How to organize a trip with a pet within Canada?

Traveling with a pet within Canada is entirely possible and comfortable, but it requires careful planning and an understanding of the various requirements set by federal, provincial, and local authorities. Canada offers many options for traveling with pets, from air and rail transportation to road trips and hotel accommodations.

Basic documents and requirements for domestic travel

For travel within Canada with pets, the basic requirements are fairly straightforward, but it is important to understand the difference between interprovincial and international travel. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) defines only dogs, cats, and ferrets as pets for travel purposes.

Although there are no mandatory federal animal health requirements between provinces for domestic travel in Canada, some airlines and accommodations may require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. This document must be issued by a licensed veterinarian of a federally accredited practice and certifies that your animal is healthy for travel and does not pose a risk to the health of other animals or humans.

The health certificate for domestic travel must be issued no more than 10 days before travel. It is important to note that the animal must be at least eight weeks old and completely weaned from its mother before travel. In most cases, up-to-date rabies vaccinations are also required.

Air transport of pets

Canada has a well-developed network of airlines that accept pets for travel in the cabin.

Air Canada

Air Canada, Canada's largest airline, allows cats and small dogs to fly in the cabin if they are small enough to fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you. The carrier must be soft-sided and flexible, as hard-sided carriers will no longer be accepted from June 2025.

Carrier sizes for Air Canada depend on the type of aircraft, but the general rule is that the animal must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. The cost of transporting an animal in the cabin ranges from 50 to 60 Canadian dollars for flights within Canada and between Canada and the US.

Air Transat

Air Transat also accepts domestic cats and dogs in the cabin, but only soft-sided carriers measuring up to 43 x 25 x 24 cm (17 x 10 x 9.5 inches) with a maximum weight of 8 kg on all flights. Reservations for animals must be made at least 72 hours before departure.

Porter Airlines

Porter Airlines serves destinations across Canada and allows small dogs and domestic cats to fly in the cabin in soft-sided carriers measuring no more than 55 x 40 x 27 cm. It is important to note that Porter only allows two animals per flight, so early booking is critical.

Flair Airlines

Flair Airlines accepts small dogs and cats for flights within Canada (but not on international flights) in carriers measuring no more than 41 x 25 x 23 cm with a maximum weight of 10.4 kg. The pet fee must be paid at least 48 hours before departure and is usually 79 Canadian dollars online.

Canadian North

Canadian North, an airline serving northern routes, allows a variety of small animals to fly in the cabin, including dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, hamsters, and birds. Dogs and cats can travel in soft-sided carriers, while other species require hard-sided cages.

Rail transport

VIA Rail Canada is the country's main passenger rail service and allows small dogs and cats to travel with their owners. Animals must be placed in a carrier that meets VIA Rail standards, with maximum dimensions of 27 cm (10.5 inches) high x 40 cm (15.5 inches) wide x 55 cm (21.5 inches) long.

The total weight of the carrier and animal must not exceed 10 kilograms (22 pounds). This policy applies only to Corridor trains (from Quebec City to Windsor). The cost of transporting an animal is $50 per direction.

VIA Rail also offers the option of transporting animals as checked baggage in the baggage car for dogs, cats, and small rodents (hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits), but birds cannot be checked. It is important to note that from June 1 to September 30, baggage cars cannot transport animals due to lack of proper ventilation.

Car travel

Traveling by car is often the most popular choice among pet owners because it offers flexibility, comfort, and the ability to make stops as needed. Canadian roads are well suited for traveling with animals, and the country offers numerous rest stops and parks where animals can stretch their legs.

For a safe car trip, it is important to ensure that your pet is properly secured. Dogs should be kept in the back seat of the car to keep them safe from airbags. Special safety belts for dogs are available to prevent them from moving around the car and obstructing the driver.

For small dogs, booster seats are useful as they allow them to look out of the window. This helps to reduce anxiety as the animals can see what is going on around them.

When crossing the border between the US and Canada by car, you must have a rabies vaccination certificate with you. Most of the time, documents are not checked, but they may be requested. It is also important to know the rules for transporting pet food — packages must be sealed by the manufacturer and there are restrictions on quantities.

Hotels and accommodation

Canada has an extensive network of hotels that accept pets. Coast Hotels has numerous locations across Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Yukon, and welcomes pets at many of its hotels. Their hotels provide amenities for both owners and their four-legged companions.

Hilton Hotels offers 188 pet-friendly hotels across Canada. The chain covers major cities and tourist destinations, including Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, and many others.

In Banff and Canmore, popular tourist destinations in the Canadian Rockies, Banff Lodging Company operates 11 pet-friendly hotels and condominiums. They provide a pet bed, water and food bowls, a take-away toy, and special treats. The pet fee is $30 per pet per night.

It is important to always mention when booking that you will be traveling with a pet, as not all rooms are pet-friendly and advance reservations are required. Most hotels require that pets not be left unattended in rooms, be kept on a leash in public areas, and that owners clean up after their pets.

National parks and natural areas

Parks Canada allows dogs in most of its protected areas, but with strict rules. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 3 meters and under control at all times—this is the law. This requirement exists to protect wildlife, the animal itself, and other visitors.

There are 46 national parks in Canada that welcome dogs. Some parks, such as Banff and Jasper, have fenced-in off-leash areas where dogs can run freely under the supervision of their owners. Always check with the park visitor center or website for a complete list of pet-friendly areas and any additional rules.

Parks Canada also offers pet-friendly accommodations, including campgrounds, yurts, oTENTik (a mix of a tent and a frame cabin), and cabins. For example, Terra Nova National Park in Newfoundland has five pet-friendly oTENTik units.

Pet insurance while traveling

Although traditional “travel pet insurance” is not common in Canada, some insurance companies offer coverage that remains active while traveling. ManyPets provides pet insurance that can cover your pet in any Canadian province for up to 90 days.

Pets Plus Us is a leading provider of pet insurance in Canada and offers a variety of flexible insurance options. Their policies include coverage for a wide range of veterinary services, including accident and illness coverage, as well as alternative therapies.

Petsecure, BCAA Pet Insurance, OVMA Pet Health Insurance, and other Canadian insurance companies also offer a variety of insurance plans that can provide peace of mind while traveling.

Emergency Veterinary Care

Canada has an extensive network of emergency veterinary clinics across the country. In Calgary, there is the Fish Creek 24 Hour Pet Hospital. Toronto is home to the Veterinary Emergency Clinic and Referral Centre (VEC), which has been operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week since 1974.

The Atlantic provinces are served by the Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital in Halifax, which provides 24/7 emergency care and specialized services. A new Maritime Veterinary Emergency + Specialty Centre has also opened in the Halifax area.

VetStrategy operates a network of specialty and 24-hour hospitals across Canada, including locations in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Newfoundland.

Microchipping and identification

Although microchipping is not mandatory for domestic travel in Canada, it is strongly recommended for identification purposes. BC Pet Registry uses microchips certified to ISO standards (ISO 11784 and ISO 11785), which are internationally recognized.

Microchips registered with BC Pet Registry are internationally traceable through the American Animal Hospital Association's Universal Pet Microchip Look-up tool. This is especially helpful if your pet gets lost while traveling.

Special considerations for exotic animals

For owners of non-traditional pets, traveling can be more complicated. Canadian North is one of the few airlines that allows ferrets, rabbits, hamsters, and birds in the cabin. Other animals that are not dogs, cats, or ferrets must meet specific CFIA requirements.

Practical tips for a successful trip

Advance planning is key to a successful trip with your pet. It is recommended to start planning at least two months in advance for domestic travel. Contact your local veterinarian as early as possible to discuss your travel plans and obtain the necessary documents.

Acclimatization to the carrier is important, especially for animals that rarely travel. Allow your pet to get used to the carrier in advance by placing favorite items inside.

Preparation for motion sickness includes maintaining a normal feeding schedule, even for animals that suffer from motion sickness. Never leave your pet unattended in a car, especially in hot weather.

Essential items should include enough food for the entire trip plus extra in case of delays, medication, favorite toys, blankets, vaccination records, and your veterinarian's contact information.

Conclusion

Traveling with your pet in Canada can be a wonderful experience for the whole family. With proper planning, understanding of the rules and requirements, and preparation of the necessary documents, you and your pet can enjoy all the beauty this vast and diverse country has to offer — from the Rocky Mountains of Alberta to the Atlantic coast, from urban adventures in Toronto and Vancouver to peaceful campsites in national parks.