three months or older, unless the certificate shows it comes from a rabies-free country where it lived for the past six months, or it has a qualifying antibody result. Kittens under three months have no import restrictions.
Will my dog be quarantined in Canada?+
No. Pet dogs from any country are not subject to post-import quarantine.
What if my dog's paperwork is missing?+
An inspector may order a rabies vaccination at your expense, and the CFIA warns that an animal without the right paperwork may not be allowed into Canada.
Can I bring a puppy into Canada?+
A pet puppy under three months needs no rabies vaccination. From three months, the rabies rules apply. Dogs for sale or adoption follow separate rules and cannot come from high-risk rabies countries.
Fares, dates and rules on this page were checked on 19 October 2026. Official fares and schedules change every season; the operator or authority named in each source has the final word.
- 1.Canadian Food Inspection Agency: Import Reference Document, sections 1 (cats) and 2 (dogs), last amended 8 October 2025
- 2.Canadian Food Inspection Agency: pet import and travel guidelines
- 3.Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 28 June 2022: notice to industry on commercial dogs from countries at high risk for dog rabies
- 4.Canadian Food Inspection Agency: pet imports (modified 21 May 2026)
Room for every member of the family.
A specialist replies around the clock with aircraft options, the operator's name and an all-in price.