The number of people traveling with their pets has grown dramatically in recent years.
The number of dogs entering Canada each year, temporarily, permanently or returning from a stay abroad, increased by more than 400% between 2013 and 2019, when it reached an estimated figure of 37,400 , according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
“The number of requests has increased. Many people move for work, while others simply want to be with their dog while they travel. It’s like their baby,” says emBARK Pet Transport owner Matt Perrault, who has been shipping pets in and out of Canada for over 20 years.
However, it’s not always easy for pet owners to cross borders with their furry friends. The process can be delicate and long, because the authorities “constantly modify the requirements,” maintains Mr. Perrault.
Canadians traveling with pets face a growing number of entry rules that vary widely from country to country, with some requiring a mind-boggling number of documents, strict deadlines and even specific colored ink to transport a pet, whether for a day or for life.
“There are a lot of logistics in some countries,” acknowledges Arlene Lebovic, founder of Your Dog Butler, which helps owners transport their pets.
Since August, Canadians transporting their dogs to the United States have been required to fill out a free online form. The dog must also be at least six months old and have a microchip detectable by scanner to identify it.
The destinations with the most severe restrictions are the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, India and the United Arab Emirates.
Pets destined for countries other than the United States generally need an international health certificate from a licensed veterinarian, which costs around $50.
The certificate must then be approved by a Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) veterinarian, which is done in person, for a fee of $22, at more than 50 federal offices across the country.
An Ekos Research poll commissioned by the CFIA last year found 56 per cent of respondents owned pets, mainly dogs and cats. More than one in six pet owners said they had traveled abroad with their four-legged friends.
This means that several million Canadians have traveled with pets, a figure that is likely to increase as the number of owners increases.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to record numbers of imported dogs as more Canadians adopted pets amid loneliness due to social isolation and the prevalence of remote working.
Do it in advance
For pet shippers, one of the biggest challenges is time. Some regions, such as Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates, require special permits obtained in advance.
The UK requires dogs to be treated for tapeworm between 24 and 120 hours before arrival. Delayed flights can therefore force a second visit to the veterinarian.
Passengers should also ensure in advance that the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre, where animals are briefly kept on arrival, will have sufficient space.
The British also have another peculiarity. “All documents must be completed in blue ink,” says Dayana Pak, owner of Relopet International. Otherwise, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency “will send you back and have the vet do everything again,” she says.
For Australia, experts recommend a delay of more than six months to prepare all the necessary health tests and documents. Dogs whose rabies vaccination status has expired must undergo a process that lasts approximately seven months.
All dogs and cats arriving in Australia or New Zealand from Canada are also subject to a minimum 10-day quarantine.
“A small error, for example one less digit in a microchip number, will result in the animal being quarantined for days or sent back to Canada,” emphasizes M.me Pak.
Variable rules
Then comes the question of mode of transport. Despite recent rule changes, dogs arriving in the United States by car enjoy a simple procedure, with no veterinarian-approved health certificate required. On the other hand, air travel is more complicated.
Airlines require a health certificate. Most of them allow passengers to bring their dog, cat or even bird on board, as long as it can be easily placed in a carrier under the front seat.
Larger dogs can be checked as baggage for an additional fee ($105 to $319 at Air Canada), provided they weigh no more than 100 pounds and are equipped with a carrier. in addition to some blackout periods during peak hours.
However, countries such as the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand require all dogs flying to do so as “goods” collectable at the airport.
“It’s as if you were sending gifts to your loved ones across the sea,” says Mr. Perrault.
Here again, complications can arise. Some airlines require a customs broker to greet the animal at the airport. Air Canada only ships dog cargo to Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami.
“These airports have our own staff, which allows us to fully control the process,” says Peter Fitzpatrick, Air Canada spokesperson.
Another particularity: pet shipments are canceled if the temperature exceeds 29.5 degrees Celsius, specifies Mr. Perrault.